AGP Executive Report

Currency & Identity: The ECCB has unveiled a redesigned family of Eastern Caribbean banknotes, replacing Queen Elizabeth II with regional heroes and national icons, with Montserrat’s William Henry Bramble featured on the EC$10 note (alongside Anguilla’s James Ronald Webster). The switch follows public consultation and was unveiled during the ECCB Monetary Council meeting in Dominica, with circulation expected from late 2027. Arts & Culture: Caribbean Literature Day spotlights Montserratian authors and new reads, while art reviews highlight exhibitions including Veronica Ryan’s “The Weather Inside II” at Mount Stuart, Bute. Local Sports & Training: Montserrat Football Association momentum continues after FIFA’s normalisation push—Montserrat hosted its first official referee training course (July 3–5) with 25 trainees, including six women. Community & Health: Basil Chambers marked his 60th birthday with a men’s health fair and raised EC$5,000 for Meals on Wheels. Property Clarity: Montserrat’s Land Registry warns of misinformation about the Crown Title Act and unclaimed land rules, stressing registered private land won’t automatically become Crown land after 2030.

Local Arts: Mount Stuart’s team on Bute hosts Turner Prize winner Veronica Ryan’s “The Weather Inside II,” with quiet, material-led interventions in the neo-gothic house and grounds. Regional Culture & Identity: The ECCB unveiled redesigned EC banknotes replacing Queen Elizabeth II with Caribbean national heroes—highlighting Montserrat’s William Henry Bramble on the EC$10, alongside Anguilla’s James Ronald Webster—plus new security and durability features. Montserrat Governance (Land): The Land Registry warns that Crown Title Act rules don’t mean privately owned land automatically becomes Crown land after 2030, urging written claims only for truly unclaimed parcels from the 1978–82 adjudication. Montserrat Football: FIFA’s normalisation push is showing momentum: grassroots Under-14 work is restarting, and the island hosted its first official referee training course with Concacaf support. Regional Politics: Veteran journalist Julian Rogers condemns CARICOM leaders’ move to refer CARICOM Secretary-General Carla Barnett’s reappointment to the CCJ, calling it political evasion. Caribbean Literature Day: Seven years of Caribbean Literature Day spotlights Montserratian authors and fresh reads for the island’s book lovers.

Regional Governance: Veteran Caribbean journalist Julian Rogers says CARICOM leaders’ move to refer Secretary-General Dr. Carla Barnett’s reappointment to the CCJ is “political evasion,” arguing it sidesteps the contract notice framework. Currency & Identity: The ECCB unveiled redesigned EC banknotes replacing Queen Elizabeth II with regional heroes—highlighting Montserrat’s William Henry Bramble on the EC$10—plus a roadmap for rollout beginning late 2027. Montserrat Football: FIFA’s Normalisation Committee is credited with rebuilding momentum: Montserrat hosted its first official referee training course (July 3–5) and the MFA continues grassroots work through youth programmes. Local Land Clarity: Montserrat’s Land Registry warns that the Crown Title Act does not mean privately owned land automatically becomes Crown land after 2030, urging written claims for any unclaimed parcels. Arts & Culture: Caribbean Literature Day spotlights Montserratian authors, while Spain’s religious tourism study points to major sacred sites—including the Monastery of Montserrat—as a fast-growing travel draw.

Caribbean Literature Day: Montserrat’s small-but-mighty literary scene is in the spotlight, with book picks including Lyandra Hobson’s Own It! and Yvonne Weekes’ poetry collection Living Stone, plus faith and memoir titles by Montserratian authors. Regional Currency & Identity: The Eastern Caribbean Central Bank unveiled a redesigned EC banknote family that replaces Queen Elizabeth II’s portrait with regional heroes—most notably Montserrat’s William Henry Bramble on the EC$10 note—rolling out from late 2027. Montserrat Football Rebuild: FIFA’s Normalisation Committee work is translating into real momentum, including the island’s first official referee training course (with 25 trainees, including six women) and renewed focus on youth football through the Under-14 programme. Local Land Clarity: The Land Registry moved to correct misinformation about the Crown Title Act, stressing it doesn’t automatically take away ownership of registered private land. Community Health & Giving: Radio veteran Basil Chambers marked his 60th with a men’s health fair and raised EC$5,000 for Meals on Wheels.

