AGP Executive Report

Tourism & Culture: Grenada’s Junior Minister for Tourism, Ella-Rose Charles, has started a mentorship programme at the Ministry of Tourism, the Creative Economy and Culture ahead of the Caribbean Tourism Organisation’s Regional Tourism Youth Congress in Guyana (5–8 Oct 2026). Digital Economy: A CDB-backed regional initiative, “Reengineering MSMEs for Growth,” will support at least 150 MSMEs across Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, Saint Lucia and St Vincent and the Grenadines to boost digital skills, competitiveness and global market access, with inclusion for women-led and underserved businesses. Telecom & Consumer Rights: Curaçao’s long-delayed number portability remains unavailable, with the legal rollout still waiting on a separate decree despite the amended telecom services decree taking effect in 2025. Caribbean Music Spotlight: Spotify has selected Grenadian soca artist V’ghn for its 2026 Carnival Sounds campaign, featuring UK billboards and a live series celebrating Caribbean diaspora music. Sports: Grenada’s Anderson Peters took third in the Lausanne Diamond League javelin, behind Rumesh Tharanga Pathirage and Neeraj Chopra.

Football Politics: UEFA is reportedly in talks with CONCACAF about expanding the Nations League as early as 2028-29, while the wider push against FIFA boss Gianni Infantino continues, including claims he may attend a CFU U14 event in the Dominican Republic. Cruise Updates: MSC Cruises has reshuffled Winter 2027/28 plans—MSC World Europa is staying in Europe’s Western Mediterranean, and MSC World Asia is heading to the Southern Caribbean with calls including Grenada. Grenada Governance & Health: Grenada is drafting new hospital legislation to modernise public hospital governance, with a push to take the bill to Parliament in October. Procurement Scrutiny: The Democratic People’s Movement says government road projects using a design-build-finance approach “completely ignored” procurement laws. Business & Digital Push: A CDB-backed initiative will support at least 150 MSMEs across Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, St Lucia and St Vincent to adopt digital solutions. Culture Spotlight: Grenadian soca artist V’ghn was selected by Spotify for its 2026 Carnival Sounds campaign, featuring UK billboards and digital promotion. Education Notices: The Ministry of Education has published 2026-2027 secondary school orientation dates and eBook access details.

Agriculture Policy: Grenada’s Ministry of Agriculture is considering ending live animal exports, with Minister Israel Bruce saying a proposal for a modern abattoir is being prepared and enforcement of the Predial Larceny Act is also under review. Public Health Governance: New hospital legislation is in the works to modernise Grenada’s public hospital system, with a draft expected by September and a push for Parliament in October, aiming for full implementation in 2027. Procurement Watch: The Democratic People’s Movement says government road projects using a “design, build and finance” model have “completely ignored” procurement laws, arguing costs and financing details are not publicly clear. Regional Security: A drug bust in St. Kitts led to the custody of crew from Grenada, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and Trinidad and Tobago after cannabis and cocaine were seized. Culture & Tourism: Spotify has named Grenada’s V’ghn as the soca representative for its 2026 Carnival Sounds campaign, boosting Caribbean visibility in the UK. Youth & Education: Grenada delegates Tariq Miller and Kerri Ann Marrast represented the island at the Commonwealth Youth Parliament in Sydney, while the Ministry of Education published 2026–2027 secondary school orientation dates and eBook access details.

Procurement Watch: The Democratic People’s Movement says government road projects using a “design, build and finance” model “completely ignored” Grenada’s procurement laws, arguing competitive bidding and full public cost details were sidelined. Youth & Governance: Grenada’s National Youth Parliamentarians Tariq Miller and Kerri Ann Marrast represented the island at the 13th Commonwealth Youth Parliament in Sydney, debating “Democracy in the Age of Artificial Intelligence,” with a national youth election planned for December. Education Reform: Dominica’s WISTLE project will roll out a four-year, technology-supported lower-secondary curriculum across Dominica, Grenada, St Lucia and St Vincent and the Grenadines, with each country receiving a US$2.4 million grant. Regional Trade Policy: OECS, UNCTAD and ECLAC wrapped up work to close services-trade data gaps, using UNCTAD’s TiSSTAT to help member states plan export strategies. Sports Administration: Grenada Athletic Association elects new leadership on 22 August, with incumbent Conrad Francis not contesting the top post. Tax Reminder: Inland Revenue says the 2026 property tax deadline is 31 August, with online and office payment options and an objection process for assessments.

