AGP Executive Report

Cruise Boom Push: St. Kitts officially broke ground on a new cruise terminal at Port Zante, with home-porting targeted for November 2027—aimed at longer stays, more hotel nights, and bigger spend across tours, taxis, dining, and shopping. Nevis Airport Upgrade: The Nevis Island Administration also broke ground on the Vance W. Amory International Airport expansion, including a runway extension and expanded terminal and customs facilities, expected to finish in about 18 months. More Winter Airlift: American Airlines will add a second daily nonstop flight between Miami and St. Kitts for the winter season (Dec. 17 to Apr. 5, 2027), boosting access for beach-and-adventure getaways. Festival Tourism: Tourism Minister Marsha Henderson called the 2026 St. Kitts Music Festival a success, citing strong attendance and expected gains in arrivals and hotel occupancy. Local Business Spotlight: Sugar Town Organics founder Anastasha Elliott won the 2026 Caribbean POSH Wellness Innovation Icon Award, highlighting heritage-led wellness and experiential tourism. Travel Disruption Follow-Up: Apple Syder management is still trying to reach all passengers after the June 29 operational difficulty on the St. Kitts–Nevis route, asking anyone not yet contacted to call 669-0707.

Cruise Boost: St. Kitts and Nevis has broken ground on a new Port Zante cruise terminal, aimed at shifting the islands from “port of call” to cruise home-porting by November 2027, with modern passenger processing, security, and immigration tech to drive longer stays and more visitor spend. Nevis Aviation Upgrade: Nevis also started construction on the multi-million-dollar expansion of Vance W. Amory International Airport, including a 2,000-foot runway extension and new terminal, customs, fire hall, and parking for up to 50 executive jets—expected to finish in about 18 months. Tourism & Culture: Tourism Minister Marsha Henderson called the 2026 St. Kitts Music Festival a success, citing strong attendance and improved production, while noting venue access and changeovers as key issues to fix. Workforce for Green Growth: Deputy PM Dr. Geoffrey Hanley signed a skills partnership declaration with Hamburg at the Hamburg Sustainability Conference, linking training and education to renewable energy and other future-ready sectors. Travel Access Watch: Ireland ended visa-free entry for St. Kitts and Nevis nationals from June 15, 2026, adding new planning steps for travellers. Local Travel Safety Update: Apple Syder management is still trying to reach all passengers after the June 29 operational difficulty, asking anyone not yet contacted to call 669-0707.

Air Access Boost: American Airlines will add a second daily nonstop Miami–St. Kitts service this winter (Dec. 17, 2026–Apr. 5, 2027), giving more flexibility for winter getaways and making it easier to pair St. Kitts with a Nevis day trip. Cruise Home-Porting Push: St. Kitts and Nevis has broken ground on a new Port Zante cruise terminal, aiming to shift from port-of-call visits to home-porting by Nov. 2027—expected to lift overnight stays, airlift demand, and tourism spend. Nevis Airport Expansion: Nevis has also started construction on the Vance W. Amory International Airport expansion, including a 2,000-foot runway extension and upgraded terminal, customs, and jet-capable parking—targeting completion in about 18 months. Festival Spotlight: Tourism Minister Marsha Henderson called the 2026 St. Kitts Music Festival a “resounding success,” citing strong attendance and improved production, while noting venue access and changeover issues to fix for next time. Skills for Tourism & Green Jobs: Deputy PM/Minister of Education Dr. Geoffrey Hanley signed a Hamburg skills partnership tied to workforce training for sustainable industries. Travel Safety Follow-Up: Apple Syder management is still trying to reach all passengers after the June 29 St. Kitts–Nevis incident, urging anyone not yet contacted to call 669-0707.

Cruise Boom: St. Kitts broke ground on a new Port Zante cruise terminal aimed at shifting the island from “port of call” to cruise home-porting by November 2027, with plans for modern passenger processing and security. Nevis Aviation Upgrade: Nevis has also started construction on the Vance W. Amory International Airport expansion, including a 2,000-foot runway extension and new terminal, customs, fire hall and parking for up to 50 executive jets—expected to finish in about 18 months. Regional Meetings: Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew is set to attend CARICOM Heads meetings in Saint Lucia (July 5–8) as leadership transitions to Phillip J. Pierre. Scholarships: NIA announced a Morocco embassy higher-education scholarship call for St. Kitts and Nevis citizens, covering tuition, accommodation, stipends and travel. Health & Travel Disruption: The Afri-Caribbean Trade and Investment Forum 2026 in St. Kitts has been deferred due to evolving health updates tied to an Ebola outbreak in parts of Africa. Ferry Incident Follow-up: Apple Syder management is still contacting passengers after the June 29 operational difficulty, urging anyone not yet reached to call the dedicated line.

