AGP Executive Report

Public Health Early Warning: St. Vincent and the Grenadines became the first in the region to launch the Regional Integrated Early Warning Surveillance System (RIEWSS), with CARPHA support, to detect and respond faster to public health threats. Waste & Clean Seas: Ahead of Vincy Mas, 85 waste bins were deployed across Kingstown and Arnos Vale, as agencies urge “Love SVG” and better waste management to cut litter. Biodiversity Citizen Science: The 2026 BioSleuths Challenge wrapped up with biodiversity data collected by students and communities, with plans to make it an annual conservation push. Climate-Linked Farming Upgrade: FAO-backed work will bring geospatial, drone-based tools for data-driven agriculture and coastal risk management, aiming for quicker responses to pests and crop stress. Disaster Risk Finance: Government moved to authorize a US$20M OFID disaster risk management loan to strengthen resilience, adaptation, and fiscal transparency. Regional Tourism for Communities: OECS advanced community-based tourism planning in Saint Lucia, focusing on local communities as the main beneficiaries and protectors of natural and cultural assets. Weather Watch: A tropical wave is expected to bring showers and possible thunderstorms, followed by Saharan dust that may affect air quality and sea conditions.

Public Health & Preparedness: St. Vincent and the Grenadines became the first in the region to roll out the Regional Integrated Early Warning Surveillance System (RIEWSS), after a CARPHA technical mission and a high-level ministerial review in Kingstown. Waste & Clean Seas: During Vincy Mas, the government and partners launched a “Love SVG” push, distributing 85 waste bins across Kingstown and Arnos Vale to cut litter and improve disposal. Biodiversity in Schools: The 2026 BioSleuths citizen science challenge wrapped up with students collecting biodiversity data, and organisers plan to make it an annual event. Farming for Climate Resilience: FAO-backed work is bringing new tools for data-driven agriculture and coastal risk management, including agriculture drones and geospatial support. Weather Watch: A tropical wave is expected to bring more showers and thunderstorms, followed by Saharan dust that could affect air quality—residents are urged to stay alert. Community Tourism: OECS is advancing community-based tourism through training in Saint Lucia, aiming to keep tourism benefits rooted in local communities.

Waste & Cleanliness Push: Kingstown and Arnos Vale get 85 new waste bins as agencies urge Vincentians and visitors to “Love SVG” during Vincy Mas, backed by GEF and ozone projects. Health Security Upgrade: St. Vincent and the Grenadines becomes the first in the region to roll out CARPHA-supported RIEWSS, an early warning surveillance system to speed detection and response to public health threats. Biodiversity in the Classroom: The 2026 BioSleuths citizen-science challenge wraps up, with students collecting biodiversity data and organizers planning to make it an annual event. Weather Watch: A tropical wave brings heavier showers and possible isolated thunderstorms, followed by Saharan dust that may affect air quality; small craft users are warned about rougher seas. Climate-Smart Farming: FAO backs a $1.3M geospatial agriculture and coastal risk project, including agriculture drones and pest/pathogen protocols to improve crop monitoring. Tourism With Communities: OECS workshops in Saint Lucia push community-based tourism as a growth engine that keeps benefits in local hands.

Waste & Cleanliness Push: Kingstown and Arnos Vale get 85 new waste bins as agencies urge locals and visitors to “Love SVG” and cut litter during Vincy Mas. Early Warning for Health Security: St. Vincent and the Grenadines becomes the first in the region to launch RIEWSS, a digital early warning system to detect and respond faster to public health threats. Biodiversity Citizen Science: The 2026 BioSleuths Challenge wraps up, with students collecting biodiversity data and organisers planning to make the programme annual. Weather Watch: A tropical wave brings heavier showers and possible isolated thunderstorms, followed by Saharan dust that may reduce air quality; small craft users are warned about rougher seas. Climate-Smart Farming: FAO backs a $1.3M geospatial agriculture and coastal risk project, including drones and datasets to improve crop monitoring and coastal resilience. Disaster Risk Financing: Government moves to authorise a US$20M OPEC/OFID disaster risk management policy loan to strengthen resilience and fiscal transparency. Tourism & Environment Link: OECS drives community-based tourism as a growth engine, aiming to keep tourism benefits and natural assets in local hands.

