AGP Executive Report

Telecoms Skills: Twenty-three Vincentians have completed the country’s first outside-plant fibre-optics technician programme, building practical skills for the telecommunications industry. Cruise Investment: Government plans to sign a deal with Global Ports Holding on Monday, paving the way for a 30-year concession and up to EC$250 million in phased investment to upgrade Kingstown’s cruise terminal and grow local business opportunities. Energy Costs: From Monday, gasoline falls to EC$17.29 a gallon, while diesel prices rise slightly; the government is maintaining its 50% excise-tax cut and electricity subsidies as fuel costs strain households and businesses. Investment Pipeline: Invest SVG is reviewing 13 proposals worth a combined US$442.9 million across tourism, aviation, marine infrastructure, housing and environmental management. Business Support: MSMEs have until today to register for a regional programme offering help with digital tools and e-commerce. Cannabis Industry: CannaBiz SVG runs October 29–31, bringing businesses, cultivators and partners together for trade discussions, an exhibition and industry sessions.

Airport Services: Government awarded Argyle International Airport’s cleaning work through three contracts, including one to a company owned by Deputy Prime Minister St. Clair Leacock and others to the two main public-sector unions, replacing the airport-wide contract held since 2017. Small Business: Saturday was the deadline for local MSMEs to register for a regional programme offering support with digital tools and e-commerce. Energy Costs: October’s VINLEC fuel surcharge rose to 86.71 cents per kWh, despite a record EC$798,591 government subsidy. From Monday, gasoline falls EC$1.02 to EC$17.29 a gallon, while diesel and low-sulfur diesel rise. Public Projects: EC$170.6 million of EC$177.7 million in Saudi Fund development loans remains unspent, prompting the Prime Minister to demand faster execution. Cruise Tourism: SVG is set to sign a 30-year agreement with Global Ports Holding on Monday, with up to EC$250 million in phased investment planned for port upgrades. Investment Pipeline: Invest SVG is reviewing 13 proposals worth a combined US$442.9 million across tourism, aviation, marine infrastructure, housing and environmental management. Quality Standards: The Bureau of Standards marked 25 years of work in testing, consumer protection and national quality infrastructure.

MSME Support: Today is the deadline for Vincentian small businesses to register for a regional programme offering digital skills and e-commerce support. Energy Costs: From Monday, gasoline falls EC$1.02 to EC$17.29 a gallon, while diesel prices edge up. VINLEC’s October surcharge reaches 86.71 cents per kWh despite a record EC$798,591 government subsidy; relief since May totals EC$3.9 million. Public Investment: EC$170.6 million of EC$177.7 million in Saudi development loans remains unspent, with just EC$3.39 million drawn. Separately, Invest SVG is assessing 13 proposals worth US$442.9 million across tourism, aviation, marine infrastructure, housing and environmental management. Cruise Tourism: Government plans to sign a 30-year Global Ports Holding agreement on Monday, with up to EC$250 million in phased investment to upgrade Kingstown’s cruise terminal and grow local benefits. Agriculture: CannaBiz SVG runs October 29–31, bringing businesses and cultivators together to discuss partnerships, trade and opportunities in the cannabis sector.

Investment Pipeline: Invest SVG is evaluating 13 proposals worth a combined US$442.9 million across tourism, aviation, marine infrastructure, housing and environmental management. Two are at advanced stages, but none has reached final completion. Energy Costs: From Monday, gasoline falls $1.02 to $17.29 per gallon, while diesel prices rise slightly. VINLEC’s October fuel surcharge is 86.71 cents per kWh despite a record $798,591 subsidy. Cruise Tourism: SVG is set to sign a 30-year deal with Global Ports Holding, with up to EC$250 million in phased investment planned for Kingstown’s cruise terminal and wider cruise operations. Cannabis Industry: CannaBiz SVG runs October 29–31, bringing industry discussions, networking and an exhibition focused on partnerships, trade and opportunities for local businesses and cultivators. Standards and Food Security: The Bureau of Standards marked 25 years of work in quality, testing and consumer protection, while Agriculture officials called for policies that treat food security as a national priority. Regional Investment: SVG joined a US-Caribbean dialogue linked to a US$340 million regional funding package targeting energy, ports, digital infrastructure and other areas; no specific allocation for SVG was announced.

