AGP Executive Report

Humanitarian Solidarity: St. Vincent and the Grenadines joined a CARICOM response to Venezuela’s 24 June earthquakes, sending 88 containers of food, medicines, construction materials, debris-removal gear and 300 water tanks. Food Security & Climate Resilience: Zero Hunger Trust Fund launches “Cultivating Futures” tomorrow at UWI Global Campus (Richmond Hill), using 10 regional schools to tackle food security, nutrition, education and climate resilience across SVG, St. Lucia, Grenada and Dominica. Pollution & Public Health: Bequia’s Traffic Department campaign targets abandoned and illegally parked vehicles, citing road safety, public health and environmental protection under the Road Traffic Act and Litter Act. Waste & Littering Call-Out: A local op-ed warns littering is harming SVG’s environment and tourism appeal, urging stronger enforcement of the Litter Act and action against repeat hotspots. Pesticides Watch: Reporting on FAO data flags Saint Lucia’s high pesticide use intensity, raising wider regional concerns about environmental and health impacts. Regional Policy Pressure: Eastern Caribbean leaders, including SVG’s PM Godwin Friday, agree to push a coordinated Brussels mission over EU concerns about Citizenship by Investment programmes.

Road Safety & Environment: The Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Traffic Department has launched a Bequia campaign to remove abandoned and illegally parked vehicles, citing the Road Traffic Act and Litter Act; owners get 48 hours after a Notice of Removal, or face court action and fines up to EC$5,000. Food Security & Climate Resilience: The Zero Hunger Trust Fund is set to launch “Cultivating Futures” across 10 regional schools, targeting food security, nutrition, education and climate resilience in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, St. Lucia, Grenada and Dominica, funded by the EU under EU-CaN. Youth Agriculture: ZHTF also rolled out the Youth Agriculture Science Internship Programme (YASIP), bringing 45 interns into a six-week placement focused on transforming food systems. Regional Policy & CBI: Eastern Caribbean leaders, including SVG’s PM Godwin Friday, agreed on a coordinated diplomatic push toward Brussels over EU pressure to phase out Citizenship by Investment programmes by 2028, arguing the revenues support climate resilience, healthcare and infrastructure. Community Cleanliness Call: A local commentary renews calls for stronger enforcement of SVG’s Litter Act, warning that littering harms public health, wildlife and tourism appeal.

Coastal cleanliness crisis: A local call to enforce St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ Litter Act says litter is spreading across beaches, rivers, streets and even near bins—fueling pests and threatening tourism’s natural appeal. Public health partnership: SVG and India signed an MoU to strengthen public health collaboration, including recognition of the Indian Pharmacopoeia to streamline imports and improve access to affordable generic medicines. Housing and land fairness: A review of state land allocations is raising questions about equity and transparency, including claims of multiple or repeat allocations and whether priority went to those most in need. Youth and the sea: The SVG Coast Guard launched its 2026 Youth Development Programme (four phases through August) to build discipline, teamwork and practical life skills. Regional air connectivity: Antigua’s PM renewed the push for an OECS airline, citing long delays and cancellations that strand travellers across the sub-region. Tourism momentum: SVG reported strong early-year stayover growth, with visitors drawn to its rainforest-to-sea experiences and Grenadines sailing routes. Sustainable food systems: The Zero Hunger Trust Fund rolled out the Youth Agriculture Science Internship Programme (YASIP) for 45 interns, focused on transforming food systems.

Public Health Partnership: St. Vincent and the Grenadines and India signed an MoU to align pharmaceutical standards and streamline importation and quality checks, aiming to expand access to affordable generic medicines. Regional Air Connectivity: Antigua and Barbuda PM Gaston Browne renewed calls for an OECS airline, citing hours-long delays and cancellations that strand travellers across the islands. CBI Under EU Pressure: Eastern Caribbean leaders met in Dominica to plan a coordinated diplomatic push to Brussels after the EU asked for Citizenship by Investment programmes to be phased out by June 2028, with promises of stronger due diligence and a high-level mission. ECCB Leadership & Currency: Dominica’s Dr. Irving McIntyre assumed chairmanship of the ECCB Monetary Council as new EC$10 notes were unveiled, marking the EC dollar’s 50-year fixed exchange rate. Disaster Readiness: Opposition leader Ralph Gonsalves warned SVG to step up disaster preparedness amid hurricane season and climate shifts, pointing to past impacts and urging household emergency plans. Sustainable Seafood Spotlight: A Vincentian Royal Navy chef won a top fish-cooking prize, highlighting sustainable seafood in military catering. Youth & Food Systems: The Zero Hunger Trust Fund launched a Youth Agriculture Science Internship Programme (YASIP) for 45 interns, focused on transforming food systems.

