AGP Executive Report

Climate-smart agriculture: IICA’s ADOPT Caribbean soil-health project trained 49 farmers and agricultural officers in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, combining classroom learning with field work and soil sampling to guide more climate-resilient farming. Disaster risk and extreme weather: Coverage highlights worsening heat and flooding worldwide, with Caribbean hurricanes predicted to intensify, underscoring the need for preparedness and adaptation. Mental health reform: St. Vincent and the Grenadines appointed Cuban psychiatrist Dr. Eloy Asanza Castillo to the Mental Health Rehabilitation Centre, ending a decade-long specialist gap and supporting plans to decentralise and reduce stigma. Regional integration leadership: OECS leaders reappointed Dr. Didacus Jules for a fourth term as Director General, while the OECS Authority marked its 45th anniversary and shifted chairmanship to Gaston Browne, with renewed calls for resilience and stronger institutions. Tourism with sustainability in mind: Shafia London was named CEO of the SVG Tourism Authority, with a results-focused mandate to grow arrivals while meeting visitor expectations; Q1 2026 tourism also showed strong gains. Food security planning: The Zero Hunger Trust Fund validated its 2026–2030 strategic plan, shifting toward a more integrated, climate-aware approach to hunger and nutrition. Local resilience standards: A building code workshop for construction professionals aimed to strengthen construction practices amid natural disasters and climate change.

OECS Leadership: The OECS Authority reappointed Dr. Didacus Jules to a fourth term as Director General, praising his work on food sovereignty, digital transformation, healthier communities and education reform. Regional Solidarity: CARICOM and OECS leaders signalled readiness to support Venezuela after twin “monster” earthquakes, as the death toll and injuries climbed. Mental Health Access: St. Vincent and the Grenadines appointed Cuban psychiatrist Dr. Eloy Asanza Castillo to the Mental Health Rehabilitation Centre, ending a decade-long specialist gap and pushing deinstitutionalised, decentralised care. Trade & Connectivity: Argyle International Airport announced Executive Air’s new regional cargo service, aimed at boosting exports for farmers and strengthening tourism-linked supply chains. Migration Talks: OECS agreed to form an advisory team for negotiations with the US on accepting a limited number of non-criminal third-country nationals and refugees. Marine Sustainability: Saudi Arabia launched a “Caribbean Maritime Transport Sustainability” project with the IMO for 14 countries, focusing on maritime laws and policy capacity. Climate-Smart Farming: SVG trained agri professionals in NFT hydroponics and advanced peanut production through CARDI-linked support. Food Security Planning: The Zero Hunger Trust Fund validated its 2026–2030 strategic plan, prioritising climate and disaster risks, food prices, and import dependence. Tourism With a Green Lens: SVG Tourism Authority named Shafia London as incoming CEO, with a results-first mandate as the sector reports strong 2026 Q1 visitor growth.

Flash-Flood Watch: St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ Meteorological Services upgraded alerts to an Orange-level Flash-Flood Watch as a tropical wave brings heavier showers and thunderstorms, with 50–75mm expected and a high risk of flooding and landslides on already-saturated ground. Food Security & Climate Risk: The Zero Hunger Trust Fund validated its 2026–2030 Strategic Plan, shifting toward a more integrated “systems” approach to tackle climate and disaster risks, rising food prices, import dependence, and changing diets. Sustainable Maritime Governance: Saudi Arabia launched a two-year “Caribbean Maritime Transport Sustainability” project with the IMO to strengthen maritime laws and capacity across 14 countries, including SVG, to better implement key IMO instruments. Agri-Tech for Resilience: SVG is training agri professionals in climate-smart hydroponics using Nutrient Film Technique (NFT), aiming to boost efficiency and production quality for vegetable value chains. Peanut Production Push: CARDI and SVG agriculture partners held a peanut yield evaluation and distribution session, highlighting peanuts’ soil benefits and climate resilience alongside market opportunities. Tourism Pressure Debate: Commentary and policy coverage continue to circle around balancing tourism growth with environmental and infrastructure limits, with calls to avoid “mass tourism” strain on waste, water, roads, and beaches. OECS Climate Cooperation: At the OECS 78th meeting, leaders emphasized climate resilience, food and energy security, and regional coordination as chairmanship rotated from Godwin Friday to Gaston Browne.

