AGP Executive Report

ECCB Leadership Rotation: Dominica’s Dr. Irving McIntyre took over as Chairman of the ECCB Monetary Council, with the chair rotating annually across member states including SVG, as the region keeps pushing renewable energy and resilience. Trade & Investment Diplomacy: CARICOM countries including SVG have joined Taiwan’s expanded Latin American and Caribbean Trade Office (LACTO), aiming for one-stop support for trade, investment, tourism and industrial cooperation. Tourism Connectivity: SVG unveiled a branded InterCaribbean aircraft, “Spirit of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines,” as a push to improve regional access and boost tourism-linked jobs for local businesses and producers. Cruise Sector Talks: Government consultations with cruise stakeholders reviewed a proposed partnership with Global Ports Holding, focusing on benefits for vendors, tour operators, taxi drivers, artisans and communities. Energy Costs: VINLEC set July’s fuel surcharge at $0.8320 per kWh, up about 9 cents, after a EC$734,959 subsidy to soften rising fuel prices. Creative Industries & Culture: Vincy Mas stakeholders discussed rebranding and structural changes; meanwhile, SVG launched new public murals and a regional-selected short film (“Cocoa Tea”) while local theatre plans continue with an October comedy concert. Agriculture Skills: The Zero Hunger Trust Fund launched a youth agriculture internship programme placing 45 interns with host partners for hands-on training across food systems.

Tourism & Air Connectivity: St. Vincent and the Grenadines unveiled a branded InterCaribbean aircraft, “Spirit of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines,” with PM Dr. Godwin Friday calling it a “flying ambassador” for regional travel and business. Cruise Industry: Government held consultations on a proposed partnership with Global Ports Holding, with Tourism Minister Dr. Kishore Shallow stressing benefits for vendors, taxi operators, artisans and community stakeholders. Festival Business: Stakeholders debated Vincy Mas rebranding and structural reform, including whether the CDC should become more commercially focused and whether the “Hottest Carnival in the Caribbean” slogan should be refreshed. Trade & Investment Links: OECS named Aisha Maina as Strategic Advisor for Africa-Caribbean cooperation, while Taiwan opened the Latin American and Caribbean Trade Office (LACTO) in Taipei with SVG included. Maritime & Energy Costs: VINLEC set July fuel surcharge at $0.8320 per kWh, up about 9 cents despite a EC$734,959 subsidy. Skills & Jobs: Zero Hunger Trust Fund launched a Youth Agriculture Science Internship Programme placing 45 interns with 23 host partners nationwide. Culture & Creative Industries: Emancipation Month activities kick off July 31, and local film “Cocoa Tea” was selected for two regional festivals.

Cruise Tourism: Government consults cruise sector stakeholders on a proposed partnership with Global Ports Holding, aiming for a more modern, competitive and inclusive cruise destination that delivers real benefits for vendors, tour operators, taxi drivers, artisans and community businesses. Electricity Costs: VINLEC says the July fuel surcharge rises to $0.8320 per kWh (up from $0.7378), after a EC$734,959 subsidy, as global oil prices keep pressure on generation costs. Destination Marketing & Air Access: InterCaribbean unveiled a branded aircraft, “Spirit of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines,” as Prime Minister Friday calls it a “flying ambassador” for tourism and regional connectivity. Trade & Investment Links: Taiwan opened the Latin American and Caribbean Trade Office (LACTO) in Taipei, expanding coverage to include St. Vincent and the Grenadines, with plans for exhibitions, matchmaking and support for agricultural, fisheries, food and tourism sectors. Agriculture Jobs: Zero Hunger Trust Fund launches a Youth Agriculture Science Internship Programme placing 45 interns with 23 host partners for hands-on training across crop, livestock, agri-processing and agri-business. Creative Industries: A local short film, “Cocoa Tea,” is selected for two regional film festivals, while Alpha Studios prepares the LOL Comedy Concert to revive live theatre and create performance opportunities for youth. Maritime Safety: Reports follow the sinking of “MV St Vincent VII” after a fire, with rescued crew members including a Vincentian national; one rescued fisherman later died.

