AGP Executive Report

CARICOM Free Movement: Dr. Ralph Gonsalves and Kerry Simmons say small states face real hurdles to full regional labour mobility, citing “islandness” politics, limited administrative capacity, and demographic fears. Connectivity & Infrastructure: EllaLink officially launched its Caribbean Gateway initiative, moving from design to committed investment for a submarine cable corridor, targeting service by end-2029. Consular Support for Nationals: St. Vincent’s New York Consulate General is expanding beyond passports to link Vincentians with universities, businesses and scholarship pathways. Sports Facilities: A new netball stadium in Waterford is about 90% complete ahead of the Netball World Cup Sydney 2027 Americas qualifier. Energy Costs: VINLEC fuel spending and rising fuel surcharges are again putting pressure on electricity bills as diesel generation ramps up. Agriculture & Food Security: FAO wrapped a technical mission to boost the coconut value chain, while CARICOM youth agriculture awards highlighted new talent. Tourism & Safety: Government weighs curfews and possible RSS troop support for gang violence, balancing security needs with tourism and investor confidence.

Consular Boost for Nationals: St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ Consul General in New York, Roland “Patel” Matthews, says the consulate is expanding beyond passports and documents to link Vincentians with universities, businesses and government opportunities in the US. Independence Unity Push: Prime Minister Godwin Friday and Youth Minister Kaschaka Cupid kicked off the 47th independence celebrations with a “Hand in Hand, Uplifting our Nation” message, urging year-round solidarity at home and with the diaspora. Tourism and Cruise Momentum: Tourism Minister Kishore Shallow expects cruise calls to rise from about 250 to over 350 this season, with Kingstown Enhancement Project work aimed at improving first impressions for visitors. Clean Energy for Women Entrepreneurs: The Caribbean Development Bank launched a US$500,000, three-year SheTrades Caribbean Tech It Up Facility (2026–2028) to support women-led businesses developing clean energy solutions, including in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Agriculture Skills Spotlight: At Caribbean Week of Agriculture in Jamaica, SVG secured CARICOM youth agriculture video honours, while a separate FAO mission focused on strengthening the coconut value chain through training and production support. Security vs Tourism Balance: Deputy Prime Minister St. Clair Leacock signalled possible localized curfews and requests for regional troop support if gun violence persists, stressing the need to protect the country’s tourism and investment image. Connectivity Plans: EllaLink advanced its Caribbean Gateway into the development phase, targeting service by end-2029 and linking territories including St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Tender for Smart Farming Tech: A tender invites IoT equipment for AIoT weather stations and drip irrigation/control systems, with chip sourcing restrictions noted.

Electricity Costs & Fuel Surcharge: VINLEC fuel spending is driving repeated increases in the fuel surcharge, with July 2026 rising above the 2022 record even after a government subsidy—raising fresh pressure on household bills. Independence Unity Push: Prime Minister Godwin Friday and Youth Minister Kaschaka Cupid kicked off St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ 47th independence celebrations with a “Hand in Hand, Uplifting our Nation” message aimed at year-round solidarity. Tourism & Cruise Growth: Tourism Minister Kishore Shallow says cruise calls are set to jump from about 250 to 350+ this season, with the Kingstown Enhancement Project and Love SVG efforts focused on improving visitor first impressions and spreading benefits to local businesses. Women-Led Clean Energy Support: The Caribbean Development Bank launched a US$500,000 SheTrades Caribbean Tech It Up Facility to back women-led businesses across the region, including St. Vincent and the Grenadines, with technical help and funding for clean energy solutions. Agriculture & Skills Momentum: St. Vincent’s youth scored CARICOM recognition at Caribbean Week of Agriculture, while FAO wrapped a coconut value-chain technical mission to boost production and resilience. Security Balancing Act: Deputy PM St. Clair Leacock signaled possible localized curfews and regional troop support if gun violence persists, while stressing the need to protect investor confidence and tourism. Trade & Connectivity: EllaLink advanced its Caribbean Gateway into development, targeting service by end-2029 and linking territories via a carrier-neutral submarine corridor. Public Finance Fairness Debate: Commentary highlights concerns that local homeowners face property tax pressure while offshore companies receive corporate-style relief.

