AGP Executive Report

Tourism & Trade: St. Vincent and the Grenadines picked up nine nominations at the 2026 World Travel Awards, including Caribbean’s Leading Green and Nature Destination, with major partners like Sandals and SVG Air also in the mix. Education & Infrastructure: Sandy Bay residents are being consulted on the permanent home and curriculum for the new Sandy Bay Secondary School under a EC$73m CDB School Improvement Project. Energy & Cost of Living: Government extended its 90-day economic relief package, keeping fuel excise/customs reductions and electricity support measures in place for households, transport operators, and agriculture. Agriculture & Food Security: FAO launched a coconut and soursop training mission in SVG, while IICA wrapped up ADOPT Caribbean soil-health support with kits for farmers. Fisheries & Coastal Resilience: Bequia’s Port Elizabeth Fish Market rehabilitation broke ground with EU funding (EC$3.2m), and conservationists report rare staghorn coral sightings off Battowia. Public Finance & Governance: Central government deficit narrowed to $57.78m for Apr–Jul 2026, helped by a Chatham Bay land sale injection. Security & Law: National Security Minister St. Clair Leacock shared takeaways from a NYPD visit as SVG looks to modernize its crime-fighting approach. Media & Community: Searchlight will end print after 31 years, while Union Island culture work earned regional CBU recognition.

Renewables Finance Push: IRENA opened a call for renewable energy project proposals across Central America and the Caribbean, including St. Vincent and the Grenadines, with potential support via its Climate Investment Platform and Energy Transition Accelerator Financing for solar, wind, hydropower, bioenergy, e-mobility and green industrialization. Tourism & Trade: St. Vincent and the Grenadines tourism scored nine World Travel Awards nominations, while the ASTA Caribbean Showcase wrapped in St. Kitts with regional ministers and travel advisors spotlighting sustainable growth. Education & Infrastructure: Sandy Bay residents were consulted on a new Sandy Bay Secondary School under a EC$73m School Improvement Project, with plans for relocation after the La Soufrière eruption. Fisheries Upgrade: Bequia’s Port Elizabeth Fish Market rehabilitation was launched and broken ground with an EU-funded EC$3.2m boost to modernize fisheries infrastructure and post-harvest capacity. Agriculture Support: FAO began a coconut and soursop training mission in SVG, and farmers received soil-health agricultural kits under the ADOPT Caribbean project. Energy Relief & Fiscal Watch: Government extended a 90-day cost-of-living relief package and reported a mid-year deficit narrowing to $57.78m, helped by a Chatham Bay land sale. Public Safety & Governance: National Security Minister St. Clair Leacock shared lessons from a NYPD visit as SVG tackles gun violence, and Housing Minister Andrew John disclosed inherited housing arrears of over $15m. Media Industry Shock: Searchlight confirmed it will end print after 31 years and pause digital editions on Sept. 25.

Energy Policy Clarity: Prime Minister Dr. Godwin Friday told Parliament the Government owes no payments to energy product distributors under the gasoline/diesel bonus-malus system for May 1–July 31, 2026. Cost-of-Living Relief: Cabinet extended SVG’s 90-day economic relief package, keeping major fuel tax reductions and electricity-generation support for Vinlech to cushion households, transport operators, and farmers. Public Finance Watch: The central government deficit narrowed to $57.78M for April–July 2026, down from $125.23M last year, helped by a $52.7M non-recurrent Chatham Bay land sale injection, though revenues fell amid customs reporting delays. Education & Community Planning: Sandy Bay residents are being consulted on the permanent home and curriculum for the new Sandy Bay Secondary School under a EC$73M CDB-funded school improvement project. Agriculture Support: FAO launched a coconut and soursop training mission (Aug 24–31) to boost production and marketing through practical capacity-building. Fisheries Investment: Bequia’s Port Elizabeth Fish Market rehabilitation broke ground with an EU-funded EC$3.2M project to modernize infrastructure and strengthen post-harvest capacity. Tourism Recognition: SVG earned nine World Travel Awards nominations, with the destination and multiple partners vying in green, nature, luxury, and resort categories. Media Industry Shift: Searchlight newspaper will publish its final print edition and pause digital editions on Sept 25 after 31 years.