Food Security Planning: The Zero Hunger Trust Fund (ZHTF) validated its Strategic Plan 2026–2030 after a June 18 workshop, shifting toward a more integrated “systems vision” to tackle climate and disaster risks, import dependence, rising food prices, and youth vulnerability. Regional Climate & Resilience: At the 78th OECS Authority meeting in Antigua, Prime Minister Godwin Friday reaffirmed SVG’s commitment to OECS work despite emerging challenges, highlighting progress in affordable sustainable energy and resilience. OECS Leadership Reset: OECS leaders marked 45 years of integration as chairmanship rotated from Friday to Gaston Browne, who urged “OECS renaissance” and faster, more effective regional institutions. Agri-Tech & Soil Health: SVG’s agriculture push included training in nutrient film technique (NFT) hydroponics and a peanut yield evaluation session with CARDI, linking peanuts to climate resilience and improved soil health. Weather Alert: The Meteorological Services upgraded SVG’s advisory to an Orange Flash-Flood Watch for Saturday night into Sunday, warning of saturated ground and possible flooding and landslides. Tourism With a Green Lens: SVGTA appointed Shafia London as incoming CEO, promising a results-focused, inclusive tourism push—while the wider debate continues over balancing growth with sustainability.

OECS Chairmanship & Regional Solidarity: Prime Minister Godwin Friday reaffirmed St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ commitment to the OECS despite emerging challenges, highlighting progress on affordable sustainable energy, development financing, security, and economic resilience as he handed over the OECS Authority chair to Gaston Browne. OECS Reform Push: Browne also called for a leaner, faster OECS Commission to better serve member states, warning the region needs modern institutions, not just preserved ones. Climate-Smart Farming Training: Over 40 participants trained in NFT hydroponics at Orange Hill, with the method positioned as climate-smart for research, demonstrations, and technician training. Food Systems & Soil Health: SVG and CARDI moved to boost peanut production through yield evaluation and distribution sessions, framing peanuts as climate-resilient and soil-improving. Flood Risk Update: Meteorological Services upgraded SVG’s alert to an orange flash-flood watch as a tropical wave brings heavy rain and landslide risk. Tourism Growth, But Watch Carrying Capacity: SVGTA reported strong Q1 2026 tourism momentum (196,513 visitors) and named Shafia London as incoming CEO, while local commentary warns mass tourism could strain infrastructure and the environment. Regional Maritime Sustainability: Saudi Arabia launched an IMO-backed “Caribbean Maritime Transport Sustainability” project for 14 countries, including SVG, to strengthen maritime laws and implementation. Scholarship for Environmental Data Science: ECCB named Phillip John as the 2026 ECCB–Thomas De La Rue Scholar, funding his Master’s in Environmental Data Science and Machine Learning at Imperial College London.

OECS Climate & Integration: OECS leaders wrapped the 78th Authority meeting in Antigua (June 21–22), with Premier Gaston Browne taking the chair from SVG’s Dr. Godwin Friday. The agenda pushed economic development, regional integration, climate resilience, food and energy security, freedom of movement, and cooperation on health, education, and digital transformation. Tourism with a sustainability lens: SVG’s Tourism Authority named Shafia London as incoming CEO (duty July 1), tasking her to grow stay-over arrivals while meeting visitor expectations—amid ongoing debate about mass tourism pressure on local infrastructure. Agri-tech training: Over 40 agri professionals trained at Orange Hill on nutrient film technique (NFT) hydroponics, framed as climate-smart support for research, demonstrations, and better vegetable yields. Flood risk update: Meteorological Services upgraded SVG’s alert to an Orange Flash-Flood Watch (Sat June 20–Sun June 21), warning of heavy rain, saturated ground, and landslide risk. Environment-linked scholarship: ECCB named Phillip John (SVG) the 2026 ECCB–Thomas De La Rue Scholar, studying Environmental Data Science and Machine Learning at Imperial College London.

