AGP Executive Report

Cost-of-Living Pressure: Prime Minister Godwin Friday urged the Caribbean Development Bank to move faster on climate-resilient reforms as debt and shrinking concessional finance squeeze small economies, while the government rolled out a 90-day emergency package to cushion fuel, electricity, LPG and freight costs and remove customs service charges on LPG and parts of electricity fuel imports. Public Trust & Pricing: Former finance minister Camilo Gonsalves accused the administration of “misleading” tax-removal messaging around customs charges, warning that a “100% removal” label obscures a much smaller actual cut. Food Security & Agriculture: The Zero Hunger Trust Fund received three barrels of vegetable, herb and flower seeds to boost backyard gardening and small-scale production, as SVG advances a Food Security Crisis Response Plan to cut repeated hurricane recovery losses and strengthen monitoring of food vulnerability. Fisheries & Clean Energy: The STAR-Fish project is scaling clean energy interventions for Caribbean fisheries and aquaculture, including renewable cold storage and support for low-carbon certification. Tourism & Jobs: Caribbean Week in New York 2026 drew regional tourism leaders, while local tourism momentum continues with Sandals-linked hospitality training and taxi drivers reporting more consistent work. Regional Business Support: OECS launched the second call for proposals for Window 2 of the Regional MSME Matching Grants Programme for blue economy value chain groups in fisheries, coastal tourism and waste management. Health & Misinformation: SVG’s health ministry dismissed WhatsApp rumors of Hantavirus cases, saying there are no suspected or confirmed cases and urging residents to rely on official updates.

Tourism & Marine Economy: A new wave of sailing interest highlights St. Vincent and the Grenadines as a top cruising ground, with consistent tradewinds, established nautical services, and the Tobago Cays drawing charter boats and rallies. Clean Energy for Fisheries: Canada-backed STAR-Fish is scaling clean energy interventions for Caribbean fisheries, including renewable tech and cold storage to strengthen cold chains and support low-carbon certification. Regional Finance & Climate Resilience: Prime Minister Godwin Friday leads SVG’s delegation to the CDB’s 56th Annual Meeting in The Bahamas, focusing on development financing, debt sustainability, the energy transition, and climate resilience. Caribbean Week Push: Tourism leaders gathered in New York for Caribbean Week 2026 to boost connectivity, market share, and a unified regional tourism voice. Cost-of-Living Relief (Fuel, Power, Food): Government unveiled a 90-day emergency package, including caps on fuel prices, removal of customs charges on LPG, and electricity-focused tax relief to cushion households and businesses from global price shocks. Food Security on the Ground: ZHTF received vegetable, herb, and flower seeds to support backyard gardening and small-scale production. Blue Economy Funding: OECS launched Window 2 of the Regional MSME Matching Grants Programme for fisheries, coastal tourism, and waste management value chain groups. Arbitration & Business Confidence: OHADAC–CARO training programmes will launch in June to build arbitration and ADR capacity across the Eastern Caribbean, including SVG. Diplomacy & Smart Agriculture: SVG’s new ambassador to Taiwan, Kenton Chance, presented credentials as both sides look to expand cooperation in smart agriculture, healthcare, and sustainable tourism.

Regional Finance & Diplomacy: Prime Minister Dr. Godwin Friday leads SVG’s delegation to the Caribbean Development Bank’s 56th Annual Meeting in Nassau, with talks expected to cover climate resilience, debt sustainability, the energy transition, and regional growth. Tourism & Connectivity: Caribbean Week in New York 2026 is drawing tourism ministers and industry leaders to push a unified Caribbean tourism agenda as competition intensifies. Blue Economy & Shipping Support: Tropical Shipping continues community investment, including youth swimming development and a donation to World Pediatrics, while a local entrepreneur seeks marine-sector partnerships after attending the Miami Boat Show. Food Security & Agriculture: SVG is advancing its Food Security Crisis Response Plan, and the Zero Hunger Trust Fund received vegetable, herb and flower seeds to boost backyard gardening and small-scale production. Cost-of-Living Relief: Government measures under a 90-day emergency package include fuel and electricity tax/charge relief and LPG customs charge removal to cushion households from global price shocks. Legal Access for Businesses: OECS and OHADAC’s CARO Centre will launch arbitration and ADR training across the Eastern Caribbean, aiming for a more predictable business environment. Public Health Misinformation: The Ministry of Health dismissed false Hantavirus rumors and urged residents to rely on official updates. Culture & Community: Vincy Carnival preparations are in full swing, with CDC efforts focused on traditional cultural preservation.