Media Industry: Searchlight is set to end its 31-year print run and pause digital editions on Sept. 25, as Interactive Media Limited reviews the future of the operation. Education & Construction: Residents of Sandy Bay are being consulted on the permanent home and curriculum direction for the new Sandy Bay Secondary School under a EC$73m CDB-funded School Improvement Project. Tourism: St. Vincent and the Grenadines has earned nine World Travel Awards nominations, including Leading Green and Leading Nature destination categories, with several local hotels and SVG Air also named. Public Finance: The central government deficit narrowed sharply to $57.78m for Apr–Jul 2026, helped by a non-recurrent $52.7m Chatham Bay land sale, though current revenue fell 10.6%. Cost of Living: Cabinet has extended the 90-day economic relief package, keeping major fuel and electricity-related tax reductions in place. Security: National Security Minister St. Clair Leacock says he drew crime-fighting lessons from a NYPD briefing during a recent visit. Agriculture & Food Systems: FAO has launched a coconut and soursop training mission in SVG, while farmers receive soil-health kits through the ADOPT Caribbean project. Fisheries: Bequia’s Port Elizabeth Fish Market rehabilitation is underway with an EU-funded EC$3.2m project. Environment: Conservationists report rare staghorn coral colonies found off Battowia, offering hope for Grenadines reef recovery.

Tourism & Branding: St. Vincent and the Grenadines picked up nine nominations for the 2026 World Travel Awards, including Caribbean’s Leading Green and Nature destinations, with Mustique and major local partners (Sandals, SVG Air, and several villas/resorts) also in the mix—public voting runs until Aug. 28. Education & Infrastructure: Residents in Sandy Bay are being consulted on where the new Sandy Bay Secondary School should be permanently sited and what curriculum goals it should serve, as the EC$73m School Improvement Project (CDB-funded) moves from temporary facilities toward construction. Agriculture & Food Security: FAO has launched a coconut and soursop training mission in SVG (Aug. 24–31) under a public-private production and marketing project, while IICA wrapped up ADOPT Caribbean soil-health support by handing ag kits to local farmers. Fisheries & EU Funding: Bequia’s Port Elizabeth Fish Market rehabilitation was officially launched with an EU-backed EC$3.2m project aimed at modernizing infrastructure and strengthening fisheries services. Media Industry: Searchlight newspaper says its final print edition will run Sept. 25, pausing digital editions after 31 years amid wider regional pressures on journalism. Environment: Conservationists report rare young staghorn coral colonies off Battowia, a hopeful sign for Grenadines reefs after past climate shocks.

Media & Jobs: After 31 years, St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ Searchlight newspaper will publish its final print edition and pause its digital editions on Friday, Sept. 25, 2026, as Interactive Media Limited reviews the future of the operation. Agriculture & Food Security: FAO has launched a coconut and soursop training mission in SVG (Aug. 24–31) under a public-private production and marketing project, aiming to boost yields and resilient farming systems. Fisheries Infrastructure: Bequia’s Port Elizabeth Fish Market rehabilitation was officially launched and broken ground, with EU funding of EC$3.2 million to modernize facilities and strengthen fisheries post-harvest capacity. Education & Community Planning: Sandy Bay residents and officials held consultations on the location, curriculum and community role of the new Sandy Bay Secondary School, including phased capacity planning after the La Soufrière disruption. Livestock Policy: Agriculture Minister Israel Bruce says live cattle exports to Grenada are effectively halted, linking the move to local supply, livelihood protection, and plans for a modern abattoir plus tougher enforcement. Digital Skills for Youth & MSMEs: ECCB’s Generative AI and Python Summer Camp is placing students with real businesses, while a CDB-backed regional initiative will support at least 150 SVG MSMEs to adopt digital solutions and compete globally.

FAO Agriculture Training: A UN FAO technical mission is training local stakeholders in modern production and resilient systems for coconut and soursop, running Aug. 24–31 under a public-private partnerships project. Fisheries Infrastructure: Bequia’s Port Elizabeth Fish Market rehabilitation is officially launched and grounded with EU funding of EC$3.2 million to modernize facilities and strengthen post-harvest capacity. Education & Community Planning: A public consultation at Sandy Bay Government School gathers residents on the location and offerings for a new Sandy Bay Secondary School under a CDB-funded school improvement programme. Land & Drought Policy: Agriculture Minister Israel Bruce represents SVG at UNCCD COP17 in Mongolia, pushing for more proactive drought and land-degradation financing. Digital Skills for Youth: ECCB’s Generative AI and Python Summer Camp adds real-business projects for youth across the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union, supported by Taiwan. MSME Digital Push: CDB and the Small Business Association of Barbados launch a regional initiative to help at least 150 MSMEs in SVG and other islands adopt digital solutions and build resilience. Livestock Trade Shift: Bruce says live cattle exports to Grenada are effectively halted while government considers a modern abattoir and tighter enforcement against livestock theft. Media Industry: After 31 years, Searchlight newspaper will stop print and pause digital editions on Sept. 25, following a review by its parent company. Tourism Recognition: SVG secures nine nominations in the 2026 World Travel Awards, including Caribbean’s Leading Green and Nature destination categories. Regional Tech & Finance Context: Coverage highlights SVG’s push toward digital finance and the wider Caribbean lag in digital commerce, alongside fintech’s role in resilience.