Regional Air Connectivity: Prime Minister Godwin Friday hailed InterCaribbean’s newly branded aircraft, “Spirit of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines,” as a “flying ambassador” meant to boost tourism and business access across the Caribbean. Cruise Tourism Oversight: Government held consultations on a proposed partnership with Global Ports Holding, with Tourism Minister Kishore Shallow stressing benefits for vendors, taxi operators, artisans and community stakeholders. Energy Costs: VINLEC set July’s fuel surcharge at $0.8320 per kWh, up from $0.7378, after a EC$734,959 subsidy to soften rising global oil prices. Trade & Investment Links: St. Vincent and the Grenadines is included in Taiwan’s expanded Latin American and Caribbean Trade Office (LACTO) in Taipei, aimed at boosting agricultural, fisheries, food, tourism and investment cooperation. OECS Diplomacy: OECS announced Aisha Maina as Strategic Advisor for Africa-Caribbean cooperation, while also praising Cuba’s long-running support despite the US embargo. Local Industry & Skills: Zero Hunger Trust Fund launched a Youth Agriculture Science Internship Programme placing 45 interns with 23 host partners for hands-on training. Maritime & Shipping Assets: Bidding notices were issued for offshore support vessels “Bourbon Liberty 160” and “Bourbon Evolution 806” via Shipbid. Culture & Creative Economy: Vincy Mas stakeholders discussed rebranding and structural reform to attract more commercial investment, while a Vincentian short film “Cocoa Tea” was selected for two regional festivals.

Cruise Tourism Watch: Government consults cruise sector stakeholders on a proposed partnership with Global Ports Holding, aiming for benefits for vendors, tour operators, taxi drivers, artisans and communities. Air Connectivity & Branding: InterCaribbean unveiled an SVG-branded aircraft (“Spirit of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines”), with PM Friday calling it a “flying ambassador” to boost regional travel and destination marketing. OECS–Cuba Solidarity: SVG-Cuba Friendship Society held a motorcade expressing solidarity with Cuba amid the US energy blockade. Energy Costs: VINLEC set July’s fuel surcharge at $0.8320 per kWh, up about 9 cents despite a EC$734,959 subsidy. Agriculture Jobs Pipeline: Zero Hunger Trust Fund launched a Youth Agriculture Science Internship Programme placing 45 interns with 23 host partners for hands-on training. Creative Industries: Cocoa Tea, an IKTV short film, was selected for two regional festivals; murals were unveiled at Arnos Vale Sports Complex; Alpha Studios announced an October LOL Comedy Concert to revitalize theatre arts. Trade & Investment Links: OECS and Morocco highlighted economic cooperation during promotion week; Taiwan opened the Latin American and Caribbean Trade Office (LACTO) with expanded coverage including SVG. Maritime Safety: Reports follow the sinking of “MV St Vincent VII,” with one rescued fisherman later dying.

