AGP Executive Report

Hurricane recovery on Union Island: A widening gap is emerging between government claims of “compassionate” rebuilding and reports from displaced evacuees on the mainland, who describe poor conditions and sudden eviction notices even as officials say transfers to guest housing are meant to bridge an extra three months while homes are rebuilt. Food security push: Forty-five young Vincentians received certificates after completing the six-week Youth in Agriculture Science Internship Programme (YASIP), with placements across farms and agribusinesses supported by the Zero Hunger Trust Fund and SVG Conservation Fund. Public finance meets AI: PM Godwin Friday opened a regional workshop on “digital by design” for public financial management, warning against AI hype and urging technology to solve real governance problems. Transport disruption avoided: A planned minibus strike in Central Kingstown was called off after BRAGSA began road repairs in Green Hill. Agriculture for exports: CARDI is running EU-funded carrot trials on a local farm to revive SVG’s export legacy, cut the import bill, and boost rural profitability. Regulation update: SVG’s Financial Services Authority paused new virtual asset business applications as of September 2026 to strengthen oversight. Bird import ban lifted: The 15-year ban on importing birds was removed immediately, citing improved lab capacity and alignment with WOAH and WTO SPS principles. Infrastructure works: BRAGSA has started rehabilitating the Fitz Hughes Bridge to improve safety and durability.

Food Security & Youth Skills: Forty-five young Vincentians received certificates after completing the 2026 Youth in Agriculture Science Internship Programme (YASIP), with placements across 23 host organizations and a “Ten for Ten” push to spotlight top interns for the food sector. Public Finance Modernisation: PM Godwin Friday opened a regional workshop on “digital by design” for public financial management, warning against “AI hype” and urging technology to solve real governance problems, not just automate weak systems. Transport Disruption Averted: A planned minibus strike in Central Kingstown was called off after BRAGSA began road repairs in Green Hill. Agriculture Trials & Exports: CARDI is running EU-funded carrot variety trials on a Majorca Mountain farm to revive SVG’s export legacy, cut the import bill, and boost rural profitability. Animal Health Policy: SVG lifted its 15-year ban on importing birds, citing stronger lab capacity and alignment with WOAH and WTO sanitary rules. Regulation Watch: The Financial Services Authority paused new virtual asset business applications as of September 2026 to strengthen supervision. Infrastructure Works: BRAGSA began reconstruction of the Fitz Hughes Bridge to improve safety and durability for road users. Regional Health Security: SVG became the first OECS member to adopt the Regional Integrated Early Warning Surveillance System (RIEWSS) under a World Bank-backed health project. Maritime Risk: A Russian captain and bosun went on trial in Finland over alleged damage to subsea telecom cables; the ship was registered in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Public Finance & AI: Prime Minister Godwin Friday opened a week-long CARTAC/IMF workshop on “Adapting Public Financial Management for AI,” urging governments to focus on real service problems and avoid “AI hype” that just digitizes weak systems. Roads & Transport: BRAGSA moved quickly with road repairs in Green Hill, helping avert a planned minibus strike in Central Kingstown. Agriculture Exports: CARDI is running new carrot variety trials on a Majorca Mountain farm, aiming to revive SVG’s export legacy, cut the food import bill, and boost rural profitability. Animal Health & Trade: SVG lifted its 15-year ban on importing birds, citing stronger lab capacity and alignment with WOAH and WTO rules for safer, certified trade. Regulation & Digital Assets: The Financial Services Authority paused new virtual asset business applications in September 2026 to strengthen oversight while continuing to process earlier submissions. Health Security: SVG became the first OECS member to adopt CARPHA’s Regional Integrated Early Warning Surveillance System (RIEWSS), strengthening early detection ahead of major gatherings. Labor & Estates: Allegations of unpaid wages and labor violations at Canouan Estate are escalating after a Labour Department site visit. Infrastructure: BRAGSA began reconstruction of the Fitz Hughes Bridge to improve safety and durability. Culture & Industry: Vincentian music pioneer Granville Straker (Straker’s Records) died at 86, leaving a major imprint on calypso and soca production and distribution.