Tourism Investment: St. Vincent and the Grenadines is set to sign a cruise-port agreement with Global Ports Holding on Monday. The proposed 30-year concession includes up to EC$250 million in phased investment to upgrade Kingstown’s terminal and bring more tourism spending to local businesses. Energy Costs: Gasoline prices at the pumps will fall from October 26, though diesel will rise slightly. Electricity costs remain under pressure: VINLEC’s October fuel surcharge is 86.71 cents per kWh, despite a record EC$798,591 subsidy. Cannabis Industry: CannaBiz SVG runs October 29–31 in Kingstown, bringing businesses, cultivators and investors together to discuss trade, regulation and partnerships. Standards and Food Security: The Bureau of Standards is marking 25 years of work in quality, testing and consumer protection. Agriculture officials are also calling for policies that treat food security as a national security priority and address land use. Regional Investment: SVG took part in US-Caribbean talks on a US$340 million regional funding package targeting areas including energy, ports and digital infrastructure; no specific allocation for SVG was announced.

Cruise Investment: SVG is set to sign a 30-year agreement with Global Ports Holding on Monday, advancing plans for up to EC$250 million in phased upgrades to Kingstown’s cruise terminal and greater opportunities for local businesses. Regional Funding: SVG joined the U.S.-Caribbean Dialogue as Washington announced more than US$340 million for regional projects in areas including energy, ports and digital infrastructure; no country-specific allocation was detailed. Energy Costs: VINLEC’s October fuel surcharge rose seven cents to 86.71 cents per kWh. A record monthly subsidy of EC$798,591 is cushioning bills, while solar expansion and battery storage are underway. Food Security: An Agriculture Ministry official called for national policies that treat food security as a security priority and address land use, amid a World Food Day showcase of local farmers, fishers and agro-processors. Standards and Resilience: The Bureau of Standards marked 25 years of work in quality, testing and consumer protection. Separately, NEMO and Global Support and Development are seeking contractors to equip pilot emergency hubs in Barrouallie and Georgetown with structural upgrades, communications and water systems. Tourism Promotion: Community College students are developing campaigns to market SVG and support local causes, linking classroom training with tourism industry practice.

Regional Investment: The United States announced a US$340 million Caribbean funding package covering energy, ports, critical minerals and digital infrastructure. St. Vincent and the Grenadines took part in the dialogue that advanced the plan. Food Security: Agriculture officials are calling for policies that treat food security as a national security priority and guide land use. Quality Standards: The Bureau of Standards marked 25 years, highlighting its expanding work in quality infrastructure, testing and consumer protection. Energy Costs: VINLEC’s October fuel surcharge rose seven cents to 86.71 cents per kWh. A US$798,591 subsidy kept it below 92 cents; the company is also expanding solar generation and building battery storage. Resilient Infrastructure: NEMO is seeking contractors to retrofit emergency operations hubs in Barrouallie and Georgetown, including structural, telecommunications and water systems. Tourism Promotion: Community College students have launched a six-week campaign to market SVG while supporting local causes.

Energy Costs: VINLEC’s October fuel surcharge rose to 86.71 cents per kWh despite a record EC$798,591 subsidy, adding pressure on households and businesses. The utility says its Lowmans Bay solar farm now generates nearly three times more solar power, while battery storage is due at Cane Hall in early 2027. Tourism: Community College students have launched a six-week campaign to market SVG and support local causes, with 44 students creating promotions for a November showcase. The Canadian GT20 cricket tournament will bring 18 matches to Arnos Vale from October 23 to November 2. Business & Resilience: Invest SVG is using a South Korea expo to promote local products, tourism and investment. Three contractor tenders seek structural, emergency communications and water upgrades at NEMO sites in Barrouallie and Georgetown. Agriculture: SVG’s World Food Day exhibition in Kingstown showcased farmers, fishers and agro-processors, with officials highlighting food security. The government is also assessing Canadian farms to expand seasonal work opportunities for Vincentians.