Cost-of-Living Relief: Prime Minister Godwin Friday unveiled a 90-day emergency package to cushion rising fuel, electricity, cooking gas, and freight costs, including fuel price caps (gas 16.92, diesel 16.26) and tax/charge cuts aimed at slowing imported inflation. Cooking Gas Support: Government removed 100% of the customs service charge on LPG for 90 days to stabilize household budgets, with freight rates rolled back to January levels. Trade Modernization: VSWIFT (Vincy Single Window for Trade) is being rolled out to let businesses handle licenses, permits, and trade documents through one connected system across 19 departments and partners. Food Security Push: IICA delivered an agribusiness management workshop to help operators move toward export readiness, while ZHTF received seed barrels from Still Kickin’ Charity to boost backyard gardening and local production. Blue Economy & MSMEs: OECS launched Window 2 of the Regional MSME Matching Grants Programme for value chain groups in fisheries, coastal tourism, and waste management, with grants up to USD 150,000. Regional Skills & Justice: OHADAC–CARO arbitration and ADR training programmes will be officially launched June 10, strengthening dispute resolution for Caribbean businesses. Health Misinformation Check: The Ministry of Health dismissed WhatsApp rumors of Hantavirus cases, saying there are no suspected or confirmed cases. Tourism & Workforce: Sandals introduced a student hospitality etiquette and service excellence programme, and local taxi operator Kendal Neverson says Sandals’ arrival is bringing steadier work. Diplomacy: SVG’s new ambassador Kenton X. Chance presented credentials to Taiwan’s President Lai, with cooperation flagged in smart agriculture, medicine, and ICT.

Cost-of-Living Relief: Prime Minister Godwin Friday rolled out a 90-day emergency package to cushion rising fuel, electricity, cooking gas, and freight costs, including fuel price caps (gas 16.92; diesel 16.26), removal of customs charges on LPG, and tax cuts aimed at slowing pass-through to food prices. Food Security Push: The government advanced its Food Security Crisis Response Plan to move from repeated hurricane recovery to proactive monitoring, while the Zero Hunger Trust Fund received three barrels of vegetable, herb, and flower seeds to boost backyard gardening and small-scale production. Blue Economy & Fisheries: A Miami boat show visit is driving new marine investment talks for the Grenadines, and Fisheries Minister Conroy Huggins flagged declining conch and lobster landings, announcing a conch hatchery and reef restoration steps. Trade & Business Modernization: VSWIFT is being rolled out to digitize trade licensing and permits through a single system connecting multiple agencies. Health Misinformation Check: The Ministry of Health dismissed WhatsApp rumors of Hantavirus cases, saying there are no suspected or confirmed cases. Regional Funding for MSMEs: OECS launched the second call for Window 2 of the Regional MSME Matching Grants Programme for blue economy value chain groups. Diplomacy (Taiwan): SVG’s new ambassador Kenton X. Chance presented credentials in Taiwan, with cooperation flagged for smart agriculture, healthcare, and sustainable tourism.

Cost-of-living relief: Prime Minister Godwin Friday rolled out a 90-day emergency package to cushion imported inflation, including fuel price caps (gasoline 16.92, diesel 16.26), electricity support, and tax cuts aimed at slowing pass-through to households and businesses. Cooking gas stabilization: Government removed the customs service charge on LPG for 90 days, with freight-rate rollbacks to January levels and a possible VAT waiver on cement if prices rise. Food security planning: St. Vincent and the Grenadines advanced its Food Security Crisis Response Plan to move from repeated hurricane recovery to earlier monitoring and preparedness, citing low fertilizer stocks and disrupted supply chains. Health misinformation pushback: The Ministry of Health dismissed WhatsApp rumors of Hantavirus cases, saying there are no suspected or confirmed cases and urging people to rely on official updates. Blue economy & fisheries: A blue economy workshop and OECS MSME matching grants (Window 2) target fisheries, coastal tourism, and waste management, while the fisheries minister announced a queen conch hatchery and nursery unit amid declining landings. Trade modernization: VSWIFT launched to streamline trade licenses and permits through one connected electronic system. Tourism workforce: Sandals introduced a student hospitality etiquette and service excellence program, building practical skills for youth. Diplomacy with Taiwan: New ambassador Kenton Chance presented credentials in Taipei as SVG and Taiwan prepare for 45 years of ties. Tourism industry abroad: Caribbean Week in New York drew strong ministerial turnout, including SVG’s tourism representation.