Birds & Animal Health Policy: St. Vincent and the Grenadines has lifted its 15-year ban on importing pet birds, citing stronger lab testing, regional cooperation, and alignment with WOAH and WTO sanitary rules. Agriculture & Rural Security: The Ministry of Agriculture says it’s stepping up action against praedial larceny, promising swift measures to bring perpetrators to justice. Digital Health Security: SVG became the first OECS member to adopt CARPHA’s Regional Integrated Early Warning Surveillance and Response System (RIEWSS), with training and port-entry surveillance upgrades timed ahead of Carnival and major events. Coastal & Marine Environment: Reports say bulldozers have moved into the South Coast Marine Conservation Area at Canash Bay, damaging mangroves and seabed habitats inside a protected zone. Blue Economy Investment: The EU is funding an EC$3.285m Bequia Fish Market rebuild under a climate-resilient “blue economy” push, with construction aimed for mid-2027. Finance & Fintech Regulation: The Financial Services Authority has paused new virtual asset business applications as of September 2026 to strengthen oversight. Youth & Coastal Resilience: Roots to Reef engaged 32 Union Island youth in seamoss farming, conservation, and value-added production training. Tourism Risk Watch: Opposition leader Ralph Gonsalves warns that any public push to renegotiate the JetBlue contract could trigger schedule cuts and hit tourism. Arts & Culture: Vincentian music pioneer Granville Straker, founder of Brooklyn’s Straker’s Records, has died at 86.

Coastal Youth & Seamoss: Roots to Reef Youth Camp 2026 on Union Island trained 32 young people in seamoss farming, coastal conservation, food safety, value-added production and entrepreneurship, linking learning to local businesses and community roles. Animal Health & Trade: St. Vincent and the Grenadines lifted its 15-year ban on importing pet birds, citing stronger lab testing, regional cooperation, and alignment with WOAH and WTO sanitary principles. Digital Health Security: SVG became the first OECS member to adopt CARPHA’s Regional Integrated Early Warning Surveillance and Response System (RIEWSS), integrating human, animal, environmental and lab data ahead of major gatherings. Agriculture Data & Support: The Ministry of Agriculture launched a National Agriculture and Fisheries Census (March–October 2026) with World Bank funding, while FAO delivered coconut training to refresh production, nursery, pest and value-chain skills. Blue Economy Fisheries Upgrade: Bequia Fish Market demolition and rebuild began with an EU-funded EC$3.2m project aimed at climate resilience and faster delivery toward mid-2027. Finance & Compliance: The FSA paused new virtual asset business applications as of September 2026 to strengthen supervision capacity. Labour Tensions: Allegations of unpaid wages and toxic workplace culture at Canouan Estate are prompting calls for a government investigation after a Labour Department site visit. Tourism Risk Warning: Opposition leader Ralph Gonsalves warned that any public push to renegotiate the JetBlue contract could trigger reduced flights and hurt hotels, taxis and visitor numbers.

Coastal Youth & Seamoss: SMASVG, funded by the SVG Conservation Fund, ran a Roots to Reef Youth Camp on Union Island with 32 young people learning seamoss farming, conservation, food safety, and value-added entrepreneurship. Animal Health & Trade: SVG lifted its 15-year ban on importing pet birds, citing stronger lab capacity, WOAH/OIE standards, and risk-based trade rules to protect poultry and the national Amazona guildingii. Digital Health Security: SVG became the first OECS member to adopt CARPHA’s Regional Integrated Early Warning Surveillance and Response System (RIEWSS), with added port surveillance tools ahead of major gatherings. Agriculture Policy & Data: The Ministry launched a National Agriculture and Fisheries Census (March–October 2026) to map sector realities, while officials also stepped up action against praedial larceny. Finance Regulation: The FSA paused new virtual asset business applications to strengthen oversight, while existing submissions continue. Blue Economy Infrastructure: EU-backed work began on rebuilding the Bequia Fish Market as a climate-resilient fisheries hub. Labor & Estates: Allegations of unpaid wages and labor violations at Canouan Estate are prompting calls for a government investigation. Tourism Risk: Opposition leader Ralph Gonsalves warned that renegotiating the JetBlue contract could shrink visitor arrivals and hit local businesses. Regional Agriculture Access: OECS urged transparent crown-land access for young farmers on terms banks can recognize as collateral.

Digital Finance Pause: SVG’s Financial Services Authority has stopped accepting new virtual asset business applications as of September 2026, saying it needs time to strengthen supervision while continuing to process submissions made before the September 1 deadline. Agriculture Crackdown: The Ministry of Agriculture says it’s stepping up action against praedial larceny, with swift measures aimed at bringing perpetrators to justice. Food & Farm Data: Work is underway on a National Agriculture and Fisheries Census (March–October 2026), funded by the World Bank, to map how the sector is actually performing across the mainland and Grenadines. Poultry Trade Update: SVG has lifted its 15-year ban on bird importation, citing improved lab capacity and alignment with international animal health standards. Health Security Upgrade: SVG became the first OECS member to adopt CARPHA’s Regional Integrated Early Warning Surveillance and Response System (RIEWSS), supported by the World Bank OECS Regional Health Project. Blue Economy Push: EU-funded work is rebuilding the Bequia Fish Market as a climate-resilient fisheries hub, with construction targeting mid-2027 opening. Tourism Risk Warning: Opposition leader Ralph Gonsalves warns that any public push to renegotiate the JetBlue contract could lead to reduced flights and hit hotels, taxis, and visitor numbers. Environment Under Fire: Reports say the island’s only mainland marine sanctuary is being damaged by development activity at Canash Bay, including clearing of mangroves inside a protected zone.

