AGP Executive Report

ECCB & EC Dollar Redesign: The Eastern Caribbean Central Bank unveiled a new family of EC banknotes, replacing Queen Elizabeth II’s portrait with regional heroes and nation builders— including Montserrat’s William Henry Bramble on the EC$10 note— with circulation expected from late 2027. ECCB Monetary Council Leadership: Dominica’s Dr. Irving McIntyre takes over the ECCB Monetary Council chairmanship, with Montserrat’s Premier Reuben Meade set to represent the island at the 113th meeting in Dominica. Local Governance & Land Rights: Montserrat’s Land Registry is correcting misinformation about the Crown Title Act, stressing it does not automatically transfer registered private land to the Crown after 2030. Regional Diplomacy: Martinique officially joins CARICOM as the bloc’s seventh associate member after a decade-long process. Health Exchange: Montserrat’s CMO Dr. Sharra Greenaway-Duberry and Parliamentary Secretary Crenston Buffonge visit St. Helena to share small-island healthcare solutions. Sports Development: Montserrat football continues rebuilding—hosting its first official referee training course and restarting youth focus under FIFA’s normalisation push.

CARICOM Power Play: Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar scored a diplomatic win at the CARICOM Heads of Government meeting in St Lucia by pushing for the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) to give an advisory opinion on the reappointment of Secretary-General Dr Carla Barnett, arguing the process was unconstitutional and calling for interim steps while the matter is reviewed. ECCB Money Matters: The Eastern Caribbean Central Bank unveiled a redesigned EC banknote family in Dominica, replacing Queen Elizabeth II’s portrait with regional heroes— including Montserrat’s William Henry Bramble on the EC$10—while also marking 50 years of the EC dollar’s fixed US peg. Local Governance: Montserrat’s Land Registry moved to correct misinformation about the Crown Title Act, stressing that registered private land will not automatically become Crown land after 2030. Health Exchange: Montserrat’s CMO Dr Sharra Greenaway-Duberry and Parliamentary Secretary Crenston Buffonge are visiting St Helena to share small-island healthcare solutions. Sports & Community: Montserrat Football Association continues rebuilding with a first official referee training course, and the island’s men’s health push saw Basil Chambers’ 60th birthday weekend raise EC$5,000 for Meals on Wheels.

ECCB Currency Overhaul: The Eastern Caribbean Central Bank unveiled redesigned EC banknotes that replace Queen Elizabeth II with regional national heroes—Montserrat’s William Henry Bramble appears on the new EC$10 note—while the full rollout is expected to begin in late 2027. Regional Finance Leadership: Montserrat Premier Reuben Meade will represent the island at the ECCB Monetary Council meeting in Dominica, where the Governor’s report and the “Big Push” agenda will be discussed alongside the new banknotes and coins. CARICOM Talks: The 51st CARICOM Heads of Government meeting in Saint Lucia (5–8 July) included Montserrat’s Premier Reuben Meade among attending leaders. Local Land Clarity: Montserrat’s Land Registry says misinformation about the Crown Title Act is wrong—registered private land won’t automatically become Crown land after 2030, and only specific unclaimed parcels from the 1978–1982 adjudication process are covered. Health Exchange: Montserrat’s CMO Dr Sharra Greenaway-Duberry and Parliamentary Secretary Crenston Buffonge visited St. Helena to share small-island healthcare solutions, including emergency services and mental health care. Football Rebuild: Montserrat Football Association progress continues with an official referee training course (3–5 July) and ongoing grassroots rebuilding after FIFA’s normalisation steps.

