AGP Executive Report

Fuel Prices Cut in Montserrat: The Office of the Premier says new lower wholesale and retail rates take effect immediately (July 11, 2026), with diesel down from EC$19.60 to EC$16.30 per gallon and retail diesel from EC$21.00 to EC$17.70; premium gasoline retail falls from EC$23.12 to EC$20.87, as government cites cost-of-living relief. ECCB Monetary Council & Banknotes: The ECCB’s 113th Monetary Council meeting (July 10, chaired by Dominica’s Finance Minister Dr Irving McIntyre) reaffirmed EC dollar stability, while new Eastern Caribbean banknote designs were unveiled on July 9, removing the Queen Elizabeth II likeness and shifting to national heroes and regional icons. Chevening Scholarships: Three Montserratians—Alverna Weekes, Denecia Furlonge, and Dr Georgette Skerritt—win Chevening 2026/27 awards for master’s study in the UK, with plans to return and support island priorities. CARICOM Reparations Push: The Caricom Reparations Commission is pressing the UK and UN with a revised manifesto that now includes British Overseas Territories, with Montserrat highlighted as a full member in the region’s wider decolonisation agenda. Regional Tax Talks: CARICOM and COTA will convene in Georgetown, Guyana (July 27–31) on “Future-Ready” tax administration, focusing on smart, data-driven and AI-enabled revenue systems. Travel Access Update: A Henley Passport Index update says Nigerians can access 44 destinations without a pre-arrival visa, including Montserrat, alongside Barbados and Seychelles. Cyber Fraud Warning: A Montserrat Bankers Association official warns of “mulling” scams using social media job offers to recruit people into fraud by routing stolen funds through their accounts.

Commonwealth Games Glasgow: The 2026 Commonwealth Games kick off July 23 and run to Aug. 2, with about 3,000 athletes from 74 nations and territories competing across 10 sports plus six integrated Para sports. Eastern Caribbean Currency Update: The ECCB has unveiled redesigned EC$ banknotes that replace Queen Elizabeth II’s image with selected national heroes from ECCU member states, with the change framed as a region-led effort to honour local nation builders. Montserrat Health Access: The Ministry of Health and Social Services is launching “Wellness in Motion,” a mobile clinic starting Aug. 7, offering free preventive screenings like blood pressure and blood sugar checks on the first and last Friday of each month. Fuel Cost Relief in Montserrat: The Government of Montserrat cut petroleum product prices effective July 11, lowering diesel and premium gasoline wholesale and retail rates to ease the cost of living. CARICOM Reparations Push: CARICOM’s Reparations Commission is pressing the UK on a revised reparations manifesto that now explicitly includes British Overseas Territories, with Montserrat named among territories still under colonial control. Cyber Fraud Warning: Montserrat residents are being warned about social media “job” offers that may recruit people into fraud schemes by using their bank accounts.

Health & Social Services: Montserrat’s Ministry of Health and Social Services is rolling out “Wellness in Motion,” a free mobile clinic starting Friday, Aug. 7, running on the first and last Friday of each month with blood pressure and blood sugar checks, health education, and access to clinicians for early detection of chronic illness. Cost of Living: The Office of the Premier says fuel prices have been cut effective July 11, with diesel wholesale down to EC$16.30 (from EC$19.60) and retail to EC$17.70 (from EC$21.00), plus premium gasoline retail reduced to EC$20.87 (from EC$23.12). Fraud & Cybersecurity: Montserrat residents are being warned about social media “mulling” scams that recruit people to launder stolen funds through their bank accounts, ahead of a National Cybersecurity and Fraud Prevention Forum. Regional Politics & Reparations: CARICOM’s Reparations Commission is pushing a revised manifesto to the UK and UN that includes Britain giving up control of overseas territories such as Montserrat, alongside reparatory justice demands. Regional Governance: CARICOM Tax Administrators are set to meet in Georgetown, Guyana (July 27–31) to discuss “smart, data-driven and AI-enabled” tax administration.