EU-Funded Fisheries Upgrade: Bequia’s Port Elizabeth Fish Market broke ground with a $3.2M grant under the OECS BioSPACE programme, aiming to modernize facilities, strengthen post-harvest capacity, and boost resilience for fisheries communities. Livestock Trade Pressure: Agriculture Minister Israel Bruce says live cattle shipments to Grenada have been halted, pointing to local supply needs, livelihood impacts, and plans for a modern abattoir plus tougher enforcement against livestock theft. Farm Inputs for Climate Resilience: IICA handed over soil-health agricultural kits to SVG farmers under the ADOPT Caribbean project, including compost and mulch demonstrations and equipment like rain gauges, pH/water meters, and a chaff cutter/silage machine. Regional Tourism Push: St. Kitts hosted the 2026 ASTA Caribbean Showcase with SVG’s tourism minister Kishore Shallow among regional leaders, focusing on destination promotion and sustainable growth. Digital Skills for MSMEs: A CDB-backed regional initiative will support at least 150 MSMEs in SVG and other islands to adopt practical digital solutions and build competitiveness for wider markets. Smart Agriculture Expansion: Government is exploring expansion of the Smart Agriculture Project in Orange Hill with support from Taiwan, targeting new business opportunities and youth careers in farming. Tourism Recognition: SVG secured nine nominations for the 2026 World Travel Awards, including Caribbean’s Leading Green and Nature Destination.

Tourism Trade Push: St. Kitts hosted the 2026 ASTA Caribbean Showcase (Aug 22–26), bringing together Caribbean and U.S. travel advisors and senior tourism officials for destination briefings and industry discussions, with SVG’s tourism minister Kishore Shallow among the regional speakers. Livestock & Food Security: Agriculture Minister Israel Bruce says live cattle shipments to Grenada have been halted while SVG moves toward a modern abattoir and tighter enforcement, as cattle farmers mobilize against any export ban. Climate-Resilient Farming Support: Under the ADOPT Caribbean soil-health project, IICA handed over farm kits to SVG beneficiaries, including soil-testing tools, pest and seed supplies, and a chaff cutter/silage machine. Digital Growth for MSMEs: The CDB and Barbados Small Business Association launched a regional initiative to help at least 150 MSMEs across SVG and other islands adopt digital solutions and build competitiveness. Smart Agriculture Expansion: PM Godwin Friday says SVG is exploring expansion of its Smart Agriculture Project in Orange Hill with support from Taiwan, aiming to create opportunities and attract young people to farming. Regional Tourism Recognition: SVG and partners secured nine nominations for the 2026 World Travel Awards, including Caribbean’s Leading Green and Nature destinations.

Education & Skills Check: A fresh CPEA-season reflection asks whether SVG is moving beyond counting passes to building real reading, writing, and problem-solving skills. Livestock & Local Supply: Agriculture Minister Israel Bruce says the government has effectively halted live cattle exports to Grenada and is considering ending the practice, citing local supply, livelihoods, and stronger enforcement against livestock theft. Farmer Support: IICA, via the ADOPT Caribbean soil-health project, handed agricultural kits to SVG farmers after on-farm trials using compost and organic mulch to boost climate-resilient practices. Tourism & Travel Industry: St. Vincent and the Grenadines tourism earned nine World Travel Awards nominations, while regional travel leaders gathered in St. Kitts for the ASTA Caribbean Showcase to push sustainable growth. Business Digital Push: The CDB and SBA launched a regional initiative to help at least 150 MSMEs across SVG and the OECS adopt digital solutions and improve competitiveness. Security & Firearms: PM Godwin Friday says an “unacceptable” wave of gun violence is being met with leadership changes and a plan to intercept illegal firearms entering the country. Diplomacy & Investment: After a Taiwan visit, SVG reaffirmed its “One China” rejection, with Taiwan pledging grants tied to a proposed National Development Bank and social programmes, alongside plans for a Taiwanese business delegation. Sports: SVG won the ECVA senior men’s volleyball title, rebounding after an opening-set loss to St Lucia.