Emancipation Month (Culture): The Ministry of Youth, Sports, Culture and Creative Industries launched SVG’s 2026 National Emancipation Month with the theme “Embracing our Past; Forging into the Future,” kicking off July 31 with a Garifuna Prisoners of War exhibition and book launch, then an Emancipation Day parade, cultural showcase and community fair at Victoria Park on Aug. 1. Cruise Tourism (Local Economy): Government held consultations with cruise sector stakeholders on a proposed partnership with Global Ports Holding, aiming to make the deal deliver real benefits for Vincentians across vendors, tour operators, taxi drivers, artisans and community groups. Air Connectivity & Tourism Branding (Transport/Marketing): InterCaribbean unveiled a branded aircraft, “Spirit of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines,” with PM Dr. Godwin Friday calling it a “flying ambassador” to boost regional travel and destination marketing. Energy Costs (Household Impact): VINLEC set July’s fuel surcharge at $0.8320 per kWh, up about 9 cents, despite a EC$734,959 subsidy. Creative Industries (Film/Theatre): The short film “Cocoa Tea” was selected for two regional festivals, while Alpha Studios announced the LOL Comedy Concert in October to revive live theatre and create paid opportunities for students and performers. Agriculture Skills (Workforce): Zero Hunger Trust Fund launched a six-week youth agriculture internship programme placing 45 interns with 23 host partners for hands-on training across crop, livestock, horticulture and agri-processing. Regional Trade (OECS/Taiwan): Taiwan opened the Latin American and Caribbean Trade Office (LACTO) in Taipei, expanding services to include SVG among six allies. Maritime Safety (Shipping): Reports from the MV St Vincent VII sinking update a rescue that turned tragic, with one rescued fisherman later dying aboard the vessel that saved the crew.

Maritime Safety & Fisheries: A Caribbean-wide warning is growing over chemical fishing, with authorities urged to treat hard-to-detect use of bleach, cyanide and fertilizers as a serious threat to lobsters and coral reefs. Tourism & Air Connectivity: Prime Minister Dr. Godwin Friday welcomed InterCaribbean’s branded “Spirit of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines” aircraft, calling it a “flying ambassador” for destination marketing and regional travel. Trade & Investment: OECS and Morocco highlighted new trade and investment cooperation during Economic Promotion Week, with Invest SVG and other agencies in the delegation. Regional Trade Office: Taiwan opened the Latin American and Caribbean Trade Office (LACTO) in Taipei, expanding coverage to include St. Vincent and the Grenadines for trade, investment and industrial cooperation. Energy Costs: VINLEC set July’s fuel surcharge at $0.8320 per kWh, up from $0.7378, despite a $734,959 subsidy. Agriculture Workforce: The Zero Hunger Trust Fund launched a six-week Youth Agriculture Science Internship Programme placing 45 interns with 23 host partners for hands-on training. Skills for Forestry: Over 30 chainsaw operators begin NVQ Level II training under VEEP to strengthen maintenance and safety capacity. Creative Industries: The film “Cocoa Tea” was selected for two regional festivals, while murals were unveiled at Arnos Vale Sports Complex and Alpha Studios announced an October LOL Comedy Concert to revive theatre arts. Maritime Incident: Reports on the sinking of “MV St Vincent VII” say a rescued fisherman later died after being taken aboard another vessel.

OECS–Morocco Trade Push: OECS delegations including Invest SVG and the Private Sector Unit met in Morocco during Economic Promotion Week to deepen trade, investment and sector partnerships. Tourism & Air Connectivity: InterCaribbean unveiled a branded “Spirit of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines” aircraft, with PM and tourism officials calling it a boost for regional access and destination marketing. Electricity Costs: VINLEC applied a fuel subsidy of EC$734,959, but the July fuel surcharge still rises to $0.8320 per kWh (about 9 cents). Digital Trade Upgrade: CARDTP began distributing ICT equipment under the Vincy Single Window for Trade (VSWIFT) to speed up processing of licences, permits and certificates. Agriculture Skills Pipeline: Zero Hunger Trust Fund launched a Youth Agriculture Science Internship Programme placing 45 interns with 23 host partners for hands-on training. Forestry Training: VEEP will fund Level 2 chainsaw operations and maintenance NVQ training for 30+ operators to strengthen safety and capacity. Creative Industry Wins: SVG film “Cocoa Tea” was selected for two regional festivals, while public murals and a new LOL Comedy Concert initiative keep arts momentum going.

