AGP Executive Report

AI & Ethics: Nobel laureates and scientists back the “Rome Declaration” urging a treaty to ban autonomous systems from accessing nuclear launches, warning that AI-nuclear risks can’t be dismissed. Montserrat Business Spotlight: PRIME Weekend 2026 wraps with the island’s first Montserrat Business Awards & Gala (Salem Community Centre, Sun July 26, 6 p.m.), celebrating entrepreneurs and innovators, with M.S. Osborne Limited named Business of the Year. Media & Culture: Freedom FM 106.5’s Michelle “Sweet Sister Sensia” Greenaway-Stokes marks another year as “The Queen” of the airwaves, with tributes pouring in across the Caribbean. Montserrat in the News (Legal/Personal): Spain’s Mango founder death case adds fresh claims that a therapist told Jonathan Andic to confront his father on a cliff-edge trail in the Montserrat massif area before the plunge. Regional Governance: ECCB Monetary Council meets (113th meeting) and unveils new EC banknote designs featuring national heroes and regional icons. Community Safety: A small craft advisory covers Montserrat and nearby islands as winds and hazardous seas raise risks for mariners.

Eastern Caribbean Currency: The ECCB has unveiled redesigned EC banknotes that drop Queen Elizabeth II’s image and replace it with national heroes and regional icons from across the eight ECCU member states. Montserrat Health: Montserrat’s Ministry of Health and Social Services is launching “Wellness in Motion,” a mobile clinic offering free monthly preventive screenings like blood pressure and blood sugar checks starting August 7. Commonwealth Games: Glasgow is set to host the 2026 Commonwealth Games (July 23–Aug 2) with about 3,000 athletes across 10 sports and integrated Para events. Caricom Reparations: The Caricom Reparations Commission is pushing a revised manifesto to the UK and UN, including Overseas Territories like Montserrat, as it ramps up lobbying for reparatory justice. Montserrat Safety & Fraud Watch: Residents are being warned about social media “job” scams that recruit people as “money mules,” while a small craft advisory covers Montserrat and nearby islands due to hazardous seas and strong winds. Global Travel Note: A Henley Passport Index update says Nigerians can visit 44 destinations visa-free/with VOA or e-visa, including Montserrat.

Eastern Caribbean Currency Union: The ECCB has unveiled redesigned EC$ banknotes that remove Queen Elizabeth II’s image and replace it with Eastern Caribbean national heroes, with the public invited to help shape the new “shared history” (including Sir Arthur Lewis and Sir John Compton on the $100, and other leaders across member states). Montserrat Health & Wellness: The Ministry of Health and Social Services is rolling out “Wellness in Motion,” a mobile clinic launching Aug. 7 to bring free preventive screenings (blood pressure, blood sugar, and health education) to villages and community spaces on the first and last Friday each month. Commonwealth Games Glasgow 2026: Athletes begin arriving for the July 23–Aug 2 Games in Glasgow, featuring 10 sports plus integrated Para events, with a day-by-day medal tracker and schedule updates. Caricom Reparations Push: The Caricom Reparations Commission is advancing a revised reparations manifesto that includes British Overseas Territories like Montserrat, arguing for structural economic decolonisation and political autonomy. Marine Safety: A small craft advisory is in effect for Montserrat and nearby islands due to strong winds and hazardous seas, with mariners urged to avoid affected waters. Opera in Estepona: Montserrat Martí Caballé brings “Noches de Ópera y Zarzuela” to Estepona with works spanning Verdi, Donizetti, Rossini, Mozart, Falla and more.

Commonwealth Games 2026: Glasgow has stepped in at the last minute to host the pared-down Commonwealth Games, with about 3,000 athletes and just 10 sports after Victoria, Australia pulled out—using existing venues and boosting the local economy. CARICOM Reparations: The Caricom Reparations Commission is pressing the UK and UN with a revised manifesto that explicitly includes British Overseas Territories like Montserrat, arguing colonised territories remain “second-class” under a still-hegemonic colonial system. Local Safety: A Small Craft Advisory is in effect for Antigua and Barbuda, Montserrat, St. Kitts and Nevis, Anguilla, and the British Virgin Islands, warning of strong winds, rough seas, and risks to small vessels. Fraud Watch: Bankers in the region warn social media “job” offers may recruit people into money-mule schemes, using deposits and account details to launder stolen funds. Arts & Culture: Montserrat Martí Caballé brings opera and zarzuela to Estepona, while LIFE Victoria’s Lied season (L’exili) announces a 2026-27 lineup honoring Felicity Lott and major composers. Regional Economy: CARICOM tax administrators meet in Georgetown, Guyana, to discuss “smart, data-driven and AI-enabled” tax administration.