Land & Conservation: A fresh controversy is brewing over the government’s sale of about 100 acres at Chatham Bay on Union Island to AHRA LLC for EC$54 million, with critics calling it a “fire sale” and residents saying they weren’t consulted, while officials say conservation covenants and a two-year right of repurchase protect the public interest. Digital Finance Regulation: The Financial Services Authority has paused new virtual asset business applications as of September 2026, citing a need to strengthen supervision and internal oversight, while existing submissions before the September 1 deadline will still be processed. Agriculture & Food Security: The Ministry of Agriculture is rolling out a National Agriculture and Fisheries Census (March–October 2026) with World Bank funding, and it’s also stepping up the fight against praedial larceny. Animal Health & Trade: SVG has lifted its 15-year ban on bird importation, saying lab capacity and regional cooperation now make safer risk management possible. Health Security: SVG became the first OECS member to adopt CARPHA’s Regional Integrated Early Warning Surveillance and Response System (RIEWSS), with port surveillance upgrades timed ahead of Carnival and major events. Blue Economy & Fisheries: Work has begun on an EU-funded EC$3.285m Bequia Fish Market rebuild aimed at climate resilience. Tourism & Aviation: Opposition leader Ralph Gonsalves warned that any renegotiation of the JetBlue contract could trigger reduced service and hit hotels, taxis, and visitor numbers. Labor Watch: Allegations of unpaid wages and toxic work conditions at Canouan Estate are prompting calls for a government investigation after a Labour Department site visit. Culture & Industry People: Vincentian music pioneer Granville Straker, founder of Straker’s Records, died at 86, remembered for building a regional calypso and soca production and distribution network.

Digital Finance Pause: SVG’s Financial Services Authority has stopped accepting new virtual asset business applications as of September 2026, saying it needs time to strengthen oversight while continuing to process submissions already received. Coastal & Marine Protection Under Pressure: Reports say St. Vincent’s only mainland marine sanctuary at Canash Bay is being cleared and reclaimed by developers, with major mangrove destruction and seabed work inside a legally protected zone raising urgent questions for regulators and conservation groups. Agriculture Crackdown: The Ministry of Agriculture says it is stepping up action against praedial larceny, promising swift measures to bring perpetrators to justice. Food & Farm Planning: The National Agriculture and Fisheries Census is underway (March–October 2026) with World Bank funding, aiming to map sector realities across the mainland and Grenadines. Animal Health Policy Shift: SVG has lifted its 15-year bird import ban, citing improved lab capacity and alignment with international animal health standards. Health Security Upgrade: SVG became the first OECS member to adopt CARPHA’s Regional Integrated Early Warning Surveillance and Response System, rolling out ahead of Carnival and major events. Tourism & Aviation Risk: Opposition leader Ralph Gonsalves warns that any renegotiation of the JetBlue contract could shrink visitor arrivals and ripple through hotels and transport. Blue Economy Investment: EU-funded work is underway to demolish and rebuild the Bequia Fish Market as a climate-resilient fisheries hub, with a mid-2027 target. Culture & Youth Diplomacy: Taiwan’s International Youth Ambassadors marked 45 years of ties with cultural showcases and youth exchanges in Kingstown. Industry & Labor Tensions: Allegations of unpaid wages and toxic workplace practices at Canouan Estate have escalated, with the Labour Department reportedly visiting the site. Regulatory & Community Notes: SVGCC school-fees confusion is being clarified by Senator Lavern King, while youth sailing champions were decided in tight races at Calliaqua Bay.

