AGP Executive Report

Sea Turtle Protection: A social media offer to sell turtle meat for EC$10 a pound has drawn more than 50 reports to the St. Kitts Sea Turtle Monitoring Network. Rescue attempts were unsuccessful, renewing calls to strengthen wildlife protections and address animal-welfare concerns. Recycling in Nevis: The Nevis Solid Waste Management Authority is preparing to ship its fourth container of baled plastics to the Dominican Republic, as officials urge residents to keep recycling. Sargassum Response: Two specialised workboats and offshore barriers are being added to the Federation’s efforts to intercept seaweed before it reaches beaches; local operators have received training to use and maintain the equipment. Climate Resilience: Acting Prime Minister Geoffrey Hanley says small islands’ vulnerability to storms and other shocks must count when international lenders assess access to financing. Sustainable Island Agenda: Government officials report progress on water access and renewable-energy projects, including geothermal development in Nevis and a planned solar-and-battery project in East Basseterre. Disaster Readiness: NEMA has completed training with local agencies on assembling and operating two donated 40-bed field hospitals, one designated for each island.

Recycling: Nevis is preparing to send its fourth container of recyclable plastics to the Dominican Republic. Officials say the programme is reducing landfill waste and urge residents to keep participating. Climate Resilience: Acting Prime Minister Geoffrey Hanley says small islands’ vulnerability to storms and other shocks must count in financing decisions. The Federation is also pursuing a 61% renewable-energy target by 2035, with geothermal development in Nevis and a solar-and-battery project planned for East Basseterre. Coastal Protection: Two specialised workboats and offshore barriers are being brought into service to intercept sargassum before it reaches beaches. Local crews have received training to operate and maintain the equipment.

Recycling: Nevis is preparing to ship its fourth 40-foot container of recyclable plastics to the Dominican Republic. Health Minister Jahnel Nisbett urged residents to keep taking part in a programme that reduces waste. Sargassum Response: St. Kitts and Nevis has commissioned two specialised workboats and trained local crews to collect seaweed offshore, aiming to limit beach and coastal impacts during seasonal influxes. Climate and Energy: Acting Prime Minister Geoffrey Hanley says small islands’ vulnerability to storms and other shocks should count in decisions on affordable financing. He also cited plans for 61% renewable energy by 2035, including geothermal development in Nevis and a solar-and-battery project in East Basseterre. Circular Food Systems: A retiring FAO Caribbean coordinator is urging the region to cut poultry-feed imports by 30% within five years, using black soldier fly larvae to turn organic waste into animal feed.

Recycling: Nevis is preparing to ship its fourth container of baled plastics to the Dominican Republic, as the Solid Waste Management Authority says the programme is reducing landfill waste and giving materials a second life. Sargassum Response: St. Kitts and Nevis has commissioned two specialised workboats and trained local operators to intercept recurring seaweed influxes offshore, helping protect beaches and marine environments. Climate and Energy: Acting Prime Minister Geoffrey Hanley says small-island vulnerability must count in access to climate finance. The government also reports progress on a 30-megawatt geothermal project in Nevis and a 50-megawatt solar-and-storage project in East Basseterre, supporting its 61% renewable-energy target by 2035. Food and Waste: A regional proposal to cut poultry-feed imports by 30% in five years would use black soldier fly larvae to turn organic waste into animal feed, reducing reliance on imports.

Climate Finance: Acting Prime Minister Geoffrey Hanley says small islands should qualify for affordable financing based on their exposure to storms and other shocks—not income per capita alone. He says St. Kitts and Nevis is seeking international support for its 61% renewable-energy target by 2035. Sustainable Island Agenda: Hanley reports that about 75% of households now have round-the-clock water access. Projects underway include 30 megawatts of geothermal power in Nevis and a 50-megawatt solar and battery project in East Basseterre. Sargassum Response: Two specialised workboats and offshore barriers are being prepared to intercept seaweed before it reaches beaches. Local operators have received training to run and maintain the equipment. Food Security: A retiring FAO Caribbean coordinator is urging the region to cut poultry-feed imports by 30% within five years by turning organic waste into animal feed using black soldier fly larvae.

