AGP Executive Report

Agriculture: SVG will mark World Food Day on Friday with a Kingstown exhibition showcasing agriculture, fisheries and value-added products, alongside cooking competitions and cultural performances. Shipping: The SVG Postal Corporation is pursuing business growth through international shipping and cross-border e-commerce, with representatives attending an EMS workshop in Switzerland. Seafood Exports: A five-year plan to strengthen seafood inspection services aims to improve safety and prepare local businesses for regional and international markets. Tourism Investment: Invest SVG and Luxembourg’s Nativo Group have signed an MOU for a proposed US$100 million eco-resort on Mayreau, with more than 100 rooms and plans to support local jobs and suppliers. Clean Energy: A new agreement with India will advance a rooftop solar electrification project, supporting renewable energy and climate resilience. Tourism Strategy: The SVG Tourism Authority is building its marketing around culture, marine experiences, adventure and nature, with plans for 32 signature visitor experiences and greater opportunities for local businesses.

Electricity Costs: VINLEC’s monthly fuel surcharge is a statutory pass-through tied to fuel costs, not discretionary pricing, an analysis says, as household bills draw scrutiny. Renewable Energy: During India’s High Commissioner’s farewell visit, the two countries signed an MOU for a rooftop solar electrification project, advancing cooperation on clean energy and resilience. Mayreau Investment: Invest SVG and developer Nativo Group signed an MOU for a proposed US$100 million eco-resort, planned to be privately financed and built over 24 months, with jobs and business for local suppliers among its expected benefits. Tourism: SVG’s visitor growth outpaced the regional average as stayover arrivals across the Caribbean rose 1.9% in the first half of 2026. The Tourism Authority is promoting the country’s 32 islands and cays through culture, marine and adventure experiences. Seafood Exports: A five-year plan aims to strengthen inspection services and industry practices, helping SVG pursue wider regional and international markets. Economic Outlook: The World Bank projects SVG growth of 2.6% in 2026, amid a more modest recovery for tourism-dependent Caribbean economies.

Renewable Energy: India’s departing High Commissioner signed an agreement for a rooftop solar electrification project, advancing cooperation on clean energy and climate resilience. Mayreau Investment: Invest SVG and Luxembourg’s Nativo Group are advancing a proposed US$100 million eco-resort, with more than 100 rooms, private financing and plans for local jobs and business opportunities. Tourism: SVG’s new marketing strategy spotlights culture, marine experiences, adventure and nature across its 32 islands and cays. The country also recorded visitor growth above the Caribbean average as regional stayover growth slowed. Seafood Exports: A five-year plan to strengthen seafood inspections and safety aims to improve quality and help local fisheries reach regional and international markets.

Tourism Outlook: St. Vincent and the Grenadines recorded visitor growth above the Caribbean average in the first half of 2026, as regional stayover arrivals rose 1.9% and cruise visits climbed 11% to a record 21.7 million. Destination Marketing: The Tourism Authority is promoting the country’s 32 islands and cays through three pillars: Culture and Celebration, Marine Paradise, and Adventure and Nature. Seafood Exports: A five-year plan will strengthen inspection services and industry practices, helping SVG pursue wider regional and international markets. Agriculture: A World Food Day exhibition at Kingstown’s Market Square will showcase the sector and its exhibitors. Renewable Energy: India and SVG signed an agreement for a rooftop solar electrification project, advancing cooperation on clean energy and climate resilience. Mayreau Investment: Invest SVG and Luxembourg-based Nativo Group signed an MOU to advance a proposed US$100 million eco-resort, expected to create local jobs and boost demand for transport, marine services and food suppliers.

Tourism: The SVG Tourism Authority is centering its marketing on culture, marine life, adventure and nature, while reorganising its team to develop bookable experiences and expand local participation. Seafood Industry: A five-year plan aims to strengthen inspections, quality and export readiness, opening the way to wider regional and international markets. Agriculture: A National Exhibition at Kingstown’s Market Square will showcase the sector for World Food Day on Friday. Renewable Energy: India and SVG signed an agreement for a rooftop solar electrification project during High Commissioner Subhash Gupta’s farewell visit. Shipping: Waypoint Enterprises is urging Vincentians to send Christmas cargo early after last year’s seasonal congestion and delays. Tourism Investment: Invest SVG and Nativo Group have signed an MOU to advance the proposed US$100 million SOMA Mayreau eco-resort, which is expected to support local jobs and demand for transport, marine services and food suppliers.