Livestock & Food Security: Agriculture Minister Israel Bruce says SVG may end live animal exports to Grenada, citing pressure on local producers and pointing to plans for a modern abattoir and tighter enforcement of the Predial Larceny Act. Digital Growth for MSMEs: The Caribbean Development Bank and Barbados’ Small Business Association launched a regional push to help at least 150 MSMEs across SVG and the OECS adopt practical digital tools and build resilience for global markets. Smart Agriculture Expansion: Prime Minister Godwin Friday says government is exploring scaling the Orange Hill Smart Agriculture Project with support from Taiwan, aiming to create jobs and attract young people into farming. Finance & Investment Focus (Taiwan ties): After a Taiwan visit, Friday outlined debt-management urgency and signaled a shift toward private capital, while also reaffirming SVG’s “One China” rejection and discussing a Taiwan-backed plan to capitalise a proposed National Development Bank. Security & Jobs: PM Friday vowed action against illegal firearms, announcing leadership changes in the police force and a coordinated plan to intercept weapons at entry points. Tourism Recognition: SVG secured nine nominations at the 2026 World Travel Awards, including Caribbean’s Leading Green and Nature destinations. Agriculture Support: IICA handed over soil-health agricultural kits to SVG farmers under the ADOPT Caribbean project, with beneficiaries reporting improved farming practices.

Tourism & Regional Trade: St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ tourism minister, Kishore Shallow, joined regional peers at the 2026 ASTA Caribbean Showcase in St. Kitts, where destination pitches and travel-advisor briefings focused on sustainable growth. Education & Public Finance: Vincentian scholars say Treasury gridlock is delaying UWI funding and shifting travel dates, pushing some toward postponing studies. Security & Border Control: Prime Minister Godwin Friday says illegal guns are flooding SVG and points to known entry points, announcing a coordinated plan and leadership changes in the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force. Digital Business Support: The Caribbean Development Bank and Barbados’ Small Business Association launched a digital transformation push for at least 150 MSMEs across the region, including SVG, with help to adopt practical tools and build resilience. Agriculture Modernisation: Government is exploring expansion of the Smart Agriculture Project in Orange Hill with support from Taiwan, aiming to create jobs and attract youth into farming. Diplomacy & Investment: SVG reaffirmed its Taiwan ties and discussed a “grand” 50th-anniversary plan, while Friday outlined investor interest in solar, hotels, marine services and agriculture after a Taiwan forum. Environment: A WAM reconnaissance dive reported rare staghorn coral colonies off Battowia, offering a hopeful sign for reef recovery.

Education & Finance: UWI-bound national scholars say Treasury delays and poor communication are leaving them stranded and weighing a week-long postponement as disbursements remain unresolved. Security & Trade: PM Godwin Friday says an “unacceptable” wave of illegal guns is being driven by inflows from abroad, with intelligence pointing to entry points and a new interception plan plus police leadership changes. Diplomacy & Investment: SVG reaffirmed its Taiwan ties and rejected any “One-China” shift, while Friday outlined debt pressure (debt-to-GDP over 113%) and a push for private-sector-led growth; Taiwanese business leaders are being courted for sectors including solar, hotels, marine services and agriculture. SME Digital Push: CDB and Barbados’ SBA launched a regional digital transformation drive for at least 150 MSMEs across SVG and the OECS, targeting digital maturity and competitiveness. Agriculture Expansion: Government is exploring expansion of the Smart Agriculture Project in Orange Hill with support from ROC/Taiwan to create jobs and attract youth. Tourism Recognition: SVG secured nine nominations at the 2026 World Travel Awards, including Caribbean’s Leading Green and Nature destinations. Environment: A rare staghorn coral find off Battowia in the Northern Grenadines offers a hopeful sign for reef recovery. Industry & Logistics: MSC Cruises reversed winter 2027/28 Middle East plans, shifting MSC World Asia to the South Caribbean with Kingstown among stops.