Commonwealth Games 2026: Glasgow is stepping in for the Commonwealth Games after Victoria, Australia, pulled out, leaving a pared-down schedule of 10 sports and about 3,000 athletes—using existing venues and boosting the local economy. Caricom Reparations: The Caricom Reparations Commission is pressing the UK and UN with a revised reparations manifesto that explicitly brings in British Overseas Territories, including Montserrat, as part of a wider decolonisation push. Regional Marine Safety: A small craft advisory is in effect for Antigua and Barbuda, with Montserrat, St. Kitts and Nevis, Anguilla and the British Virgin Islands also covered, as winds and hazardous seas raise risks for mariners. Caribbean Fraud Warning: Bankers in the region are warning about “mulling” scams—social media job offers that recruit people to launder stolen money through their own accounts. Eastern Caribbean Currency: New EC$ banknotes have been unveiled across the ECCU, replacing Queen Elizabeth II’s image with regional icons and national heroes. Arts & Culture: Montserrat Martí Caballé brings opera and zarzuela to Estepona, while LIFE Victoria’s Lied season announces a 2026-27 programme themed “L’exili.”

Caribbean Safety & Travel: A Small Craft Advisory is in effect for Antigua and Barbuda, including Montserrat, St. Kitts and Nevis, Anguilla and the British Virgin Islands, with easterly winds (22–35 km/h, gusts to 54 km/h) and seas up to 8 feet (locally near 10), urging mariners—especially less experienced ones—to avoid affected waters. Regional Arts & Culture: Montserrat Martí Caballé brings “Noches de Ópera y Zarzuela” to Estepona, with tickets at 20 euros for a 10pm concert featuring works from Verdi, Donizetti, Rossini, Mozart, Falla and Torroba. Money & Identity: New Eastern Caribbean Currency Union banknotes were unveiled across the region, including an EC$10 note featuring Anguilla’s James Ronald Webster, with enhanced security and designs honoring regional heroes. Arts Coverage: Local audiences get fresh art reviews, including Veronica Ryan’s “The Weather Inside II” and other contemporary exhibitions. Community & Governance: CARICOM tax administrators are set to meet in Georgetown, Guyana, for COTA’s July conference on future-ready, data-driven tax administration.

Mobile Perks: Sky Mobile UK is rolling out free global roaming to “Sky VIP Diamond” customers (15+ years), covering 120 destinations, with a fair-use cap (often 25GB) and a switch-over option for new joiners. Public Safety: Argentina’s World Cup final saw two fatal heart attacks in Buenos Aires and a third man in critical care, while post-match crowds at the Obelisk square also triggered injuries and disorder. Fraud Warning: Antigua and Barbuda Montserrat Bankers Association is urging residents to beware “money mule” recruitment via social media job ads that ask for bank details and forwarding stolen funds. Marine Conditions: A small craft advisory is in effect for Antigua and Barbuda, including Montserrat and nearby islands, with strong winds, rough seas, and guidance for mariners to avoid affected waters. Arts & Culture: Opera fans get a treat as Montserrat Martí Caballé brings “Noches de Ópera y Zarzuela” to Estepona, while regional arts coverage highlights new exhibitions and reviews. Regional Money & Identity: Eastern Caribbean leaders unveiled redesigned EC banknotes featuring regional icons, including a new EC$10 note honouring Anguilla’s James Ronald Webster. Regional Governance: CARICOM’s reparations push includes a proposal for Britain to give up territories such as Montserrat and Bermuda.

Motorsport: KTM and Ginetta took overall wins at Misano in the GT2 European Series, with Maserati scoring valuable Masters and Pro/Am placings after a tough weekend that included a disqualification and an I4Race retirement. Music & Pop Culture: A look back at Dire Straits’ 1985 “Money for Nothing,” including how they used MTV’s catchphrase and the network’s star-making power as both inspiration and satire. Weather & Safety: A small craft advisory is in effect for Antigua and Barbuda, with Montserrat, St. Kitts and Nevis, Anguilla and the British Virgin Islands also covered as winds and hazardous seas raise risks for mariners and marine transport. Regional Arts & Culture: Montserrat Martí Caballé brings opera and zarzuela to Estepona, while LIFE Victoria’s 2026–27 Lied season spotlights major performers and themes of “L’exili.” Regional Identity & Arts: New Eastern Caribbean banknotes roll out with regional icons and nation builders, including Anguilla’s Ronald Webster on the EC$10 note. Governance & Debate: CARICOM’s reparation push for Britain’s territories, plus renewed controversy around CARICOM leadership and the CCJ, keeps regional politics in the spotlight.