Cost-of-Living Relief: Prime Minister Godwin Friday rolled out a 90-day emergency package to cushion imported inflation, including fuel and electricity tax cuts, LPG charge removal, and capped pump prices (gas at 16.92; diesel at 16.26) while promising savings reach consumers. Energy & Household Prices: Government moves include removing customs service charges on LPG and cutting excise/custom charges on petroleum products, plus full removal of taxes on diesel for electricity generation to lower bills. Trade Modernization: VSWIFT (Vincy Single Window for Trade) is being launched to let businesses process licenses, permits and trade documents through one connected system across government agencies, customs brokers and shipping players. Food Security Push: Zero Hunger Trust Fund received seed donations to boost backyard gardening and small-scale production, while government also targets food sovereignty to reduce reliance on imported staples. Blue Economy & Fisheries: OECS launched Window 2 of the Regional MSME Matching Grants for fisheries, coastal tourism and waste management value-chain groups; Fisheries Minister announced conch hatchery plans amid declining conch and lobster landings. Tourism Skills & Local Jobs: Sandals introduced a student hospitality etiquette and excellence programme, and taxi operator Kendal Neverson says Sandals’ presence is improving transfer work and standards. Health Misinformation: Health Ministry dismissed social media Hantavirus rumors, saying no suspected or confirmed cases exist and surveillance remains active at ports of entry. Diplomacy (Taiwan): New SVG ambassadors Kenton Chance presented credentials in Taiwan, with cooperation flagged for smart agriculture, healthcare and sustainable tourism.

Cost-of-living relief: Prime Minister Godwin Friday unveiled a 90-day emergency package to cushion rising fuel, electricity, cooking gas and freight costs, including tax cuts and price caps at the pumps, plus measures aimed at keeping savings with consumers. Energy & LPG support: Government removed the customs service charge on LPG and is also cutting excise and customs charges on petroleum products, including diesel used for electricity generation, to prevent bill shocks. Trade modernization: Vincy Single Window for Trade (VSWIFT) is rolling out to let businesses apply for licences, permits and trade documents through one connected system across government agencies, customs brokers and shipping players. Blue Economy funding: OECS launched the second call for Window 2 of the Regional MSME Matching Grants Programme, backing value chain groups in fisheries, coastal tourism and waste management with grants up to USD $150,000. Food sovereignty push: Agriculture Minister Israel Bruce warned SVG is “too dependent” on imported food and urged young farmers to build a more resilient, locally driven food system. Tourism workforce: Sandals introduced a student hospitality etiquette and service excellence programme, while taxi operator Kendal Neverson highlighted how Sandals-linked demand is boosting local work. Fisheries management: Fisheries Minister Conroy Huggins announced a conch recovery initiative, including a queen conch hatchery and nursery unit in Union Island, amid declining high-value landings. Diplomacy (Taiwan): New SVG Ambassador Kenton X. Chance presented credentials to Taiwan’s President Lai as the two sides prepare to mark 45 years of relations, with cooperation flagged in smart agriculture, medicine, ICT and infrastructure. Regional logistics & policy: SVG is represented at the Caribbean Postal Union conference in the Bahamas, with digital transformation and logistics among the key themes.

Cost-of-Living Relief: Prime Minister Godwin Friday unveiled a 90-day emergency package to cushion rising fuel, electricity, cooking gas, freight and food costs, including a gasoline cap at EC$16.92 and diesel at EC$16.26, plus tax and charge cuts aimed at stopping imported inflation from hitting supermarket shelves. Energy & Cooking Gas Measures: Government removed the customs service charge on LPG (and rolled back freight rates to January levels), while also cutting excise and customs charges on petroleum products and fully removing taxes on diesel used for electricity generation to lower power bills. Trade Modernization: Vincy Single Window for Trade (VSWIFT) is rolling out to let businesses process licenses, permits and trade documents through one connected system across 19 departments and customs/shipping partners. Blue Economy & MSMEs: OECS launched Window 2 of the Regional MSME Matching Grants Programme for value chain groups in fisheries, coastal tourism and waste management, offering USD $100,000–$150,000. Food Security Push: Still Kickin’ charity donated vegetable/herb/flower seeds to the Zero Hunger Trust Fund to boost backyard gardening and local production. Agriculture & Fisheries: Fisheries Minister Conroy Huggins announced a queen conch hatchery and nursery unit in Union Island as conch and lobster landings decline. Diplomacy (Taiwan): Kenton X. Chance formally presented credentials in Taiwan as SVG’s ambassador, as both sides prepare to mark 45 years of relations, with cooperation flagged in smart agriculture, healthcare and sustainable tourism. Tourism Skills: Sandals launched a student hospitality etiquette and service excellence programme, while taxi operator Kendal Neverson says the “Sandals Effect” is bringing more consistent work.