ECCB Banknotes Overhaul: The Eastern Caribbean Central Bank has unveiled a redesigned EC banknote family that replaces Queen Elizabeth II’s portrait with regional national heroes and icons, including Montserrat’s William Henry Bramble on the EC$10 note; the new series is set to roll out starting late 2027 as existing stocks run down. ECCB Monetary Council: The ECCB’s 113th Monetary Council meeting in Dominica reaffirmed the EC dollar’s role as a stable anchor and discussed the “Big Push” agenda, including priorities like human capital, energy resilience, digital transformation, tourism, and trade logistics. Montserrat Representation: Premier Reuben Meade will represent Montserrat at the ECCB Monetary Council meeting, where the Governor will present the annual report on monetary and financial conditions. Local Land Clarity: Montserrat’s Land Registry says misinformation about the Crown Title Act is wrong—registered private land will not automatically become Crown land after 2030, and only specific unclaimed parcels from the 1978–1982 adjudication fall under the Act. Football Rebuild: Montserrat Football Association progress continues with the island’s first official referee training course, building a formal pathway for officiating alongside renewed grassroots youth efforts. Regional Rights Watch: A final appeals hearing in England could decide whether Trinidad and Tobago decriminalises gay sex, a case that Caribbean activists are watching closely for wider regional impact. Health Exchange: Montserrat’s CMO and a parliamentary secretary are visiting St. Helena to share small-island healthcare solutions, including emergency care and mental health support.

Eastern Caribbean Currency: The ECCB has unveiled a redesigned family of EC banknotes that replaces Queen Elizabeth II’s portrait with Eastern Caribbean national heroes and nation builders, with Montserrat’s William Henry Bramble featured on the new EC$10 note alongside Anguilla’s James Ronald Webster; the full set includes EC$100 (Sir William Arthur Lewis and Sir John Compton), EC$50 (Sir K Dwight Venner and Sir Robert Llewellyn Bradshaw), EC$20 (Sir Vere Cornwall Bird Sr and Dame Mary Eugenia Charles), and EC$5 (Robert Milton Cato and Sir Kirani James). Regional Finance & Governance: The announcement came during the ECCB Monetary Council meeting in Dominica, where Montserrat’s Premier Reuben T. Meade is set to represent the island as the Governor presents the annual report and the council discusses priorities under the “Big Push” agenda. Local Land Clarity: Montserrat’s Land Registry is urging residents to ignore misinformation about the Crown Title Act, stressing that registered private land won’t automatically become Crown land after the 2030 deadline. Health Exchange: Montserrat’s CMO Dr Sharra Greenaway-Duberry and Parliamentary Secretary Crenston Buffonge are in St. Helena for a health systems exchange focused on prevention, emergency care, mental health, and vaping. Football Rebuild: Montserrat Football Association progress continues with an island-first official referee training course, building a formal pathway for match officiating.

ECCB Currency Update: The Eastern Caribbean Central Bank unveiled a redesigned family of EC banknotes and coins in Dominica, featuring national heroes and regional icons— including Montserrat’s William Henry Bramble on the EC$10 note—during the Monetary Council’s unveiling ceremony. ECCB Leadership Switch: The ECCB Monetary Council chairmanship moves from Antigua and Barbuda’s Gaston Browne to Dominica’s Dr Irving McIntyre on 9 July, with the handover ceremony also spotlighting the 50th anniversary of the EC dollar’s fixed US peg. Montserrat at ECCB Meeting: Premier Reuben T. Meade will represent Montserrat at the 113th Monetary Council meeting in Dominica on 10 July, where ECCB Governor Timothy N.J. Antoine presents the annual report and updates on the “Big Push” agenda. Local Land Clarity: Montserrat’s Land Registry issued a notice to correct misinformation about the Crown Title Act, stressing it does not automatically take registered private land after 2030 and applies only to specific unclaimed parcels from the 1978–1982 adjudication. Health Partnership: Montserrat’s CMO Dr Sharra Greenaway-Duberry and Parliamentary Secretary Crenston Buffonge are in St Helena for a health systems exchange focused on prevention, emergency care, mental health, and community programmes. Football Rebuild: Montserrat Football Association continues its recovery with a first official referee training course (3–5 July) in partnership with Concacaf, building a formal pathway for new referees.