OECS Chair Handover: Prime Minister Dr. Godwin Friday passed the OECS Authority chairmanship to Antigua and Barbuda’s Gaston Browne at the 78th meeting in Antigua, with Friday stressing regional cooperation on affordable, sustainable energy, reliable air travel, and cross-border resilience to powerful storms. Climate Alert: St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ weather service upgraded a Yellow advisory to an Orange Flash-Flood Watch as a tropical wave brings heavy showers and thunderstorms, with 50–75mm possible and landslide risk on saturated ground. Tourism, but greener: New SVG Tourism Authority CEO Shafia London says tourism must be a “national engine” that delivers outcomes for everyone, while Q1 2026 figures show 196,513 visitors and continued yachting growth—raising the stakes for balancing growth with sustainability. Safer Construction: A building code workshop brought housing and construction professionals together to strengthen standards and better prepare homes for natural disasters and climate change. Food Systems Investment: Agriculture Minister Israel Bruce says SVG has pushed eight agri-projects into a regional investment “deal room,” including irrigation, poultry, and an abattoir—aimed at resilient, climate-ready food production. Blood Donation Push: The Health Ministry launched “Blood Text” to boost voluntary donor follow-up, targeting declining young-adult donations. OECS Reform Talk: Browne called for a leaner, faster OECS Commission to improve service delivery across the region.

Tourism Leadership & Growth: Shafia London was appointed CEO of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Tourism Authority, starting 1 July on a three-year contract, with a results-first mandate to grow stay-over arrivals and lift visitor experiences. Construction & Climate-Safe Standards: The Housing Ministry ran a building code workshop for construction professionals, stressing safer homes amid natural disasters and climate change. Tourism Strategy Debate: Commentary warns that pushing mass tourism could strain SVG’s roads, waste systems, water supply, and beaches, arguing the country lacks the infrastructure for huge crowds. Flood Risk Update: Meteorological Services upgraded a weather alert to an Orange Flash-Flood Watch for 20–21 June, citing heavy rain risk and saturated ground. OECS Climate Focus: OECS leaders met in Antigua for the 78th Authority meeting, with climate resilience and food/energy security on the agenda as chairmanship shifted from Godwin Friday to Gaston Browne. Food Systems Investment: Agriculture Minister Israel Bruce says SVG has advanced eight agri and food-system projects into a regional “deal room,” including irrigation, poultry, and agro-processing. Blood Donation Push: Health launched “Blood Text” to boost voluntary blood donations using automated, personalised donor messaging. Environment Skills for Resilience: ECCB named Phillip John as the 2026 Thomas De La Rue Scholar, studying Environmental Data Science in London.

Tourism & Livelihoods: Shafia T.T. London was named incoming CEO of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Tourism Authority, promising results over rhetoric and a tourism push meant to benefit communities from Fancy to Mayreau. OECS Climate Focus: OECS leaders opened their 78th Authority meeting in Antigua under Gaston Browne’s chairmanship, with climate resilience, food and energy security, and regional integration on the agenda. Flash-Flood Risk: Meteorological Services upgraded SVG’s alert to an orange Flash-Flood Watch as a tropical wave brings heavier showers and landslide risk. Sustainable Food Systems: Agriculture minister Israel Bruce says eight food-system projects have moved into a regional “deal room” after a Barbados forum, aiming to unlock investment for resilient farming and processing. Blood Donation Drive: The Health Ministry launched “Blood Text” and a new blood bank website to boost voluntary donations, especially among younger donors. Public Service & Accountability: PM Godwin Friday urged public servants to improve conditions and performance, calling out “substandard” workplaces while linking better service to national economic recovery. Regional Resilience Finance: The IFC will invest up to US$15M into the Caribbean Community Resilience Fund debt sub-fund, supporting resilience and sustainability projects across 13 countries including SVG.