Fuel Relief in Montserrat: The Government of Montserrat cut fuel prices effective July 11, lowering diesel (wholesale EC$19.60→EC$16.30; retail EC$21.00→EC$17.70) and premium gasoline (wholesale EC$21.72→EC$19.47; retail EC$23.12→EC$20.87), as it cites cost-of-living pressure and ongoing market monitoring. CARICOM Reparations Push: The CARICOM Reparations Commission is presenting a revised manifesto to the UK and UN that now explicitly includes British Overseas Territories, with a new round of London talks and renewed calls for decolonisation alongside reparatory justice. Overseas Territories in the spotlight: Reports say the plan urges Britain to relinquish control of territories including Montserrat, alongside the British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Bermuda, Anguilla and Turks & Caicos—framing residents as “second-class inhabitants.” Regional Governance & Money: Tax administrators from across CARICOM are set to meet in Georgetown (27–31 July) on “Future-Ready” tax systems, with a focus on smart, data-driven and AI-enabled revenue administration. OECS Air Connectivity: Antigua and Barbuda PM Gaston Browne renewed calls for an OECS airline, pointing to delays and missed connections that disrupt regional travel. Cyber Fraud Warning: Montserrat Bankers Association officials warned residents about “money mule” recruitment via social media job scams ahead of a national cybersecurity and fraud forum. Tech & Online Threats: A separate report argues AI-driven browsing is shifting internet traffic away from human users, raising concerns about the sustainability of the open web.

Montserrat & Regional Governance: The Government of Montserrat cut fuel prices effective July 11, lowering diesel and gasoline wholesale and retail rates to ease the cost of living. Public Finance & Policy: CARICOM tax officials will meet in Georgetown later this month for COTA’s conference on “smart, data-driven and AI-enabled” tax administration, with a parallel tax-and-development discussion with the OECD. Reparations & Decolonisation: A CARICOM delegation in London is pushing a “Ten Point Plan” that includes Britain relinquishing overseas territories such as Montserrat, alongside reparatory justice demands. Regional Connectivity: Antigua and Barbuda PM Gaston Browne renewed calls for an OECS airline, citing hours-long delays and missed connections that disrupt regional travel. Cyber & Fraud Risk: Residents are being warned about social media “money mule” recruitment schemes tied to upcoming cybersecurity and fraud prevention efforts. People & Appointments: Montserrat appointed Paula Simone Atkinson as new CHRO, effective July 15, on a three-year contract. International Watch: The U.S. upgraded its travel advisory for Saint Lucia to “Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution” due to violent crime concerns.

Cyber & Fraud Warning: Montserrat-linked regional banking officials warn that “money mule” scams are spreading via social media job offers, where victims are lured with small deposits, then tricked into sharing bank details and forwarding funds—often without realizing it’s a crime. Fuel Cost Relief: The Government of Montserrat cut petroleum product prices effective July 11, lowering diesel and premium gasoline wholesale and retail rates to ease the cost of living. Reparations & Decolonisation Push: CARICOM leaders and reparations advocates are in London pressing Britain to give up overseas territories including Montserrat and others, framing it as part of reparatory justice. Regional Governance & Money: ECCB Monetary Council meetings in Dominica included the unveiling of new EC banknotes featuring regional icons and national heroes, while CARICOM tax administrators meet in Georgetown to plan “future-ready” digital, data-driven tax systems. OECS Connectivity: Antigua and Barbuda PM Gaston Browne renewed calls for an OECS airline, citing long delays and missed connections that disrupt regional travel. Public Service Leadership: Montserrat appointed Paula Simone Atkinson as new Chief Human Resources Officer on a three-year contract starting July 15, 2026.