Health & Community: Veteran broadcaster Basil Chambers marked his 60th birthday with a Brades men’s health fair that drew 120 men and raised EC$5,000 for Meals on Wheels, with free prostate and general screenings led by visiting urologist Dr Dwayne Thwaites. Regional Finance: Premier Reuben T. Meade will represent Montserrat at the ECCB Monetary Council meeting in Dominica on July 10, where Governor Timothy N.J. Antoine presents the “From Stability to Resilience” report and updates the “Big Push” agenda, including CAPSS and fast payments. Currency Milestone: The ECCB is also marking 50 years of the EC dollar’s fixed exchange rate to the US dollar, and the July 9 handover ceremony in Dominica will feature the unveiling of new EC banknotes and coins. Healthcare Exchange: Montserrat’s CMO Dr Sharra Greenaway-Duberry and Parliamentary Secretary Crenston Buffonge are visiting St. Helena to swap ideas on community health, emergency services, mental health, and vaping prevention. Land Registry Clarification: The Land Registry says misinformation is circulating about the Crown Title Act and unclaimed land, stressing registered private land won’t automatically become Crown land after December 31, 2030. Football Rebuild: Montserrat Football Association momentum continues with the island’s first official referee training course (July 3–5) and ongoing grassroots rebuilding after FIFA’s normalisation push. Tourism Push: Montserrat Tourism Authority reports strong SMART 2026 participation, with 35 business meetings and expanded regional trade links.

ECCB & Regional Finance: ECCB Governor Timothy N.J. Antoine will present the “From Stability to Resilience” report at the 113th Monetary Council meeting in Dominica today, with focus on the ECCU’s monetary and credit conditions plus the “Big Push Agenda” (human capital, food and nutrition, energy resilience, digital transformation, financial inclusion, tourism, and trade logistics). Currency Milestone: The ECCB is also marking 50 years of the EC dollar’s fixed US peg at EC$2.70 to US$1, and the next phase is about using that stability for “transformation and shared prosperity,” alongside updates on payment systems like CAPSS and fast payments. CARICOM Governance Dispute: Trinidad and Tobago PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar is pressing for CARICOM Secretary-General Dr Carla Barnett’s reappointment to be referred to the CCJ for an advisory opinion, arguing procedural and constitutional flaws and calling for interim steps. Tourism Partnerships: Montserrat is expanding its tourism reach after SMART 2026, where the island’s delegation held 35 business meetings with regional and international partners. Regional Sports: St. Kitts and Nevis won the OECS Athletics Championships with 180 points, edging Antigua and Barbuda (171); Montserrat finished with 11 points. Human Rights Watch: A London court hearing could decide a final appeal on Trinidad and Tobago’s colonial-era “buggery” law, with potential knock-on effects across the region.

Regional Politics: Trinidad and Tobago’s anti-gay “buggery law” appeal is being heard in London’s Privy Council, with a decision expected in 3–6 months—watching closely across the Caribbean as similar laws have already fallen in several islands. Local/Regional Governance: CARICOM’s leadership is in turmoil over the reappointment of Secretary-General Dr Carla Barnett, with Trinidad and Tobago’s PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar pushing the matter to the Caribbean Court of Justice. ECCB & Money: The ECCB marks 50 years of the EC dollar fixed exchange rate and hands over ECCB Monetary Council chairmanship to Dominica’s Dr Irving McIntyre on July 9, alongside the unveiling of new EC banknotes and coins. Tourism (Montserrat): Montserrat strengthens tourism partnerships after a successful SMART 2026 travel show in St Maarten, reporting more buyer and supplier participation and 35 business-to-business meetings. Aviation/Connectivity: Trans Anguilla Airways marks a major milestone with GDS integration, boosting access to regional routes including Montserrat. Health/Community: A study highlights that women and people with multiple food allergies report the poorest food-allergy quality of life. Weather: A tropical wave is bringing heavy showers and thunderstorms, followed by Saharan dust that may reduce air quality.