Grenada–Qatar Diplomacy: Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell says relations with Qatar are “very good” and getting stronger, with talks focused on education, healthcare, tourism, sports and economic development, and a push for private-sector involvement. Digital Policy for the Region: Grenada is set to host the Caribbean Internet Governance Forum, alongside the Caribbean Youth forum, aiming to shape a more resilient and trusted digital Caribbean. Tourism & Culture Calendar: The WCMF returns to Dominica (Oct 23–25) with major international acts including NE-Yo and Machel Montano, plus Grenada’s V’ghn. Maritime Career Boost: PM Holness will deliver the keynote at the American Caribbean Maritime Foundation’s Anchor Awards in Miami on Nov 5, 2026. Community Health Online: REACH launches an August webinar series on adolescent health and wellbeing, covering mental health, nutrition, parent-teen communication and stigma reduction. Local Sports Prep: St. Maarten’s drag racers hold a training session Aug 23 ahead of the Grenada Internationals (Sept 25–27).

Diplomacy & Development: Grenada PM Dickon Mitchell says ties with Qatar are “very good” and improving, pointing to cooperation in education, healthcare, tourism, sports and economic development, with a push to involve both countries’ private sectors. Digital Policy: Grenada is set to host the Caribbean Internet Governance Forum and the Caribbean Youth Internet Governance Forum, aiming to shape a more resilient, trusted digital Caribbean. Trade & Data for Growth: OECS, UNCTAD and ECLAC wrapped up an initiative to strengthen evidence-based services trade policymaking, using TiSSTAT to improve data and help countries build export strategies. Public Housing Updates: Multiple reports track 2025 public housing totals across Mississippi cities (including unchanged counts in Meridian, Jackson and Roxie), underscoring ongoing monitoring of occupancy and assistance levels. Community & Culture: Carriacou Museum’s board is seeking funding to rebuild a climate-resilient, tech-savvy museum after Hurricane Beryl, with costs expected to exceed EC$1 million. Energy Prices: Grenada’s retail prices show no change for gasoline and diesel, but kerosene and LPG (100-lb cylinder) increase.

Diplomacy & Trade: Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell says Grenada-Qatar relations are “very good” and growing, with talks focused on education, healthcare, tourism, sports and economic development after meetings with Qatar’s PM and foreign affairs leadership. Cost of Living Relief: Grenada has published a preliminary list of businesses eligible for the first VAT-Free weekend on Aug. 28–29, with appeals open to Aug. 19 for firms not on the list. Regional Economic Policy: The OECS says an initiative with UNCTAD and ECLAC is now strengthening evidence-based services trade policymaking across member states by improving services data through TiSSTAT. Public Governance: Grenada’s public sector conference is set for Sept. 23–24, with Ernst & Young named exclusive executive sponsor for Day One, aimed at boosting governance and accountability. Regional Security: A drug bust in St. Kitts and Nevis linked to the MV C Elizabeth seized cocaine and cannabis, with crew detained for investigation. Sports (Youth Football): Grenada’s U-14 team opened its CFU Challenge Series with a 3-2 win over Saint Lucia in Punta Cana.

VAT-Free Weekend Prep: Grenada’s Ministry of Finance has published a preliminary list of businesses eligible for the island’s first VAT-Free weekend on Aug. 28–29, with appeals open until Aug. 19 for firms not on the list. Governance & Oversight: Public policy critic John Rullow renewed calls for transparency, branding the Dickon Mitchell administration “most corrupt” amid concerns about procurement. Regional Trade Policy: The OECS, with UN partners, wrapped up work to strengthen evidence-based policymaking for trade in services, aiming to close data gaps and help member states plan export strategies. Foreign Relations: Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell met Qatar’s PM and foreign affairs minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, to discuss education, health, and tourism links. Public Sector Leadership: Grenada announced Ernst & Young as exclusive executive sponsor for the Sept. 23–24 conference of directors of public sector entities. Sports (Youth Football): Grenada opened the CFU Boys’ U-14 Challenge Series with a 3-2 win over Saint Lucia. Weather Watch: A tropical wave is expected to bring showers to Grenada and nearby islands late Monday into Tuesday, with localized heavy rain possible.

