AGP Executive Report

Tourism Momentum: Anguilla is leading Caribbean growth, with stayover visitor numbers up 24.6% in the first quarter of 2026 (46,691 visitors), as luxury resorts and the villa market keep pulling in affluent travellers. Aviation & Jobs: Nevis has officially started work on a multi-million-dollar expansion of the Vance W. Amory International Airport, including a 2,000-foot runway extension to 6,000 feet, plus upgrades like a new terminal, fire hall, customs hall and expanded parking for up to 50 executive jets—expected to take about 18 months. Regional Governance: Anguilla’s Speaker Dennis Lister attended the 5th Conference of Overseas Territories Speakers and Clerks, where leaders discussed topics including AI’s impact on parliaments and constitutional reform. Community & Culture: Wet Fete 2026 returns to Anguilla on July 31 at the Landsome Bowl Cultural Centre, with regional acts from Dominica, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Martin, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Sports: St. Kitts and Nevis has named its team for the ANOCES Athletics Championship (July 4–5), with athletes from Anguilla among the nine participating countries.

Air Connectivity: BermudAir is rolling out more Caribbean and Central America routes this winter, including new links to Turks and Caicos, Belize, Guatemala, and expanded seasonal service to Anguilla—good news for travelers who want more nonstop options. Airport Development (Nevis): Nevis has broken ground on a multi-million-dollar expansion at Vance W. Amory International Airport, aimed at boosting air traffic, tourism, and long-term economic growth. Anguilla Tourism & Events: Wet Fete 2026 returns July 31 at the Landsome Bowl Cultural Centre with a regional lineup spanning Dominica, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Martin, and the U.S. Virgin Islands—plus Anguilla acts. Community-Based Tourism (OECS): OECS tourism officials met in Saint Lucia to strengthen community-based tourism policies, pushing local communities to be the main beneficiaries of tourism growth. Local Spotlight: Royal Anguilla Police Force held an awards and recognition ceremony honoring officers for investigations, public safety, training, and partner support. Travel Business: ÀNI Private Resorts announced the January 2027 opening of ÀNI Shoal Bay in Anguilla, a 15-suite private resort built for one group at a time.

Tourism & Travel: Wet Fete 2026 is back for July 31 at the Landsome Bowl Cultural Centre, with a regional lineup spanning Dominica, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Martin, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Anguilla, bringing soca, bouyon and live bands to Anguilla’s summer calendar. Airport & Connectivity: Nevis has broken ground on a major expansion of the Vance W. Amory International Airport, aiming to boost air traffic and strengthen tourism and the wider economy. Regional Tourism Policy: OECS tourism officials met in Saint Lucia to push community-based tourism, training member states to turn local communities into the main beneficiaries of tourism growth. Luxury Hospitality: ÀNI Private Resorts announced the January 2027 opening of ÀNI Shoal Bay on Anguilla’s northern coast, a 15-suite private resort built for one group at a time. Local Public Safety: The Royal Anguilla Police Force held an Awards and Recognition Ceremony at the Governor’s Office Garden, honouring officers for investigations, life-saving actions, firearms recovery and training.

OECS Tourism Push: OECS officials met in Saint Lucia to train Member States on community-based tourism planning, aiming to keep tourism benefits in local hands and protect culture and natural assets. Anguilla Spotlight in Luxury Travel: Four Seasons Yachts is rolling out two private island experiences—Beach Day at Prickly Pear (Anguilla) and access to the Yacht Club at Norman’s Cay (Bahamas)—for the 2026–27 season. New Anguilla Resort on the Way: ÀNI Private Resorts announced January 2027 opening of ÀNI Shoal Bay, a 15-suite exclusive-use beachfront retreat on Anguilla’s northern coast. Local Service Recognition: The Royal Anguilla Police Force held an Awards and Recognition ceremony at the Governor’s Office Garden, honouring officers for investigations, training, and major incident response. Regional Connectivity: JetBlue will add daily Fort Lauderdale–Princess Juliana flights from July 9, boosting links for travellers heading through St. Maarten (a key gateway for Anguilla). Aviation Route Update: Fly Dutch Caribbean Airlines will operate out of Grand Case Airport from July 1, with plans to expand service and explore more regional connections.