Court Watch: A nearly 10-year legal fight over Trinidad and Tobago’s colonial-era “buggery” laws is set for a final hearing in London on Wednesday, with judges weighing whether gay sex should be decriminalized—an outcome that could ripple across the eastern Caribbean, including Montserrat. Regional Economy: The ECCB marked 50 years of the EC dollar’s fixed exchange rate to the US dollar (EC$2.70 = US$1.00), saying the long-running peg has helped keep inflation low and supported trade and investment. CARICOM Politics: Trinidad and Tobago PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar is pushing the reappointment of CARICOM SG Dr Carla Barnett to be referred to the CCJ, arguing the process has constitutional flaws. Tourism & Connectivity: Montserrat says it boosted tourism ties at SMART 2026 in St Maarten, while Trans Anguilla Airways highlighted GDS integration to strengthen inter-island travel. Community Tourism Push: OECS tourism officials met in Saint Lucia to train member states on community-based tourism, aiming to keep more benefits in local communities. Sports: St Kitts and Nevis won the OECS/ANOCES athletics title, with Montserrat finishing last in the points standings.

CARICOM Governance Clash: Trinidad and Tobago PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar says CARICOM SG Dr Carla Barnett’s reappointment is unconstitutional and should go to the Caribbean Court of Justice for an advisory opinion, while she pushes interim steps and asks Barnett to recuse until the ruling. Regional Sport: St. Kitts and Nevis won the OECS Athletics Championships/ANOCES title at Kim Collins Stadium with 180 points, edging Antigua & Barbuda (171); Montserrat finished with 11 points. Tourism & Travel: Montserrat Tourism Authority says it’s strengthening tourism partnerships after SMART 2026 in St. Maarten, while Aman at Sea revealed Amangati’s first Caribbean season calling at Montserrat among other islands in late 2027. Local Community: Montserrat honoured six centenarians at a Brades ceremony, celebrating lives and service spanning 101 to 109 years. Weather Watch: A tropical wave is bringing heavier showers and thunderstorms, followed by Saharan dust that could affect air quality across the Caribbean. Aviation Policy: ERAA board meeting in the Canaries flagged regulatory pressure from EU261 and ReFuelEU as a risk to regional airline liquidity.

Vatican Leadership: Pope Leo XIV named Italian Sister Alessandra Smerilli as prefect of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, with Cardinal Fabio Baggio appointed pro-prefect for the Laudato si’ Higher Education Centre—another major shake-up that keeps women moving into top Vatican roles. Regional Sports: St. Kitts and Nevis won the OECS Athletics Championships/ANOCES title with 180 points, edging Antigua and Barbuda (171); Montserrat finished with 11 points. Tourism Push: Montserrat’s Tourism Authority says it’s strengthening regional links after SMART 2026 in St. Maarten, reporting 35 business meetings and wider buyer/supplier participation. Community-Based Tourism: OECS is training member states to put communities at the centre of tourism, supported by the EU’s 11th EDF RIGHT programme. Weather Watch: A tropical wave is bringing heavier showers and thunderstorms, followed by Saharan dust that could affect air quality. Local Milestone: Six Montserrat centenarians were honoured at a Brades ceremony, including Sarah Piper (109). Earthquake Update: A magnitude 3.9 quake was recorded northeast of Antigua and Barbuda; no damage reported.