Digital Health Security: St. Vincent and the Grenadines became the first OECS member to adopt CARPHA’s Regional Integrated Early Warning Surveillance and Response System (RIEWSS), rolling out a digital platform that links human, animal, environmental and lab data—timed for Carnival and major events. Agriculture Data & Policy: The Ministry of Agriculture is running a National Agriculture and Fisheries Census (March–October 2026) with World Bank support, aiming to map the sector’s structure and trends. Animal Health Trade Move: SVG lifted its 15-year bird import ban, citing stronger lab capacity and alignment with WOAH and WTO sanitary principles. Labour & Estates: Canouan Estate faces allegations of unpaid wages and toxic workplace culture, with the Labour Department already visiting the site. Tourism Risk: Opposition leader Ralph Gonsalves warned that any renegotiation of the JetBlue contract could shrink schedules and hit hotels, taxis and visitor numbers. Fisheries & Blue Economy: EU-funded Bequia Fish Market rebuild is underway, aiming for a climate-resilient facility and a mid-2027 opening. Regional Agriculture Access: OECS urged governments to provide crown lands to young farmers on transparent, bank-collateral-friendly terms. Youth & Sports: SVG youth sailing champions were decided in tight races at Calliaqua Bay, with rule training support from World Sailing.

Agriculture & Food Security: The Ministry of Agriculture is running a National Agriculture and Fisheries Census (March–October 2026) with World Bank funding, covering mainland and the Grenadines and aiming to map sector structure. Animal Health & Trade: SVG has lifted its 15-year bird import ban, citing stronger lab testing and regional cooperation, and aligning with WOAH and WTO sanitary principles to protect poultry and the Saint Vincent parrot. Health Security: SVG became the first OECS member to adopt CARPHA’s Regional Integrated Early Warning Surveillance and Response System (RIEWSS), with World Bank support, timed for Carnival and major sports events and including port surveillance upgrades. Fisheries & “Blue Economy”: EU-funded work has begun to demolish and rebuild the Bequia Fish Market (EC$3.285m), with Hutchinson Construction as contractor and a mid-2027 opening target. Tourism & Governance: Opposition leader Ralph Gonsalves warns that any renegotiation of the JetBlue contract could shrink schedules and hit hotels, taxis, and visitor numbers. Labour & Estates: Allegations of unpaid wages and toxic workplace culture at Canouan Estate are prompting calls for a government investigation after a Labour Department site visit. Regional Land Access: OECS urged transparent crown-land terms for young farmers, including 10-year arrangements banks can recognize as collateral. Energy Costs: Prime Minister Friday says SVG has no outstanding payments to energy product distributors under the bonus/malus gasoline and diesel system for May 1–July 31, 2026.

Agriculture & Biosecurity: St. Vincent and the Grenadines has lifted its 15-year blanket ban on bird imports, citing stronger lab testing and regional cooperation, and aligning with WOAH and WTO sanitary rules to better protect poultry, wildlife like the Saint Vincent Parrot, and animal health risks. Health Security: SVG became the first OECS member to adopt CARPHA’s Regional Integrated Early Warning Surveillance and Response System (RIEWSS), with digital early warning and port surveillance upgrades timed ahead of Carnival and major events. Labour & Estates: Allegations of unpaid wages and toxic workplace culture at Canouan Estate are escalating, with the Labour Department already visiting the site and workers pushing for a wider government investigation. Tourism & Aviation: Opposition leader Ralph Gonsalves warned that any renegotiation of the JetBlue contract could shrink schedules and hit hotels, taxis, and visitor numbers. Fisheries & Blue Economy: EU-funded work to demolish and rebuild the Bequia Fish Market is underway, positioned as a climate-resilient boost for the “blue economy.” Energy Relief & Finance: The government extended its 90-day cost-of-living relief package and reported a mid-year deficit narrowing to $57.78m, helped by a Chatham Bay land transaction. Regional Trade/Logistics: Carriers are cautious over a CAL route gap after Caribbean Airlines adjusted services, leaving a potential airlift hole to watch. Agriculture Training: FAO-backed coconut training and other farm kit support continue to target productivity and climate-smart practices for local farmers.

Agriculture & Biosecurity: SVG’s Ministry of Agriculture has lifted the 15-year ban on bird importation, citing stronger lab testing and regional cooperation, and aligning with WOAH and WTO sanitary rules to protect both poultry health and the Saint Vincent Parrot. Health Security: SVG became the first OECS member to adopt CARPHA’s Regional Integrated Early Warning Surveillance and Response System (RIEWSS), with a digital early-warning platform and port surveillance upgrades timed ahead of Carnival and major events. Fisheries & Blue Economy: EU-funded work is underway to demolish and rebuild the Bequia Fish Market (EC$3.2m), aiming for a climate-resilient waterfront facility and a mid-2027 opening. Tourism & Aviation: Opposition leader Ralph Gonsalves warned that any JetBlue contract renegotiation could shrink the airline’s schedule and hit hotels, taxis, and visitor numbers. Labour & Estates: Allegations of unpaid wages and toxic work conditions at Canouan Estate are escalating, with the Labour Department already visiting the site. Regional Agriculture Support: FAO-backed coconut training and soil-health kit support are building skills for farmers and improving climate-resilient production. Education: Senator Lavern King clarified the SVGCC school fees controversy, separating examination fee changes from other charges. Governance & Economy: The government extended its cost-of-living relief package by 90 days and reported a narrowed central government deficit, helped by a Chatham Bay land sale.