Cruise Boom Moves Forward: St. Kitts broke ground on a new Port Zante cruise terminal, built to support cruise home-porting and longer stays, with operations targeted for November 2027. Nevis Aviation Upgrade: Nevis also started work on a multi-million-dollar expansion of Vance W. Amory International Airport, including a 2,000-foot runway extension and new terminal, customs, and fire-fighting facilities, expected to finish in about 18 months. Travel Policy & Passports: As international scrutiny of Citizenship by Investment grows, St. Kitts and Nevis says biometric registration for economic citizens will be required by next August. Health & Events: The Afri-Caribbean Trade and Investment Forum 2026 in St. Kitts has been deferred “out of an abundance of caution” due to evolving health updates tied to an Ebola outbreak. On-Island Sports Tourism: St. Kitts hosts OECS athletics and beach volleyball events this weekend, with regional teams arriving for ANOCES and ECVA competitions. Ferry Safety Follow-Up: Apple Syder management is still contacting passengers after the June 29 operational incident, while authorities say all passengers and crew were safely accounted for after the emergency response. Regional People-to-People: St. Kitts welcomed 47 nurses from Ghana to strengthen healthcare services.

Cruise Home-Porting Push: St. Kitts officially broke ground on a new cruise terminal at Port Zante, with Prime Minister Terrance Drew calling it a jobs-and-growth boost and a shift from “port of call” to cruise home-porting by November 2027. The project is led by SCASPA and is designed to raise visitor spending, overnight stays, airlift demand, and local business activity, with modern passenger processing, security, and immigration tech. Nevis Aviation Upgrade: Nevis also broke ground on a multi-million-dollar expansion of the Vance W. Amory International Airport (VAIA), aimed at strengthening air connectivity and tourism for the next generation. Maritime Safety Update: After the inter-island ferry MV Apple Syder partially sank on June 29, authorities say all passengers and crew were safely accounted for, and Apple Syder management is now urging any remaining passengers to contact a dedicated line. Travel Disruption: LIAT passengers in St. Kitts reported hours-long delays, weak communication, and lack of meals during disruptions affecting routes to Trinidad and Saint Lucia. Tourism Calendar: St. Kitts Music Festival planning and security coordination were highlighted as officials stressed the event’s role in driving visitor arrivals and showcasing the destination. Scholarships for Visitors-to-Be: Nevis announced a scholarship opportunity for students from St. Kitts and Nevis to study medicine in Taiwan, covering tuition, accommodation, stipend, and travel.

Airport & Cruise Growth: Nevis broke ground on a multi-million-dollar expansion of the Vance W. Amory International Airport, aiming to boost air traffic and tourism for the next generation. Cruise Homeporting Push: St. Kitts also turned sod on a new cruise terminal at Port Zante, with construction targeting completion in 2027 and designed to support home-porting operations. Maritime Safety Update: The Apple Syder ferry incident is now being followed closely after all passengers and crew were safely rescued when the vessel began taking on water and partially sank; Apple Syder management is urging any remaining passengers to contact a dedicated line. Tourism Disruption: LIAT passengers reported hours-long delays from St. Kitts with poor communication and limited support during disruptions affecting travel plans. Local Culture & Visitor Appeal: Wet Fete 2026 returns to Anguilla on July 31 with St. Kitts and Nevis performers, while the St. Kitts Music Festival wrapped up after three nights drawing major crowds. Community & Capacity: Nevis welcomed 47 nurses from Ghana to strengthen healthcare services, and the OECS Commission launched a gender mainstreaming staff training series.

Cruise Tourism Boost: St. Kitts and Nevis has broken ground on a new Port Zante cruise terminal, built for home-porting operations starting in 2027, with modern passenger processing, security and immigration tech aimed at turning day-stop visits into full cruise vacations. Healthcare Staffing: The Ministry of Health welcomed 47 Ghanaian nurses under a bilateral labour agreement, with 32 general and 15 community/public health nurses set for a two-year placement to strengthen care across wards and community centres. Gender Training: The OECS Commission launched a three-part gender mainstreaming staff training series to help embed gender-responsive planning across regional programmes. Inter-island Ferry Safety: After the MV Apple Syder partially sank near Basseterre, all passengers and crew were rescued and accounted for; authorities say investigations are underway. Air Travel Frustration: LIAT passengers reported hours-long delays, weak updates and no meals during disruptions affecting routes to Trinidad and Tobago and Saint Lucia. Tourism Calendar: The 2026 St. Kitts Music Festival wrapped up with thousands of visitors and major international acts, reinforcing the event’s role in driving arrivals and local business. Visa Change Watch: Ireland ended visa-free entry for St. Kitts and Nevis nationals from June 15, adding new planning steps for travellers.