Fuel Relief in Montserrat: The Government of Montserrat cut fuel prices effective July 11, lowering wholesale diesel from EC$19.60 to EC$16.30 per gallon and retail diesel from EC$21.00 to EC$17.70; premium gasoline wholesale fell from EC$21.72 to EC$19.47 and retail from EC$23.12 to EC$20.87. Regional Aviation Pressure: Antigua and Barbuda PM Gaston Browne renewed calls for an OECS airline, saying island-to-island travel is plagued by delays and cancellations that strand travellers—his own trip to CARICOM meetings reportedly involved a six-hour wait. CARICOM Reparations Push: CARICOM’s reparations delegation in London is urging Britain to relinquish overseas territories including Montserrat, alongside reparations, arguing residents are treated as “second-class inhabitants” under ongoing colonial arrangements. CARICOM Governance & Law: Veteran journalist Julian Rogers condemned CARICOM leaders’ move to refer the reappointment of Secretary-General Dr. Carla Barnett to the CCJ, calling it political evasion. CARICOM Tax Cooperation: Tax administrators are set to meet in Georgetown, Guyana (27–31 July) for COTA’s conference on “smart, data-driven and AI-enabled” tax administration. ECCB Leadership & Currency: The ECCB Monetary Council unveiled new EC$10 banknotes featuring Anguilla’s James Ronald Webster, and Dominica’s Dr. Irving McIntyre took over the council chairmanship. CARICOM Expansion: Martinique officially joined CARICOM as an associate member effective 16 June 2026. Public Service Appointment: Montserrat appointed Paula Simone Atkinson as Chief Human Resources Officer on a three-year contract effective July 15, 2026.

Fuel Relief in Montserrat: The Government of Montserrat cut fuel prices effective July 11, lowering diesel (wholesale EC$19.60→EC$16.30; retail EC$21.00→EC$17.70) and premium gasoline (wholesale EC$21.72→EC$19.47; retail EC$23.12→EC$20.87), aiming to ease the cost of living. OECS Connectivity Push: Antigua and Barbuda PM Gaston Browne renewed calls for an OECS airline, citing hours-long delays and missed connections while travelling for regional meetings. ECCB Leadership & Currency Updates: Dominica’s Dr. Irving McIntyre took over as chair of the ECCB Monetary Council, while the ECCU unveiled redesigned EC$ banknotes featuring regional icons and national heroes. CARICOM Reparations Escalate: A CARICOM delegation in London urged Britain to relinquish overseas territories—including Montserrat, BVI, Cayman Islands, Bermuda, Turks & Caicos, and Anguilla—as part of reparatory justice demands. Regional Tax Cooperation: CARICOM tax administrators meet in Georgetown, Guyana (27–31 July) to discuss “smart, data-driven and AI-enabled” tax administration. Travel Advisory Watch: The U.S. upgraded its Saint Lucia advisory to Level 2, warning visitors about violent crime and slower police response times.

Fuel Relief in Montserrat: The Government of Montserrat cut fuel prices effective July 11, lowering diesel wholesale from EC$19.60 to EC$16.30 and retail to EC$17.70, with premium gasoline wholesale down from EC$21.72 to EC$19.47 and retail to EC$20.87, as it targets cost-of-living pressure. OECS Air Connectivity Push: Antigua and Barbuda PM Gaston Browne renewed calls for an OECS airline, citing hours-long delays and missed connections during regional travel, including a six-hour wait in Barbados en route to Saint Lucia. CARICOM Reparations—Decolonisation Demand: A CARICOM delegation in London urged Britain to relinquish overseas territories tied to sovereignty, including Montserrat, as part of reparatory justice, warning residents are treated as “second-class inhabitants.” CARICOM Tax Talks in Georgetown: CARICOM’s COTA conference (27–31 July) in Guyana will focus on “smart, data-driven and AI-enabled” tax administration and revenue mobilisation. ECCB Monetary Council Updates: Eastern Caribbean leaders unveiled new EC$ banknotes and marked ECCB Monetary Council chairmanship changes, including Montserrat’s Premier Reuben Meade’s role in regional governance. Martinique Joins CARICOM: Martinique formally became the seventh associate member effective 16 June 2026, expanding participation in CARICOM meetings. Regional Travel Safety: The US upgraded its Saint Lucia advisory to “Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution,” citing violent crime risks in tourist areas. Montserrat HR Appointment: Montserrat named Paula Simone Atkinson as Chief Human Resources Officer on a three-year contract effective July 15, 2026.