Caribbean Literature Day: Montserrat’s writers take centre stage today, with book picks spotlighting Lyandra Hobson’s Own It!, Yvonne Weekes’ Living Stone, and Ann Marie Dewar’s faith-led stories. CARICOM Politics: A major diplomatic flashpoint is unfolding around CARICOM Secretary-General Dr Carla Barnett’s reappointment, with Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar pushing for a Caribbean Court of Justice advisory opinion. ECCB Banknotes: The Eastern Caribbean Central Bank has unveiled a new EC dollar banknote family that replaces Queen Elizabeth II with regional heroes—most notably Montserrat’s William Henry Bramble on the EC$10—rolling out from late 2027. Montserrat Football: Montserrat’s football rebuild continues, with the MFA hosting the island’s first official referee training course in partnership with Concacaf, building a formal pathway for match officials. Local Land Clarity: The Land Registry is correcting misinformation about the Crown Title Act, stressing that registered private land won’t automatically become Crown land after 2030.

CARICOM Diplomacy: Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar is pushing for a Caribbean Court of Justice advisory opinion over the reappointment of CARICOM Secretary-General Dr Carla Barnett, arguing the process breaches the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas and calling for interim steps while the matter is reviewed. Regional Currency & Identity: The Eastern Caribbean Central Bank unveiled redesigned EC banknotes that replace Queen Elizabeth II’s portrait with Caribbean national heroes and icons, including Montserrat’s William Henry Bramble on the EC$10 note; the new family is set to roll out starting late 2027. Rights in the Courts: Trinidad and Tobago’s gay sex decriminalisation case is set for a final hearing in England, with potential precedent for the wider region. Montserrat Football: FIFA’s Normalisation Committee work continues to rebuild Montserrat Football Association momentum, including the island’s first official referee training course and renewed grassroots focus. Local Land Clarity: Montserrat’s Land Registry warns against misinformation about the Crown Title Act, stressing registered private land won’t automatically become Crown land after 2030. Community Health: Veteran broadcaster Basil Chambers marked his 60th birthday with a men’s health fair and Meals on Wheels fundraising.

Montserrat Football: FIFA’s Normalisation Committee is keeping momentum on the island’s rebuild, including the first official referee training course (July 3–5) with 25 trainees—six women—and a clear pathway for officiating. ECCB Banknotes: The Eastern Caribbean Central Bank has unveiled a new EC$ banknote family replacing Queen Elizabeth II with regional heroes, including Montserrat’s William Henry Bramble on the EC$10, with rollout planned from late 2027. ECCB Monetary Council: Montserrat’s Premier Reuben Meade will represent the island at the 113th ECCB Monetary Council in Dominica, where Governor Timothy N.J. Antoine reports on “stability to resilience” and the “Big Push” agenda. Land Registry Clarification: Montserrat’s Land Registry is correcting misinformation about the Crown Title Act, stressing it does not automatically transfer already-registered private land to the Crown after 2030. CARICOM Leadership: CARICOM’s 51st Heads of Government meeting in Saint Lucia (July 5–8) brings Montserrat’s Premier Reuben Meade into regional talks. Arts & Culture: A cruise-shore-excursion guide highlights how travellers are seeking more immersive, active, local experiences—cycling, hiking, kayaking and more.

Banknotes & Identity: The ECCB has unveiled a redesigned family of EC dollar notes, replacing Queen Elizabeth II with regional heroes—Montserrat’s William Henry Bramble will appear on the EC$10 note (with Anguilla’s James Ronald Webster), as the currency union moves toward a full rollout starting late 2027. Regional Governance: CARICOM leaders met in Saint Lucia, with Montserrat’s Premier Reuben Meade among attendees, while a separate dispute over CARICOM Secretary-General Carla Barnett is set to be pushed to the CCJ by Trinidad and Tobago’s PM. Montserrat Football: Montserrat’s MFA is rebuilding momentum after FIFA’s normalisation push—hosting the island’s first official referee training course (with 25 trainees, including six women) and restarting youth focus through an Under-14 programme. Local Land Clarity: The Land Registry issued a notice to correct misinformation about the Crown Title Act, stressing registered private land won’t automatically become Crown land after 2030. Arts & Culture: Montserrat’s name also shows up beyond the island—Bramble’s portrait is part of the new ECCB banknote story, while regional arts coverage highlights community exhibitions and creative events.