OECS Airline Push: Antigua and Barbuda PM Gaston Browne renewed calls for an OECS airline, pointing to painful delays and missed events during regional travel. CBI Under EU Pressure: Eastern Caribbean leaders met in Roseau and agreed on a coordinated Brussels mission to respond to EU demands to phase out Citizenship by Investment by June 2028, while stressing security, transparency, and the role CBI funds play in climate resilience and essential services. ECCB Stability Milestone: Dominica’s Dr. Irving McIntyre took over the ECCB Monetary Council chairmanship as the region marked 50 years of the EC dollar’s fixed exchange rate, alongside the unveiling of new EC$10 notes. SVG Credit Rating Fallout: Commentary and debate followed Moody’s downgrade of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, with focus on liquidity pressures and what it means for rebuilding confidence. Disaster Readiness & Utilities: Opposition leader Ralph Gonsalves warned about hurricane-season preparedness and raised concerns about Vinlec’s infrastructure reliability. Housing Recovery in the Grenadines: British investor Ian Wace partnered with SVG to accelerate reconstruction and long-term resilience after Hurricane Beryl. Youth in Food Systems: The Zero Hunger Trust Fund launched the Youth Agriculture Science Internship Programme (YASIP) for 45 interns.

CBI vs EU pressure: Eastern Caribbean leaders met in Roseau and agreed to send a high-level delegation to Brussels over the EU’s revised visa suspension mechanism, arguing CBI revenues help fund climate resilience, healthcare and infrastructure while pledging stronger due diligence and a regional CBI regulator. Cost-of-living relief: CARICOM leaders also pushed measures to cut household expenses, including fuel tax reductions, freight adjustments, more renewable energy, and plans for a regional ferry service. Climate and disaster readiness: St. Vincent and the Grenadines faces a 72-hour weather risk with tropical waves plus Saharan dust-haze, bringing gusty winds, showers, flash-flood and landslide danger, and poor air quality for sensitive people. Blue Economy planning: UBEC consultations wrapped up across mainland and Grenadines islands to shape fisheries, seafood safety and aquaculture frameworks, aiming to boost jobs and investment. Housing recovery in the Grenadines: A British investor partnership is set to accelerate reconstruction on Canouan and nearby islands after Hurricane Beryl. Regional solidarity: A CARICOM relief shipment of 88 containers sailed to earthquake-hit Venezuela, including food, medical supplies, water tanks and heavy equipment.

Sovereign finance pressure: Commentaries on Moody’s downgrade focus on liquidity stress and rising domestic debt, arguing the rating action is a warning about whether government can reliably meet obligations. EU-CBI diplomacy: Eastern Caribbean leaders met in Roseau to respond to the EU’s revised visa suspension mechanism for Citizenship by Investment, agreeing to send a high-level Brussels delegation while stressing reforms, transparency, and the role CBI revenue can play in climate resilience and public services. ECCB leadership & stability: Dominica’s Dr. Irving McIntyre assumed chairmanship of the ECCB Monetary Council as the region marks 50 years of the EC dollar’s fixed exchange rate—framing stability as a base for resilience and shared prosperity. Cost-of-living relief: CARICOM leaders outlined measures to ease household pressures, including fuel import tax cuts, freight and cargo-trade cost reductions, more renewable energy, and plans to fast-track a regional ferry service. Weather & air quality: SVG’s 72-hour outlook warns of tropical waves plus Saharan dust-haze, with possible flash-flooding and unhealthy air for sensitive people. Blue Economy support: UBEC consultations wrapped up to shape fisheries, seafood safety, and aquaculture frameworks, and the MSME Matching Grants Programme extended its Window 2 deadline to July 24 for Blue Economy value chain groups. Disaster preparedness debate: Opposition leader Ralph Gonsalves renewed calls for stronger hurricane and climate preparedness, pointing to past impacts and risks to water security and utilities.

