AGP Executive Report

Montserrat-UK Marine Conservation: Montserrat has joined the UK’s Blue Belt Programme, committing to protect at least 20% of its maritime zone and gaining marine science support alongside Anguilla, Turks and Caicos, and the Cayman Islands. Pope Leo XIV in Spain (Barcelona): Pope Leo XIV blessed the newly completed Tower of Jesus at the Sagrada Familia, now the world’s tallest church at 172.5m, with fireworks and a Mass attended by Spain’s King Felipe VI, Queen Letizia, and PM Pedro Sánchez. Faith, Peace, and Migration: In Barcelona, the Pope urged Christians not to “promote war” and called for welcoming migrants, while also visiting Montserrat and entrusting his ministry to Our Lady of Montserrat. Prison Ministry: He visited Brians 1 penitentiary, telling inmates “Every human being is worthy” and stressing that mistakes don’t define a person’s future. Security Concerns: A man was shot dead outside a Barcelona police station, the second fatal shooting in days, with the suspect still at large. Regional Governance: The Cayman Islands hosted a successful Commons and Overseas Territories Speakers’ Conference, focusing on good governance and parliamentary reform.

Montserrat & Regional Governance: Montserrat is in the spotlight through the UK’s Blue Belt Programme, with the island joining a wider push to strengthen marine conservation across UK Overseas Territories. Church & Community: Pope Leo XIV’s Spain visit is now tightly linked to Montserrat’s own spiritual identity—he prayed at the Abbey of Our Lady of Montserrat, entrusted his ministry to “La Moreneta,” and later blessed the Sagrada Família’s completed main structure and final towers, marking Gaudí’s death centenary. Faith, Peace, and Social Issues: At Montserrat and in Barcelona, the Pope urged love over hatred, called for mercy and reconciliation, and delivered a veiled critique of “promoting war” during the Sagrada Família Mass. Public Safety: Barcelona saw a deadly shooting outside a police station amid the Pope’s visit, with police saying there’s no confirmed link to the papal events. Sports & Culture: A study says faith chaplaincy is common in football, but World Cup chaplains are scarce—England’s players get support via home-based WhatsApp.

Papal Visit in Montserrat & Catalonia: Pope Leo XIV wrapped day two in Spain by praying at the Abbey of Our Lady of Montserrat, entrusting his pontificate to “La Moreneta” and thanking Catalonia for welcoming and integrating migrants into “one family,” while also praising the Benedictines for “the gift of silence.” Sagrada Família Milestone: In Barcelona, he blessed the newly completed central tower of Antoni Gaudí’s Sagrada Família, now the world’s tallest church at 172.5 metres, drawing massive crowds despite overtourism protests. Prison Outreach: Before the Montserrat service, the pope visited Brians 1 penitentiary, telling inmates “Every human being is worthy” and urging them to keep dreaming a new future. Local Crime Shock: Barcelona also saw a man shot dead outside a police station, with police launching a manhunt and saying it’s not linked to the pope’s visit. Montserrat Governance: Montserrat began a major pension reform process, aiming for a more modern, transparent, sustainable retirement system.

Local Governance: Montserrat has started a comprehensive pension reform process, with a 17-member committee reviewing the current framework and moving toward a more modern, transparent, sustainable retirement system. Marine Conservation: Montserrat officially joined the UK Blue Belt Programme on World Ocean Day, aiming to protect at least 20% of its maritime zone and strengthen marine protected areas and fisheries management. Tourism & Services: Scriber’s Adventures launched online booking for Montserrat guided tours, letting visitors choose dates and pay securely before arrival. Disaster Preparedness: With hurricane season in focus, residents are being urged to plan for power outages and communication gaps—charging options, battery radios, and offline document copies. Environment & Wildlife: Turtle nesting season is underway; MAPS is asking people to reduce noise and light on beaches at night to avoid disturbing nesting turtles. Regional Health & Sport: CARICOM’s 19th Road Run/Walk in Saint Lucia (July 5) will feature elite and open events tied to the CARICOM Chairman’s Cup. International Spotlight: Pope Leo XIV’s Spain trip continues with a Barcelona focus—Catalan language, the Sagrada Família tower blessing, and a major stadium event on mental health and hope.