Anguilla Tourism Spotlight: Shoal Bay East has been named the top Caribbean beach in the World’s 50 Best Beaches 2026 list, ranking sixth globally and praised for its peaceful stretches, coral reefs, and consistently high visitor ratings. Air Connectivity: JetBlue will add daily Fort Lauderdale–Princess Juliana flights from July 9, boosting options for St. Maarten and improving links for travellers heading onward to the wider region, including Anguilla. Anguilla in the Travel Mix: BermudAir says it’s expanding winter service that includes more Anguilla flights, while Fly Dutch Caribbean will begin operating from Grand Case Airport from July 1, with potential future links to Anguilla. Regional Governance: OECS leaders have reappointed Dr. Didacus Jules as Director General and agreed to raise the retirement age for judges of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court from 65 to 70. Public Safety: The Royal Anguilla Police Force held an Awards and Recognition ceremony at the Governor’s Office Garden, honouring officers for investigations, lifesaving actions, training, and partner support.

Aviation & Tourism: JetBlue will add daily Fort Lauderdale–Princess Juliana flights starting July 9, boosting summer travel options to St. Maarten and improving connections for visitors heading onward to nearby islands including Anguilla. Regional Air Links: BermudAir expands its winter schedule with new routes to Turks and Caicos and more service to Anguilla, aiming for faster, more affordable Caribbean access for travelers. Inter-Island Connectivity: Fly Dutch Caribbean Airlines will begin operating out of Grand Case Airport from July 1, with plans to grow seats and strengthen links across the Dutch Caribbean, including potential future connections involving Anguilla. Anguilla Spotlight: Shoal Bay East has been named the best beach in the Caribbean for 2026, ranking No. 6 worldwide and praised for its calm, uncrowded feel and beach-bar scene. Local Governance & Justice (OECS): OECS leaders approved raising the retirement age for judges of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court from 65 to 70, citing recruitment challenges. Public Safety: The Royal Anguilla Police Force held an awards and recognition ceremony at the Governor’s Office Garden, honoring officers for investigations, life-saving actions, and training. Business & Hospitality: ÀNI Private Resorts announced the January 2027 opening of ÀNI Shoal Bay, a 15-suite private resort on Anguilla’s northern coast.

Maritime Safety Legacy: A new deep dive revisits the 1970 MV Christena Commission of Inquiry, detailing how the inquiry examined what caused the sinking, whether it could have been prevented, and what reforms were needed—an investigation that helped shape Eastern Caribbean maritime safety for generations. Anguilla Tourism Spotlight: Shoal Bay East has been named the best beach in the Caribbean for 2026 (and No. 6 worldwide), praised for its calm waters, snorkeling appeal, and “quiet and serene” feel despite popularity. Air Access for Anguilla: Trans Anguilla Airways has gone live on global distribution systems, making it easier for travel agents and visitors to book inter-island flights across the Eastern Caribbean. Luxury Hospitality Growth: ÀNI Private Resorts announced the January 2027 opening of ÀNI Shoal Bay, a 15-suite Anguilla flagship built around exclusive-use stays and a 1:1 staff-to-guest model. Regional Connectivity: BermudAir expands winter service with more nonstop options to Turks and Caicos and additional flights to Anguilla from Baltimore-Washington. Public Safety Recognition: The Royal Anguilla Police Force held an Awards and Recognition Ceremony at the Governor’s Office Garden, honoring achievements across investigations, training, and life-saving responses.

Luxury Hospitality & Tourism: ÀNI Private Resorts has announced the January 2027 opening of ÀNI Shoal Bay, a 15-suite, one-group-at-a-time flagship on Anguilla’s northern coast, bringing back its “togetherness-driven” private resort model with a 1:1 staff-to-guest approach. Global Recognition for Anguilla: Shoal Bay East has been named the best beach in the Caribbean for 2026 (and No. 6 worldwide) in The World’s Best Beaches list, praised for powdery sand, calm water, and a serene feel despite popularity. Regional Air Connectivity: Trans Anguilla Airways is now bookable on Global Distribution Systems, a move expected to make inter-island flights easier for travel agents and visitors to find. Public Safety: The Royal Anguilla Police Force held an Awards and Recognition Ceremony at the Governor’s Office Garden, honouring officers for investigations, life-saving actions, firearms recovery, training, and partner support. Business & Community: St. Kitts-Nevis-Anguilla National Bank is sponsoring the 2026 Nevis Mango Festival (July 2–5) as an “Essence of Mango” partner.