ECCB Leadership & Stability: Dominica’s Dr. Irving McIntyre took over the ECCB Monetary Council chair, pledging to protect the financial well-being of the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union amid economic and geopolitical uncertainty. EU Pressure on CBI: Eastern Caribbean leaders agreed to send a high-level delegation to Brussels to address EU concerns and a revised visa suspension mechanism tied to Citizenship by Investment programmes. CARICOM Cost-of-Living Moves: CARICOM leaders outlined regional and national steps to ease household pressures, including fuel import tax cuts, freight adjustments, more renewable energy, and plans for a regional ferry service. Blue Economy & Fisheries Planning: UBEC consultations across St. Vincent and the Grenadines wrapped up, feeding into two strategic frameworks for fisheries, seafood safety, and aquaculture growth. Youth Agriculture Push: The Zero Hunger Trust Fund launched the Youth Agriculture Science Internship Programme (YASIP) with 45 interns for a six-week food systems-focused placement. Weather Watch: St. Vincent and the Grenadines Meteorological Services issued advisories for tropical waves and Saharan dust-haze, warning of flash-flood and landslide risks plus poor air quality for sensitive people. Disaster Preparedness Debate: Opposition voices renewed calls for stronger disaster readiness as climate impacts and the hurricane season approach.

CARICOM & climate agenda: CARICOM’s 51st Heads of Government meeting in Saint Lucia (5–8 July) put climate change and climate financing, food and nutrition security, and reparations on the regional agenda, with St. Vincent and the Grenadines represented by PM Dr. Godwin Friday. EU pressure on CBI: Eastern Caribbean leaders agreed to send a high-level delegation to Brussels to respond to the EU’s revised visa suspension mechanism and calls to phase out Citizenship by Investment programmes by 2028, while stressing security, transparency, and development financing roles. Cost-of-living relief: CARICOM governments shared measures to cut household pressures, including tax reductions on fuel imports, freight cost adjustments, more renewable energy, and plans to fast-track a regional ferry service. Blue Economy push: UBEC consultations wrapped up across mainland St. Vincent and the Grenadines to shape fisheries, seafood safety, and aquaculture frameworks. Youth agriculture: The Zero Hunger Trust Fund launched the Youth Agriculture Science Internship Programme (YASIP) with 45 interns for a six-week food systems track. Weather watch: St. Vincent and the Grenadines Meteorological Services issued advisories for tropical waves and Saharan dust-haze, warning of gusty winds, heavy showers, flash-flood/landslide risk, and poor air quality. Hurricane recovery housing: British investor Ian Wace is partnering on a southern Grenadines housing recovery and resilience project for Canouan and nearby islands after Hurricane Beryl damage. Disaster preparedness debate: Opposition senators backed a Disaster Risk Management Loan Act 2026 as “good debt,” while critics warned SVG must improve preparedness for the hurricane season and shifting climate patterns.

CARICOM Climate & Cost-of-Living Push: CARICOM Heads of Government met in Gros Islet, Saint Lucia (5–8 July) and agreed on practical steps to ease rising living costs, including tax cuts on fuel imports, freight adjustments, cheaper intra-regional cargo, more renewable energy, and faster moves toward a regional ferry service. EU Pressure on CBI: Eastern Caribbean leaders (including SVG PM Godwin Friday) agreed to send a high-level delegation to Brussels after the EU raised concerns about Citizenship by Investment, while stressing security, transparency, and governance reforms. ECCB 50-Year Milestone: The ECCB Monetary Council marked 50 years of the EC dollar’s fixed US peg and reaffirmed stability as the base for the “Big Push” growth agenda. Weather & Health Alert: SVG Meteorological Services issued a 72-hour outlook for tropical waves plus Saharan dust haze, warning of gusty winds, heavy showers/thunderstorms, flash-flood/landslide risk, and poor air quality. Blue Economy & Fisheries: UBEC project consultations wrapped up across St. Vincent and the Grenadines to shape fisheries, seafood safety, and aquaculture strategy frameworks. Youth Agriculture: The Zero Hunger Trust Fund launched the Youth Agriculture Science Internship Programme (YASIP) with 45 interns for a six-week food-systems theme. Disaster Solidarity: CARICOM states sent an 88-container relief shipment to earthquake-ravaged Venezuela, including supplies from St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