Montserrat Tourism: Scriber’s Adventures has launched online booking for Montserrat guided tours, letting visitors pick dates and pay securely before arrival—another push to make stayover and cruise trips smoother. Marine Conservation: Montserrat has officially joined the UK Blue Belt Programme, committing to protect at least 20% of its maritime zone and using new science and support to expand Marine Protected Areas and strengthen fisheries rules. Wildlife Protection: Turtle nesting season is underway, with residents and visitors urged to keep noise and lights low so hawksbill and green turtles can lay eggs safely. Disaster Readiness: With hurricane season starting, officials are reminding households that modern tech can fail during outages—so power banks, radios, and offline document copies matter. Regional Governance: CARICOM’s 19th Road Run/Walk is set for 5 July in Saint Lucia, with elite and open events tied to CARICOM’s push to cut non-communicable disease burdens. Church & Society (Spain): Pope Leo XIV arrived in Barcelona speaking Catalan, while in Madrid he met six clergy abuse survivors—amid protests from groups saying they were left out.

Blue Belt Boost for Montserrat: Montserrat has officially joined the UK’s Blue Belt Programme on World Ocean Day, aiming to protect at least 20% of its maritime zone with help on marine protected areas, fisheries management, marine planning, and updated marine laws. Turtle Nesting Season: Residents and visitors are urged to protect endangered sea turtles as nesting runs through October, with warnings to keep noise and lights low at night so females don’t abandon nests. Hurricane Readiness: With hurricane season underway, a new look at Montserrat’s preparedness highlights how modern phone-and-power dependence can fail during outages, urging power banks, radios, and offline document backups. Volcano Watch: Scientists say the Soufrière Hills volcano remains active beneath the surface, with monitoring showing unrest despite no eruption since 2010. Local Business Support: Montserrat is seeking extra funding after fully deploying its EC$2 million MBPF soft-loan programme, which backed 39 loans across 11 sectors. Pope in Spain, with Montserrat in the spotlight: Pope Leo XIV’s Barcelona visit includes a Mass at Sagrada Família and a stop at Montserrat, while protests, security road closures, and debate over clergy abuse survivor meetings continue to swirl around the trip.

Marine Conservation: Montserrat has officially joined the UK Blue Belt Programme, committing to protect at least 20% of its maritime zone and using UK scientific support to expand marine protected areas, improve fisheries management, and modernise marine laws. Wildlife Protection: Turtle nesting season is underway, with residents urged to keep beaches quiet at night, avoid disturbing nesting females, and reduce artificial light to protect endangered hawksbill and green turtles. Disaster Readiness: A look back at Hurricane Hugo and a reminder for today: with phones and power more central than ever, households are urged to plan for outages using power banks, vehicle charging, solar options, battery radios, and offline copies of key documents. Volcano Watch: The Soufrière Hills Volcano remains active beneath the surface, with monitoring showing unrest through ground inflation, gas emissions, and seismic activity—so risk planning must stay current. Local Economy: Government is seeking fresh funding for the MBPF Soft Loan Programme after fully deploying its initial EC$2 million and approving 39 loans across 11 sectors. Regional/Global: BVI urged the UN decolonization committee to push harder on remaining territories; and Pope Leo XIV’s Spain visit is drawing huge crowds while also facing criticism over how clergy abuse victims are included.

Montserrat Resilience & Funding: Montserrat’s government is seeking fresh money after fully deploying its EC$2 million MBPF Soft Loan Programme, with 39 loans approved across 11 sectors and no defaults reported so far. Hurricane Season Watch: As the Atlantic hurricane season begins, Montserrat officials are urging residents to prepare, with a focus on keeping food supplies steady when storms disrupt shipping and raise import costs. Disaster Planning in the Region: CDEMA’s chief praised Antigua and Barbuda’s new five-year resilience framework as a roadmap for disaster risk reduction across every sector. Pope Leo XIV in Spain (Montserrat links): Pope Leo XIV drew over a million people to Mass in Madrid and urged Europe to acknowledge Christianity’s role in its public life, while the visit also includes meetings tied to clergy abuse survivors—plus complaints from victim groups about not being invited. Church Abuse Meeting: The Vatican confirmed a private meeting with abuse victims during the trip, but details are being held back until after it concludes. Caribbean Finance Angle: A new regional analysis looks at why “the cost of money” in the ECCU stays high and what that means for growth and lending decisions.

