AGP Executive Report

Agriculture Push: Prime Minister Godwin Friday launched a three-year Agricultural Productivity Recovery and Young Farmers Training Project at Orange Hill, saying the government has “staked” its mission on reviving SVG farming after Hurricane Beryl and rising input costs; the plan targets 75 young farmers and aims to lift output by 10%, with Taiwan support. Trade Modernization: Government rolled out VSWIFT, a Vincy Single Window for Trade platform built with UNCTAD to streamline licenses, permits and trade documents across 19 departments. Climate Tech Upgrade: VEEP handed over a new climate-controlled greenhouse at Orange Hill (over EC$1 million) to boost production and accelerate advanced ag tech. Tourism Momentum: Sandals says its Beaches 2.0 expansion will keep St. Vincent’s Beaches resort on track for a later opening (timeline now pointing to around 2030), while LOVE SVG prepares 100 priority tourism projects for May–October. Local Culture & Business: Hairoun Beer crowned three “Crown De Hero” winners (EC$30,000 total), and the CED hosted an agro-processing forum to map growth constraints and opportunities.

UN Climate Push: A UN General Assembly resolution backing Vanuatu’s push for the ICJ’s landmark climate ruling passed overwhelmingly, reinforcing that emissions cuts are a legal obligation for states—an issue Vanuatu says is existential for low-lying islands. Tourism Upgrade: St. Vincent and the Grenadines is rolling out “LOVE SVG” from May to October 2026, targeting 100 priority projects to improve sites, services, and community-linked tourism ahead of the 2026/27 season. Agri Modernization: Government and Taiwan launched a US$3.1m “Agricultural Productivity Recovery and Young Farmers’ Training Project” to restore output after Hurricane Beryl and train 75 young farmers with smarter, water-saving methods. Crypto Access: NOW Wallet added built-in perpetual futures and prediction markets, bringing perps and probability trading directly into the app. Water Stress: Drought conditions are forcing water rationing as river yields drop, with CWSA implementing temporary interruptions in some communities.

Crypto Access Boost: NOW Wallet added direct in-app access to perpetual futures and prediction markets, linking users to major perps and prediction platforms without leaving the wallet. Health & Diplomacy: Taiwan’s Arnos Vale Acute Care Hospital (AVACH) is moving ahead, with the ambassador framing it as a long-running SVG–ROC partnership focused on people-centred development. Agriculture Push: Government and Taiwan launched the Agricultural Productivity Recovery and Young Farmers’ Training Project (US$3.1m), targeting modern, water-saving farming and training 75 young farmers after Hurricane Beryl impacts. Tourism Upgrade Plan: SVG rolled out “LOVE SVG,” a May–October campaign to deliver 100 priority tourism projects and improve visitor services ahead of the 2026/27 season. Tourism Timing Hit: Beaches St. Vincent Beaches Resort is delayed, now pointing to construction around 2030 as part of the wider “Beaches 2.0” rollout. Trade Modernization: Vincy Single Window for Trade (VSWIFT) is set to streamline licenses, permits and certificates across government agencies.

Health Infrastructure: Taiwan’s ambassador says the Arnos Vale Acute Care Hospital (AVACH) is taking shape at the old E.T. Joshua Airport runway, promising expanded acute and allied health services and less need for patients to travel. Agriculture & Youth Jobs: The Government and Taiwan launched a US$3.1m Agricultural Productivity Recovery and Young Farmers Training Project, targeting 75 young farmers with smart tech, water-saving methods, and business training after Hurricane Beryl damage. Tourism Push: St. Vincent and the Grenadines rolled out “LOVE SVG,” a May–October campaign built around 100 priority projects to upgrade sites, services, and community-based tourism ahead of the 2026/27 season. Tourism Timing: Beaches St. Vincent’s resort is now slated to open around 2030 as part of Sandals/Beaches “Beaches 2.0” sequential rollout. Trade Modernization: Government introduced VSWIFT, a single window for trade licenses, permits, and certificates to speed cross-border processing.

Agriculture Modernization: St. Vincent and the Grenadines has kicked off a US$3.1m Young Farmers Training Project with Taiwan, aiming to rebuild after Hurricane Beryl damage through smart tech, water-saving methods, and hands-on business training for 75 young farmers. Diplomacy & Food Security: Taiwan’s ambassador backed the move, calling farming a cornerstone for food security and sustainable development. Trade & Digital Services: The government also rolled out Vincy Single Window for Trade (VSWIFT) to streamline licenses, permits, and certificates across agencies and cut cross-border processing delays. Tourism Push: The “LOVE SVG” campaign starts May–October with 100 priority projects to upgrade sites, visitor services, and community-based tourism—while the Tourism Authority signals more air access and carrier partnerships. Regional Finance: IFC is set to invest US$10m into a CARICOM resilience fund managed by Sygnus, targeting sustainability projects across member states.