Eastern Caribbean Currency: The ECCB has unveiled a redesigned set of EC banknotes that replace Queen Elizabeth II’s portrait with regional heroes and nation builders, unveiled during the 113th Monetary Council meeting in Dominica. Montserrat Spotlight: Montserrat’s William Henry Bramble is featured on the new EC$10 note alongside Anguilla’s James Ronald Webster. Regional Line-Up: The EC$100 pairs Nobel economist Sir William Arthur Lewis with Sir John Compton; the EC$50 features Sir K. Dwight Venner with Sir Robert Llewellyn Bradshaw; the EC$20 shows Sir Vere Cornwall Bird Sr with Dame Mary Eugenia Charles; and the EC$5 honours Robert Milton Cato with Sir Kirani James. Local Governance & Land: The Montserrat Land Registry issued a July 6 clarification on the Crown Title Act, stressing that registered private land won’t automatically become Crown land after Dec 31, 2030. Football Rebuild: Montserrat Football Association progress continues with the island’s first official referee training course (July 3–5), and ongoing grassroots momentum as the FIFA-appointed Normalisation Committee works to restore confidence and youth development.

Eastern Caribbean Currency: The ECCB unveiled a new family of EC banknotes featuring regional heroes, including Montserrat’s William Henry Bramble on the EC$10 note, alongside leaders from across the Currency Union, unveiled during the Monetary Council ceremony in Dominica. Regional Finance: Premier Reuben T. Meade will represent Montserrat at the ECCB’s 113th Monetary Council meeting in Dominica, where Governor Timothy N.J. Antoine presents “From Stability to Resilience” and updates the “Big Push” agenda, including faster regional payments. Montserrat Football: FIFA’s Normalisation Committee is six months in and the Montserrat Football Association is rebuilding momentum—restarting the Under-14 programme and hosting the island’s first official referee training course with Concacaf support. Local Governance: The Land Registry issued a July 6 clarification on the Crown Title Act, stressing that registered private land won’t automatically become Crown land after 2030, and urging written claims for any unclaimed parcels. Tourism & Community: Montserrat Tourism Authority reps returned from SMART 2026 with new business meetings to expand visitor reach, while MOPPA UK’s “Wisdom Groove” brings music and gentle movement for senior citizens at its Family Fun Day.

Community Health & Giving: 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, offering free screenings including prostate checks and PSA testing. Local Football Rebuild: Six months after FIFA placed the Montserrat Football Association under a Normalisation Committee, the MFA is shifting from administration to action—restarting the Under-14 programme and pushing youth development. Refereeing Pathway: The island’s first official referee training course ran July 3–5 at the MFA Blakes Complex with Concacaf support, training 25 aspiring referees (including six women) and creating a formal officiating pathway. Land Registry Clarity: The Land Registry issued a notice to correct confusion over the Crown Title Act, stressing it only applies to specific unclaimed land from the 1978–1982 adjudication—not already registered private land. ECCB Regional Finance: Premier Reuben T. Meade will represent Montserrat at the ECCB Monetary Council in Dominica, where the “Big Push” agenda and the ECCU’s monetary priorities will be discussed. Tourism Push: Montserrat’s Tourism Authority reported strong SMART 2026 participation, with 35 business meetings and expanded regional trade connections.

Eastern Caribbean Currency Union: 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 next priorities under the “Big Push” agenda, including tourism, digital transformation, financial inclusion, and the CAPSS and fast payment initiatives. EC Dollar Milestone: The ECCB is also marking 50 years since the EC dollar’s fixed rate to the US dollar was set at EC$2.70 to US$1.00—crediting decades of low inflation and confidence, with the next 50 years framed as transformation through shared prosperity. Montserrat Tourism & Community: Montserrat strengthened regional tourism ties at SMART 2026 in St Maarten, while OECS is pushing community-based tourism as a growth engine, supported by EU funding and aimed at putting local communities at the centre of benefits. Arts & Wellbeing: MOPPA UK announced “Wisdom Groove” for senior citizens at its Family Fun Day, pairing music and gentle movement with support from Bank of Montserrat.