EU-CBI Pressure: Eastern Caribbean leaders, including SVG’s PM Godwin Friday, agreed to send a high-level delegation to Brussels after the EU urged participating states to phase out Citizenship by Investment programmes by 2028, with talks focused on small-island realities and reforms like stronger due diligence and a regional CBI regulator. CARICOM Cost-of-Living: At the CARICOM heads meeting in Saint Lucia, governments mapped measures to ease prices—fuel import tax cuts, freight adjustments, lower intra-regional cargo costs, more renewable energy, and plans to fast-track a regional ferry. Blue Economy & Fisheries: UBEC consultations across Bequia, Canouan and Union Island wrapped up to shape fisheries, seafood safety and aquaculture frameworks, supporting the “Blue Economy” agenda. Youth in Agriculture: The Zero Hunger Trust Fund launched the Youth Agriculture Science Internship Programme (YASIP) with 45 interns for a six-week push to strengthen food systems. Weather & Health: SVG Meteorological Services issued a 72-hour outlook warning of tropical waves plus Saharan dust-haze, with flash-flood and landslide risk and poor air quality for sensitive people. Disaster Preparedness Debate: Opposition leader Ralph Gonsalves renewed calls for stronger hurricane-season readiness and warned climate shifts could worsen risks. Energy Savings: SVG is rolling out solar and LED retrofits at government facilities, cutting electricity use at the Kingstown Financial Complex.

Youth Agriculture & Food Systems: The Zero Hunger Trust Fund launched the Youth Agriculture Science Internship Programme (YASIP), placing 45 interns in a six-week push on youth participation in agriculture and sustainable development. Disaster Readiness & Climate Impacts: Opposition leader Ralph Gonsalves warned St. Vincent and the Grenadines to step up disaster preparedness as hurricane season continues and climatic shifts loom, while the Meteorological Services issued advisories for tropical waves and Saharan dust haze, including health cautions and flash-flood/landslide risk. Energy Efficiency & Clean Power: A solar-and-LED push is cutting electricity use at key government facilities, with LED retrofits already reducing power draw at the Kingstown Financial Complex. Blue Economy & Fisheries: UBEC consultations wrapped up across Bequia, Canouan and Union Island to shape fisheries, seafood safety and aquaculture frameworks for sustainable growth. Waste & Clean Streets for Vincymas: “Love SVG” brings 85 new waste bins to Kingstown and Arnos Vale, backed by multiple agencies and supported by GEF and National Ozone Unit projects. Regional Relief & Solidarity: CARICOM partners, including SVG, sent relief supplies to earthquake-ravaged Venezuela—88 containers plus water tanks and heavy equipment. Biodiversity Citizen Science: The BioSleuths Challenge concluded, training students and communities to collect biodiversity data and boosting public conservation awareness.

Youth & Jobs at SVGCC: PM Godwin Friday told SVGCC graduates his “simple” goal is keeping young Vincentians building careers at home, with job creation, entrepreneurship support, and a “new economy” built on creativity, innovation and sports. Disaster Preparedness Warning: Opposition leader Ralph Gonsalves urged urgent disaster readiness as hurricane season continues and climate shifts loom, citing past impacts and raising concerns about Vinlec’s infrastructure vulnerability. Weather & Air Quality Alert: Meteorological Services issued a 72-hour outlook for tropical waves bringing showers, thunderstorms and gusty winds, followed by Saharan dust haze that could worsen visibility and air quality for sensitive people. Blue Economy Consultations: UBEC fisheries consultations wrapped up across mainland St. Vincent and the Grenadines, aiming to shape frameworks for sustainable fisheries, seafood safety and aquaculture growth. Clean-Up Push for Vincymas: Tourism and partners launched “Love SVG,” distributing 85 waste bins and calling for better waste management during carnival crowds. Regional Relief to Venezuela: A CARICOM-linked relief shipment of food and medical supplies (88 containers) sailed toward earthquake-ravaged Venezuela, with support including water tanks and excavators. Health Security Upgrade: SVG became the first in the region to implement RIEWSS, a digital early warning surveillance system to strengthen rapid response to public health threats.