Visa & travel access: St. Kitts and Nevis nationals face a major change as Ireland ends visa-free entry effective June 15, with Drew saying the government is in talks with Irish officials. Cruise tourism boost: St. Kitts broke ground on a new Port Zante cruise terminal aimed at turning the island into a home-porting destination by November 2027. Maritime safety scare: The inter-island ferry MV Apple Syder partially sank near Basseterre; all passengers and crew were rescued and authorities launched an investigation. Air travel frustration: LIAT passengers reported hours-long delays, weak updates, and no meals during disruptions affecting routes to Trinidad and Tobago and Saint Lucia. Healthcare & people-to-people ties: 47 nurses from Ghana arrived under a bilateral labour agreement to strengthen St. Kitts and Nevis healthcare services. Culture & visitor economy: The 28th St. Kitts Music Festival wrapped up after three days, with officials citing thousands of overseas visitors and praising security coordination. Gender equality training: The OECS Commission rolled out a new gender mainstreaming staff training series.

Maritime Safety: The MV Apple Syder inter-island ferry partially sank near St. Kitts on Monday, but all 47 passengers and crew were safely rescued after a fast response by the Coast Guard, nearby vessels and fishermen; Prime Minister Drew visited JNF Hospital to confirm everyone was accounted for, while authorities launched an investigation. Air Travel Frustration: LIAT passengers reported hours-long delays, weak communication, and no meals or refreshments while trying to reach Trinidad and Tobago and Saint Lucia—complaints that also disrupted festival plans. Festival Tourism: The 28th St. Kitts Music Festival wrapped up with major international acts and thousands of visitors; officials said the event continues to drive arrivals and local business, and Drew praised security teams for keeping tourists and locals safe. Nevis & Development: Nevis Premier Brantley said the Destiny Special Sustainability Zone agreement is expected to go before Federal Cabinet, with a decision awaited from PM Drew. Health & Education: St. Kitts and Nevis’ Taiwan embassy announced a medicine scholarship at I-Shou University (applications open June 29–July 7), and the Federation welcomed its first cardiologist at JNF Hospital. Local Culture & Food: National Bank sponsors the Nevis Mango Festival (July 2–5), spotlighting mango culture and culinary tourism.

Maritime Safety: Investigations are underway after the inter-island ferry MV Apple Syder partially sank off St. Kitts on June 29, but all 47 passengers and crew were rescued; officials say the Coast Guard received a distress call minutes after departure and nearby fishermen and vessels helped, with the ship later towed to Port Zante. Air Travel Frustration: LIAT passengers say they endured hours-long delays to Trinidad and Tobago and Saint Lucia with little communication and no meals or refreshments, disrupting plans including festival attendance. Festival Tourism Spotlight: As the 28th St. Kitts Music Festival wraps up, tourism officials say the event is a major tourism engine that brings visitors beyond the stage, while PM Drew praised security teams for smooth festival safety and noted thousands of overseas visitors. Culture & Jobs: PM Drew and CIU Chairman Calvin St. Juste visited the Prime Creative Arts Centre site, a Citizenship Public Benefit project expected to deliver studios, theatres, artisan spaces, and training. Education Opportunity: The St. Kitts and Nevis Embassy in Taiwan announced a Bachelor of Medicine scholarship at I-Shou University, with applications open June 29–July 7 and exams/interviews in mid-July. Local Order: Four women were charged after an alleged fight at Timothy Beach, Frigate Bay, with bail granted and court dates pending.

Maritime Safety: A dramatic rescue unfolded Monday morning after the inter-island ferry MV Apple Syder began sinking minutes after leaving Basseterre for Charlestown, Nevis; all 47 passengers and crew were pulled to safety as the Coast Guard, nearby boats, and fishermen rushed in following an SOS. Public Accountability: Reports are now raising questions about preparedness after claims that only one of five Coast Guard vessels was operational during the emergency, with authorities launching a national investigation. Tourism Spotlight: The 28th St. Kitts Music Festival wrapped up over the weekend at Warner Park, drawing thousands and featuring major acts including Boyz II Men, Fantasia, Beres Hammond, and a standout Machel Montano return; PM Drew says the festival continues to bring strong overseas visitor numbers. Nevis Food Tourism: The Nevis Mango Festival is set for July 2–5, with National Bank sponsoring the event and organizers touting new experiences and mango-focused attractions designed to pull in visitors. Health & Services: St. Kitts and Nevis appointed its first cardiologist at JNF Hospital, as leaders continue healthcare upgrades alongside broader national development plans.