Electricity Costs: VINLEC fuel surcharges are again climbing, with diesel costs driving bills higher as hydro output drops in dry weather—after earlier relief, the surcharge still rose above the 2022 record. Tourism & Travel: Sandals Foundation’s Island Challenge Jamaica kicked off strongly, mixing endurance events with fundraising for neonatal and paediatric care. Energy & Enterprise: The Caribbean Development Bank launched a US$500,000 SheTrades Tech It Up facility to back women-led clean energy businesses across the region, including St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Independence & Community: PM Godwin Friday and Youth Minister Kaschaka Cupid launched the 47th independence celebrations under “Hand in Hand, Uplifting our Nation,” calling for year-round solidarity. Cruise Growth: St. Vincent and the Grenadines expects cruise calls to jump from about 250 to 350+ this season, with Kingstown Enhancement Project work aimed at improving the first visitor impression. Agriculture & Jobs: Caribbean Week of Agriculture in Jamaica highlighted youth in agriculture, with St. Vincent Girls’ High School winning a CARICOM video competition. Security & Investment Climate: Deputy PM St. Clair Leacock said curfews and possible RSS troop support remain options, but stressed a “balancing act” to protect tourism and investor confidence. Regional Connectivity: EllaLink advanced its Caribbean Gateway into development, targeting service by end-2029 and routing connectivity toward St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Coconut Value Chain: FAO and SVG’s agriculture ministry completed a technical mission to strengthen the coconut sector, focusing on production and nursery/pest management.

Caribbean Agriculture & Fisheries: Minister of Fisheries Conroy Huggins represented SVG at the 20th Caribbean Week of Agriculture in Jamaica, focusing on food security, agri-business, climate-smart tech and export expansion, and took part in CRFM ministerial talks. Independence & Tourism Economy: SVG kicked off its 47th Independence celebrations with a flag-raising ceremony under “Hand in Hand, Uplifting Our Nation,” while tourism minister Kishore Shallow said cruise calls are set to jump from about 250 to 350+ this season, supported by the Kingstown Enhancement Project and Love SVG. Clean Energy for Women Entrepreneurs: The CDB launched a US$500,000 SheTrades Caribbean Tech It Up Facility (2026–2028) to back women-led businesses developing commercially viable clean energy solutions, including SVG. Agriculture Value Chain Support: FAO and SVG’s agriculture ministry completed a week-long technical mission to strengthen the coconut value chain, including training on coconut botany and production. Regional Trade & Skills: OECS, with EU funding, ran specialised training for services-sector trade stakeholders across OECS members, including SVG. Security & Investment Balance: Deputy PM St. Clair Leacock said curfews and possible RSS troop support remain options if gun violence persists, while stressing the need to protect tourism and investor confidence. Tech & Connectivity: EllaLink advanced its Caribbean Gateway into the development phase, targeting service by end-2029 with a route reaching St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Housing Pressure: Concerns grew over stalled post-disaster recovery and declining shelter support, with displaced residents reportedly facing eviction notices.

Independence Solidarity: PM Godwin Friday kicked off SVG’s 47th independence celebrations with a flag-raising call for Vincentians to keep “hand in hand” cooperation year-round, citing COVID and volcanic ash resilience and the flag’s link to agriculture and national vitality. Unity Theme: Youth Minister Kaschaka Cupid launched the independence theme “Hand in Hand, Uplifting our Nation,” urging citizens to bridge political, social and religious divides and connect with the diaspora. Tourism Push: Tourism Minister Kishore Shallow said cruise calls are set to rise from about 250 to 350+ this season, with new ships and the Kingstown Enhancement Project aimed at improving visitor first impressions and spreading spending to local taxi, tours, vendors and restaurants. Green Energy Support: A US$550,000 SheTrades Caribbean Tech It Up Facility (CDB, Canada-funded SuRGE) opens clean-energy business support for women-led firms across the region, including St. Vincent and the Grenadines, from ideas to early commercialisation. Agriculture & Jobs: Caribbean Week of Agriculture spotlighted youth in farming; St. Vincent Girls’ High School won the CARICOM “I Am Agriculture” video competition, reinforcing the push for young people—especially girls—into agriculture. Security vs Investment: Deputy PM St. Clair Leacock said curfews and possible RSS troop support are on the table if gun violence persists, but warned of a “balancing act” to protect tourism and foreign investment from negative headlines. Coconut Value Chain: FAO completed a technical mission to strengthen SVG’s coconut sector, training on botany, production, nursery management and pest control to boost yields and expand cultivation. Connectivity Plan: EllaLink advanced its Caribbean Gateway into development, targeting service by end-2029 with a carrier-neutral submarine route linking Cayenne to Martinique/Guadeloupe and a western leg to Aruba, Curaçao and Bonaire, with potential onward interconnections to SVG and nearby islands. Housing Crisis: Concerns grew over stalled post-disaster recovery and declining shelter support, with displaced storm victims reportedly facing eviction notices amid inadequate housing funding. Crime Update: Police clarified a major cocaine operation in the Grenadines recovered 95 kg, but said suspects were released without charge because the legal standard for proof beyond reasonable doubt wasn’t met. UN Reform Agenda: In his UN General Assembly debut, PM Friday renewed calls for multilateral reform, climate finance overhaul, and Security Council changes, arguing small states can’t keep borrowing to replace what disasters destroy.