Agriculture Recovery Kickoff: St. Vincent and the Grenadines is set to launch today the Agricultural Productivity Recovery and Young Farmers’ Training Project, a three-year push led by the Ministry of Agriculture with the Taiwan Technical Mission to restore output after Hurricane Beryl, tackle youth unemployment, and refresh an aging farming workforce. Tourism Upgrade Drive: The country also keeps momentum on tourism with “LOVE SVG,” a May-to-October 2026 campaign built around 100 priority projects—upgrading sites, transport/access, hospitality services, and community-based tourism so benefits reach everyday Vincentians. Diaspora to Investment: In Toronto, Foreign Affairs Minister Dwight Fitzgerald Bramble urged Vincentians abroad to shift from “barrels to businesses,” turning remittances into longer-term investment for generational wealth. Trade Modernization: On the business side, SVG launched VSWIFT, a single window for trade documents meant to speed up licenses, permits, and certificates across multiple agencies. Water Stress: Meanwhile, drought pressure continues, with health officials and CWSA rationing measures still shaping daily life.

Agriculture Recovery: St. Vincent and the Grenadines is set to officially launch today the Agricultural Productivity Recovery and Young Farmers’ Training Project, a three-year push coordinated by the Ministry of Agriculture with Taiwan Technical Mission support to restore output after Hurricane Beryl, tackle youth unemployment, and refresh an aging farm workforce. Tourism & Community: The Ministry of Tourism has rolled out “LOVE SVG,” a May–October 2026 campaign built around 100 priority projects meant to upgrade visitor experiences while keeping benefits rooted in communities. Diaspora to Investment: Foreign Affairs Minister Dwight Fitzgerald Bramble told Vincentians abroad in Toronto to shift from “barrels to businesses,” urging longer-term investment beyond remittances. Tourism Watch: In the wider region, Beaches Turks and Caicos opened its $150m Treasure Beach Village with a major celebrity-style launch—while SVG tourism eyes air access and partnerships. Water Stress: Drought pressure continues, with rationing and delivery challenges still dominating the week’s local coverage.

Tourism Push: St. Vincent and the Grenadines has launched “LOVE SVG,” a May–October 2026 people-first tourism push built around 100 priority projects across attractions, heritage, transport, hospitality, and community tourism—aimed at making tourism benefits show up in everyday life. Air Access & Growth: The Tourism Authority is also moving to expand air access and partnerships with regional and international carriers, after reporting over 120,000 stay-over arrivals last year. Trade Modernisation: The government rolled out Vincy Single Window for Trade (VSWIFT) to streamline licenses, permits, and certificates across 19 departments, cutting cross-border processing friction. Water Pressure: Drought is still biting—CWSA says southern St. Vincent will face six-hour daytime outages plus ongoing nighttime rationing, while Grenadines supply continues via alternative arrangements. Industry Spotlight: Sea moss exporters are pressing for EU re-entry after SMASVG’s EU 50th Anniversary showcase in Barbados, highlighting dried seamoss and value-added products.

Caribbean Carnival Returns: Preston’s Caribbean Carnival is back this weekend at Moor Park, with the 52nd procession starting 1pm from Moor Park Avenue and looping through Deepdale Road, Meadow Street, St Paul’s Road, Sedwick Street, North Road and Garstang Road—then a family fun day at the park from 1:15pm with live performances, food stalls, kids’ activities and a bar, supported by Arts Council England. Tourism Push: The SVG Tourism Authority is moving to expand air access and partnerships with regional and international carriers, while the Ministry of Tourism rolls out “LOVE SVG” (May–October) to upgrade 100 priority tourism projects. Water Crisis: Drought is tightening again, with CWSA introducing daytime and nighttime rationing across southern St. Vincent and continuing water distribution in the Grenadines. Trade Modernisation: Government launched VSWIFT to streamline trade documents across agencies. Sea Moss Breakthrough: SVG seamoss farmers and exporters are advancing EU re-entry efforts after a major EU 50th anniversary showcase in Barbados.

AI Workforce Push: DeVry University says it’s rolling out its Bridge to Brilliance programme across the Caribbean, aiming to build AI literacy and practical skills in every course by end-2026 to help workers keep up as AI reshapes tourism, agriculture, healthcare and more. Tourism Air Access: SVG Tourism Authority is moving to expand air access and partnerships with regional and international carriers, citing 120,000+ stay-over arrivals last year and launching the “LOVE SVG” upgrades drive. Water Crisis Deepens: Drought is tightening fast—CWSA is adding daytime and nighttime rationing across southern St. Vincent while Grenadines water delivery continues via emergency transport. Sea Moss Breakthrough: After long EU export restrictions, the Seamoss Association says it’s now engaging EU stakeholders for re-entry, showcasing dried seamoss and value-added products at the EU’s 50th anniversary showcase. Trade Modernisation: SVG is advancing VSWIFT, a single window to streamline trade licences, permits and certificates across government agencies.

