AGP Executive Report

Reef Recovery Hope: A citizen-science call has paid off: a reconnaissance dive team confirmed young staghorn coral ferns off Battowia, with conservationists calling it a rare bright spot after Hurricane Beryl and the 2023–2024 bleaching. Marine & Fisheries Resilience: Bequia’s Port Elizabeth Fish Market rehabilitation is officially launched with EU funding of EC$3.2 million, aiming to modernize infrastructure and strengthen post-harvest capacity. Biodiversity vs. Debt: The NDP backs the Chatham Bay land sale (about 100 acres for EC$54m) under covenants meant to protect biodiversity, including habitat for the endangered Union Island Gecko, while citing improved fiscal results. Climate Early Warning: Jamaica’s CAP workshop highlights the push to strengthen multi-hazard early warning systems across the region so alerts reach people clearly and in time. Green Skills & Farming Support: FAO’s coconut and soursop training mission begins in SVG, while IICA hands over soil-health agricultural kits to farmers to boost climate-resilient practices. Renewables Pipeline: IRENA invites renewable project proposals across Central America and the Caribbean, including SVG, for potential financing support. Tourism Spotlight: SVG scores nine World Travel Awards nominations, including “Leading Green Destination” and “Leading Nature Destination.”

Coral Hope for the Grenadines: Conservationists report rare young staghorn coral ferns off Battowia after a citizen-science call, offering a bright sign for reef recovery after Hurricane Beryl and the 2023–2024 bleaching. Biodiversity vs. Debt Deal: The NDP backs the sale of about 100 acres at Chatham Bay, Union Island, saying biodiversity protections and covenants will safeguard key habitat, while proceeds help narrow the deficit. Tourism with a Green Angle: St. Vincent and the Grenadines scores nine World Travel Awards nominations, including Caribbean’s Leading Green and Nature Destination, as partners push public voting. Early Warning Focus: A CAP workshop in the region strengthens multi-hazard early warning systems so alerts reach the right people in time. Climate-Smart Farming Support: FAO training for coconut and soursop begins in SVG, while IICA hands over soil-health agricultural kits to farmers to boost resilience. Fisheries Infrastructure: Bequia’s EU-funded fish market rehabilitation breaks ground to improve post-harvest handling and long-term sustainability. Youth and Skills: ECCB’s Generative AI and Python Summer Camp expands with real business projects, building digital-ready skills across the Eastern Caribbean.

Renewables Push: IRENA is inviting renewable energy project proposals from across Central America and the Caribbean, including St. Vincent and the Grenadines, with potential support via its Climate Investment Platform and Energy Transition Accelerator Financing—covering solar, wind, hydropower, geothermal, bioenergy, e-mobility, and green industrialization. Disaster Readiness: Jamaica’s CAP workshop highlights the push to strengthen multi-hazard early warning systems across the region, with partners like WMO and the Caribbean Meteorological Organization focused on faster, clearer alerts. Reef Hope for SVG: Conservation groups report rare staghorn coral ferns thriving off Battowia after a citizen-science call—an encouraging sign after past climate shocks. Fisheries Upgrade (Bequia): The EU-backed rehabilitation of the Port Elizabeth Fish Market is launched at EC$3.2 million, aiming to modernize infrastructure and boost resilience for fisheries communities. Climate-Smart Farming: FAO’s coconut and soursop training mission runs in SVG this week, while IICA hands over soil-health agricultural kits to farmers using compost and organic mulch. Tourism Vote: SVG has nine World Travel Awards nominations, including Caribbean’s Leading Green Destination and Leading Nature Destination. Media Shift: Searchlight newspaper is set to end print and pause digital editions on Sept 25 after 31 years.

Reef Recovery Watch: Marine teams report rare, encouraging staghorn coral (Acropora cervicornis) ferns off Battowia after a citizen-science call, with reconnaissance logging about 15 young colonies—an important hopeful sign after past climate shocks. Coastal Fisheries Upgrade: Bequia’s Port Elizabeth Fish Market rehabilitation is officially launched and set for EC$3.2 million in EU-backed support, aiming to modernize infrastructure and strengthen post-harvest capacity for fisheries communities. Early Warning Systems: Jamaica’s Ministry of Water, Environment and Climate Change is pushing to strengthen multi-hazard early warning using the Common Alerting Protocol (CAP), with regional partners including WMO and the Caribbean Meteorological Organization. Climate-Smart Farming Support: IICA and CARDI handed over soil-health agricultural kits to SVG farmers under the ADOPT Caribbean project, including compost and organic mulch demonstrations plus tools to improve resilience. Biodiversity & Training: FAO begins a coconut and soursop training mission in SVG to boost yields and sustainable production through practical public-private partnership support. Tourism With a Green Edge: SVG scored nine World Travel Awards nominations, including Caribbean’s Leading Green Destination and Leading Nature Destination.