Fuel Relief in Montserrat: The Government of Montserrat cut fuel prices effective July 11, lowering wholesale diesel from EC$19.60 to EC$16.30 per gallon and retail diesel from EC$21.00 to EC$17.70; premium gasoline wholesale fell from EC$21.72 to EC$19.47 and retail from EC$23.12 to EC$20.87. OECS Airline Push: Antigua and Barbuda PM Gaston Browne renewed calls for an OECS airline, pointing to hours-long delays and cancellations that strand travellers across the region, including during CARICOM travel. CARICOM Reparations, Bigger Than Money: A CARICOM delegation in London is pressing Britain to relinquish overseas territories tied to sovereignty claims—explicitly including Montserrat—alongside reparations, as part of a “decolonisation” agenda. CARICOM Integration Step: Martinique officially joined CARICOM as an associate member, boosting associate membership to eight while keeping the 15 member states unchanged. Regional Governance & Appointments: Montserrat appointed Paula Simone Atkinson as Chief Human Resources Officer on a three-year contract from July 15, 2026. ECCB Money Matters: The ECCB unveiled redesigned Eastern Caribbean banknotes featuring regional and national icons, including a new EC$10 note honouring Anguilla’s James Ronald Webster and Montserrat’s Henry Bramble.

Fuel Relief in Montserrat: The Government of Montserrat cut fuel prices effective July 11, lowering diesel (wholesale EC$19.60→EC$16.30; retail EC$21.00→EC$17.70) and premium gasoline (wholesale EC$21.72→EC$19.47; retail EC$23.12→EC$20.87), aiming to ease the cost of living. CARICOM Reparations Push: A CARICOM delegation in London is pressing Britain to decolonise as part of reparatory justice, including giving up territories such as Montserrat, BVI, Anguilla, Cayman Islands, Bermuda and Turks & Caicos, while also calling for King Charles to back the demand. Regional Integration Update: Martinique officially joined CARICOM as an associate member effective 16 June 2026, boosting ties between French- and English-speaking Caribbean islands. OECS Connectivity: Antigua and Barbuda PM Gaston Browne renewed calls for an OECS airline, citing hours-long delays and missed meetings caused by unreliable regional flights. ECCB Leadership & Currency: ECCB Monetary Council chairmanship shifted to Dominica’s Dr. Irving McIntyre, and redesigned EC banknotes were unveiled featuring regional icons and national heroes. CARICOM Tax Agenda: Tax administrators are set to meet in Georgetown, Guyana (27–31 July) to discuss “smart, data-driven and AI-enabled” revenue administration.

Fuel Relief in Montserrat: The Government of Montserrat cut fuel prices effective July 11, lowering diesel (wholesale EC$19.60→EC$16.30; retail EC$21.00→EC$17.70) and premium gasoline (wholesale EC$21.72→EC$19.47; retail EC$23.12→EC$20.87), as it cites easing the cost of living. CARICOM Reparations Push: A CARICOM delegation in London is urging Britain to relinquish overseas territories—including Montserrat, BVI, Anguilla, Cayman, Bermuda and Turks & Caicos—alongside reparations, framing it as “decolonisation” and “reparatory justice.” OECS Airline Pressure: Antigua and Barbuda PM Gaston Browne renewed calls for an OECS airline, pointing to daily delays and missed connections that strand regional travellers. ECCB Monetary Council & EC Banknotes: ECCB Monetary Council chair Dr. Irving McIntyre took over in Dominica, while the ECCB unveiled redesigned EC banknotes replacing Queen Elizabeth II with regional heroes (including Montserrat’s Henry Bramble on the EC$10). Regional Policy Watch: CARICOM tax administrators meet in Guyana later this month to discuss “smart, data-driven and AI-enabled” revenue systems.

CARICOM Tax & Development: CARICOM tax administrators are set to meet in Georgetown, Guyana (27–31 July) for COTA’s 27th General Assembly and Technical Conference, focused on “future-ready” revenue systems using smarter data, analytics and AI, with a high-level regional tax-and-development dialogue alongside OECD partners. Decolonisation Push: A CARICOM delegation in London is pressing Britain to relinquish control of overseas territories—including Montserrat, the British Virgin Islands, Turks and Caicos, Anguilla, the Cayman Islands and Bermuda—as part of a reparations “decolonisation” manifesto, arguing residents are treated as “second-class inhabitants.” OECS Connectivity: Antigua and Barbuda PM Gaston Browne renewed calls for an OECS airline, pointing to repeated delays and cancellations that strand travellers, including his own six-hour Barbados airport wait en route to a CARICOM meeting. ECCB Banknotes: The ECCB unveiled redesigned EC banknotes in Dominica, replacing Queen Elizabeth II with regional heroes and nation builders; Montserrat’s William Henry Bramble is featured on the EC$10, with the new series rolling out from late 2027. Montserrat Public Service: Montserrat appointed Paula Simone Atkinson as Chief Human Resources Officer on a three-year contract effective 15 July 2026. Fuel Subsidy Warning: Premier Reuben Meade urged careful balancing of fuel subsidies amid higher oil prices, stressing limited fiscal space and targeted support over broad subsidies.