Marine Safety: Antigua and Barbuda’s Met Office issued a small craft advisory for strong winds and hazardous seas, covering Montserrat plus St. Kitts and Nevis, Anguilla and the British Virgin Islands, with winds 22–35 km/h (gusts to 54) and seas 1.5–2.4m (occasionally near 3.1m). Regional Arts & Culture: Montserrat Martí Caballé brings “Noches de Ópera y Zarzuela” to Estepona, with tickets at €20 for a 10pm show. Music Season Watch: LIFE Victoria’s 2026–27 “L’exili” season lineup is announced, including performances from Adriana González, Isabel Leonard and others across September–October. Caribbean Identity in Print: Caribbean Literature Day spotlights Montserrat’s writers, from Lyandra Hobson’s “Own It!” to Yvonne Weekes’ “Living Stone.” Governance & Law: Veteran journalist Julian Rogers condemns CARICOM’s move to refer Secretary-General Carla Barnett’s reappointment to the CCJ. Regional Connectivity (Travel): A new look at multi-island tourism argues Caribbean travel links remain fragmented, limiting visits, business and trade. Currency & Heritage: Eastern Caribbean banknotes are being refreshed to feature regional heroes, including Anguilla’s Ronald Webster on the EC$10 note.

Marine Safety: A small craft advisory is in effect for Antigua and Barbuda, with hazardous seas and strong easterly winds also covering Montserrat, St. Kitts and Nevis, Anguilla and the British Virgin Islands—seas up to around 10 feet, gusts near 54 km/h, and warnings for mariners and smaller vessels. Regional Arts & Culture: Montserrat Martí Caballé brings “Noches de Ópera y Zarzuela” to Estepona with baritone Luis Santana and pianist Víctor Carbajo (tickets €20). Classical Music Season: LIFE Victoria’s 2026-27 “L’exili” programme is announced, with performances from Adriana González, Isabel Leonard, Núria Rial and others across September and October. Money & Identity: The Eastern Caribbean Central Bank unveils redesigned EC banknotes featuring regional heroes—highlighting Montserrat’s William Henry Bramble on the EC$10 and Henry Bramble’s inclusion alongside Anguilla’s James Ronald Webster. Arts Reviews: New exhibition reviews spotlight artists including Veronica Ryan and Francis Dosoo, plus contemporary shows across the UK. CARICOM Governance: CARICOM’s tax administrators meet in Georgetown in late July to discuss “smart, data-driven and AI-enabled” tax administration. Reparations Talk: CARICOM pushes a Britain decolonisation/reparations proposal that explicitly names territories including Montserrat.

Regional Arts & Culture: Montserrat Martí Caballé brings “Noches de Ópera y Zarzuela” to Estepona tonight, with baritone Luis Santana and pianist Víctor Carbajo, featuring highlights from Verdi, Donizetti, Rossini, Mozart and more. Caribbean Literature Day: Seven years of Caribbean Literature Day spotlight Montserratian voices, from Lyandra Hobson’s “Own It!” to Yvonne Weekes’ “Living Stone” and Ann Marie Dewar’s faith-led writing. Eastern Caribbean Identity in Design: The ECCB unveiled redesigned EC banknotes, swapping Queen Elizabeth II for regional heroes; the EC$10 note features Montserrat’s Henry Bramble, alongside Anguilla’s James Ronald Webster. Local Arts Scene: Art reviews from Bute and Dundee include Veronica Ryan’s “The Weather Inside II,” plus shows featuring Adrián Balseca and Francis Dosoo. Governance & Regional Reparation Talk: CARICOM’s decolonisation and reparatory justice push includes a proposal for Britain to give up territories like Montserrat, with debate over legal and political implications. CARICOM Leadership Watch: A CARICOM heads meeting communiqué from Gros Islet lists leaders in attendance, including Montserrat’s Premier Reuben Meade.

Regional Policy & Governance: CARICOM tax administrators and revenue experts are set to meet in Georgetown, Guyana, for COTA’s 27th General Assembly and Technical Conference (27–31 July), with a “smart, data-driven and AI-enabled” push to modernise compliance and taxpayer services. Arts & Culture (Montserrat in the spotlight): Montserrat Martí Caballé brings opera and zarzuela to Estepona in “Noches de Ópera y Zarzuela,” performing alongside Luis Santana and Víctor Carbajo. Music & Memory: LIFE Victoria’s 2026–27 Lied season, “L’exili,” is announced with artists-in-residence Adriana González and Pedro Pardo, plus a programme spanning Falla, Casals and more. Regional Identity in Design: The ECCB unveiled redesigned Eastern Caribbean banknotes, replacing Queen Elizabeth II with national heroes—Montserrat’s William Henry Bramble appears on the EC$10. Community & Debate: Veteran journalist Julian Rogers criticises CARICOM’s move to refer the reappointment of Secretary-General Dr. Carla Barnett to the CCJ. Arts Coverage: Local art reviews highlight exhibitions and artists including Veronica Ryan and Francis Dosoo.