Climate Finance: Acting Prime Minister Geoffrey Hanley says small islands’ vulnerability to hurricanes and other shocks must count in decisions on affordable financing—not just income per capita. He and Sustainable Development Minister Joyelle Clarke say international partnerships are also needed to meet the Federation’s 61% renewable-energy target by 2035. Island Resilience: Hanley says the Sustainable Island State Agenda is moving into action: about 75% of households now have round-the-clock water access, while geothermal development in Nevis and a solar-and-battery project in East Basseterre are advancing. Coastal Protection: Two specialised workboats and offshore barriers are being brought into service to intercept sargassum before it reaches beaches. Local operators have received training to run and maintain the equipment. Food and Farming: A retiring FAO regional coordinator is urging Caribbean countries to cut poultry-feed imports by 30% in five years, using black soldier fly larvae to turn organic waste into animal feed.

Sustainable Agriculture: Retiring FAO Caribbean coordinator Renata Clarke is urging the region to cut poultry-feed imports by 30% in five years by using black soldier fly larvae to turn organic waste into animal feed. Sargassum Response: St. Kitts and Nevis has commissioned two specialised workboats and trained local operators to collect seaweed offshore, aiming to protect beaches, marine habitats and tourism. Whale Conservation: St. Kitts and Nevis co-sponsored a proposal to discuss the “sustainable use” of whales, which critics said could reopen the door to commercial whaling; it was withdrawn. The Federation also voted against a proposed South Atlantic whale sanctuary. Renewable Energy: The EU has offered expertise and potential financial support for Nevis’s geothermal project, which could also benefit the wider region. Fisheries: Two St. Kitts fishers joined an Eastern Caribbean exchange in Belize to learn about lobster processing, fisheries management and seafood trade. Marine Environment: St. Kitts earned 11 Scuba Diving Readers’ Choice honours, including for reef health and marine life—recognition that highlights the value of protecting its underwater habitats.

Marine Environment: St. Kitts earned 11 Scuba Diving Readers’ Choice honours, including Best Overall and recognition for reef health. Whale Conservation: At the International Whaling Commission, a proposal to reopen discussion of commercial whaling was withdrawn. St. Kitts and Nevis had co-sponsored it and voted against a South Atlantic whale sanctuary, which failed to pass. Sustainable Fishing: A World Food Day fishing trip gave people with disabilities a chance to connect with the marine environment while highlighting healthy ecosystems, sustainable fishing and food security. Clean Energy: The EU has signalled willingness to provide expertise and potential funding for Nevis’s geothermal project, which could also benefit the wider region. Fisheries: St. Kitts fishers joined an Eastern Caribbean exchange in Belize to learn about lobster management, processing and trade. Community Health: Cayon’s reopened community centre underwent repairs addressing water intrusion and mold-affected materials.

Black Sea Shipping Risk: Drones attacked two merchant vessels in Bulgaria’s EEZ, sinking the Togo-flagged ALFA WATAN and forcing evacuation of the Palau-flagged ABLE after a fire; 18 crew were rescued and search efforts continue, highlighting growing threats to civilian shipping near EU/NATO waters. Caribbean Peace & Security: Barbados PM Mia Mottley urged the Caribbean to stay a zone of peace at the UN, backing renewed Haiti gang-suppression force deployment as insecurity blocks recovery. Marine & Food Inclusion: St. Kitts & Nevis marked World Food Day with a disability-inclusive fishing trip, linking healthy marine ecosystems, sustainable fishing, and food security. Nevis Geothermal Push: The EU signaled readiness to partner with Nevis on geothermal, offering technical expertise and possible financial support with regional knock-on benefits. Whale Protection Setback: A South Atlantic whale sanctuary bid failed again at the IWC, with St. Kitts and Nevis among countries voting against, as climate and biodiversity pressures mount. Local Community Renewal: Cayon’s Community Centre and Post Office reopened after nearly five years, with repairs addressing structural, environmental, and mold-related issues.