Tourism & Ports: Cruise calls to St. Vincent and the Grenadines are set to jump from about 250 to more than 350 this season, driven by eight new ships and the Kingstown Enhancement Project aimed at improving the first visitor impression. Green Energy for Women: A US$550,000 clean energy initiative (2026–2028) will support women-led businesses across the region, including SVG, to turn clean energy ideas into market-ready products and services. Independence Kickoff: SVG’s 47th Independence celebrations begin today with a National Flag-Raising Ceremony at 5:00pm at the Financial Complex, Bay Street, Kingstown, under the theme “Hand in Hand, Uplifting Our Nation.” Security & Investment: Deputy PM St. Clair Leacock says curfews and possible RSS troop support are on the table if gun violence persists, but warns the country must balance public safety with tourism and investor confidence. Regional Connectivity: EllaLink has moved its Caribbean Gateway into the development stage, targeting service by end-2029 and routing connectivity that includes St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Agriculture Skills: FAO and SVG’s agriculture ministry completed a week-long technical mission to strengthen the coconut value chain, focusing on production, nursery management, and pest control. Crime Update: Police say suspects linked to a Grenadines cocaine seizure were released without charge because charges require proof beyond suspicion, while 95kg of cocaine was recovered.

Cruise Boost for SVG: Tourism Minister Kishore Shallow says cruise calls are set to rise from about 250 to more than 350 this season, helped by eight new ships and the Kingstown Enhancement Project—aimed at cleaner, better-signposted first impressions for visitors and more local business for taxis, tours, vendors, crafts and restaurants. Clean Energy for Women Entrepreneurs: The Caribbean Development Bank launches the SheTrades Caribbean Tech It Up Facility, a US$550,000, three-year programme (2026–2028) supporting women-led businesses across the region—including St. Vincent and the Grenadines—to commercialise clean energy solutions. Independence Month Kicks Off: SVG’s 47th independence celebrations begin with a flag-raising ceremony today (Oct 1) at 5 p.m. in Kingstown, leading to the national military parade on Oct 27. Security vs Tourism Image: Deputy PM St. Clair Leacock says curfews and requests for regional troop support via the RSS are on the table if gun violence persists, but warns of a “balancing act” to protect investor confidence and tourism. Regional Skills for Trade in Services: OECS training funded by the EU RIGHT Programme has been building capacity for services-sector trade negotiators across OECS member states, with sessions held in SVG among others. Coconut Value Chain Support: FAO and SVG’s agriculture ministry complete a technical mission to strengthen the coconut sector, focusing on production, nursery management and pest control. Aquaculture Spotlight: A Caribbean Blue Foods stakeholder workshop (Sept 29–Oct 2) will focus on climate-resilient blue food production and investment, with aquaculture framed as a jobs and food-security pathway. Housing Recovery Strain: Concerns grow as post-Hurricane Beryl and volcanic recovery stalls, with displaced families facing eviction notices from government shelters due to shrinking housing support. Tech Tender (IoT/Drip Irrigation): Taiwan’s St. Vincent & Grenadines mission invites tenders for AIoT smart weather stations, control boxes, and drip irrigation kits (Sept 28–Oct 2). Tourism Deal Signals Growth: Regional private sector groups react to the Royal Caribbean Group–Sandals partnership, describing it as a major moment for Caribbean tourism and airlift/supply-chain opportunities.