Maritime Safety: The inter-island ferry MV Apple Syder ran into trouble after an SOS call and sank, but all 47 passengers and crew were rescued safely; Prime Minister Drew visited JNF Hospital to confirm everyone is okay and said a national investigation is underway. Festival & Tourism: The 28th St. Kitts Music Festival wrapped up Saturday night at Warner Park after three days of major acts and local favourites, with PM Drew saying the event drew 5,000+ overseas visitors; organizers also confirmed children under 18 can attend with parent supervision. Public Order: Four people were charged over an alleged Timothy Beach altercation in Frigate Bay, with bail granted and a court appearance expected later. Culture Infrastructure: PM Drew and Citizenship Unit chairman Calvin St Juste toured the Prime Creative Arts Centre site, a Public Benefit project aimed at boosting jobs and the creative economy. Health & People-to-People: St. Kitts and Nevis announced its first cardiologist at JNF Hospital, while 47 Ghanaian nurses departed under a labour exchange programme. Education Opportunity: The embassy in Taiwan opened a full scholarship application for medicine at I-Shou University, deadline July 7. Regional Spotlight: Nevis Mango Festival returns July 2-5 with 60+ chefs and new “Nevis Goes Mango” digital mapping for visitors.

Digital Transformation: PM Terrance Drew says St. Kitts and Nevis is pushing ahead with digital upgrades across social security, national ID, healthcare, border security, and government services, including nearing completion of a national digital ID system and an online passport application push. Music Tourism Boost: The 28th St. Kitts Music Festival wrapped up after three nights at Warner Park, with PM Drew citing 5,000+ overseas visitors and major star power including Machel Montano’s triumphant return and Voice’s road march hit. Family-Friendly Festival Policy: Organizers confirmed children under 18 can attend this year’s festival, with parents urged to supervise closely. Health & Hospitality Upgrade: Drew inspected the refurbished JNF General Hospital Private Ward ahead of its reopening, part of broader healthcare improvements. Disaster Solidarity: Drew reiterated the Federation’s readiness to support earthquake-hit Venezuela, with donations coordinated for relief efforts. Nevis Food Event: Nevis Mango Festival runs July 2–5 with 60+ chefs and new digital “Nevis Goes Mango” mapping for visitors.

St. Kitts Music Festival (finale): The 28th St. Kitts Music Festival wrapped in Basseterre at Warner Park, drawing thousands and landing a major overseas visitor boost, with PM Drew saying the event has welcomed 5,000+ overseas visitors. Family-friendly access: Organizers confirmed children under 18 can attend this year, with parents urged to supervise closely. Tribute night: The festival’s opening programme included a special Ellie Matt tribute performance honoring the late Kittitian bandleader. Tourism momentum at the airport: Robert L. Bradshaw International Airport reported increased arrivals ahead of the festival week, including high-profile visitor Chris Gayle. Health upgrade: PM Drew inspected the refurbished JNF General Hospital Private Ward ahead of its reopening, and also announced the federation’s first cardiologist at JNF. Regional travel & business: Norwegian Prima is set for 13 Port Zante calls in St. Kitts from Nov 2026–Mar 2027, while Amangati’s inaugural Caribbean sailings (from Nov 2027) include St. Kitts and Nevis. Public safety: Four women were charged after an alleged disorderly conduct incident at Timothy Beach, Frigate Bay.

St. Kitts Music Festival (June 25–27): Basseterre is in full festival mode as the 28th St. Kitts Music Festival kicks off June 25 at Warner Park Stadium, with major international and regional soca and music stars drawing visitors ahead of the grand finale on June 27. Family-friendly access: Organizers say children under 18 are welcome with no age restrictions, but parents are urged to supervise closely due to some elements not suitable for young audiences. Nevis Mango Festival (July 2–5): Nevis is gearing up for a food-focused celebration with more than 60 chefs, a new “Nevis Goes Mango” digital map, and fresh events like “For the Love of Mangoes,” aimed at pulling in tourists through mango cuisine. Healthcare upgrade at JNF Hospital: Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew inspected the refurbished Private Ward at Joseph N. France (JNF) General Hospital ahead of its reopening, continuing the federation’s push to modernize public health services. Regional travel and arrivals: Port Zante is set for 13 Norwegian Prima calls between November 2026 and March 2027, supporting winter cruise tourism to St. Kitts. Regional resilience: Grenada is advancing digital emergency warning systems with a regional cell broadcast validation workshop that includes St. Kitts and Nevis.