Caribbean security and climate pressure: Barbados PM Mia Mottley urged the region to stay a “zone of peace,” backing Haiti’s Gang Suppression Force while warning that insecurity is still blocking political progress and economic recovery. Regional justice training: St. Kitts and Nevis is among 10 Caribbean countries set to receive EU-backed training to strengthen safer custody, rehabilitation, and reintegration across correctional, probation, and parole services. Marine protection and pollution risk: St. Kitts and Nevis’ marine reputation got a boost as the island won 11 categories in the 2027 Scuba Diving Readers’ Choice Awards, including “Health of Marine Environment.” Sargassum response upgrade: The Federation is strengthening its sargassum readiness with two new DESMI workboats, delivered under a UNDP/Japan-funded project, with operator training included. Energy transition: Nevis is moving toward geothermal development with EU signals of technical support and potential financial backing. Wildlife policy setback: A South Atlantic whale sanctuary bid failed again at the IWC, with St. Kitts and Nevis among countries voting against. Food and inclusion at sea: World Food Day activities included a fishing excursion for persons with disabilities, linking marine ecosystems, sustainable fishing, and food security.

Marine Rescue & Shipping Safety: A major multinational rescue is underway in the Black Sea after drones struck two commercial vessels in Bulgaria’s waters, leaving two dead and 11 rescued, with crews evacuated and authorities warning about the vulnerability of busy shipping lanes. Sargassum Response: St. Kitts and Nevis is boosting its fight against sargassum by acquiring two specialised DESMI workboats, with training to improve monitoring and safe deployment to protect coastal communities and marine ecosystems. Protected Agriculture: A UN FAO mission wrapped up in St. Kitts and Nevis, supporting farmers with training in nutrient management and integrated crop management under protected cultivation to strengthen climate resilience and food security. Energy Transition: The EU signaled readiness to partner with Nevis on its geothermal project, offering technical expertise and potential financial support with regional impact in mind. Wildlife Protection: St. Kitts and Nevis was among countries voting against a South Atlantic whale sanctuary bid at the IWC, where the proposal again fell short of the required threshold. Marine Inclusion & Food Systems: World Food Day activities included a fishing excursion bringing together persons with disabilities to highlight inclusion and the link between healthy marine ecosystems, sustainable fishing, and food security.

Marine Protection & Tourism: St. Kitts earned 11 top honours in the 2027 Scuba Diving Readers’ Choice Awards, including Best Overall, with readers praising wrecks, walls, big animals, underwater photography, and—most notably—the “health of marine environment.” Sargassum Response: St. Kitts and Nevis boosted its sargassum readiness by acquiring two specialised DESMI workboats under a UNDP-led, Japan-funded project, with commissioning and operator training to help protect coastal communities and marine ecosystems. Clean Energy Push: The EU signaled it’s ready to partner with Nevis on its geothermal project, offering technical expertise and possible financial support after talks with Nevis officials. Agriculture Resilience: A FAO technical mission wrapped up work to strengthen protected agriculture and climate resilience, including training on nutrient management and integrated crop management. Fisheries & Trade: Eastern Caribbean fishers, including St. Kitts and Nevis representatives, visited Belize to learn about lobster industry practices and fisheries management with an eye on expanding regional seafood trade. Community Infrastructure: The Cayon Community Centre and Post Office reopened after nearly five years, with repairs addressing structural, environmental and operational issues like water intrusion and mold-affected materials.

Marine Pollution Watch: The U.S. Coast Guard says it intercepted a “dark fleet” fuel run toward Cuba, finding large quantities of fuel in ballast tanks—an accident risk for Caribbean coasts, fisheries, and marine ecosystems. Whale Protection: At IWC70, a South Atlantic whale sanctuary bid failed again, with St. Kitts and Nevis among countries voting against—raising pressure as climate change and biodiversity loss intensify. Clean Energy Push: The EU signaled it’s ready to partner with Nevis on geothermal, offering expertise and possible financial support after talks with Nevis officials. Sargassum Response: St. Kitts and Nevis received two specialised DESMI workboats to strengthen national capacity to monitor and respond to sargassum influxes, supporting coastal livelihoods and ecosystem health. Climate & Resilience Voices: St. Kitts and Nevis’ Acting PM Geoffrey Hanley told the UN that small islands can’t keep adapting as the climate crisis deepens, calling for fair financing and climate justice. Reef Tourism Spotlight: St. Kitts earned 11 honours in the 2027 Scuba Diving Readers’ Choice Awards, including Best Overall, with recognition for reef health and marine life.