OECS Connectivity Push: Antigua and Barbuda Premier Gaston Browne renewed calls for an OECS airline, blaming “perpetual” delays and cancellations for stranding regional travellers—his own trip to a CARICOM meeting reportedly turned a one-hour connection into a six-hour wait. Regional Currency & Identity: The ECCB unveiled redesigned EC banknotes replacing Queen Elizabeth II with regional heroes and icons; Montserrat’s William Henry Bramble is set for the EC$10 note, alongside other national figures across the ECCU, with circulation expected from late 2027. Reparations & Decolonisation Drive: CARICOM’s reparations delegation in the UK is pressing for Britain to relinquish control of six overseas territories—including Montserrat—and to back decolonisation as part of reparatory justice for slavery and colonial legacies. Montserrat Governance: Montserrat appointed Paula Simone Atkinson as Chief Human Resources Officer on a three-year contract effective July 15, aiming to modernise and strengthen the public service. Travel Advisory Watch: The US upgraded its travel advisory for Saint Lucia to “Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution” citing violent crime risks and slower police response times.

Caribbean Reparations Push: CARICOM’s Reparations Commission is urging Britain to relinquish control of six overseas territories—including Montserrat—as part of a broader “decolonisation” and reparatory justice demand, with the manifesto arguing residents are still treated as “second-class inhabitants” and calling for negotiations with the UK. Regional Connectivity Pressure: Antigua and Barbuda PM Gaston Browne renewed calls for an OECS airline, pointing to daily flight delays and cancellations that strand travellers, including his own multi-hour disruptions en route to CARICOM meetings. ECCB Currency Identity Shift: The Eastern Caribbean Central Bank unveiled redesigned EC banknotes replacing Queen Elizabeth II with regional heroes; Montserrat’s William Henry Bramble will appear on the EC$10 note (alongside Anguilla’s James Ronald Webster), with circulation expected to begin in late 2027. Montserrat Public Service: Montserrat appointed Paula Simone Atkinson as Chief Human Resources Officer on a three-year contract effective July 15, 2026, aiming to modernise and strengthen the public service. CARICOM Governance Tension: Veteran journalist Julian Rogers criticised CARICOM leaders for referring the reappointment of Secretary-General Dr. Carla Barnett to the CCJ, calling it political evasion.

Caribbean Reparations Push: A CARICOM delegation in the UK is demanding Britain return overseas territories—including Montserrat—and back decolonisation, with reparations framed as “moral, ethical and legal” justice; leaders say the Caribbean remains “the most colonised part of the world” and want a framework for negotiations. Fuel Subsidy Pressure: Premier Reuben Meade says governments must be cautious with fuel subsidies as US-Iran tensions lift oil prices, arguing Montserrat’s targeted support is constrained by limited fiscal space and heavy UK funding. OECS Airline Call: Antigua and Barbuda PM Gaston Browne renewed the push for an OECS airline, blaming chronic delays and cancellations for stranding regional travellers and disrupting official travel. ECCB Banknotes Update: The ECCB unveiled redesigned EC banknotes replacing Queen Elizabeth II’s portrait with regional heroes, including Montserrat’s William Henry Bramble on the EC$10 note, with circulation expected from late 2027. Regional Governance: CARICOM leaders met in Saint Lucia (5–8 July) under chair Philip J. Pierre, with Montserrat’s Premier Reuben Meade attending. Montserrat HR Appointment: Montserrat named Paula Simone Atkinson as Chief Human Resources Officer on a three-year contract effective July 15, 2026.