Security & Haiti: OAS member states, including St. Vincent and the Grenadines, urged the UN Security Council to renew Haiti’s Gang Suppression Force mandate and fully fund, equip, and deploy it for Haitian-led security and elections. Digital Infrastructure: EllaLink launched its Caribbean Gateway initiative, moving from design to committed investment for a fibre submarine route linking Cayenne to Martinique/Guadeloupe and a western leg for Aruba, Curaçao and Bonaire, with service targeted for end-2029 and a branch reaching St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Crime vs tourism: SVG Deputy Prime Minister St. Clair Leacock said curfews and requests for regional troop support via the RSS are on the table if gun violence persists, but warned the “balancing act” needed to protect investor confidence and tourism. Agriculture & youth: Caribbean Week of Agriculture opened in Jamaica, with St. Vincent Girls’ High School winning the CARICOM youth agriculture video competition. Coconut sector support: FAO and SVG’s agriculture ministry completed a technical mission to boost coconut value-chain skills, including botany and production training. Housing pressure: Concerns are rising as post-Beryl recovery stalls and displaced families face eviction notices from government shelters due to funding shortfalls. Tourism deal: CPSO and others hailed Royal Caribbean’s planned 50% investment in Sandals/Beaches (about US$3bn), expected to close in early 2027. Regional capacity building: OECS trained over 200 services trade practitioners across Protocol states, funded by the EU RIGHT programme. Aquaculture spotlight: A Caribbean Blue Foods workshop (Sept 29–Oct 2) will focus on climate-resilient aquaculture for food security. Tech procurement: Taiwan issued an invitation to tender for IoT equipment for SVG, including smart weather and irrigation control kits. Sports business: NCL GT20 Canada will stage its 2026 tournament in St. Vincent and the Grenadines next month, aiming to deepen cricket ties with Canada and the West Indies.

Caribbean Agriculture Week: Saint Vincent and the Grenadines took top honours at the 20th Caribbean Week of Agriculture opening in Jamaica, with St. Vincent Girls’ High School winning the CARICOM “I Am Agriculture” youth video competition—pushing a message that farming can open real opportunities for young people, especially girls. Coconut Value Chain Support: FAO wrapped a week-long technical mission to strengthen SVG’s coconut sector, focusing on production, nursery management, rehabilitation and pest control, with calls for incentives and higher-yield varieties. Aquaculture Focus: A Caribbean Blue Foods stakeholder workshop (Sept 29–Oct 2) in Kingston will spotlight climate-resilient aquaculture as a jobs and food-security pathway. Security vs Tourism: SVG Deputy Prime Minister St. Clair Leacock says curfews and possible RSS troop support are on the table if gun violence persists, but warns leaders must protect the country’s investment and tourism image. Trade in Services Training: OECS delivered EU-funded specialised training for services-sector stakeholders across member states, including SVG, to boost trade policy and negotiating capacity. Connectivity Investment: EllaLink launched the EllaLink Caribbean Gateway initiative, moving from design to committed investment, targeting service by end-2029. Tourism Deal Watch: Regional private sector groups reacted to Royal Caribbean’s planned US$3bn, 50% stake in Sandals and Beaches, expected to close in early 2027. Housing Crunch: Reports say post-Hurricane Beryl recovery delays and shrinking assistance are leaving displaced families facing eviction notices from government shelters. IoT Tender: Taiwan’s mission issued an invitation to tender for IoT equipment for smart weather and irrigation systems in SVG.