Cost-of-living relief: Prime Minister Godwin Friday rolled out a 90-day emergency package to blunt global fuel, electricity, cooking gas and freight shocks, including fuel price caps (gas 16.92; diesel 16.26), tax cuts and removal of customs charges on LPG, plus diesel tax relief for electricity generation with VINLEC matching discounts. Trade facilitation: The government launched VSWIFT, a single electronic trade window connecting 19 departments and customs brokers to speed up licenses, permits and certificates. Blue Economy funding: OECS opened Window 2 of the Regional MSME Matching Grants Programme for value chain groups in fisheries, coastal tourism and waste management, with grants of USD 100,000–150,000. Tourism workforce: Sandals introduced a student hospitality etiquette and service excellence programme at Buccament, while taxi operator Kendal Neverson described “Sandals Effect” benefits for local transfers. Agriculture & food security: Agriculture Minister Israel Bruce pushed “food sovereignty” as SVG tackles import dependence; Taiwan-backed training also targets young farmers with smart agriculture. Fisheries sustainability: Conch and lobster declines prompted a queen conch hatchery and reef restoration push. Regional logistics & policy: SVG’s postal delegation is in the Bahamas for CPU/CCMPA talks on digital transformation, AI, logistics and resilience. Diplomacy: Kenton X. Chance presented credentials as SVG ambassador to Taiwan.

Cost-of-Living Relief: PM Dr. Godwin Friday says SVG’s debt is 113% of GDP (projected 145% by 2031) and unveiled a 90-day emergency package to blunt global fuel, electricity, LPG and freight shocks, including fuel caps (gas 16.92; diesel 16.26) and tax/charge cuts aimed at keeping savings with consumers. LPG & Fuel Measures: Government removes the customs service charge on all LPG for 90 days and rolls back freight rates to January levels, while also cutting excise/custom charges on petroleum products and diesel used for electricity generation. Trade Modernization: VSWIFT (Vincy Single Window for Trade) is rolling out to let businesses apply for licenses, permits and trade documents through one connected system spanning 19 departments and customs/shipping stakeholders. Tourism Skills Pipeline: Sandals launched a Student Hospitality Etiquette and Service Excellence programme with TVET students, linking youth training to hospitality workforce needs. Blue Economy Funding: OECS opened Window 2 of the Regional MSME Matching Grants Programme for value chain groups in fisheries, coastal tourism and waste management, offering USD 100,000–150,000 grants. Fisheries Push: Fisheries Minister Conroy Huggins announced a queen conch hatchery and nursery unit in Union Island as conch and lobster landings decline. Food Security Support: Still Kickin’ charity donated vegetable/herb/flower seeds to the Zero Hunger Trust Fund to boost backyard gardening and local production. Regional Connectivity: SVG’s postal delegation is in the Bahamas for the Caribbean Postal Union conference, focusing on digital transformation, logistics, resilience and e-commerce.

Postal & Trade Modernization: St. Vincent and the Grenadines is represented at the 28th Caribbean Postal Union conference in the Bahamas, led by Deputy Prime Minister St. Clair Leacock, with talks focused on digital transformation, AI, logistics, resilience, e-commerce, cybersecurity, and postal payments. SME & Blue Economy Funding: The OECS Commission has opened the second call for proposals under Window 2 of the Regional MSME Matching Grants Programme, backing value chain groups in fisheries, coastal tourism, and waste management with grants of USD $100,000–$150,000. Cost-of-Living Relief for Households: Government measures continue to target fuel and cooking gas costs, including removing the customs service charge on LPG for a 90-day period and capping gasoline and diesel prices to cushion global price shocks. Digital Services for Businesses: VSWIFT is being rolled out as a single electronic trade window connecting multiple government departments and trade stakeholders to speed up permits and improve transparency. Fisheries Recovery Push: Fisheries Minister Conroy Huggins announced a queen conch recovery initiative, including a hatchery and nursery unit in Union Island, as conch and lobster landings decline. Agriculture & Youth Skills: A new young farmers training project is underway at Orange Hill, aiming to modernize production and boost output after recent shocks.