Tourism: SVG’s new marketing framework puts its 32 islands and cays at the heart of campaigns promoting culture, marine experiences and adventure. Infrastructure: Opposition Senator Kesal Peters says stalled projects threaten jobs and growth, citing the $98 million Arnos Vale hospital and road works; her claims highlight uncertainty around major investments. Investment: Invest SVG signed an agreement to advance the proposed US$100 million SOMA Mayreau eco-resort. The privately financed project is planned to create local jobs and business for transport, marine services and food suppliers. Blue Economy: A five-year plan is being developed to strengthen seafood inspections and help local producers meet export-market requirements. Energy: Public concern over rising electricity bills is renewing calls for greater transparency about VINLEC’s fuel surcharge and finances.

Tourism: SVG’s new marketing framework puts its 32 islands and cays at the heart of campaigns promoting culture, marine experiences and nature. Infrastructure: Opposition Senator Kesal Peters says major projects, including the Arnos Vale referral hospital and road works, have stalled, and is demanding transparency on funding. Investment: Invest SVG signed an MOU for the proposed US$100 million SOMA Mayreau eco-resort. The privately financed, 100-plus-room development is expected to support local jobs and suppliers. Seafood Exports: A UBEC consultation has advanced a five-year plan to strengthen seafood safety and inspection, with a focus on export readiness and meeting European market requirements. Shipping: Waypoint Enterprises’ CEO urges Vincentians to ship Christmas cargo early, warning that peak-season congestion and vessel schedules can delay deliveries.

Tourism and Creative Industries: Junior Minister Braxton Lewis proposed turning Vincy Mas into a month-long visitor experience and building film tourism to create youth careers. Shipping: Waypoint CEO Phillon Chris Kelly urged diaspora customers to send Christmas cargo early after last year’s congestion and delays. Mayreau Investment: Invest SVG and Nativo Group signed an MOU for a proposed US$100 million, privately financed eco-resort. Construction is planned over 24 months, with local jobs, training and purchasing among its expected benefits. Energy Costs: Public concern over rising electricity bills is renewing calls for greater transparency and accountability at VINLEC. Seafood Exports: A five-year plan is being developed to strengthen inspection and safety systems, with access to European markets among the goals. Blue Economy Funding: Fisheries, marine tourism and waste-management businesses in SVG can attend an Oct. 30 launch of the final call for matching grants to support investment and competitiveness. Economic Outlook: The World Bank projects SVG growth of 2.6% in 2026 and 2027, as tourism-dependent island economies face high energy and transport costs.

Tourism: Junior Minister Braxton Lewis pitched ideas to grow cultural tourism and creative industries, including making Vincy Mas a month-long visitor experience and promoting SVG as a film destination. Shipping: Waypoint CEO Phillon Chris Kelly is urging Vincentians to ship Christmas cargo early after last year’s holiday congestion caused delays. Energy: Fresh concern over rising electricity bills has renewed calls for transparency and accountability at VINLEC, including scrutiny of its audited accounts and fuel surcharge. Investment: Invest SVG and Luxembourg-based Nativo Group signed an MOU to advance a proposed US$100 million, privately financed eco-resort on Mayreau. The 100-plus-room project is planned to support local jobs, training and demand for transport, marine services and food suppliers. Seafood and Blue Economy: A five-year plan is being developed to strengthen seafood safety, inspections and export readiness, while eligible fisheries, marine tourism and waste-management businesses have a final opportunity to seek OECS grant funding. Economic outlook: The World Bank projects SVG growth of 2.6% in 2026 and 2027, as tourism-dependent Caribbean economies face higher energy and transport costs.

Electricity Costs: VINLEC’s fuel surcharge remains under scrutiny as high diesel use pushes up bills. A new commentary calls for greater transparency and less reliance on imported fuel. Tourism Investment: Invest SVG and Luxembourg’s Nativo Group signed an MOU to advance a proposed US$100 million eco-resort on Mayreau. The privately financed project is planned to create local jobs and boost demand for transport, marine services and food suppliers. Seafood Exports: A UBEC consultation has helped shape a five-year plan to strengthen seafood inspection and quality, with the aim of improving export readiness, including for European markets. Food Industry Skills: Vincentian millers joined hands-on U.S. wheat training in Kansas focused on flour quality and mill efficiency. Blue Economy Funding: Fisheries, marine-tourism and waste-management businesses in SVG can seek final-round grants through an OECS programme, with proposals set to open October 30. Economic Outlook: The World Bank projects SVG growth of 2.6% in 2026, amid a slower recovery across tourism-dependent Caribbean economies.