Caribbean Agriculture & Youth: Caribbean Week of Agriculture opened in Jamaica with SVG, Dominica and Jamaica taking top honours, and St. Vincent Girls’ High School winning the CARICOM “I Am Agriculture” youth video competition—highlighting food security and new opportunities for young farmers. Coconut Value Chain Boost: FAO wrapped a week-long technical mission in SVG to strengthen coconut production and nursery management, with training on botany, rehabilitation and pest/disease control. Aquaculture Focus: The Caribbean Blue Foods Stakeholder Workshop (Sept 29–Oct 2) in Kingston will spotlight climate-resilient blue food production and investment, with aquaculture framed as a STEM-linked jobs and food-security pathway. Security vs Tourism: SVG’s National Security Minister St. Clair Leacock says crime-fighting must be balanced with protecting the country’s investment climate and tourism image, while Deputy PM St. Clair Leacock flagged possible localized curfews and requests for RSS troop support if violence persists. Housing Crisis After Disasters: Concerns are rising as post-Hurricane Beryl and eruption recovery stalls; displaced families in government shelters report eviction notices amid sharply reduced assistance. Connectivity & Digital Development: EllaLink launched the EllaLink Caribbean Gateway initiative, moving from design to committed investment, targeting service by end-2029. Telecom Leadership: SVG was elected Vice President of the Caribbean Telecommunications Union Council of Ministers, with Minister Phillip Jackson attending CTU ICT Week in French Guiana. Tourism Deal Watch: Royal Caribbean’s planned US$3b, 50% stake in Sandals and Beaches (closing early 2027) is being hailed as a major regional tourism scaling moment. Trade in Services Training: OECS, with EU funding, trained 200+ services practitioners across Protocol member states to strengthen trade policy, regulation and negotiating capacity. Cocaine Case Clarification: Police confirmed 95kg of cocaine was seized in the Grenadines, but suspects were released without charge due to the legal standard for evidence. IoT Tender: Taiwan’s mission issued an invitation to tender for AIoT smart weather and irrigation equipment for SVG. UN Reform Push: PM Godwin Friday used his UNGA debut to call for multilateral reform, climate finance overhaul, and stronger global security and reparatory justice.

Digital Connectivity: EllaLink officially launches the EllaLink Caribbean Gateway, moving from design to committed investment for a submarine fibre route linking Cayenne to Martinique/Guadeloupe and serving Aruba, Curaçao and Bonaire, targeting service by end-2029. Public Safety vs Tourism: St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ National Security Minister St. Clair Leacock says any response to persistent gun violence could include localized curfews and requests for RSS troop support, but stresses a “balancing act” to protect investor confidence and tourism. UN Reform & Climate Finance: PM Dr. Godwin Friday, in his maiden UN General Assembly address, reaffirms multilateralism while calling for UN Security Council reform and climate finance overhaul for small island states. Agriculture & Food Security: FAO and SVG’s Ministry of Agriculture complete a week-long coconut value-chain capacity mission, while a Caribbean Blue Foods workshop spotlights climate-resilient aquaculture investment. Tourism & Investment: CARICOM private sector leaders react to the Royal Caribbean–Sandals Resorts landmark partnership (US$3bn for a 50% stake), seen as a major boost for regional vacation growth and airlift/supply chains. Housing Crisis: Concerns rise that post-Hurricane Beryl recovery is stalling, with displaced families facing eviction from government shelters amid funding shortfalls. Regional Skills: OECS, with EU support, trains services-sector trade stakeholders across member states, including SVG, to strengthen policy and negotiating capacity. Security in the Region: OAS member states call for renewed UN mandate and full deployment of Haiti’s gang suppression force, urging personnel, financing, equipment and logistics. Tender Opportunity: Taiwan’s technical mission issues an invitation to tender for IoT equipment for SVG.

Trade & Skills: OECS Commission, funded by the EU RIGHT Programme, is running specialised training for services-sector trade policy and negotiating capacity across Protocol states, with sessions held in SVG and other islands. UN Diplomacy & Climate Finance: PM Dr. Godwin Friday used his maiden UN General Assembly address to push UN reform (including Security Council changes), climate justice, and better climate financing for small states. Housing Crisis: SVG officials face mounting criticism as displaced Hurricane Beryl and volcanic victims report eviction notices from government shelters amid stalled recovery and shrinking housing support. Agriculture—Coconut: FAO and SVG’s Ministry of Agriculture completed a week-long mission to boost coconut value-chain skills, including botany, nursery management, and pest control. Tourism & Investment: CARICOM private sector leaders welcomed Royal Caribbean’s planned US$3bn, 50% stake in Sandals/Beaches, expected to close in early 2027, as a major boost for regional tourism. Aquaculture & Food Security: Caribbean Blue Foods workshop (Sept 29–Oct 2) will spotlight climate-resilient aquaculture pathways for regional jobs and food security. Tech Procurement: Taiwan’s mission issued an invitation to tender for IoT equipment, including solar smart weather stations and drip irrigation kits. Security & Justice: Police clarified that suspects in a Grenadines cocaine seizure (95kg recovered) were released because charges require proof beyond reasonable doubt.