Police & Justice: The Royal Anguilla Police Force held its Awards and Recognition Ceremony at the Governor’s Office Garden, with Governor Julia Crouch on hand to honour officers and partners for everything from investigative excellence and major case work to life-saving responses and specialist Taser training. Tourism & Culture: St. Kitts-Nevis-Anguilla National Bank is sponsoring the 2026 Nevis Mango Festival (July 2–5) as an “Essence of Mango” partner, backing culinary, cultural and community events that draw regional and international visitors. Travel & Connectivity: BermudAir announced expanded winter service, including more flights to Anguilla from Baltimore-Washington and new nonstop options to Turks and Caicos, aiming for faster, more affordable access for travellers. Regional Governance: OECS leaders agreed to raise the retirement age for Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court judges from 65 to 70, citing recruitment challenges. Anguilla Spotlight: Shoal Bay East has been ranked the best beach in the Caribbean for 2026, and No. 6 worldwide, praised for its calm waters and serene feel.

Air Travel & Tourism: BermudAir says it will expand its winter service with new routes and more direct options, including expanded seasonal flights to Anguilla from Newark and Baltimore-Washington, plus additional one-stop connections from the St. Petersburg/Tampa area and Toronto. Regional Connectivity: BermudAir also plans new nonstop service from BWI to Turks and Caicos and expanded BWI-to-Anguilla frequency, aiming to give Baltimore-area travellers more Caribbean choices. Local Travel Access: Trans Anguilla Airways has gone live on global distribution systems, making it easier for travel agents and tour operators to book inter-island flights. Judicial Reform in the OECS: OECS leaders agreed to raise the retirement age for Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court judges from 65 to 70, citing recruitment challenges. Sports & Community: ECCB launches a free 2026 STEM Camp for ages 14–18 across ECCU member territories, including Anguilla. Anguilla in the Spotlight: Shoal Bay East has been named the top Caribbean beach for 2026 in a global ranking.

Air Access: BermudAir is boosting winter travel from BWI with new weekly nonstop service to Turks and Caicos starting Dec. 24, plus Anguilla flights expanding to twice weekly (Mondays and Thursdays) through May 2027. Inter-island Connectivity: Trans Anguilla Airways is now bookable on global distribution systems, a move expected to make Eastern Caribbean flights easier for travel agents and visitors to find. Regional Aviation: Fly Dutch Caribbean will operate from Grand Case Airport from July 1, starting with small aircraft and aiming to grow routes to the Dutch Caribbean, with possible links to Anguilla discussed. Judicial Reform in the OECS: OECS leaders agreed to raise the retirement age for Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court judges from 65 to 70, citing recruitment challenges. Anguilla in the Spotlight: Shoal Bay East has been named the top beach in the Caribbean for 2026 and No. 6 worldwide. Luxury Tourism: Four Seasons Resort and Residences Anguilla and The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman earned inaugural Condé Nast Traveller Triple Crown recognition.

Tourism & Investment: A new piece argues Caribbean wealth is accelerating fast, but the region’s real edge is “relational joy” rooted in community—framing sharing that joy as a kind of sovereignty. OECS Justice: OECS leaders have agreed to raise the retirement age for Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court judges from 65 to 70, citing recruitment challenges when judges retire earlier. Anguilla Travel Spotlight: Shoal Bay East has been named the best beach in the Caribbean for 2026 and No. 6 worldwide, praised for calm water, powdery sand, and a serene feel even with beach bars nearby. Regional Air Access: Trans Anguilla Airways is now bookable through global distribution systems, a move expected to make inter-island flights easier to find and sell internationally. ECCB Youth Tech: The ECCB will host a free 2026 STEM Camp starting July 6 for ages 14–18 across ECCU territories, aimed at turning youth into digital creators and innovators. Luxury Yacht Tourism: Aman at Sea opened reservations for Amangati’s inaugural Caribbean season (Nov. 21, 2027–Jan. 2, 2028), with Antigua as the first Caribbean port and calls including Anguilla.

