AGP Executive Report

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.

Digital Health Security: SVG becomes the first OECS member state to adopt the regional digital early warning system (RIEWSS), with training and a port surveillance upgrade (CVSS 2.0) ahead of major gatherings like Carnival and the CPL. Blue Economy & Fisheries Infrastructure: EU-funded Bequia Fish Market demolition and rebuild kicks off as a climate-resilient fisheries hub, with completion targeted for mid-2027. Agriculture Capacity Boost: FAO coconut training begins at Orange Hill, while additional value-chain sessions support soursop, coconut and passion fruit producers—aiming to lift yields and strengthen market links. Reef Recovery Hope: Citizen-science reports lead to a reconnaissance dive confirming young staghorn coral thriving off Battowia, offering a rare bright spot after recent climate shocks. Education & Community Planning: Sandy Bay residents weigh in on the permanent home and curriculum direction for the new Sandy Bay Secondary School under a CDB-funded school improvement project. Tourism Recognition: SVG racks up nine World Travel Awards nominations, including top destination categories and major partner properties. Public Safety & Governance: PM says no outstanding payments under the energy bonus/malus period (May–July 2026), while the Housing Ministry cites inherited arrears of over EC$15m.

Bequia Fisheries Upgrade: The Government launched an EU-funded EC$3.285m rebuild of the Port Elizabeth Fish Market, positioning it as a climate-resilient “blue economy” anchor; Hutchinson Construction is the main contractor, with a push to finish in 7–8 months and open by mid-2027. Tourism Trade Buzz: Sandals Resorts’ executive chairman says the brand will stay “Made of Caribbean” as major global tourism markets court it, while St. Kitts hosted the ASTA Caribbean Showcase with regional ministers including SVG’s tourism leadership. Food Security Diplomacy: Opposition Leader Dr. Ralph Gonsalves met Jamaica’s agriculture minister in Kingston to coordinate regional food security and agricultural strategy, with FAO-linked participation. Energy Relief Update: PM Godwin Friday says SVG has no outstanding payments to energy product distributors under the bonus/malus system for May–July 2026, alongside a 90-day extension of the cost-of-living relief package. Agriculture Support: FAO begins a coconut and soursop training mission in SVG, and IICA wrapped up soil-health kit support for farmers under ADOPT Caribbean. Youth & Skills: ECCB’s Generative AI and Python camp places youth with real businesses, and Greenhouse Lab SVG says 100+ students benefited from its summer education and supplies drive. Media & Community: Searchlight will end print and pause digital editions on Sept 25 after 31 years. Sports & Culture: SVG Sailing Association crowned youth national champions at Calliaqua Bay, and community cricket celebrations in the UK highlighted Vincentian heritage.

Youth Sailing & Rules Training: The SVG Sailing Association wrapped its KGroup National Youth Championships at Calliaqua Bay with tight wins in Optimist, ILCA 4 and ILCA 6, backed by a World Sailing judge seminar to strengthen fair racing and protests. Food Security Talks: Opposition Leader Dr. Ralph Gonsalves met Jamaica’s agriculture minister in Kingston to coordinate regional food security and agricultural strategy, with FAO-linked Phil Hogan in the mix. Renewables Pipeline: IRENA opened a call for renewable energy project proposals across Central America and the Caribbean, including SVG, with possible support via its Climate Investment Platform and financing de-risking tools. Tourism Industry Push: SVG’s tourism sector picked up nine World Travel Awards nominations, while regional trade continues to spotlight the destination’s green and nature positioning. Cost-of-Living Relief Extended: Government extended its 90-day economic relief package, keeping major fuel and electricity-related tax reductions for households, transport operators and agriculture. Agriculture Support on the Ground: FAO launched a coconut and soursop training mission in SVG, and IICA handed out soil-health agricultural kits to farmers to boost climate-resilient production. Fisheries Infrastructure: Bequia’s Port Elizabeth Fish Market rehabilitation broke ground with EU funding, aiming to modernize facilities and improve post-harvest capacity. Local Economy & Governance: Parliament heard the housing ministry is carrying inherited debt of over $15M, while fiscal reporting shows SVG’s mid-year deficit narrowed sharply after a Chatham Bay land transaction. Security & Enforcement Methods: National Security Minister St. Clair Leacock shared takeaways from a NYPD visit as SVG looks to modernize its response to gun violence. Media Industry Shock: Searchlight confirmed it will end print after 31 years and pause digital editions on Sept. 25, citing the wider regional squeeze on journalism economics. Shipping & Maritime Assets: An online auction was announced for the PSV “Bourbon Explorer 504” with bareboat charter details.

Tourism & Trade: St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ tourism push stayed in focus as Minister Dr Kishore Shallow joined regional leaders at the 2026 ASTA Caribbean Showcase in St. Kitts, where travel advisors and brands met to discuss growth trends and Caribbean destination selling. Community & Culture: In High Wycombe, the Barbadian and Vincentian communities came together for a cricket celebration with food, stalls, and a minute’s silence for Sir Garfield Sobers—showing how diaspora networks keep SVG culture visible. Energy & Cost of Living: Government extended its 90-day economic relief package, keeping major fuel and electricity-related tax reductions to cushion households, transport operators, and agriculture. Public Finance: SVG narrowed its mid-year central government deficit to $57.78m (from $125.23m) thanks largely to a Chatham Bay land sale injection, while revenue pressures continue. Agriculture & Food Security: FAO launched a coconut and soursop training mission, and IICA handed out soil-health agricultural kits to farmers under ADOPT Caribbean, backing climate-resilient production. Fisheries Infrastructure: Bequia’s Port Elizabeth Fish Market rehabilitation broke ground with EU funding of EC$3.2m to modernize facilities and strengthen fisheries livelihoods. Education Infrastructure: Sandy Bay residents were consulted on the permanent site and curriculum role for the new Sandy Bay Secondary School under a CDB-funded school improvement plan. Regional Policy & Jobs: ECCB’s Generative AI and Python Summer Camp expanded to real business projects, aiming to build youth skills for the digital economy. Media Industry: Searchlight confirmed it will end print and pause digital editions on Sept 25 after 31 years, reflecting wider Caribbean media financial strain.