Tourism vs carrying capacity: A debate is heating up over St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ push to grow visitor numbers, with critics warning that mass tourism could overwhelm roads, waste systems, water supply and beaches—especially given the country’s limited infrastructure. Cruise port deal scrutiny: Questions are also being raised around the 30-year Kingstown cruise terminal concession with Global Ports Holding, with critics saying it effectively hands long-term control of a key national asset to a foreign operator. Flash-flood risk: The Meteorological Services upgraded SVG’s alert to an orange Flash-Flood Watch, citing a tropical wave and saturated ground, with heavy rain and landslide risk expected into Sunday. Agriculture investment momentum: Agriculture projects are moving toward regional financing after a Barbados forum, including irrigation, poultry and agro-processing proposals. Climate resilience finance: The IFC says it will invest up to US$15M in a Caribbean debt fund targeting resilience and sustainability projects across 13 countries, including SVG. OECS leadership in motion: Prime Minister Godwin Friday heads to Antigua for the 78th OECS Authority meeting as chairmanship rotates to Gaston Browne. Health tech for donors: The Health Ministry launched “Blood Text” to boost voluntary blood donations using automated, personalised messaging and a new national blood bank website. Vincy Mas safety & culture: Organisers rolled out stricter carnival safety rules, including a no-glass policy, alongside efforts to keep AI out of music creation and protect local creativity.

Mass Tourism Warning: A new push for “mass tourism” is drawing backlash from local voices, who say St. Vincent and the Grenadines lacks the roads, water, and waste systems to handle huge crowds—especially if the mainland is treated as a “sacrificial zone” while the Grenadines stay “exclusive.” Flash-Flood Risk: The Meteorological Services upgraded SVG’s alert to an Orange Flash-Flood Watch, citing a tropical wave and warning of heavy rain (50–75mm, higher in mountains), with saturated ground raising the odds of flooding and landslides. Food Systems Investment: Agriculture Minister Israel Bruce says SVG has advanced eight agri and food-system projects into a regional “deal room,” including irrigation, poultry, agro-processing, youth investment, and arrowroot revitalisation. Sand vs Quarry Debate: Officials insist the Roseau River sand and aggregate project isn’t another Richmond-style quarry, but residents and advocates argue it already feels like “quarry number two,” citing consultation and livelihood concerns. OECS Leadership Shift: Prime Minister Godwin Friday heads to Antigua for the 78th OECS Authority meeting, where Gaston Browne will assume the chair, with climate resilience and regional integration on the agenda. Vincy Mas Safety & Culture: Ahead of Vincy Mas 2026, police and CDC rolled out stricter safety rules (including no glass bottles) and new steps to manage AI in music submissions.

OECS Climate & Integration: Prime Minister Godwin Friday heads to Antigua for the 78th OECS Authority meeting, where regional priorities will include climate resilience and security, and he hands over OECS chairmanship to Gaston Browne while DPM St. Clair Leacock acts at home. Sand vs. Quarry Fears: Officials say the Roseau River sand and aggregate project won’t mirror Richmond, but North Leeward residents and advocates warn it already feels like “quarry number two,” raising concerns about consultation and impacts on fishing and farming. Food-Security Investment Push: Agriculture Minister Israel Bruce says SVG has advanced eight agriculture and food-system projects into a Barbados “deal room,” including irrigation, poultry, agro-processing and youth agri-investment. Dasheen Export Breakthrough: SVG secures a U.S. export framework for dasheen farmers, with a reported minimum price commitment of $100 EC per sack to lift earnings. Regional Resilience Finance: IFC confirms up to US$15m into the Caribbean Community Resilience Fund debt sub-fund, targeting resilience and sustainability projects across 13 countries including SVG. Vincy Mas Safety & Culture Tech: Ahead of Vincy Mas 2026, police roll out strict safety rules (including no glass bottles) and the CDC moves to manage AI use in music submissions while improving festival planning with data. Climate Skills for the Region: ECCB names Phillip John as the 2026 Thomas De La Rue Scholar, studying Environmental Data Science and Machine Learning at Imperial College London. Kids’ Tourism Camp Expands: The tourism ministry decentralises its 2026 Kids’ Tourism Summer Camp across communities, with field trips and hikes focused on nature and heritage.