Disaster Preparedness: Jamaica is moving to strengthen multi-hazard disaster early warning capacity through a Common Alerting Protocol (CAP) workshop, with support from the World Meteorological Organization and the Caribbean Meteorological Organization—aimed at making alerts faster, clearer, and reaching the right people. Reef Recovery Hope: Conservation teams report rare, young staghorn coral colonies off Battowia in the Northern Grenadines, a promising sign after past climate shocks that left the species functionally extinct locally. Marine Infrastructure: Bequia’s Port Elizabeth Fish Market rehabilitation is officially launched with EU funding of EC$3.2 million, targeting better post-harvest handling and long-term resilience for fisheries communities. Soil Health for Climate Farming: Farmers in St. Vincent and the Grenadines received ADOPT Caribbean soil-health kits, including compost and organic mulch training, plus tools to support climate-resilient production. FAO Crop Support: The UN FAO begins a coconut and soursop training mission in SVG, focusing on nursery work, soil nutrition, pest control, and field rehabilitation. Tourism Green Spotlight: SVG earned nine nominations at the 2026 World Travel Awards, including Caribbean’s Leading Green Destination and Leading Nature Destination.

Reef Recovery Hope: Conservationists report rare young staghorn coral colonies off Battowia in the Northern Grenadines, a promising sign after past climate shocks that left the species functionally extinct locally. Marine Infrastructure for Fisheries: Bequia’s Port Elizabeth Fish Market rehabilitation gets underway with an EU-funded EC$3.2 million project aimed at modernizing facilities and strengthening post-harvest capacity. Climate-Resilient Farming Support: Farmers in St. Vincent and the Grenadines receive soil-health kits under the ADOPT Caribbean project, including compost and organic mulch demonstrations to boost resilience and productivity. Sustainable Tourism Recognition: St. Vincent and the Grenadines earns nine World Travel Awards nominations, including Caribbean’s Leading Green Destination and Leading Nature Destination, as voting closes today. UN Agriculture Training: FAO launches a coconut and soursop training mission to improve yields and strengthen resilient production systems through practical public-private support. Local Data for Better Planning: Government prepares the 2026 Survey of Living Conditions and Household Budgetary Survey to track poverty, inequality, and spending patterns for SDG-focused policymaking.

Coral Recovery Hope: Marine teams report rare young staghorn coral colonies off Battowia, a promising sign after past climate shocks that left the species functionally extinct locally. Fisheries & Coastal Resilience: Bequia’s Port Elizabeth Fish Market rehabilitation moves forward with an EU-funded EC$3.2M project aimed at modernizing infrastructure and strengthening fisheries services. Sustainable Agriculture Training: FAO launches an August 24–31 mission in SVG to train coconut and soursop stakeholders on nursery work, soil nutrition, pest control, and field rehabilitation. Health Capacity Boost: PAHO/WHO supports Eastern Caribbean clinicians with simulation-based training for severe infections and critical care, including SVG participants. Digital Skills Push: ECCB’s Generative AI and Python Summer Camp expands with real business projects, building youth-ready digital competencies across the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union. Local Data for Policy: SVG prepares its 2026 Survey of Living Conditions and Household Budgetary Survey, with enumerator training starting Aug 31. Business Support: CED graduates 12 entrepreneurs from a six-week programme, with business registration help and a US$2,000 start-up grant. Media Shift: Searchlight newspaper will end print and pause digital editions on Sept 25 after 31 years.

Coral Rescue Debate: A new push for sharing heat-resilient corals across the Caribbean is gaining attention as reefs lose staghorn and elkhorn after back-to-back marine heatwaves, with scientists urging “assisted gene flow” but warning that moving corals must be done with safeguards to prevent disease and protect local stocks. FAO Training for Crops: A UN FAO mission is underway in St. Vincent and the Grenadines (Aug 24–31) to train coconut and soursop growers on nursery work, soil nutrition, pest and disease control, and rehabilitation of older fields—aimed at building more resilient farming systems. Bequia Fish Market Upgrade: The EU-funded rehabilitation of the Port Elizabeth Fish Market was launched in Bequia (EC$3.2 million), targeting better post-harvest handling and stronger fisheries infrastructure for coastal communities. Sandy Bay Secondary School Planning: A town hall consultation is shaping the new Sandy Bay Secondary School’s site, curriculum, and community role, with officials discussing a phased build to serve current student numbers while allowing expansion. Living Conditions Survey Prep: Government is preparing the 2026 Survey of Living Conditions and Household Budgetary Survey, with enumerator training set for Aug 31–Sept 4 to track poverty, inequality, and spending patterns. Searchlight Closure: Searchlight newspaper will publish its final print edition and pause digital editions on Sept 25 after 31 years, citing major shifts in the media industry.