Education Accountability: A fresh debate on CPEA season asks whether SVG schools are building real skills—reading, reasoning, writing, and practical math—or just chasing passes. MSME Digital Push: The Caribbean Development Bank and Barbados’ Small Business Association launch a regional programme to help at least 150 MSMEs across SVG and the OECS adopt digital tools and compete globally. Smart Agriculture Expansion: Government says it’s exploring growth of the Orange Hill Smart Agriculture Project with support from Taiwan, aiming to create jobs and attract young people to farming. Diplomacy & Investment with Taiwan: PM Friday reports Taiwanese grant support for a proposed National Development Bank and signals a business delegation visit, while officials stress “continuity” in Taiwan ties and reject any One-China shift. Security & Firearms: PM Friday vows action on an “unacceptable” surge in illegal guns, citing intelligence on entry points and announcing changes at police leadership. Agriculture Policy: Minister Israel Bruce says live animal exports to Grenada may be discontinued, alongside plans for a modern abattoir and stronger enforcement. Tourism Recognition: SVG earns nine nominations at the 2026 World Travel Awards, including top green and nature categories. Regional Trade Data: OECS, UNCTAD and ECLAC wrap work to improve evidence-based services trade policymaking using TiSSTAT. Property Tax Update: Inland Revenue begins updating the property tax database to reflect ownership, subdivisions, and new construction accurately. Sports: SVG men’s volleyball win the ECVA senior title, rebounding after an opening-set loss.

Digital MSME Push: CDB and the Small Business Association of Barbados launched “Reengineering MSMEs for Growth,” backing at least 150 MSMEs across St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Barbados, Dominica, Grenada and St. Lucia with help to assess digital readiness, adopt practical tools and build transformation plans. Smart Agriculture Expansion: Government is exploring scaling up the Orange Hill Smart Agriculture Project with support from Taiwan, aiming to create more agribusiness opportunities and attract young people into farming careers. Agriculture & Trade Policy: Minister Israel Bruce says live animal exports to Grenada may be discontinued, with plans for a modern abattoir and tighter enforcement discussions. Security & Policing: PM Godwin Friday says illegal guns entering SVG are driving an “unacceptable” crime wave, pointing to known entry points and announcing changes at the top of the police force. Taiwan Investment Drive: After talks in Taipei, Friday says Taiwanese business leaders want to visit SVG, with interest flagged in solar, hotels, marine services and agriculture, while Taiwan pledged grants to help capitalise a proposed National Development Bank. Tourism Recognition: SVG secured nine nominations in the 2026 World Travel Awards, including Caribbean’s Leading Green and Nature destination categories. Land & Drought Leadership: Agricultural Diversification Officer Karomo Browne appointed Vice President for UNCCD COP17, pushing Caribbean SIDS priorities on land degradation and drought resilience. Regional Services Data Work: OECS, UNCTAD and ECLAC wrapped a project improving evidence-based services trade policymaking using TiSSTAT. Sports: SVG won the ECVA senior men’s volleyball title, rebounding after an opening-set loss to St Lucia.

Regional Growth Outlook: ECLAC projects stronger momentum for the wider region, with Saint Vincent and the Grenadines listed among economies expected to grow in the 2%–4% range, while the report flags productivity gaps between formal and informal sectors. Digital MSME Push: SVG is set to benefit from a CDB-backed “Reengineering MSMEs for Growth” initiative, targeting at least 150 MSMEs across the OECS with support to assess digital readiness, adopt practical tools, and expand into regional and global markets. Smart Agriculture Expansion: Government says it’s exploring scaling up the Orange Hill Smart Agriculture Project with support from Taiwan, aiming to create business opportunities and attract more young people into agriculture. Tourism Recognition: SVG earned nine nominations at the 2026 World Travel Awards, including Caribbean’s Leading Green and Nature destination categories, plus multiple partner property nods. Livestock Policy Shift: Agriculture Minister Israel Bruce says live animal exports to Grenada may be discontinued, with plans for a modern abattoir and tighter enforcement. Security and Guns: PM Godwin Friday says illegal firearms inflows are driving an “unacceptable” crime situation, pointing to known entry points and announcing a coordinated interception plan. Taiwan Investment Drive: After a Taiwan visit, Friday says investor interest is translating into a planned business delegation, with priority focus on solar, hotel development, and marine services. Land & Drought Leadership: Agricultural officer Karomo Browne appointed Vice President for UNCCD COP17, aiming to keep Caribbean SIDS priorities on land restoration and drought resilience in the spotlight.