Climate Justice at UNGA: Acting PM Dr. Geoffrey Hanley warned that Small Island Developing States can’t keep adapting as the climate crisis intensifies, calling for real climate action and fair financing. Geothermal Push for Nevis: The EU signaled it’s ready to partner on Nevis’ geothermal project, with technical support and possible funding discussed in meetings that stress regional benefits. Marine Protection & Pollution Risk: The U.S. Coast Guard says it intercepted a vessel carrying fuel toward Cuba, citing “dark fleet” tactics and warning that unsafe ballast-tank fuel storage raises spill and pollution threats to Caribbean coasts and marine ecosystems. Whale Sanctuary Setback: A South Atlantic whale sanctuary bid failed again at the International Whaling Commission, with St. Kitts and Nevis among countries voting against. Sargassum Response Upgrade: St. Kitts and Nevis received two specialized DESMI workboats to strengthen national capacity to monitor and respond to sargassum influxes, supported by UNDP and Japan. Protected Agriculture Training: A FAO mission wrapped up technical support to boost protected cultivation, nutrient management, and climate resilience for farmers. Community Facility Reopens: The renovated Cayon Community Centre and Post Office reopened after structural, environmental, and operational fixes, including mold removal and water-intrusion repairs.

Marine Pollution Watch: The U.S. Coast Guard says it has intercepted vessels allegedly shipping fuel to Cuba using “dark fleet” tactics, warning that fuel stored in ballast tanks can spill and threaten Caribbean coasts, fisheries, and marine ecosystems. Biodiversity & Conservation: A South Atlantic whale sanctuary bid failed again at the IWC, with St. Kitts and Nevis among countries voting against, as whale protection faces pressure amid climate, biodiversity loss, and pollution. Clean Energy Push: The EU signaled it’s ready to partner with Nevis on its geothermal project, offering technical expertise and possible financial support after talks with Nevis officials. Sargassum Response: St. Kitts and Nevis received two specialized DESMI workboats to strengthen national capacity to monitor and respond to sargassum influxes, supporting coastal livelihoods and marine ecosystem protection. Climate Resilience in Agriculture: A FAO technical mission wrapped up work to strengthen protected agriculture and climate resilience, training farmers and technical staff in nutrient management and integrated crop management. Local Environment & Health: Cayon Community Centre and Post Office reopened after renovations tackling structural, water intrusion, air-quality, and mold-affected materials. Marine Economy Link: Eastern Caribbean fishers visited Belize to learn from its lobster industry and fisheries management, aiming to expand seafood trade.

Marine Conservation & Tourism: St. Kitts was voted “Best Overall” and won 11 category honours in the 2027 Scuba Diving Readers’ Choice Awards, with readers praising wrecks, walls, big animals, macro life, underwater photography, value, beginners—and especially the “health of [the] marine environment.” Sargassum Response: The Federation boosted its sargassum readiness with two newly delivered DESMI workboats, funded through a UNDP-led, Japan-supported project, plus commissioning and operator training to help protect coastal communities and marine ecosystems. Clean Energy Push (Nevis): The EU signaled it’s ready to partner on Nevis geothermal—offering technical expertise and possible financial support after talks with Nevis Island Administration, citing regional benefits if power can be shared. Fisheries & Trade: Eastern Caribbean fishers from St. Kitts and Nevis visited Belize to learn lobster industry and fisheries management practices, aiming to expand seafood trade across the region. Ocean Wildlife Policy: A South Atlantic whale sanctuary bid failed again at the IWC, with St. Kitts and Nevis among countries voting against the measure. Pollution Risk Watch: The U.S. Coast Guard reported stopping a fuel shipment to Cuba, warning that “dark fleet” tactics and fuel stored in ballast tanks raise serious oil-spill risks for Caribbean coasts and marine life.