Tourism & Connectivity: SVG unveiled a branded InterCaribbean aircraft, “Spirit of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines,” with PM Dr. Godwin Friday calling it a “flying ambassador” to boost regional travel and destination marketing. Grenadines Youth Sailing: Six restored British Army boats were delivered to Canouan, Mayreau and Union Island after repairs and sea trials by Vincy Sailors, aiming to grow local sailing talent. Medicinal Cannabis Finance: St. Kitts and Nevis’ Medicinal Cannabis Authority is seeking a secure banking framework and plans visits with banks and credit unions, with SVG’s Saboto Caesar tapped for banking design support. Energy Costs: VINLEC’s July fuel surcharge rises about 9 cents per kWh to $0.8320 despite a $734,959 subsidy. Agriculture Skills: Zero Hunger Trust Fund’s Youth Agriculture Science Internship Programme places 45 interns with 23 host partners for six weeks of hands-on training across farming and food systems. Creative Industries: “Cocoa Tea” was selected for two regional film festivals, while Alpha Studios prepares the LOL Comedy Concert in October to revive live theatre. Trade & Investment Links: OECS and Morocco highlighted new trade and investment cooperation during Economic Promotion Week, with Invest SVG among participating delegations.

Grenadines Youth Sailing Boost: Six restored British Army sailing boats—kept in storage for over 25 years—have arrived in St. Vincent and been delivered to Canouan, Mayreau and Union Island, after local “Vincy Sailors” repairs, maintenance and sea trials; the handover is aimed at building sailing skills for young Vincentians and future international competitors. OECS–Morocco Trade Push: During Economic Promotion Week in Morocco (June 22–26), OECS states including SVG backed new trade, investment and partnership opportunities, with delegations from investment agencies, chambers and ministries focused on practical projects for communities. Tourism Connectivity Signal: PM Dr. Godwin Friday welcomed InterCaribbean’s “Spirit of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines” branded aircraft, calling it a visible push for regional travel and destination marketing that supports farmers, fisherfolk, artisans and small businesses. Electricity Cost Pressure: VINLEC says the July fuel surcharge rises about 9 cents per kWh to $0.8320, despite a $734,959 subsidy meant to soften global fuel impacts. Agriculture Skills Pipeline: The Zero Hunger Trust Fund launched a six-week Youth Agriculture Science Internship Programme placing 45 interns with 23 host partners for hands-on training across crop, livestock, agri-processing and agri-business. Workforce Certification for Forestry: Under VEEP, 30+ chainsaw operators begin Level 2 NVQ training to strengthen safe, certified forestry operations. Maritime Safety Tragedy: Reports say a fisherman rescued after the MV St Vincent VII sank later died aboard the rescue vessel, underscoring ongoing risks at sea.

Air Connectivity & Tourism Branding: PM Dr. Godwin Friday welcomed InterCaribbean’s “Spirit of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines” branded aircraft, calling it a “flying ambassador” that boosts regional travel and destination marketing. OECS–Morocco Trade Push: OECS and Morocco wrapped Economic Promotion Week in Morocco, aiming to deepen trade, investment and sector partnerships with participating OECS states including SVG. Regional Trade Office Expansion: Taiwan’s Latin American and Caribbean Trade Office (LACTO) opened in Taipei, expanding coverage to six allies including SVG and planning events around agriculture, fishery, food, tourism and investment. Electricity Costs: VINLEC set July’s fuel surcharge at $0.8320 per kWh (up about 9 cents) after a $734,959 subsidy to cushion global oil price pressure. Agriculture Skills Pipeline: Zero Hunger Trust Fund launched a Youth Agriculture Science Internship Programme placing 45 interns with 23 host partners for hands-on training across farming and agri-processing. Creative Industries: SVG film “Cocoa Tea” was selected for two regional festivals, while public murals were unveiled at Arnos Vale Sports Complex and Alpha Studios announced an October LOL Comedy Concert to revive theatre arts. Maritime Incident: Reports continue after the MV St Vincent VII sinking off French Guiana; one rescued fisherman later died, with others critically injured or treated.