ECCB & Money: Dominica takes over the ECCB Monetary Council chairmanship today, with the handover ceremony also unveiling redesigned EC dollar banknotes and coins to mark 50 years since the EC dollar’s fixed US peg. Weather & Health: St. Vincent and the Grenadines Meteorological Services warns of tropical waves bringing showers, thunderstorms and gusty winds, plus Saharan dust haze that could reduce visibility and worsen air quality for sensitive people. Blue Economy & Fisheries: UBEC consultations across mainland St. Vincent and the Grenadines wrapped up, feeding into new fisheries, seafood safety and aquaculture frameworks. Disaster Resilience & Finance: Parliament debates a US$20m OPEC Fund disaster risk management loan, framed as “good debt” for climate-vulnerable resilience and fiscal transparency. Clean Environment: “Love SVG” kicks off with 85 new waste bins in Kingstown and Arnos Vale ahead of Vincymas, pushing better waste disposal and litter control. Energy Savings: Government facilities continue shifting to solar and LED retrofits, cutting electricity use at the Financial Complex. Community & Biodiversity: The BioSleuths citizen-science challenge concludes, with plans to expand biodiversity monitoring and public participation.

Southern Grenadines Housing Recovery: British investor Ian Wace is partnering with the St. Vincent and the Grenadines government to accelerate reconstruction on Canouan and nearby islands still reeling from Hurricane Beryl’s 2024 devastation, with the project aimed at boosting long-term resilience. Weather & Health Alert: Meteorological services warn of tropical waves bringing gusty winds, heavy showers and thunderstorms, plus a Saharan dust-haze risk that could reduce visibility and worsen air quality for sensitive people. Blue Economy Fisheries Planning: UBEC consultations across mainland St. Vincent and the Grenadines wrapped up, feeding into new fisheries, seafood safety and aquaculture frameworks to support sustainable growth. Clean-Up Push for Vincymas: “Love SVG” is rolling out 85 new waste bins in Kingstown and Arnos Vale, backed by waste-management partners, to cut litter during peak carnival crowds. FAO Climate-Smart Farming: FAO-funded work will bring agriculture drones and geospatial tools to strengthen data-driven farming and coastal risk management. Regional Disaster Solidarity: A CARICOM relief ship carrying food, medical supplies, water tanks and excavators has sailed to earthquake-hit Venezuela, including support from SVG. Currency Stability Milestone: ECCB marks 50 years of the EC dollar’s fixed exchange rate, highlighting the role of stability in supporting growth and resilience.

CARICOM Climate Agenda: Prime Minister Dr. Godwin Friday leads SVG’s delegation to the CARICOM Heads of Government meeting in Saint Lucia, with climate change and climate financing, food security, and regional security on the agenda. Weather Watch: St. Vincent and the Grenadines Meteorological Services issued a Small-Craft Advisory as a tropical wave brings gusty winds, heavy showers and thunderstorms, with rough seas expected through Thursday. Disaster Risk Finance: Parliament debates a US$20M Disaster Risk Management loan from the OPEC Fund, framed as “good debt” to strengthen resilience and fiscal transparency. Clean-Up Push for Vincymas: Tourism and partners launch “Love SVG,” distributing 85 waste bins and urging better waste disposal during carnival peak. Energy Efficiency: Government facilities are cutting electricity use via LED retrofits and solar initiatives, with thousands of kWh saved reported at the Kingstown Financial Complex. Biodiversity Citizen Science: The BioSleuths Challenge wraps up, training students to collect biodiversity data and encouraging the programme to become annual. Agriculture Tech for Climate Resilience: FAO backs a data-driven farming push, including soil testing and pest management support, plus drone-based geospatial tools for coastal risk and crop health.