Anguilla Tourism Spotlight: Shoal Bay East has been named the best beach in the Caribbean for 2026, ranking No. 6 worldwide and praised for its calm, uncrowded feel and standout snorkeling—another big win for Anguilla’s visitor draw. Regional Aviation & Connectivity: Fly Dutch Caribbean Airlines will begin operating out of Grand Case Airport on July 1, with plans to expand routes and seating over the coming months, including potential links toward Anguilla. Inter-island Travel Upgrade: Trans Anguilla Airways is now bookable through Global Distribution Systems, a move expected to make flights easier for international travel agents and travelers to find. OECS Justice Update: OECS leaders have agreed to raise the retirement age for Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court judges from 65 to 70, aiming to ease recruitment challenges. STEM for Youth: The ECCB will host its 2026 STEM Camp starting July 6, a free four-week program for ages 14–18 across ECCU member territories including Anguilla. Luxury Travel Watch: Aman at Sea has opened reservations for Amangati’s inaugural Caribbean voyages (Nov 2027–Jan 2028), with itineraries that include a beach day off Anguilla.

Luxury Hospitality Watch: Sheila Johnson’s Salamander Washington DC is reportedly in talks to rebrand under Marriott, though neither side has confirmed details about timing or terms. OECS Justice Reform: OECS leaders agreed to raise the retirement age for Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court judges from 65 to 70, citing recruitment challenges when judges retire earlier. Anguilla Aviation & Connectivity: Trans Anguilla Airways is now bookable through Global Distribution Systems, a move expected to make inter-island flights easier for travel agents and visitors to find. Regional Tech Push: The ECCB will host a free 2026 STEM Camp starting July 6 for ages 14–18 across ECCU territories, aiming to build AI and design-thinking skills. Tourism Spotlight (Anguilla): Shoal Bay East has been named the Caribbean’s top beach for 2026, ranking No. 6 worldwide. Caribbean Travel Growth: JetBlue is adding more July service from Fort Lauderdale to Aruba, St. Maarten, and Santo Domingo.

Judiciary Reform in the OECS: OECS leaders have agreed to raise the retirement age for Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court judges from 65 to 70, citing recruitment challenges when judges retire early. Aviation & Connectivity: Fly Dutch Caribbean will begin operating from Grand Case Airport on July 1, starting with smaller aircraft and aiming to expand service by September, with talks also mentioned around routes including Anguilla. Anguilla in the Spotlight for Travel: Shoal Bay East has been named the top beach in the Caribbean for 2026 and No. 6 worldwide, praised for its calm waters, powdery sand, and serene feel. Regional Finance Watch: Scotiabank is moving to take Scotia Group Jamaica private, raising the bigger question of who will ultimately control Caribbean banking assets. ECCB Youth Push: The ECCB is set to launch a free 2026 STEM Camp starting July 6 for students across ECCU territories, including Anguilla. Music & Culture: Producer Jahvanie “Week.day” Morrison says Aidonia’s “Like How Yuh Feel” has topped charts across several islands and passed 1 million streams.

OECS Justice Reform: OECS leaders have agreed to raise the retirement age for Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court judges from 65 to 70, aiming to ease recruitment challenges and keep needed expertise in place. Anguilla Travel Spotlight: Shoal Bay East has been named the top beach in the Caribbean for 2026, ranking No. 6 worldwide and praised for its calm, powdery sand and relaxed vibe. Air Access for Anguilla: Trans Anguilla Airways is now bookable on Global Distribution Systems, making it easier for travel agents and visitors to find and reserve flights across the region. Regional Aviation Moves: Fly Dutch Caribbean will operate from Grand Case Airport starting July 1, with plans to expand aircraft capacity by September. Tourism & Luxury Shipping: Aman at Sea has opened reservations for Amangati’s inaugural Caribbean season (Nov. 21, 2027–Jan. 2, 2028), with Antigua as the first Caribbean port and calls including Anguilla. ECCB Youth Tech Push: The ECCB will host a free 2026 STEM Camp starting July 6 for ages 14–18 across ECCU member territories, including Anguilla. Health Recognition: Anguilla was among countries recognized by WHO for eliminating mother-to-child transmission of HIV, HBV and syphilis.