Food Processing: Vincentian millers joined regional peers in Kansas for practical training in wheat processing and milling efficiency, strengthening skills relevant to local food production. Flood Recovery & Agriculture: Taiwan pledged US$100,000 in flood aid and highlighted cooperation that includes training for 75 Vincentian farmers and support for livestock production. Blue Economy: A five-year plan aims to improve seafood safety and export readiness, including access to European markets. Eligible fisheries, marine-tourism and waste-management businesses can apply for grants through a final funding call launching October 30. Tourism: Silversea’s 2028–29 programme includes a Canouan stop linked to a Carnival beach experience, offering a future opportunity for local operators. Economic Outlook: The World Bank projects 2.6% growth for SVG in 2026 and 2027, while rising fuel costs continue to pressure electricity bills.

Flood Recovery: Taiwan pledged US$100,000 to help St. Vincent and the Grenadines recover from recent flooding, adding to cooperation in agriculture, infrastructure and other sectors. Seafood Exports: A UBEC-backed five-year plan is being developed to strengthen seafood inspections, safety and quality, with access to European markets among the goals. Blue Economy Funding: Fisheries, marine-tourism and waste-management businesses in SVG can seek grants through a final OECS funding call, launching online on October 30. Tourism: Silversea’s 2028–29 schedule includes a Canouan experience tied to Carnival, bringing the island into a 103-voyage global programme. Energy Costs: VINLEC’s fuel surcharge remained near record levels in September, as heavy reliance on imported diesel continues to drive up electricity costs.

Flood Recovery: Taiwan pledged US$100,000 for communities hit by flooding, while also highlighting cooperation with SVG in agriculture, infrastructure and other sectors. Seafood Exports: A UBEC-backed consultation is shaping a five-year plan to strengthen seafood safety, inspections and export readiness, including access to European markets. Blue Economy Funding: Fisheries, marine tourism and waste-management businesses in SVG can apply for a final round of OECS matching grants to improve productivity and resilience. Tourism: Silversea’s 2028–29 programme includes a Canouan stop, creating an opportunity for local tourism operators to benefit from cruise visits. Transport Services: VincyCar has launched a digital platform for local rides and deliveries, connecting passengers and businesses with drivers. Clean Energy: Women-led SVG businesses are among those eligible for a CDB initiative offering technical and financial support to develop clean-energy products and services. Business Costs: VINLEC’s fuel surcharge remains high as diesel costs and reduced hydro generation put pressure on electricity bills.

Cruise Tourism: Silversea’s 2028–29 season includes a Canouan experience, among 103 voyages across 56 countries. Separately, SVG expects cruise calls to rise from about 250 to more than 350 next season, creating opportunities for local tour operators, vendors and restaurants. Digital Mobility: VincyCar has launched a platform for local rides, deliveries and business connections, offering drivers another way to earn. Clean Energy: A Caribbean Development Bank initiative will support women-led businesses in SVG and seven other countries to develop clean-energy products and services. Electricity Costs: VINLEC’s fuel surcharge reached EC$0.79 per kWh in September, as heavy reliance on imported diesel continues to drive up bills. Agriculture and Fisheries: Minister Conroy Huggins represented SVG at Caribbean Agriculture Week in Jamaica, where discussions focused on food security, agribusiness, climate-smart technology and export growth.

Digital Mobility: VincyCar has launched a transport and delivery app in SVG, aiming to connect riders with local drivers and create new earning opportunities. Cruise Tourism: SVG expects cruise calls to rise from about 250 to more than 350 this season, bringing potential business for tour operators, vendors and restaurants. Silversea’s 2028–29 plans also feature a Canouan shore experience. Energy Costs: VINLEC expects to spend EC$100 million on fuel this year, with fuel accounting for about 76% of its costs; the surcharge has remained above its previous record for four months. Clean Energy: A Caribbean Development Bank programme will offer support to women-led businesses, including in SVG, to develop and commercialise clean-energy solutions. Agriculture and Fisheries: Fisheries Minister Conroy Huggins represented SVG at Caribbean Week of Agriculture in Jamaica, where regional discussions focused on food security, agribusiness, climate-smart technology and exports.

Tourism & Cruise: SVG expects cruise calls to rise from about 250 to more than 350 this season, with eight new ships bringing potential business for tour operators, vendors and restaurants. Silversea’s 2028–29 programme also includes a Canouan visit. Digital Services: VincyCar has launched a platform for local rides and deliveries, offering another way for drivers and businesses to reach customers. Clean Energy: A CDB facility will provide technical and financial support to women-led businesses in SVG and seven other Caribbean countries developing clean-energy solutions. Connectivity: EllaLink’s proposed submarine cable route includes SVG, but financing and partner commitments are still needed; service is targeted for 2029. Energy & Agriculture: VINLEC expects fuel costs to reach EC$100 million this year, keeping pressure on electricity bills. At Caribbean Week of Agriculture, SVG joined regional food security and fisheries discussions, while Saint Vincent Girls’ High School won a youth agriculture competition.