Seamoss Breakthrough: St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ Seamoss Association (SMASVG) has secured a major push at the EU’s 50th Anniversary showcase in Barbados, aiming to break long-standing barriers to re-entering the European market after more than 20 years of export restrictions. Tourism & Air Access: The Tourism Authority is also moving to expand air access and partnerships with regional and international carriers as it rolls out the “LOVE SVG” campaign, targeting 100 priority upgrades ahead of the 2026/27 season. Water Crisis Deepens: Drought is tightening again, with the Central Water and Sewerage Authority expanding rationing across southern St. Vincent and continuing emergency water delivery to the Grenadines. Trade Modernisation: On the business side, SVG has introduced VSWIFT, a single-window digital platform meant to speed up trade licenses, permits, and certificates across government agencies. Sports Funding Scrutiny: Meanwhile, a report claims sports development funds were misused for upgrades benefiting bureaucrats—fueling fresh debate on how public money is handled.

Seamoss Export Push: The Seamoss Association of St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SMASVG) just secured a major platform at the EU’s 50th Anniversary showcase in Barbados, using the event to press for re-entry into the EU market after more than 20 years of export restrictions—highlighting dried seamoss plus new value-added products while working directly with EU stakeholders to clear long-running marine export barriers. Tourism Momentum: The Tourism Authority is also moving fast on visitor growth, with plans to expand air access and deepen partnerships with regional and international carriers, as it rolls out the “LOVE SVG” campaign aimed at upgrading tourism facilities ahead of the 2026/27 season. Water Crisis Reality Check: Meanwhile, drought pressure is still biting—rationing and emergency water delivery in the Grenadines continue to dominate local coverage, with officials urging households to activate storage plans.

Tourism Push: The SVG Tourism Authority has launched the “LOVE SVG” campaign and says it will target 100 priority upgrades from May to October, while also expanding air access and partnerships with regional and international carriers after posting 120,000+ stay-over arrivals last year. Water Crisis: Drought is worsening fast: the Central Water and Sewerage Authority is moving to daytime and nighttime rationing across southern St. Vincent, and says it will keep water distribution going to the Grenadines via ferry deliveries as cisterns run dry. Trade Modernization: Invest SVG is rolling out VSWIFT, a new single-window digital platform meant to speed up trade licenses, permits and certificates by linking multiple agencies. Sports Funding Scrutiny: A report claims India’s National Sports Development Fund was diverted to upgrade facilities for bureaucrats, raising fresh questions about how sports money is used. Health Watch: SVG’s health ministry says hantavirus risk remains low locally while keeping heightened port surveillance.

Drought Pressure Hits Home: CWSA has tightened water rationing across southern St. Vincent, with large areas facing a six-hour dry period and added nighttime cuts, while the Grenadines keep relying on emergency deliveries as cisterns run low. Grenadines Water Fight: Opposition Leader Ralph Gonsalves says the Grenadines ministry is failing first-protocol leadership and accuses the government of being “flatfooted” as the crisis worsened. Tourism Push: The Tourism Authority is moving to expand air access and partnerships, as the “LOVE SVG” campaign rolls out a six-month push to upgrade visitor sites and services. Sports Fund Scrutiny: A report alleges misuse of India’s National Sports Development Fund on facilities for bureaucrats—raising fresh questions about how “athlete” money is actually spent. Local Economy Moves: Invest SVG says rules and digital tracking are replacing “closed doors” for investors, while SVG advances VSWIFT to speed trade documents. Sea Moss Recovery: After Hurricane Beryl, the SVG Conservation Fund and partners are supporting sea moss farmers, with more growers receiving help.

Tourism Push: The SVG Tourism Authority says it will expand air access and deepen partnerships with regional and international carriers, pointing to 120,000+ stay-over arrivals last year as it rolls out the “LOVE SVG” campaign. Water Crisis: Health Minister Daniel Cummings is urging discipline as drought cuts river output and forces rationing—southern St. Vincent faces daytime shutdowns while the Grenadines keep relying on emergency deliveries. Policy in Action: A National Cost of Living Task Force met for the first time, with a mandate to move from talk to practical relief for households and businesses. Tourism Meets Wildlife Rules: Tourism Minister Dr. Kishore Shallow says permission was sought for an iShowSpeed welcome team to display a live iguana during the closed season, after conservation concerns were raised. Agriculture Recovery: Sea moss farmers in the Grenadines are receiving support after Hurricane Beryl, with more producers added to the recovery push. Trade Modernization: SVG is advancing VSWIFT, a new single window for trade documents to speed up cross-border processing.

Trade Modernisation: St. Vincent and the Grenadines has launched VSWIFT, a new Vincy Single Window for Trade, to digitise and speed up cross-border licensing, permits and certificates—linking 19 departments across eight ministries with shipping agencies, customs brokers and traders, with UNCTAD support. Water Crisis: Drought is still biting hard: CWSA is rolling out alternating daytime and nighttime rationing across southern St. Vincent, while the Grenadines keep relying on sea shipments as cisterns run dry. Sports & Youth: Roxell John has been appointed Sports Coordinator, and Hairoun Beer crowned three “Crown De Hero” winners with EC$30,000 total. Food Security & Skills: The EU-funded “Cultivating Futures” school-garden project is now underway under the Zero Hunger Trust Fund, and CED is set to host an agro-processing forum to push value-added jobs. Health Watch: The Ministry says hantavirus risk in SVG remains low, with heightened port surveillance continuing.