Electricity Costs: VINLEC says the July fuel surcharge rises to $0.8320 per kWh (up from $0.7378), despite a $734,959 subsidy, as global oil prices keep pressure on bills. Agriculture & Public Health: A commentary urges Vincentians to look beyond a single pesticide-use statistic and focus on which chemicals, crops, and alternatives farmers actually face. Trade & Connectivity: Taiwan’s expanded Latin American and Caribbean Trade Office (now covering SVG) opens in Taipei, with plans to spotlight agriculture, fisheries, food, tourism and investment. Tourism & Air Access: SVG and InterCaribbean unveiled a branded aircraft, positioning it as a boost for regional connectivity and destination marketing. Maritime Safety: Reports follow the sinking of “MV St Vincent VII,” where one rescued fisherman later died after days adrift. Digital Trade: CARDTP begins distributing ICT gear under the Vincy Single Window for Trade (VSWIFT) to speed up electronic permits and trade documents. Youth Agriculture: 45 interns start a six-week field placement under the Youth Agriculture Science Internship Programme. Forestry Skills: More than 30 chainsaw operators begin NVQ Level II training under the VEEP project. Film & Culture: “Cocoa Tea” is selected for two regional film festivals, while murals and a new LOL Comedy Concert initiative aim to keep creative industries moving.

Tourism & Air Connectivity: SVG and InterCaribbean unveiled a branded aircraft, “Spirit of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines,” positioning the move as a boost for destination marketing and easier regional travel. Trade & Agriculture Links: Taiwan’s Latin America and Caribbean Trade Office (LACTO) expanded in Taipei to cover six Taiwan allies, including SVG, with plans to spotlight agricultural, fishery, food, tourism and investment opportunities. Energy Costs: VINLEC says July fuel surcharge rises by about 9 cents per kWh to $0.8320 despite an EC$734,959 subsidy, citing higher global oil prices. Maritime Safety: After the MV St Vincent VII sank off French Guiana, a Trinidadian fisherman died aboard the rescue vessel while others were treated and transported. Youth for Food Systems: Zero Hunger Trust Fund launched a six-week Youth Agriculture Science Internship Programme placing 45 interns with 23 partners for hands-on crop, livestock, agri-processing and business training. Digital Trade Modernisation: CARDTP began distributing ICT equipment under VSWIFT to support faster processing of trade licences and permits across key government units. Forestry Skills: VEEP training will certify 30+ chainsaw operators to NVQ Level II, strengthening safety and capacity for forestry operations. Creative Industries: A local film, “Cocoa Tea,” was selected for two regional festivals, while Alpha Studios announced an October LOL Comedy Concert to revive theatre arts and create performance opportunities.

ICT for Trade: CARDTP has started distributing ICT equipment under the Vincy Single Window for Trade (VSWIFT), upgrading agencies’ ability to process electronic licences, permits and certificates tied to ASYCUDA World. Public Health Systems: SVG advanced Integrated Health Surveillance Guidelines with PAHO support, aiming for a coordinated, living national framework aligned to International Health Regulations. Agriculture & Food Security: Morocco fertilizer is now reaching nearly 2,000 farmers across nine districts, with crop-specific blends for vegetables and root crops; India also handed over a leafy-veg and root-crop packaging/processing facility at Langley Park as part of a US$1m value-add push. Skills for Industry: More than 30 chainsaw operators are set for NVQ Level II certification through VEEP, while 26 responders trained in humanitarian logistics sustainment for faster disaster response. Green Economy Youth: Canada funded the Scout Association’s “SunRise Leaders” project, building solar skills and job-ready installation experience for at-risk youth. Transport & Cost Pressure: Opposition leader Dr. Ralph Gonsalves urged gradual fuel price adjustments with minibus driver support to avoid shocks to transport. Regional Trade & Connectivity: A new Sunrise Airways direct service links Antigua–Barbados, boosting regional travel for tourism and business. Security & Courts: Police seized illegal firearms and ammunition, leading to a 40-month jail sentence for a construction worker and court action in a separate case. Creative Industries: Vincentian fashion designers are being encouraged to pursue Caribbean Fashion Week in New England, and SVG film stakeholders were assured of continued global promotion efforts.