Cost-of-Living Relief: Prime Minister Godwin Friday unveiled a 90-day emergency package to cushion rising global fuel, electricity, freight and commodity prices, with weekly monitoring by the National Cost of Living Task Force to ensure savings reach consumers. Fuel & Power Measures: The government cut fuel taxes and charges, capped gasoline at EC$16.92 and diesel at EC$16.26, and removed customs and excise taxes on diesel used for electricity generation to lower power costs. Cooking Gas Support: Customs Service Charge on all LPG was removed for 90 days to protect household cooking costs amid global benchmark price jumps. Trade Modernization: VSWIFT (Vincy Single Window for Trade) is rolling out to let businesses apply for licenses, permits and certificates through one system linking 19 departments, customs brokers and shipping agencies. Food Sovereignty Push: Agriculture Minister Israel Bruce warned SVG is “too dependent” on imported food and urged a shift toward food sovereignty, supported by youth training and modern production. Fisheries & Blue Economy: Fisheries Minister Conroy Huggins announced a queen conch hatchery and nursery unit in Union Island as conch and lobster landings decline. Tourism Skills: Sandals Saint Vincent launched a student hospitality etiquette and excellence program to build local tourism workforce readiness. Regional Health Cooperation: PAHO/WHO and OECS-PPS will convene a workshop in Saint Lucia to strengthen access to safe medicines and health technologies across the Eastern Caribbean.

Cost-of-Living Relief: Prime Minister Godwin Friday announced tax reductions, freight reforms, and agricultural support to slow imported food price pressure from global fuel and shipping costs. Trade Modernization: Government rolled out VSWIFT, a single electronic trade window linking 19 departments and trade stakeholders to cut processing times and boost transparency, with UNCTAD support. Food Sovereignty Push: Agriculture Minister Israel Bruce warned SVG is “too dependent” on imported staples and urged a shift to food sovereignty, while the Young Farmers Training Project targets 75 farmers with modern production methods. Young Farmers & Smart Farming: Taiwan-backed initiatives will train cohorts and introduce smart agriculture, including climate-controlled greenhouse technology at Orange Hill. Fisheries & Blue Economy: Fisheries Minister Conroy Huggins flagged declining conch and lobster landings and announced a queen conch hatchery and reef restoration steps. Regional Health Access: PAHO/WHO and OECS-PPS will convene a workshop in Saint Lucia to strengthen pooled procurement and access to quality-assured medicines across the Eastern Caribbean. Digital & Logistics Governance: SVG’s Postal Corporation is in Nassau for the Caribbean Postal Union conference, focusing on digital transformation, AI, logistics, resilience, and cybersecurity. Agro-Processing Momentum: CED hosted an agro-processing forum to map constraints and growth pathways for value-added production.

Postal & Digital Resilience: St. Vincent and the Grenadines is in Nassau, Bahamas for the 28th Caribbean Postal Union Conference, with Major St. Clair Leacock leading the delegation and Marlon Bute, June Jacqueline Adams Ollivierre and Desiree Robinson also attending. Talks are centered on digital transformation, AI, cybersecurity, logistics, e-commerce, disaster preparedness and postal payments. Fisheries & Blue Economy: Fisheries Minister Conroy Huggins used Fisherman’s Day to warn that conch and lobster landings are falling, announcing a queen conch hatchery and nursery unit in Union Island plus ongoing reef restoration. Culture & Exports: “Number Seven” returns to the stage in SVG on May 30–31 at Peace Memorial Hall, then heads to Off-Broadway in New York on Oct. 24. Cost-of-Living Relief: Prime Minister Godwin Friday is set to deliver a national address on fuel and cost-of-living measures. Health Support: A Florida-based CCA medical mission is wrapping up free checks in Georgetown.

Health & Community: A Florida-based team from the Voice of the Disabled is running its annual medical mission in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, offering free health checks at the Georgetown Health Center as part of Blindness Awareness Month, with the checks expected to wrap up tomorrow. National Policy: Prime Minister Godwin Friday will deliver an Address to the Nation tonight, focusing on cost-of-living and fuel-relief measures aimed at easing pressure from rising global fuel and shipping costs. Regional Sports: Saint Lucia’s Masters football titles have gone to the United States after finals at the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground, with St. Vincent’s Hope International reaching the Over-40 final stage. Agriculture & Food Security (context): The week’s big policy push continues around “food sovereignty” and youth farming training, including a Taiwan-backed young farmers programme aimed at modernizing production and reducing import dependence.