Papal Visit to Spain: Pope Leo XIV drew more than a million people to Mass in Madrid, urging Europe to acknowledge Christianity’s role in culture and calling for faith to stay in the public sphere, while also pushing messages of peace amid political polarization and a focus on migrants. Montserrat Connection: The trip includes a stop at Montserrat Monastery, keeping the island in the spotlight as the pope travels from Madrid to Barcelona and onward to the Canary Islands. Hurricane Season & Food Security: As the Atlantic season begins, Montserrat officials say the real risk is that one storm can disrupt shipping and imports, so they’re highlighting local farming efforts and broader readiness across critical services. Local Business Funding: The Montserrat Government is seeking fresh money to expand the MBPF Soft Loan Programme after nearly all of the initial EC$2 million was deployed—39 loans approved across 11 sectors with no defaults reported. Vatican Media Leadership: Maria Montserrat “Montse” Alvarado, head of EWTN News, was appointed prefect of the Vatican’s Dicastery for Communication, set to take effect Nov. 1. Sports (World Cup): Rush Sports says it’s gearing up for 2026 World Cup coverage across multiple Caribbean markets, including Montserrat.

Montserrat & Disaster Preparedness: As the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season gets underway, Montserrat officials say the island is pushing harder on food security and healthcare continuity, with more local crops in the ground and detailed plans for vulnerable residents and hospital operations during severe weather. Caribbean Economy: A new look at the “cost of money” in the ECCU argues Caribbean borrowing remains expensive, shaping growth decisions, while credit unions may offer cheaper options. Papal Visit to Spain (with Montserrat link): Pope Leo XIV has begun a June 6–12 trip to Spain that includes stops in Madrid, Barcelona, Montserrat Monastery, and the Canary Islands, with a clear focus on migrants, global conflict, and political polarization. Vatican Communications Shake-up: Maria Montserrat “Montse” Alvarado, head of EWTN News, has been appointed prefect of the Vatican’s Dicastery for Communication, starting Nov. 1—an historic first for a laywoman not in religious life. Regional Governance: The Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court has a new Chief Justice, with Her Ladyship Madam Margaret Price Findlay appointed effective April 9, 2026. Local Recognition: Dulcie James received an OBE at Windsor Castle for public and financial services and community development in Montserrat.

Vatican & Montserrat: Pope Leo XIV has arrived in Spain for a June 6–12 tour that includes stops in Madrid, Barcelona, Montserrat Monastery and the Canary Islands, with a clear focus on migration, peace over polarization, and a packed schedule of speeches and public events. Church accountability: Spain’s papal visit is also landing amid a new reparations programme for victims of Catholic clergy sexual abuse, with debate over how payouts will work and whether victims will get enforceable, transparent support. Vatican communications shake-up: Pope Leo appointed Maria Montserrat “Montse” Alvarado, president and COO of EWTN News, as prefect of the Vatican’s Dicastery for Communication—an historic first for a laywoman not in religious life. Montserrat resilience: Locally, officials are stressing hurricane readiness and food security as the Atlantic season begins, highlighting plans for healthcare continuity and more local cultivation. Regional governance: The Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court named Margaret Price Findlay as Chief Justice, effective April 9, 2026.

Pope Leo XIV’s Spain trip: Pope Leo begins a week-long visit to Spain (June 6–12), with migrants and political polarization front and center, plus major stops including Madrid, Barcelona (Sagrada Família tower), Montserrat Monastery, and the Canary Islands. Church abuse reckoning: As the visit approaches, Spain rolls out a new reparations programme for historic clergy sexual abuse cases, while victim groups push for clearer, enforceable payouts and a possible meeting with the Pope. Vatican communications shake-up: Maria Montserrat “Montse” Alvarado, head of EWTN News, is appointed prefect of the Vatican’s Dicastery for Communication, a historic first for a laywoman not in religious life. Montserrat hurricane readiness: Montserrat officials highlight food security and healthcare continuity planning for hurricane season, alongside new disaster-response tech like thermal drones and upgraded warning systems. Eastern Caribbean judiciary: The Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court names Margaret Price Findlay as Chief Justice effective April 9, 2026. Local recognition: Montserrat public servant Dulcie James receives an OBE at Windsor Castle. World Cup viewing in the region: Rush Sports promises expanded Caribbean coverage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including matches for Montserrat.