Climate Finance: The IFC says it will invest up to US$15M in the Caribbean Community Resilience Fund debt sub-fund, aiming to back climate resilience and sustainability projects across 13 countries, including St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Regional Trade & Integration: CARIFORUM–EU talks get a push in the Dominican Republic, with leaders calling for stronger regional coordination and more practical implementation of the CARIFORUM–EU Economic Partnership Agreement. Agriculture & Exports: SVG’s agriculture ministry secures a new U.S. export framework for dasheen, with a reported minimum price commitment of EC$100 per sack to lift earnings for farmers. Environmental Skills: The ECCB names Phillip John (SVG) the 2026 ECCB–Thomas De La Rue Scholar, studying Environmental Data Science and Machine Learning at Imperial College London. Public Service & Resilience: PM Godwin Friday urges public servants to improve performance while government moves to address “substandard” and “health-hazard” working conditions. Vincy Mas Safety & Culture: Carnival officials roll out stricter security, including a no-glass-bottle rule and tougher action against “6ixx and 7even” violence, while also setting new rules to curb AI-generated music submissions. Aviation Update: A Dominican Republic-registered aircraft reported missing en route to Tobago has been found, with no loss of lives reported.

Public Service Push: PM Godwin Friday urged Vincentian public servants to improve “substandard” and even “health-hazard” working conditions, while calling on staff to deliver timely, professional service as the country tackles debt and development needs. Vincy Mas Safety & Culture: Ahead of Vincy Mas 2026 (“The Great Escape”), police and CDC rolled out tighter security, including a strict no-glass-bottle policy and warnings against “6ixx and 7even” gang violence. AI in Carnival: CDC also announced new rules to curb AI-generated music submissions, aiming to protect human creativity while using data to improve festival planning. Agriculture Exports: SVG secured a U.S. export framework for dasheen farmers, with a minimum $100 EC per sack commitment after reports of prices as low as $40 EC. Climate & Resilience Skills: ECCB named Phillip John (SVG) the 2026 Thomas De La Rue Scholar for Environmental Data Science and Machine Learning at Imperial College London. Agriculture Development: IICA convened 40+ farmers and partners for its 2025 accountability seminar, focusing on food safety, agribusiness support, and resilience against animal diseases. Aviation Update: A Dominican Republic-registered aircraft reported missing en route to Tobago was found with no loss of life, though officials said the investigation remains “very delicate.”

Public Service Upgrade: PM Godwin Friday said public servants are being asked to work “miracles” in “substandard” and even “health-hazard” conditions, pledging government action to improve workplaces while urging better service to citizens. Vincy Mas Safety & Culture Controls: Ahead of Vincy Mas 2026, police and regulators rolled out stricter security, including a hard line against “6ixx and 7even” violence and a strict no-glass-bottle policy around Kingstown and venues. AI in Music Submissions: The Carnival Development Corporation also moved to curb suspected AI-generated songs, stressing human creativity must stay at the centre. Climate & Resilience Skills: ECCB named Vincentian Phillip John as the 2026 ECCB–Thomas De La Rue Scholar for Environmental Data Science and Machine Learning at Imperial College London. Agriculture Trade Boost: SVG secured a U.S. export framework for dasheen farmers, with a reported minimum payment of $100 EC per sack to lift earnings. Tourism Education in Communities: The Kids’ Tourism Summer Camp expands across multiple communities in SVG and the Grenadines, with field trips, hikes and nature-focused learning. Energy Cost Relief Message: VINLEC reiterated it does not profit from fuel surcharges and urged energy conservation as smart meters are expected by year-end. Air Safety Update: A Dominican Republic-registered aircraft reported missing en route to Tobago was found, with no loss of life, though officials kept details limited due to a sensitive investigation.

Climate & Land Restoration: The GEF approved a US$6.1m project in St. Vincent to restore degraded watersheds in the south corridor, targeting soil erosion, biodiversity protection, and climate resilience through nature-based solutions. Clean Energy for Fisheries: CRFM is scaling clean energy work under the STAR-Fish project, with St. Vincent and the Grenadines among beneficiaries, aiming for low-carbon fisheries, better cold-chain options, and renewable power for fish processing. Vincy Mas Safety & Culture: CDC and police briefings for Vincy Mas 2026 (“The Great Escape”) stress unity and heavy security—visible patrols, a hard line on “6ixx and 7even” violence, and a strict no-glass-bottle rule around Kingstown. Tech in Carnival: Organisers say AI use in music submissions will be regulated to protect human creativity, while data collection is planned to improve festival planning. Aviation Update: A Dominican Republic-registered aircraft reported missing en route to Tobago has been found with no loss of lives, though officials say the investigation remains sensitive. Renewables Push: PM Godwin Friday reiterated plans to expand solar and other renewable energy as part of climate-change resilience efforts.