Health Security Upgrade: St. Vincent and the Grenadines became the first OECS member to adopt CARPHA’s Regional Integrated Early Warning Surveillance and Response System (RIEWSS), with training and port surveillance pilots timed ahead of Carnival and the Caribbean Premier League. Tourism Contract Warning: Opposition leader Ralph Gonsalves says the government’s plan to renegotiate the JetBlue contract could trigger schedule cuts and hit hotels, taxis, and visitor numbers. Agriculture Support: FAO launched coconut training at Orange Hill to refresh production, nursery, pest and disease management, and value-chain skills; separate FAO-backed sessions also built soursop, coconut and passion fruit know-how. Blue Economy Investment: The EU-funded Bequia Fish Market rebuild (EC$3.285m) is underway, positioned as climate-resilient infrastructure for fisheries and coastal livelihoods. Labour Tensions: Canouan Estate faces allegations of unpaid wages and labour misconduct, with the Labour Department reportedly visiting the site. Youth Sports: SVG Sailing Association crowned 2026 youth champions after tight races at Calliaqua Bay, supported by a World Sailing judge seminar. Regional Agriculture Policy: OECS urged governments to grant crown lands to farmers on transparent, bank-collateral terms.

Digital Health Security: St. Vincent and the Grenadines became the first OECS member to adopt CARPHA’s Regional Integrated Early Warning Surveillance and Response System (RIEWSS), with training and a pilot of port surveillance upgrades timed ahead of Carnival and the Caribbean Premier League. Tourism & Aviation Risk: Opposition leader Ralph Gonsalves warned that any public push to renegotiate the JetBlue contract could backfire fast, with the airline able to cut schedules and hit hotels, taxis, and visitor numbers. Fisheries/Blue Economy: The EU-funded Bequia Fish Market rebuild (EC$3.2m) is underway, framed as climate-resilient infrastructure with a Vincentian contractor and a mid-2027 opening target. Agriculture Capacity Boost: FAO launched coconut training at Orange Hill to modernize production, nursery management, pest and disease control, and value-chain practices; separate FAO-supported sessions also targeted soursop, coconut and passion fruit. Reefs & Conservation: A citizen-science lead from Bequia helped confirm young staghorn coral thriving off Battowia, offering a rare bright spot after past climate shocks. Youth Sport: SVG Sailing Association crowned 2026 youth champions across Optimist, ILCA 4 and ILCA 6 after seven tight races at Calliaqua Bay, supported by a World Sailing judge seminar. Community & Education: Government consulted Sandy Bay residents on the permanent home for the relocated secondary school under a CDB-funded school improvement project. Media Industry: Searchlight newspaper will publish its final print edition and pause digital editions on Sept. 25 after 31 years.

Hospitality Skills: Six Sandals Grande Antigua managers and supervisors completed a 16-week hospitality leadership programme, with the final phase carried out in St. Vincent and the Grenadines and covering leadership, coaching, analytics and operational problem-solving. Tourism Risk Watch: Opposition leader Ralph Gonsalves warned that any public push to renegotiate the JetBlue contract could backfire, potentially shrinking the airline’s schedule and hitting hotels, transport and visitor numbers. Health Security Upgrade: SVG became the first OECS member state to adopt the regional digital early warning system (RIEWSS), training officials and piloting port surveillance ahead of major gatherings like Carnival and the CPL. Blue Economy Investment: EU-funded Bequia Fish Market rehabilitation was launched (EC$3.2m), positioning the rebuild as climate-resilient support for fisheries and faster delivery toward mid-2027 opening. Agriculture Capacity Boost: FAO began coconut training in SVG to modernize production, nursery management, pest and disease control, and value-chain practices, alongside broader soursop/coconut/passion fruit value-chain sessions. Youth & Sports: SVG Sailing Association held youth nationals with tight finishes across Optimist, ILCA 4 and ILCA 6, plus a World Sailing judge seminar. Environment Update: Citizen-science reports led to a rare confirmation of young staghorn coral thriving off Battowia, offering hope after past reef shocks.