Regional Sports: St. Kitts and Nevis won the OECS Athletics Championships/ANOCES title at Kim Collins Athletic Stadium, finishing on 180 points, edging Antigua and Barbuda (171). British Virgin Islands took third (130), with St. Vincent and the Grenadines (123) and Grenada (92) next; Montserrat placed seventh with 11 points. Tourism & Business: Montserrat says it’s pushing deeper tourism partnerships after a successful run at SMART 2026 in St. Maarten, where its team logged 35 business-to-business meetings with operators and travel partners. Weather Watch: A tropical wave is moving through the Eastern Caribbean with heavier showers and thunderstorms, followed by Saharan dust that could affect air quality; another wave is being monitored in the central Atlantic. Regional Development: OECS is training member states to grow community-based tourism, aiming to put local communities at the centre of tourism planning and benefits. Local Life: Six Montserrat centenarians were honoured at a special ceremony at Brades, celebrating lives spanning 101 to 109 years. Travel Note: Pakistan’s passport remains at 100th in the Henley Passport Index, with visa-free access to Montserrat listed among 11 destinations.

Tourism Push: Montserrat’s Tourism Authority says SMART 2026 paid off, with a bigger delegation and dozens of meetings lined up after the island’s successful run at the St. Maarten/St. Martin travel show. Regional Aviation: The ERAA board met in the Canary Islands with Binter hosting, as airlines warned that EU261 and ReFuelEU could raise costs and strain regional routes. Community-Based Tourism: OECS tourism officials met in Saint Lucia to help member states build community-led tourism plans, backed by the European Development Fund, aiming to keep more benefits in local hands. Local Sports: St. Kitts and Nevis announced its team for the ANOCES Athletics Championship at Kim Collins Stadium, with Montserrat listed among the participating countries. Weather Watch: A tropical wave is moving through the Eastern Caribbean, bringing heavier rain and thunderstorms, followed by Saharan dust that may affect air quality. Earthquake Update: A magnitude 3.9 quake was recorded northeast of Antigua and Barbuda; no damage reports were noted. Island Spotlight: A community spotlight profile highlights Dr. Luke Edgecombe, a Montserrat native now serving as a surgical leader in his adopted community.

Tourism & Partnerships: Montserrat’s Tourism Authority says it’s pushing deeper regional reach after SMART 2026, where the island logged 35 business-to-business meetings with tour operators and travel partners across the US, Netherlands, Spain and more. Regional Governance: Speaker Dennis Lister attended the 5th Conference of Overseas Territories Speakers and Clerks, with delegates tackling AI’s impact on parliaments, constitutional reform, and supporting effective opposition. Community Tourism Strategy: OECS officials met in Saint Lucia to train member states on community-based tourism policy, backed by the EU’s 11th EDF, aiming to keep tourism benefits inside local communities. Aviation & Regulation: The ERAA board met in the Canary Islands, warning that EU261 compensation rules and ReFuelEU fuel mandates could raise compliance costs and strain regional airline liquidity. Local Life & Service: Montserrat marked six centenarians over 100 years old at a Brades ceremony, celebrating decades of service across island life. Weather Watch: A tropical wave is moving into the Caribbean with heavier rain and thunderstorms, followed by Saharan dust that may reduce air quality. Earthquake Update: A magnitude 3.9 quake was recorded northeast of Antigua and Barbuda; no damage reported.

Weather Watch: A tropical wave moving into the Caribbean is bringing periods of heavy showers and isolated thunderstorms, with Saharan dust expected to follow and potentially reduce air quality. Tourism & Partnerships: Montserrat reaffirmed its tourism push after SMART 2026, reporting 35 business meetings with regional and international partners and highlighting new ways to grow visitor interest. Regional Tourism Strategy: OECS is driving community-based tourism as a growth engine, running workshops in Saint Lucia to help member states turn local communities into the main beneficiaries of tourism. Aviation Policy: The ERAA board met in the Canary Islands to tackle regulatory pressures on regional aviation, including EU261 compensation rules and ReFuelEU fuel requirements. Local Recognition: Six Montserrat centenarians were honoured at a Brades ceremony, celebrating lives spanning 101 to 109 years. Earthquake Update: A magnitude 3.9 quake was recorded northeast of Antigua and Barbuda, with no immediate damage reported. Travel Access Note: A Henley Passport Index update places Pakistan’s passport at 100th, listing Montserrat among visa-free destinations.