Energy Costs: VINLEC’s October fuel surcharge rose 7 cents to 86.71 cents per kWh, despite a record EC$798,591 subsidy. The utility says subsidies have topped EC$3.9 million since May, as it expands solar and battery storage. Tourism & Skills: Forty-four community college students are developing destination campaigns tied to local causes, while Vincentian researcher Dalano DaSouza won a regional tourism award for work on why Caribbean residents travel overseas. Resilience Contracts: NEMO and Global Support and Development are seeking contractors to upgrade emergency hubs in Barrouallie and Georgetown, including structural, telecommunications and water systems. Investment & Infrastructure: SVG joined US-Caribbean talks preceding a US$340 million regional investment package for connectivity, health and security. Separately, a new BNTF programme expects to improve road access and community infrastructure for more than 700 Vincentians. Agriculture & Trade: Farmers, fishers and agro-processors showcased local products in Kingstown for World Food Day, while an agriculture delegation visited Canadian farms to explore expanding seasonal work opportunities for Vincentians.

Regional Investment: The U.S. announced more than US$340 million for Caribbean and Central American projects, including undersea cables, healthcare and security. SVG took part in the talks, though the package is regional. Emergency Infrastructure: NEMO and Global Support and Development are seeking contractors to retrofit warehouses in Barrouallie and Georgetown as emergency hubs, with resilient buildings, communications and water systems. Tourism Research: Vincentian researcher Dalano DaSouza won the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s inaugural intelligence award for a study on why residents choose travel outside the region, highlighting costs, flights and visa access. Tourism Promotion: Canadian travel advisor Lois Barbour was named the top advisor in Canada for sending visitors to SVG. Trade and Agriculture: SVG’s participation in South Korea’s World Island Exhibition is promoting local products and investment opportunities; a Kingstown World Food Day exhibition also showcased farmers, fishers and agro-processors. Shipping: The SVG Postal Corporation is pursuing service improvements and cross-border e-commerce opportunities to support local businesses.

Emergency Readiness: NEMO and Global Support and Development are seeking civil/structural, emergency telecommunications and water contractors to retrofit pilot emergency operations centres in Barrouallie and Georgetown, including backup communications and potable water. Tourism: Canada-based travel specialist Lois Barbour has been named the country’s top advisor for St. Vincent, recognizing her work promoting the destination to Canadian visitors. Events and Investment: Arnos Vale will host 18 Canadian league cricket matches from October 23 to November 2, a tournament officials say could bring economic benefits. SVG is also showcasing local products and tourism at the World Island Exhibition in South Korea through November 4. Community Infrastructure: A $13 million Basic Needs Trust Fund programme is expected to improve roads and footpaths, benefiting more than 700 Vincentians. Agriculture: Farmers, fishers and agro-processors presented local and value-added products at Kingstown’s World Food Day exhibition.

Tourism: Lois Barbour has been named Canada’s top St. Vincent travel advisor, recognizing her work promoting the destination to Canadian travellers. Regional Travel: Vincentian researcher Dalano DaSouza shared the Caribbean Tourism Intelligence Award for a study of why residents choose overseas trips over intra-Caribbean travel, highlighting costs, flight links and visa access. Events & Visitor Spending: SVG will host 18 Canadian GT20 cricket matches at Arnos Vale from October 23 to November 2, a potential boost for tourism and local businesses. Export Promotion: SVG is showcasing local products and tourism at South Korea’s World Island Exhibition, which runs through November 4. Community Infrastructure: A new BNTF programme is expected to benefit more than 700 people through improved roads and footpaths. Agriculture: Farmers, fishers and agro-processors showcased local produce and value-added goods at Kingstown’s World Food Day exhibition. Investment: Invest SVG and Nativo Group are advancing a proposed US$100 million Mayreau resort, planned to include more than 100 accommodation units and community-focused initiatives.