Fisheries & Climate Resilience: Bequia’s Port Elizabeth Fish Market is getting a major upgrade. Officials launched the EU-funded EC$3.2 million rehabilitation, aimed at modernizing infrastructure, improving post-harvest handling, and strengthening long-term sustainability for fisherfolk across St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Marine Biodiversity: Conservation teams report rare good news for reefs: young staghorn coral colonies were spotted off Battowia in the Northern Grenadines, a hopeful sign after past climate shocks. Soil & Food Security: Farmers in SVG received ADOPT Caribbean soil-health kits (including compost and organic mulch training, plus tools like rain gauges and meters) to support climate-resilient farming. Community Data for Policy: Government is preparing the 2026 Survey of Living Conditions and Household Budgetary Survey, with enumerator training set for Aug. 31–Sept. 4, to track poverty and spending patterns. Green Tourism Education: Kids across SVG joined eco-adventure tourism learning camps, linking nature, culture, and community experiences. Media & Environment Watch: Searchlight newspaper will end its print run after 31 years, with implications for local coverage.

Marine Life Update: A reconnaissance dive team confirmed rare young staghorn coral colonies off Battowia in the Northern Grenadines, a hopeful sign after past climate shocks. Climate-Resilient Farming: IICA and the SVG Ministry of Agriculture handed out ADOPT Caribbean soil-health kits, including compost and organic mulch demonstrations plus tools like rain gauges and water meters to support climate-resilient agriculture. Eco-Tourism for Youth: Kids across SVG (ages 8–13) took part in an “Eco‑Adventures” tourism summer camp with hikes, crafts, and farm visits, building early skills around nature-based tourism. Green Tourism Recognition: St. Vincent and the Grenadines picked up nine nominations for the 2026 World Travel Awards, including “Caribbean’s Leading Green Destination” and “Leading Nature Destination.” Health Leadership: Dr. Eva Jané Llopis assumed PAHO/WHO duties for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, with her portfolio covering OECS countries including SVG. Community Data Push: Government is preparing the 2026 Survey of Living Conditions and Household Budgetary Survey, with enumerator training set for late August into early September.

Marine Conservation: A citizen-science call has paid off: a reconnaissance dive team confirmed rare young staghorn coral colonies off Battowia in the Northern Grenadines, offering a rare bright spot after past climate shocks. Climate-Resilient Farming: IICA and SVG’s agriculture partners handed over ADOPT Caribbean soil-health kits to farmers, including compost and organic mulch demonstrations plus tools like rain gauges, pH and water meters, and a chaff cutter/silage machine. Poverty & Living Standards Data: SVG is preparing for a 2026 Survey of Living Conditions and Household Budgetary Survey, with enumerator training set for Aug. 31–Sept. 4 to update poverty, inequality, and spending trends since the 2018 survey. Health Systems Leadership: Dr. Eva Jané Llopis began as PAHO/WHO Representative for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean Countries, covering OECS states including SVG, with a focus on resilient, equitable health systems. Tourism & Nature Branding: St. Vincent and the Grenadines secured nine nominations for the 2026 World Travel Awards, including “Caribbean’s Leading Green Destination” and “Leading Nature Destination.” Youth Eco-Tourism: Kids across SVG took part in an “Eco‑Adventures” tourism camp, learning through hikes, crafts, and farm visits.

Coral Recovery Hope: A WAM reconnaissance dive confirmed young staghorn coral colonies off Battowia in the Northern Grenadines, a rare bright spot after Hurricane Beryl and the 2023–2024 bleaching left the species devastated locally. Soil & Climate Resilience: IICA handed over agricultural kits to SVG farmers under the ADOPT Caribbean soil-health project, with compost and organic mulch trials aimed at climate-resilient farming and food security. Land Degradation Leadership: Agricultural Diversification Officer Karomo Browne was appointed Vice President for UNCCD COP17, pushing Caribbean voices on drought preparedness and sustainable land management at the UN talks in Mongolia. Safe Sport for Kids: The SVG Netball Association launched its Game Changers grassroots programme in Fancy for ages 4–14, including safeguarding and safe-sport sessions through December. Digital Growth for MSMEs: The CDB and Barbados SBA launched a regional digital transformation initiative to support at least 150 MSMEs across SVG and other islands, targeting digital capability and competitiveness. Tourism & Nature Recognition: SVG secured nine World Travel Awards nominations, including Caribbean’s Leading Green Destination and Leading Nature Destination.