Tourism & Community: Montserrat Tourism Authority reps returned from SMART 2026 in St Maarten with 35 business-to-business meetings, pushing new partnerships to widen visitor reach. Community-Based Tourism: OECS is also doubling down on people-led travel, running a June workshop in Saint Lucia to help member states turn community-based tourism into real policy and income for locals. Arts & Wellbeing: MOPPA UK launched “Wisdom Groove” for senior citizens at its MOPPA UK Family Fun Day—music, gentle movement, and social connection, backed by Bank of Montserrat. Sports Spotlight: St Kitts and Nevis won the 2026 ANOCES Athletic Championship; Montserrat finished with 11 points among the competing teams. Church & Culture: Pope Leo XIV made major Vatican appointments, naming Italian Sister Alessandra Smerilli as prefect for integral human development and adding Cardinal Fabio Baggio as pro-prefect. Local Craft Feature: Uranium Heritage Days drew families to Elliot Lake for clay pin workshops, upcycled coasters, and a mock rescue mission for kids.

Tourism & Community: Montserrat Tourism Authority reps returned from SMART 2026 in St Maarten with 35 business-to-business meetings, aiming to widen the island’s reach and strengthen partnerships. Arts & Wellbeing: MOPPA UK’s “Wisdom Groove” brings live DJ music, gentle movement, and social connection for senior citizens at its Family Fun Day, backed by Bank of Montserrat and delivered with Moving Waves. Regional Culture & Travel: OECS is pushing community-based tourism as a growth engine, training member states to turn local culture, heritage, and creative enterprise into real income. Church & Leadership: Pope Leo XIV appointed Italian nun Sister Alessandra Smerilli as prefect for the Vatican’s integral human development work, alongside Cardinal Fabio Baggio as pro-prefect, continuing Francis-era moves to elevate women in top roles. Sports Spotlight: St Kitts and Nevis won ANOCES’ 2026 Athletic Championship, with Montserrat finishing 11th. Local Arts Moment: Uranium Heritage Days drew families to crafts and hands-on activities, including clay pin workshops and a youth “mock rescue mission” themed around protecting Montserrat from hazards.

CARICOM Governance Clash: Trinidad and Tobago PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar is pushing CARICOM to refer Secretary-General Dr Carla Barnett’s reappointment to the Caribbean Court of Justice, calling the process unconstitutional and urging interim steps while the court weighs in. Montserrat in Regional Sports: St. Kitts and Nevis won the 2026 ANOCES Athletic Championship, with Montserrat finishing 11th among the competing teams. Montserrat Tourism Push: Montserrat strengthened tourism partnerships at SMART 2026 in St. Maarten, with a local delegation landing dozens of business meetings to widen reach. OECS Community Tourism: OECS is training member states on community-based tourism, aiming to put local communities at the centre of tourism growth and benefits. Montserrat Elders Celebrated: Six Montserrat centenarians were honoured at a Brades Arts and Education Centre ceremony, spotlighting long lives and community legacy. Arts & Culture (UK): MOPPA UK’s “Wisdom Groove” brings music, gentle movement, and social connection for senior citizens at its Family Fun Day. Church Leadership (Global): Pope Leo XIV appointed Sister Alessandra Smerilli to lead a Vatican department on integral human development, alongside major curial reshuffles.

Vatican Appointments: Pope Leo XIV made a major curial shake-up, naming Italian Sister Alessandra Smerilli as prefect of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, with Cardinal Fabio Baggio as pro-prefect—continuing a push to put more women in top Vatican leadership roles. Montserrat Tourism: The Montserrat Tourism Authority says it’s doubling down after SMART 2026 in St. Maarten, reporting 35 business meetings and new regional connections to expand the island’s tourism reach. Community Wellbeing: MOPPA UK launched “Wisdom Groove” for senior citizens at its MOPPA UK Family Fun Day, pairing music and gentle movement with support from Bank of Montserrat Ltd. Regional Tourism Strategy: OECS is training member states to grow community-based tourism, aiming to keep tourism benefits and income inside local communities. Arts & Culture: CASA CUPRA Raval announced the Raval Music Sessions in Barcelona, spotlighting Maria Arnal and Erik Urano. Sports Spotlight: St. Kitts and Nevis won the 2026 ANOCES Athletic Championship, with Montserrat finishing 11th.