Water Stress Watch: A new UN/FAO-backed global map shows how hard many countries are drawing down freshwater—some using 10–30x more than nature can replenish, with Kuwait topping the list—highlighting why climate-driven demand and shifting rainfall matter for island resilience. Climate-Ready Farming: FAO is funding a $1.3M project to modernize St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ farming and coastal risk management with agriculture drones, geospatial datasets, and new pest and crop-health protocols. Disaster Risk Financing: Government moves to authorize a US$20M OPEC Fund (OFID) disaster risk management loan, repurposed from an earlier larger deal, aimed at stronger resilience rules and more transparent fiscal management. Canouan Airport Upgrade: A CDB-backed rehabilitation and upgrade will tackle runway damage and add coastal protection and safety facilities, enabling Canouan to handle larger aircraft like the Airbus A320. Weather Alert: A tropical wave is expected to bring showers and possible isolated thunderstorms, with Saharan dust haze and rougher seas prompting caution for small craft and sea bathers. Blue Economy & Fisheries: UBEC/World Bank consultations are shaping new fisheries and seafood safety plans to help modernize regulation and support EU market access. Tourism With a Green Lens: OECS is pushing community-based tourism as a growth engine, training officials to help local communities become primary beneficiaries while protecting natural and cultural assets.

Disaster Risk Finance: The government introduced a bill to authorise a US$20M OFID disaster risk management loan, repurposed from an earlier US$30M plan, with 1.25% interest, a 21-year term and a five-year grace period—aimed at stronger resilience rules and more transparent fiscal management. Climate-Smart Agriculture: FAO-backed funding of EC$1.3M will bring two agriculture drones with multispectral sensors, plus geospatial datasets and new pest/pathogen protocols, to improve crop monitoring and coastal risk management. Blue Economy & Oceans: The Vincentian documentary “Madulu, The Seaman” is drawing global attention on ocean equity after sold-out screenings in the US and selection for an ocean justice festival. Marine Sector Planning: Under the World Bank’s UBEC project, SVG is developing fisheries and aquaculture action plans and a seafood inspection roadmap to help regain EU market access. Weather Watch: A tropical wave is expected to bring showers and possible isolated thunderstorms, with Saharan dust haze easing then returning, plus stronger winds and rougher seas—small craft and sea bathers urged to take care. Tourism & Resilience: OECS is pushing community-based tourism as a growth engine, training officials to help communities become primary beneficiaries while protecting natural and cultural assets.

Disaster Risk Finance: St. Vincent and the Grenadines moved to authorise a US$20M OPEC Fund (OFID) loan for disaster risk management, repurposing an earlier US$30M plan and locking in concessional terms (1.25% interest, 21-year maturity, grace period) aimed at resilience, adaptation, and more transparent fiscal management. Climate-Smart Agriculture: FAO-backed support is boosting farming and coastal risk work, including EC$1.3M for geospatial, drone-based monitoring to track crop health, land use, pests, and respond faster to climate-linked threats. Air & Coastal Resilience: The government secured a Caribbean Development Bank loan to rehabilitate and upgrade Canouan Airport—runway repairs, drainage, lighting, coastal protection, and safety facilities—so the island can handle larger aircraft like the Airbus A320. Weather Watch: A tropical wave is expected to bring showers and possible isolated thunderstorms from Friday, with Saharan dust easing then returning, plus stronger winds and rougher seas—small craft and sea bathers urged to take care. Blue Economy & Fisheries: Under the World Bank’s UBEC project, fisheries and seafood safety plans are being shaped to modernise regulation and help SVG regain EU market access. Regional Solidarity: SVG pledged US$100,000 to CARICOM’s relief effort for Venezuela after deadly earthquakes, with updates shared through its ambassador in Caracas. Community Tourism: OECS is pushing community-based tourism as a growth engine, training officials to help locals become primary beneficiaries while protecting natural and cultural assets.

Disaster Risk Finance: St. Vincent and the Grenadines moved to authorize a US$20M OPEC Fund (OFID) disaster risk management budget support loan at 1.25% over 21 years, repurposing part of an earlier US$30M deal—aimed at stronger resilience rules and more transparent fiscal management. Climate-Smart Farming: FAO-backed work is boosting SVG agriculture with EC$1.3M for “data-driven agriculture and coastal risk management,” including two agriculture drones with multispectral sensors and new geospatial datasets to spot crop health and pest threats faster. Fisheries & Blue Economy: Under the World Bank’s UBEC project, stakeholders shaped a five-year seafood sanitary and quality inspection plan and a fisheries/aquaculture action plan to help SVG regain EU market access. Weather Watch: A tropical wave is expected to bring showers and possible isolated thunderstorms from Friday into the weekend, with Saharan dust easing then returning and small-craft operators urged to be cautious. Tourism & Resilience: Canouan Airport rehabilitation is set to upgrade runway, drainage, lighting, and coastal protection to support larger aircraft like the Airbus A320, improving connectivity and weather resilience. Regional Solidarity: SVG pledged US$100,000 to CARICOM’s response to Venezuela’s June 24 earthquakes.