Tourism Research: Vincentian economist Dalano DaSouza shared the Caribbean Tourism Intelligence Award for research on why regional travelers choose overseas destinations, highlighting the role of fares, flight links and visa access. Trade and Investment: SVG is promoting local products, tourism and investment at the World Island Exhibition in South Korea, where it is the only Caribbean participant. Sports Tourism: Arnos Vale will host 18 Canadian GT20 cricket matches from October 23 to November 2; officials say the tournament could bring an economic boost. Agriculture: Farmers, fishers and agro-processors showcased local and value-added products at Kingstown’s World Food Day exhibition. Infrastructure: A $13 million BNTF programme is expected to improve roads and footpaths for more than 700 Vincentians. Jobs and Energy: SVG is assessing Canadian farms to expand seasonal work opportunities, while a new India-SVG agreement supports rooftop solar electrification. Tourism Investment: A proposed US$100 million Mayreau resort aims to create jobs and business opportunities, with construction planned to take about two years.

Cannabis Economy: Attorney Grant Connell is urging the government to formalize the traditional cannabis trade, arguing that local growers and rural communities should benefit from the industry. Sports Tourism: St. Vincent will host 18 Canadian GT20 cricket matches at Arnos Vale from October 23 to November 2, with officials calling the tournament a major economic opportunity. Export Promotion: SVG is showcasing local producers, tourism and investment opportunities at the World Island Exhibition in South Korea, which runs until November 4. Community Infrastructure: A new $13 million BNTF programme is expected to benefit more than 700 people through road access and community upgrades. Agriculture: Farmers, fishers and agro-processors displayed local and value-added products at Kingstown’s World Food Day exhibition. Tourism Investment: Invest SVG and developer Nativo Group have signed an agreement to advance a proposed US$100 million eco-resort on Mayreau, with more than 100 accommodation units and local jobs planned.

Export and Investment: St. Vincent and the Grenadines is the only Caribbean country at the World Island Exhibition in South Korea, promoting tourism, local culture and products to international buyers and investors. Community Infrastructure: A $13 million BNTF programme is expected to benefit more than 700 people through improved roads, footpaths and community works. Agriculture and Food: Farmers, fishers and agro-processors showcased local and value-added products at Kingstown’s World Food Day exhibition, highlighting the role of food security and innovation. Farm Employment: Agriculture Minister Israel Bruce is visiting Canadian farms to assess opportunities to expand the seasonal workers programme for Vincentians. Seafood Industry: A five-year plan aims to strengthen seafood inspection and safety, helping local businesses pursue regional and international markets. Tourism Investment: Invest SVG and Luxembourg’s Nativo Group are advancing a proposed US$100 million Mayreau eco-resort, designed to create jobs and support local businesses.

Trade and Investment: St. Vincent and the Grenadines is showcasing its products and culture at the World Island Exhibition in South Korea, where Invest SVG says it hopes to build trade, tourism and investment connections for local businesses. Agriculture and Food: Farmers, fishers and agro-processors displayed local produce and value-added goods at Kingstown’s World Food Day exhibition, highlighting food security and local production. Farm Work: Agriculture Minister Israel Bruce is visiting Canadian farms to assess new employers and expand seasonal work opportunities for Vincentians. Seafood Industry: A five-year plan aims to strengthen seafood inspections and quality standards, helping local producers pursue wider markets. Shipping: SVG Post is exploring ways to grow delivery services and support businesses through cross-border e-commerce. Tourism Investment: A proposed US$100 million eco-resort on Mayreau could bring jobs and business opportunities, with construction expected to take about two years.