Arts & Culture: LIFE Victoria’s 2026-27 season is set around “L’exili” (Exile), honoring Felicity Lott and marking 150 years since Manuel de Falla and Pau Casals were born, with a lineup spanning children’s music, major song cycles, and new artist-in-residence appearances. Regional Identity in Print: The ECCB has unveiled redesigned Eastern Caribbean banknotes, replacing Queen Elizabeth II with national heroes and regional icons—Montserrat’s William Henry Bramble appears on the EC$10, alongside Anguilla’s James Ronald Webster. CARICOM Governance & Law: CARICOM’s decolonisation and reparatory justice push includes a proposal for Britain to give up territories like Bermuda, while veteran journalist Julian Rogers criticises the referral of CARICOM Secretary-General Dr. Carla Barnett’s reappointment to the CCJ. Regional Policy & Capacity: COTA’s July conference in Guyana will focus on “smart, data-driven and AI-enabled” tax administration for a future-ready CARICOM. Travel & Connectivity: A new look at multi-island tourism argues Caribbean travel fragmentation keeps neighbouring islands out of reach for many visitors and residents.

Regional Governance & Culture: CARICOM’s reparation push is back in the spotlight, with a London policy statement urging Britain to relinquish territories (including Montserrat) as part of “structural economic decolonisation” and reparative justice. Money & Identity: The ECCB has unveiled redesigned EC banknotes replacing Queen Elizabeth II with regional heroes—Montserrat’s William Henry Bramble appears on the EC$10, alongside Anguilla’s James Ronald Webster—rolling out from late 2027. Montserrat Sports: Montserrat Football Association momentum continues under FIFA’s normalisation committee, including the island’s first official referee training course (July 3–5) with 25 trainees, and renewed grassroots focus via the Under-14 programme. Local Land Clarity: Montserrat’s Land Registry warns against misinformation about the Crown Title Act, stressing it only affects specific unclaimed land from 1978–1982, not already-registered private property. Arts & Reviews: Art reviews spotlight exhibitions and artists across the region, including Veronica Ryan and Francis Dosoo. Health & Community: Veteran broadcaster Basil Chambers marks his 60th with a men’s health fair and charity drive supporting Meals on Wheels. Regional Logistics Idea: A proposal targets transforming Saint Lucia’s Hewanorra Airport into an OECS air cargo hub to speed deliveries across the islands.

Regional Currency & Identity: The ECCB has unveiled a redesigned family of EC banknotes, replacing Queen Elizabeth II with national heroes and regional icons; Montserrat’s William Henry Bramble is set for the EC$10 note (with Anguilla’s James Ronald Webster), as the EC dollar marks 50 years of its fixed rate and leaders push the “Big Push” agenda. Montserrat Football: FIFA’s normalisation committee work is showing momentum: the MFA has hosted Montserrat’s first official referee training course (with 25 trainees, including six women) and continues rebuilding youth football through the Under-14 programme. Arts & Culture (Montserrat): Caribbean Literature Day spotlights Montserratian voices, including Lyandra Hobson’s Own It! and Yvonne Weekes’ Living Stone. Community & Health: Basil Chambers marked his 60th birthday with a men’s health fair that drew 120 participants and raised EC$5,000 for Meals on Wheels. Regional Governance: CARICOM’s reparation push urges Britain to relinquish territories, including Montserrat, as part of a decolonisation plan.

Eastern Caribbean Currency & Identity: The ECCB has unveiled a redesigned EC banknote family that replaces Queen Elizabeth II’s portrait with regional heroes and nation builders, including Montserrat’s William Henry Bramble on the EC$10 note (paired with Anguilla’s James Ronald Webster), alongside other icons across the $5–$100 denominations, with full circulation expected from late 2027. Montserrat Governance & Land: The Montserrat Land Registry is correcting misinformation about the Crown Title Act, stressing it only affects specific unclaimed land from the 1978–1982 adjudication and does not automatically transfer already-registered private land to the Crown after 2030. Montserrat Football: FIFA’s Normalisation Committee is pushing renewed momentum for Montserrat Football Association, including restarting the Under-14 programme and hosting the island’s first official referee training course with Concacaf support. Regional Politics & CARICOM: CARICOM’s reparation proposal urges Britain to give up territories including Montserrat, while veteran journalist Julian Rogers condemns CARICOM leaders’ referral of Secretary-General Carla Barnett’s reappointment to the CCJ. Arts & Culture: Art reviews highlight exhibitions and installations, including Veronica Ryan’s “The Weather Inside II” on Bute, and Montserratian authors are celebrated for Caribbean Literature Day.