Disaster Solidarity: Prime Minister Godwin Friday pledged US$100,000 to CARICOM’s response to Venezuela’s June 24 earthquakes, citing a toll nearing 2,300 dead and thousands injured, with SVG’s ambassador in Caracas providing updates. Community-Based Tourism: OECS tourism officials met in Saint Lucia to train member states on community-based tourism policy and action planning, backed by the EU’s RIGHT programme, with OECS DG Dr. Didacus Jules stressing tourism must keep benefits in local communities. Agriculture & Climate Resilience: FAO handed SVG $56,000 in agri equipment to boost soil testing accuracy and pest management, while IICA training supported 49 farmers and officers in soil health for climate-resilient farming. Weather Watch: A tropical wave is expected to bring showers and possible isolated thunderstorms, after Saharan dust haze and breezy conditions, with small craft cautioned over rougher seas. Blue Economy: UBEC project consultations produced draft plans to modernize fisheries and seafood safety, aiming to improve EU market access. Marine & Fisheries Safety: Stakeholders shaped a five-year seafood sanitary and quality inspection plan plus a fisheries and aquaculture action plan. Emergency Preparedness: NEMO completed HF radio installation and training with CDEMA to strengthen disaster communications. Regional Leadership: OECS Authority reappointed Dr. Didacus Jules for a fourth term, as leaders backed deeper integration.

Tropical Weather Watch: A tropical wave is expected to bring cloudy, breezy conditions with showers and possible isolated thunderstorms to St. Vincent and the Grenadines this Friday into the weekend, after a Saharan dust haze and above-normal sea swells prompt caution for small craft operators and sea bathers. Climate-Smart Farming: IICA’s ADOPT Caribbean soil-health project trained 49 farmers and agricultural officers in northeastern SVG, including soil sampling in Langley Park and Orange Hill to guide more climate-resilient soil management. Sustainable Fisheries: Under the World Bank’s UBEC Blue Economy project, SVG completed stakeholder consultations to shape a five-year seafood sanitary and quality inspection plan and a fisheries and aquaculture action plan aimed at safer products and renewed EU market access. Agri Tech Support: FAO handed over $56,000 in agricultural equipment to SVG’s agriculture ministry to improve soil testing accuracy and pest management, with a focus on boosting hot pepper productivity through better extension services. Disaster Readiness: NEMO and CDEMA wrapped up HF radio “training of trainers” to strengthen emergency communications for disaster response. Regional Integration: OECS leaders reappointed Dr. Didacus Jules for a fourth term, citing work on food sovereignty, digital transformation, and stronger regional capacity.

OECS Gender Training: The OECS Commission rolled out a three-part Gender Mainstreaming Staff Training Series (June 15), using case studies and a Gender Marker simulation to help staff apply gender-responsive planning across regional programmes tied to land and marine ecosystem restoration. OECS Leadership: Dr. Didacus Jules was reappointed to a fourth term as OECS Director General after the 78th OECS Authority meeting, with leaders citing progress on food sovereignty, digital transformation, healthier communities and education reform. Climate-Resilient Farming: IICA training supported 49 farmers and agricultural officers in St. Vincent and the Grenadines under ADOPT Caribbean, including soil testing and field learning to improve soil health for climate-resilient agriculture. Blue Economy for Fisheries: UBEC Project consultations helped shape new fisheries and aquaculture plans, including a five-year seafood sanitary and quality inspection roadmap aimed at safer products and renewed EU market access. Weekend Weather Watch: Residents were urged to stay alert for Saharan dust haze and a tropical wave expected to bring widespread showers and isolated thunderstorms by Sunday, plus caution for sea swells. Disaster Comms Upgrade: NEMO and CDEMA completed HF radio “training of trainers” to strengthen emergency communications for disaster response. Tourism & Marine Trade: SVG signed an MOU with Global Ports Holdings for a 30-year cruise and ferry berth lease with termination clauses, while the Tourism Authority named Shafia London CEO and AIA launched Executive Air’s regional cargo service to boost exports.

Climate & Weather Watch: St. Vincent and the Grenadines is bracing for a weekend shift from Saharan dust haze to a tropical wave, with showers and isolated thunderstorms expected by Sunday and small-craft/sea-bather cautions due to above-normal swells. Blue Economy & Fisheries: Under the World Bank-funded UBEC project, SVG wrapped up two-week fisheries and seafood safety consultations to shape a five-year seafood inspection plan and a fisheries/aquaculture action strategy aimed at safer products and renewed EU market access. Climate-smart Agriculture: IICA’s ADOPT Caribbean soil-health programme trained 49 farmers and agricultural officers in northeastern SVG, including soil sampling and field-based learning to support climate-resilient farming. Regional Disaster Readiness: NEMO completed HF radio “training of trainers” with CDEMA to strengthen emergency communications for disaster response. Food Security Planning: The Zero Hunger Trust Fund validated its 2026–2030 strategic plan, shifting toward a systems approach that tackles climate/disaster risk and high import dependence. Marine Policy Support: Saudi Arabia launched a Caribbean Maritime Transport Sustainability project (2 years) to help countries, including SVG, strengthen maritime laws and capacity.