Public Safety: A 40-year-old construction worker, Lesmond Franklyn of Dickson and Orange Hill, was jailed for 40 months for an unlicensed .380 pistol and seven rounds of ammunition, after a joint police patrol in Orange Hill. Police also charged another construction worker, Rahiem Williams, with possession of a Glock 43X and ammunition; he pleaded not guilty and was granted EC$20,000 bail. Trade & Digital Services: The Vincy Single Window for Trade (VSWIFT) is moving ahead as CARDTP begins distributing ICT equipment to key agencies, upgrading document processing linked to ASYCUDA World 4.4 to speed up electronic licences, permits and certificates. Agriculture & Food Security: Morocco-donated fertilizer is now reaching nearly 2,000 farmers across nine districts, with specific blends for ginger and root crops; meanwhile, the Government of India handed over a leafy vegetables and root crops packaging/processing facility at Langley Park, part of a US$1m food security push. Infrastructure: BRAGSA says its “Crab Hole” road project in Clare Valley is about 90% complete, with concrete roadway and drainage works nearing finish. Regional Economy & Energy Costs: Opposition leader Dr. Ralph Gonsalves urged gradual fuel price increases paired with support for minibus drivers, warning against sudden shocks to transport costs. Youth & Green Skills: Canada’s High Commission is funding the Scout Association’s “SunRise Leaders” programme with C$44,000 to train at-risk youth in solar technology, entrepreneurship and job-ready installation experience.

Green Skills for Youth: Canada’s High Commission is funding the Scout Association’s “SunRise Leaders: Powering Your Future” with C$44,000 to train at-risk youth in solar technology, mentorship, and entrepreneurship, ending with a supervised solar installation project. Statistics for Planning: Dr. Justine C. Pierre has started World Bank OECS Data for Decision Making work in SVG, producing thematic census reports on education/training and economic activity/labour outcomes to guide workforce and youth employment planning. Trade Modernisation: CARDTP has begun distributing ICT equipment under the Vincy Single Window for Trade (VSWIFT), supporting faster processing of electronic licences, permits, and certificates through the upgraded ASYCUDA World system. Road Works: BRAGSA says the “Crab Hole” road project in Clare Valley is about 90% complete, with concrete roadway and drainage works nearing finish. Food Security Push: SVG’s Ministry of Agriculture has started distributing Moroccan fertilizer to nearly 2,000 farmers across nine districts, with crop-specific blends including TSP for ginger and DAP for root crops. Disaster Readiness: The Royal SVG Police Force trained 26 participants in humanitarian assistance and logistics sustainment to improve how relief supplies are moved and distributed during emergencies. Regional Solidarity: SVG joined CARICOM’s earthquake response for Venezuela, contributing to the delivery of 88 containers of relief supplies including food, medicines, construction materials, and water tanks. Medicinal Cannabis Finance (Regional): St. Kitts and Nevis is bringing in former SVG agriculture minister Saboto Caesar to help design a banking framework for its medicinal cannabis sector, including a seed-to-sale track-and-trace approach. Fuel Policy Debate: Opposition leader Dr. Ralph Gonsalves urged gradual fuel price hikes with targeted minibus driver support, warning against sudden transport shocks. EU Food Security Schools: The EU-funded “Cultivating Futures” initiative is rolling out across OECS schools, including SVG, using 4H-led demonstration sites to strengthen sustainable food systems and climate resilience. Fisheries Facility Rehab: The Fisheries Division HQ at Kingstown Fish Market is being rehabilitated after structural deterioration, with repairs expected to finish in about six weeks at EC$580,000. Taiwan Tech Partnership: Taiwan’s embassy hosted a screening of “A Chip Odyssey,” highlighting tech cooperation with SVG in smart agriculture and digital health, ahead of the 45th anniversary of ties.