Diaspora & Appointments: Stephen “Scombo” John has been named St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ Ambassador-at-Large for Diaspora Affairs, announced during a New York town hall, with government highlighting his long service and deep US Vincentian ties. Housing & Disaster Recovery: Opposition voices say Hurricane Beryl victims are being pushed out of government shelters as housing support runs out, with displaced families reportedly receiving notices to vacate and officials citing budget shortfalls. Agriculture & Resilience: FAO and the Ministry of Agriculture completed a week-long technical mission to boost the coconut value chain, training stakeholders on nursery management, rehabilitation, and pest control. Tourism & Investment: The Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association and regional private sector groups welcomed the Royal Caribbean–Sandals partnership, a US$3 billion deal to buy a 50% stake, expected to close in early 2027. Tech for Farming: Taiwan’s mission issued an Invitation to Tender for IoT equipment, including solar smart weather stations and drip irrigation kits, with chip sourcing restrictions. Security & Justice: Police clarified that suspects in a Grenadines cocaine operation were released without charge because prosecutors said the legal standard for proof beyond reasonable doubt wasn’t met, despite 95kg seized. Regional Development: St Vincent PM Godwin Friday used UNGA to call for UN reform and a climate-finance overhaul for small states.

Security & Haiti: All 32 OAS member states backed renewing the UN Security Council mandate for Haiti’s Gang Suppression Force, urging full funding, equipment, logistics and personnel for sustained, Haitian-led deployment. Tourism & Investment: CARICOM’s private sector group hailed Royal Caribbean’s US$3 billion, 50% stake deal in Sandals and Beaches as a defining moment for Caribbean enterprise scaling across the region and beyond. Regional Sports: NCL GT20 Canada will stage its 2026 T20 tournament in St. Vincent and the Grenadines next month, aiming to deepen Canada–West Indies cricket ties before returning to Canada in 2027. Public Safety: Grenadines police clarified that suspects in a cocaine seizure were released without charge because prosecutors lacked proof beyond reasonable doubt, even as 95kg of cocaine was recovered. Governance & Climate: St. Vincent and the Grenadines PM Godwin Friday used his UN debut to push UN Security Council reform and a climate finance overhaul for small island states. Tech & Connectivity: Minister Phillip Jackson was elected Vice President of the Caribbean Telecommunications Union Council of Ministers. Agriculture & Food Systems: Caribbean Flavours & Fragrances is investing in lab tech to help manufacturers shift from synthetic to naturally derived food colours.

Tourism & Investment: The CARICOM Private Sector Organization (CPSO) is hailing a landmark deal between Sandals Resorts and Royal Caribbean Group: Royal Caribbean will invest about US$3 billion for a 50% stake in Sandals and Beaches, with closing expected in early 2027, a move CPSO says could help Caribbean brands scale across the region and beyond. Security & Justice: In the Grenadines, police clarified that after a yacht was intercepted and 95 kg of cocaine recovered, three suspects were released without charge because prosecutors said the legal standard for charges wasn’t met. UN Diplomacy & Climate Finance: Prime Minister Godwin Friday used his maiden UN General Assembly address to push UN Security Council reform, stronger climate financing for small states, and reparatory justice, warning that trust in multilateral institutions is “broken.” Regional Tech & Comms: Minister Phillip Jackson was elected Vice-President of the Caribbean Telecommunications Union Council of Ministers. Agriculture & Food Industry: Caribbean Flavours & Fragrances (CFF) is investing in natural food colour technology to help manufacturers shift away from synthetic options, expanding distribution across SVG and the wider region. Environment & Resilience: We Are Mayreau reports steady ridge-to-reef progress under TREBAI, including coral nursery work and climate-smart agriculture support.