Montserrat Hurricane Readiness: As the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season gets underway, Montserrat officials say healthcare planning is already in motion—backup generators, pre-positioned medical staff, shelter checks, and support for vulnerable residents—so services can keep running during and after major storms. Local Food Security: The same push is driving a “can we feed ourselves” conversation, with more acres under cultivation and a focus on boosting local farming and fisheries to reduce reliance on imported food when shipping is disrupted. Vatican & Montserrat Links: Pope Leo XIV’s Spain trip (June 6–12) includes a stop at the Brians 1 prison and the Virgin of Montserrat Shrine, with organizers stressing missionary outreach and conversion. Church Abuse Reckoning: Ahead of the visit, Spain is rolling out a reparations program for historic clergy sexual abuse cases, while victims’ groups press for direct meetings with the Pope. Vatican Communications Shake-up: Pope Leo XIV appointed Maria Montserrat “Montse” Alvarado (EWTN News) as prefect of the Vatican Dicastery for Communication, a historic first for a laywoman not in religious life. Regional Justice: The Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court named Madam Margaret Price Findlay as its new Chief Justice, effective April 9, 2026.

World Cup Viewing for the Caribbean: Rush Sports (CPSL) says it’s building a big, hands-on World Cup 2026 broadcast experience across 13 Caribbean markets, with all 104 matches in most territories and a split deal in Jamaica (52 games on Rush Sports, the rest on TVJ). Montserrat Hurricane Readiness: Montserrat’s health system is already planning for major storms, with backup generators, pre-positioned medical staff, and plans to keep care running for vulnerable residents. Disaster Tech Boost: Emergency response is getting smarter with thermal drones, satellite-linked tools, and upgraded warning systems to speed up damage checks and help locate people after storms. Local Recognition: Dulcie James received an OBE at Windsor Castle for public and financial services and community development in Montserrat. Vatican Communications Shake-up: Pope Leo XIV appointed Maria Montserrat “Montse” Alvarado (EWTN News) as prefect of the Vatican’s Dicastery for Communication, a historic first for a laywoman not in religious life.

Vatican Reform: Pope Leo XIV has appointed Maria Montserrat “Montse” Alvarado—president and COO of EWTN News—as prefect of the Vatican’s Dicastery for Communication, a historic first for a laywoman not in religious life; she takes over on Nov. 1, replacing Paolo Ruffini. Spain Church Reckoning: Ahead of the Pope’s Spain visit, the country is pushing forward with a new reparations programme for victims of Catholic clergy sexual abuse, including cases where alleged perpetrators have died or claims are too old for prosecution. Montserrat Disaster Readiness: Montserrat is stepping up hurricane preparedness across healthcare, shelters, communications, fuel security, and public safety, with officials urging residents to stay ready even if forecasts look quieter. Disaster Tech in Action: Local response planning highlights new tools like thermal-imaging drones and expanded drone support to help assess damage and locate people after storms. Regional Governance: Bermuda has closed its public consultation on full CARICOM membership, with the next step now set for government review and a final decision through CARICOM’s Council of Ministers.

Vatican Communications Shake-Up: Pope Leo XIV has appointed Maria Montserrat “Montse” Alvarado—EWTN News president and COO—as prefect of the Vatican’s Dicastery for Communication, a first for a laywoman not in religious life; she takes over on Nov. 1, replacing Paolo Ruffini. Montserrat Disaster Readiness: As the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season begins, Montserrat’s leaders and DMCA say shelters, healthcare support, emergency communications, transport planning, fuel security, and public safety teams are already in place—and residents are urged to stay prepared year-round. Local Governance & Safety Tech: Montserrat is upgrading disaster response with drones using thermal imaging and expanded volcano observatory drone work to speed damage checks, locate people, and guide where help goes first. Regional Development: Youth Parliament leadership in Antigua and Barbuda unveiled a restructuring plan, while Bermuda wrapped public consultations on full CARICOM membership and now moves to an official position. International Watch: Spain is pushing forward with a reparations program for Catholic church sex abuse victims ahead of Pope Leo’s visit.