Diplomatic Talks: Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell met Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani during a visit focused on boosting ties in education, health, and tourism. Local Governance & Labour: Government and the public sector union reached an agreement on salary increases for workers, while officials also advanced Cost of Living Relief measures. Maritime Dispute: Tyrell Bay Marina in Carriacou addressed a long-running fence dispute, renewing its request for access to land tied to its expansion plans and the impact on boat owners. Regional Youth Football: Grenada opened its CFU Boys’ U-14 Challenge Series campaign with a 3-2 win over Saint Lucia, with more matches scheduled at Cap Cana. Travel & Tourism Spotlight: A feature highlighted Grand Anse Beach as a top Grenada destination for calm water, long walks, and nearby amenities. Weather Watch: A new tropical wave is expected to bring showers to parts of the eastern Caribbean, including Grenada, with limited development risk.

Diplomacy: Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell met Qatar’s PM and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani in Doha, reviewing ties and discussing cooperation in education, health, and tourism. Education Boost: Bermudian doctor Kyjuan Brown’s Dr Brown’s Institute of Health Sciences received UK accreditation, aiming to quadruple student numbers after a new level 4 certification. Cost of Living Relief: Grenada published a preliminary list of businesses for the upcoming VAT-Free Weekend under its Cost of Living Assistance Programme, with appeals open to eligible firms by 19 August. Weather Watch: A new tropical wave is expected to bring showers to Grenada and nearby islands late Monday into Tuesday, with localized heavy rain possible but no major tropical development expected. Tragedy: A toddler drowned during a family outing at Boucherie, Simon, St. Andrew; the child was found submerged and pronounced dead at the scene. Regional Policy: OECS launched a regional child policy and strategic plan for 2026–2032 with UNICEF support, focused on protecting and empowering children across member states.

Cost of Living Relief: Grenada’s Ministry of Finance has published a preliminary list of businesses eligible for the upcoming VAT-Free Weekend under the Cost of Living Assistance Programme, with the Inland Revenue Division urging businesses not on the list to appeal by 19 August. Regional Child Policy: The OECS, with UNICEF support, launched a Regional Child Policy and Strategic Plan 2026–2032, aiming for a whole-of-the-child approach across member states. Diplomacy: Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell leads an overseas mission with meetings in Spain and an official visit to Qatar (Aug 13–19), including talks on funding for Project Polaris, energy cooperation, and private sector investment. Sports Governance: The Grenada Football Association backed FIFA President Gianni Infantino after he withdrew the FIFA Forward Enterprise proposal, stressing unity and established FIFA processes. Weather Watch: A new tropical wave is expected to reach the eastern Caribbean by late Monday night into Tuesday, bringing showers to islands including Grenada, with seas potentially elevated. Tragedy: A toddler drowned during a family outing at Simon, St. Andrew, after being lost from sight for seconds; the child was pronounced dead at the scene.

Regional Child Policy: The OECS Commission, with UNICEF support, has unveiled a new Regional Child Policy and Strategic Plan 2026–2032, aiming for a “whole-of-the-child” approach so every child in the OECS is protected and empowered by 2032. Cost of Living Relief: Grenada’s Government is advancing its Cost of Living Assistance Programme, publishing a preliminary list of businesses for an upcoming VAT-Free Weekend and inviting appeals to the Inland Revenue Division by 19 August. Sports Governance: The Grenada Football Association backs FIFA President Gianni Infantino after he withdrew the FIFA Forward Enterprise proposal, praising the move as a step to preserve unity and warning against actions that bypass FIFA processes. Tragedy in St. Andrew: A toddler drowned during a family outing at the Boucherie area in Simon, St. Andrew, after relatives lost sight of the child for seconds; the child was pronounced dead at the scene. Earthquake Alert: Reports say a 5.0 magnitude earthquake struck Spain’s Granada area, prompting people to flee buildings and warnings of more tremors. Prime Minister’s Visit: Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell leads a delegation on an overseas mission, with engagements in Spain followed by an official visit to Qatar from 13–19 August, including talks on funding support for Project Polaris and energy cooperation.