Flash-Flood Watch: St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ Meteorological Service issued a flash-flood watch for today, as a tropical wave brings scattered showers and isolated thunderstorms, with 50–75mm possible in the next hours and higher totals in mountainous areas—residents near rivers, streams, and landslide-prone slopes are urged to stay alert. Marine Conservation: We Are Mayreau confirmed rare young staghorn coral colonies off Battowia in the Northern Grenadines, a hopeful sign after earlier climate shocks devastated local staghorn and elkhorn corals. Land & Drought Resilience: Agricultural Diversification Officer Karomo Browne was appointed Vice President for UNCCD COP17, aiming to keep Caribbean SIDS priorities on land degradation and drought resilience at the centre of global talks. Tourism & Nature Branding: St. Vincent and the Grenadines earned nine World Travel Awards nominations, including Caribbean’s Leading Green Destination and Leading Nature Destination, plus partner nominations tied to sustainability and nature-led experiences. Digital Growth for Resilience: The CDB and Barbados’ Small Business Association launched a digital transformation initiative for at least 150 MSMEs across the region, including SVG, to boost competitiveness and market access.

Coral Recovery Hope: A reconnaissance dive team confirmed young staghorn coral colonies off Battowia in the Northern Grenadines, a rare bright spot after Hurricane Beryl and the 2023–2024 bleaching that left staghorn and elkhorn “functionally extinct” locally. Climate & Disaster Readiness: St. Vincent and the Grenadines was placed under a flash-flood watch as a tropical wave brings showers and isolated thunderstorms, with authorities urging people near rivers, streams, and landslide-prone areas to stay alert. Early Warning Upgrade: Regional disaster managers and meteorological stakeholders are rolling out the Common Alerting Protocol (CAP) to share one trusted warning across TV, radio, websites, social media, and phones—shifting response from “hazard coming” to “what could happen and what to do.” Land & Drought Resilience: Agricultural Diversification Officer Karomo Browne was appointed Vice President for UNCCD COP17, aiming to keep Caribbean SIDS priorities on land degradation and drought resilience at the centre of global talks. Nature Tourism Spotlight: St. Vincent and the Grenadines picked up nine World Travel Awards nominations, including Caribbean’s Leading Green and Nature destination titles.

Marine Recovery: A reconnaissance dive team from We Are Mayreau Inc. (WAM) has confirmed rare young staghorn coral colonies off Battowia in the Northern Grenadines, a hopeful sign after Hurricane Beryl and the 2023–2024 bleaching left the species locally “functionally extinct.” Disaster Readiness: The Meteorological Service at Argyle issued a flash-flood watch for St. Vincent and the Grenadines as a tropical wave brings showers and isolated thunderstorms, with 50–75mm expected in hours; authorities are urging people near rivers, streams, and landslide-prone areas to stay alert. Early Warning Upgrade: Regional disaster and meteorological stakeholders are rolling out the Common Alerting Protocol (CAP) to share one consistent emergency message across TV, radio, websites, social media, and mobile channels. Land & Drought Resilience: Agricultural Diversification Officer Karomo Browne was appointed Vice President for UNCCD COP17, aiming to keep Caribbean SIDS priorities on land degradation and drought resilience at the centre of global talks. Tourism & Nature Spotlight: St. Vincent and the Grenadines picked up nine World Travel Awards nominations, including Caribbean’s Leading Green and Nature destination categories.

Weather & Disaster Readiness: St. Vincent and the Grenadines is under a flash-flood watch after a tropical wave brought scattered showers and isolated thunderstorms, with 50–75mm expected in coming hours and higher risk in mountainous areas; authorities are urging people near rivers, streams, and landslide-prone slopes to stay alert. Early Warning Upgrade: Regional disaster managers are rolling out the Common Alerting Protocol (CAP) and impact-based warning tools so alerts can be shared consistently across TV, radio, websites, social media, and phones—moving from “hazard coming” to “what could happen and what to do.” Land & Drought Resilience: Agricultural Diversification Officer Karomo Browne has been appointed Vice President for UNCCD COP17, helping ensure Caribbean SIDS voices on land degradation and drought resilience are heard. Green Tourism Recognition: SVG secured nine nominations for the 2026 World Travel Awards, including Caribbean’s Leading Green and Nature destination titles. Digital Growth for Resilience: The CDB and Barbados SBA launched a digital transformation push for at least 150 MSMEs across the region, including SVG, with support aimed at boosting competitiveness and resilience. Local Business Skills: The Church-CED business development programme wrapped with 12 graduates completing entrepreneurship and skills training, including mentorship for early-stage operations.