Port Oversight: Tourism Minister Dr. Kishore Shallow says the new 30-year cruise ship and ferry berth lease with Global Ports Holdings (GPH) will include termination clauses if expectations aren’t met, after an MOU signed June 10 and projected investments of EC$55m upfront and up to EC$255m over the term. Disaster Readiness: NEMO wrapped a five-day High Frequency radio training with CDEMA, boosting hands-on emergency communications capacity under a regional upgrade programme. Climate-Smart Farming: IICA’s ADOPT Caribbean soil-health project trained 49 farmers and agricultural officers in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, including soil sampling in Langley Park and Orange Hill. Marine Economy: Under the World Bank’s UBEC Blue Economy push, SVG is building new fisheries and seafood safety plans to modernize inspections and help regain EU market access. Weekend Weather Watch: Residents are urged to monitor shifting conditions—Saharan dust haze easing Saturday, then a tropical wave bringing showers and isolated thunderstorms by Sunday, plus caution for sea swells. Regional Leadership: OECS Authority reappointed Dr. Didacus Jules for a fourth term as Director General, while chairmanship passed from SVG’s Dr. Godwin Friday to Antigua’s Gaston Browne.

OECS Chair Switch: Antigua and Barbuda’s PM Gaston Browne took over the OECS Authority chair from SVG’s PM Godwin Friday, with leaders pointing to climate resilience, food and energy security, digital transformation, and regional integration. Disaster Readiness: NEMO wrapped up HF radio “training of trainers” with CDEMA support, boosting emergency communications for faster response. Food Security Planning: The Zero Hunger Trust Fund validated its 2026–2030 strategic plan, shifting toward a full food-systems approach as climate and import pressures rise. Climate-Smart Farming: IICA trained 49 farmers and ag officers in soil health for climate-resilient agriculture, including soil testing in northeastern SVG. Blue Economy & Fisheries: UBEC consultations produced draft plans to modernize seafood safety and fisheries/aquaculture strategy, aiming to regain EU market access. Weekend Weather Watch: Saharan dust haze is easing, but a tropical wave is expected to bring showers and isolated thunderstorms by Sunday, with sea swells requiring caution. Marine Sustainability: Saudi Arabia launched a Caribbean Maritime Transport Sustainability project to strengthen maritime laws across 14 countries, including SVG.

OECS Chair Switch: Antigua and Barbuda’s PM Gaston Browne officially took over the OECS Authority chair from St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ PM Dr. Godwin Friday, with a push for an “OECS renaissance” on integration, climate resilience, food and energy security, and digital transformation. Disaster Readiness: NEMO wrapped up HF radio “Training of Trainers” with CDEMA support to strengthen emergency communications for disaster response. Climate-Smart Farming: IICA’s ADOPT Caribbean soil-health project trained 49 farmers and ag officers in St. Vincent, including soil testing in Langley Park and Orange Hill. Blue Economy & Fisheries: UBEC consultations helped shape a five-year seafood sanitary plan and fisheries/aquaculture action plan, aiming to improve safety and regain EU market access. Weather Watch: Saharan dust haze is affecting air quality and visibility, followed by a tropical wave bringing showers and isolated thunderstorms by Sunday. Food Security Planning: ZHTF validated its 2026–2030 strategic plan, shifting toward a systems approach that tackles climate/disaster risks and heavy food import dependence. Marine Sustainability: Saudi Arabia launched a Caribbean Maritime Transport Sustainability project with IMO support for 14 countries, including St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Disaster Preparedness: NEMO wrapped up a five-day High Frequency radio installation and “Training of Trainers” workshop with CDEMA, boosting hands-on emergency communications for faster disaster response. Climate & Health: Residents are warned about Saharan dust haze reducing air quality and visibility, followed by a tropical wave bringing widespread showers and isolated thunderstorms over the weekend. Food Security & Resilience: The Zero Hunger Trust Fund validated its Strategic Plan 2026–2030 with stakeholders, shifting toward a systems approach that tackles climate and disaster risks, import dependence, and rising food prices. Climate-Smart Agriculture: IICA trained 49 farmers and agricultural officers in St. Vincent and the Grenadines under ADOPT Caribbean, using soil testing and practical methods to strengthen climate-resilient farming. Blue Economy & Fisheries: UBEC Project consultations produced draft plans to modernize fisheries and seafood safety, aiming to improve EU market access and support sustainable aquaculture. Marine & Trade: St. Vincent’s Argyle International Airport announced Executive Air’s new regional cargo service to help farmers and tourism by improving export pipelines. Regional Leadership: OECS Heads reappointed Dr. Didacus Jules for a fourth term, while OECS marked 45 years of integration and called for an “OECS renaissance.”