Earthquake Alert: A 5.0 magnitude earthquake struck Granada’s tourist area early Saturday, forcing people to flee buildings and prompting emergency warnings of possible more tremors. Tragedy in St. Andrew: A toddler drowned during a family outing at the Boucherie area in Simon; the child was found submerged and pronounced dead at the scene. Cost of Living Relief: Grenada is moving ahead with its Cost of Living Assistance Programme, publishing a preliminary list of businesses for the upcoming VAT-Free Weekend and inviting appeals to the Inland Revenue Division by 19 August. Regional Education Push: OECS unveiled a 2026–2032 Regional Child Policy and Strategic Plan, and also marked progress on the OECS SKIP digital learning platforms being built in Grenada. Football Governance: The Grenada Football Association backed FIFA President Gianni Infantino after his decision to scrap the FIFA Forward Enterprise proposal, calling it a step to preserve unity and due process. Prime Minister’s Qatar Visit: PM Dickon Mitchell heads to Qatar for talks on funding for Project Polaris, energy cooperation, sports and education, and wider diplomatic coordination. Soca Spotlight: Lil Kerry’s “Mayhem” continues to dominate Spicemas 2026 charts after a Power Soca placing, with fans calling it pure “havoc.” Sports: The VI Women’s volleyball team earned their first ECVA championship win, beating Grenada 3-1 and setting up a match against Bermuda.

Tragedy in St. Andrew: A toddler drowned during a family outing at the Boucherie area in Simon, after disappearing from sight within seconds while playing in the water. Family members searched immediately, but emergency responders and a local doctor pronounced the child dead at the scene. FIFA politics and Grenada football: The Grenada Football Association backed FIFA President Gianni Infantino after he withdrew the controversial FIFA Forward Enterprise plan, calling it swift action to preserve unity and warning it will not support moves that bypass FIFA’s processes. PM heads to Qatar: Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell will travel on an official mission to Spain and then Qatar (Aug. 13–19), with talks expected to cover funding support for Project Polaris, energy cooperation, sports and education, and coordination on voting in multilateral bodies. Weather watch: A tropical disturbance is expected to bring heavy rain and gusty winds across the southeastern Caribbean, including Grenada, through tonight into Saturday, with flooding and mudslide risks in some areas. Regional governance: A Caribbean Court of Justice dress-code dispute is drawing fresh concern over trust and governance, as leaked internal emails fuel calls for a resolution.

FIFA Power Struggle: Gianni Infantino’s World Cup share-sale plan is off the table, but the fallout keeps growing as FIFA leadership faces trust questions; while Concacaf, UEFA and the AFC criticized him in a letter, several member associations—including Qatar and Lebanon—publicly reiterated support. CCJ Trust & Governance: Political scientist Prof. Hamid Ghany says a dress-code dispute at the Caribbean Court of Justice, sparked by leaked internal emails, is eroding confidence and needs a resolution to protect the court’s credibility—an issue that also touches Grenada’s own CCJ adoption history. Grenada Development Push: The CDB and World Bank agreed follow-up actions after a joint portfolio review of 11 active projects in Grenada, spanning geothermal energy, water supply, health, education, agriculture, coastal protection and monitoring and evaluation. Regional Child Protection: OECS unveiled a 2026–2032 regional child policy and strategic plan, aiming for safer, supported, empowered children across the Eastern Caribbean through a “whole-of-the-child” approach. Caribbean Sports: Boxing in Grenada gained a boost as the Boxing Association of Grenada was recognized as an Endorsed Member of World Boxing, opening doors for international competition. Community & Learning: Grenada Chess Federation’s free summer camp runs Aug. 17–21 at GBSS, with one-day extensions in Carriacou and Grenville. Caribbean Volleyball: The VI women’s team lost to Antigua and will face Grenada women next in the ECVA championships.

Development Finance: The Caribbean Development Bank and the World Bank have agreed follow-up actions after a joint review of 11 active Grenada projects, spanning coastal protection, water supply, health, education, agriculture, renewable energy and monitoring and evaluation—aimed at speeding implementation and improving results. Government & Diplomacy: Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell will lead an overseas mission to Spain, then visit Qatar (Aug. 13–19) for talks on Project Polaris, energy cooperation, sports and education, and coordination on multilateral voting positions. Education: The Ministry of Education outlined the 2026–2027 school reopening plan, with staff prep Aug. 24–28 and classes starting Monday, Aug. 31. Culture: Sen. Quinc Britton congratulated winners of Grenada’s 2026 Traditional Mas Competition and urged bands to pass the tradition to young people. Youth & Health: The REACH Project marked International Youth Day (Aug. 12) with webinars and support for adolescent health across Grenada and other OECS states. Tourism & Safety: A report from Carriacou’s Tyrell Bay describes a civil dispute that has left visiting yachts trapped, raising concerns for marine trade and regional tourism.