AGP Executive Report

National Mourning: Grenada and the wider Caribbean are mourning the death of Slinger “The Mighty Sparrow” Francisco, who died in New York at 91 after a brief illness, with tributes highlighting his Grenadian roots and his role in shaping calypso as a voice for social commentary and Caribbean identity. Local Culture & Tourism: Grenada’s Minister for Tourism, Creative Economy and Culture, Senator Adrian Thomas, said Sparrow carried the Caribbean spirit worldwide through songs like “Jean and Dinah,” “Education” and “Slave,” while a separate Grenada hotel update notes Silversands Beach House has shifted to an adults-only setup for a quieter Portici Beach getaway. Regional Development: Grenada’s UN envoy, Ambassador Ingrid Jackson, told the 81st UN General Assembly that small island states are “laboratories of resilience,” calling for fairer financing and better use of vulnerability measures, and backing renewed UN-authorised support for Haiti. Sports: St Kitts and Nevis’ Sugar Boyz beat Grenada 3-0 in the CONCACAF Nations League, with Tiquanny Williams scoring a hat-trick, setting up the next round of matches. Economy & Jobs: An ILO study on Eastern Caribbean tourism warns that informality and weak labour protections are holding back decent work and productivity, urging countries to improve working conditions while supporting small businesses to formalize. Infrastructure: NAWASA will install a new 12-inch water main in Woodlands starting Tuesday, with 1-way traffic and no-entry controls expected to last about three months.

Caribbean Culture: Grenada mourns the death of Slinger Francisco, the Mighty Sparrow, who died peacefully in New York at 91 after a brief illness. Born in Grand Roy, Grenada, and raised in Trinidad and Tobago, he became the “Calypso King of the World,” celebrated for a seven-decade career of wit, social commentary and classic hits like “Jean and Dinah.” Regional leaders and cultural figures across the Caribbean issued tributes, calling him a defining voice for calypso, Carnival and Caribbean identity. Tourism Jobs: A new ILO study on Eastern Caribbean tourism says informality and weak labour protections are holding back growth, urging countries to improve productivity, decent work and support for small businesses to help more operators move into the formal economy. Football: The Sugar Boyz open their next Concacaf Nations League push with St Kitts and Nevis, after an earlier win over Bonaire, while Grenada heads into the second match still seeking points. Human Rights: UN-linked experts warn the US migration “externalization” scheme is linked to serious rights violations, including torture and persecution risks, as transfer arrangements expand across dozens of countries.

Cultural Loss: Grenada-born calypso icon Slinger “The Mighty Sparrow” Francisco has died at 91 in New York after a brief illness, prompting tributes across the Caribbean and beyond, with many highlighting his sharp wit, social commentary, and a career that helped define calypso for generations. Regional Security: A coalition of OAS member states has called for the UN Security Council to renew and fully deploy Haiti’s Gang Suppression Force mandate, urging partners to provide personnel, funding, equipment and logistics while stressing Haitian-led solutions. Citizenship-by-Investment: OECS leaders say they will send a technical team to Europe to seek clarity on the EU’s stance on Citizenship by Investment programmes after the EU asked affected countries, including Grenada, to phase them out by June 1, 2028, tied to visa-free access concerns. Tourism & Business: InterContinental Grenada Resort & Spa is set to open in November and has unveiled its inaugural festive programme, while CARICOM’s private sector group hailed a landmark Royal Caribbean investment partnership with Sandals Resorts expected to close in early 2027. Local Politics: Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell says Grenadians will learn the official general election date on 4 October, as parties intensify campaigning ahead of the next polls.

Culture & Community: Grenada-born calypso legend Slinger Francisco, “The Mighty Sparrow,” died peacefully in New York at 91 after a brief illness, prompting tributes from the Ministry of Culture and Community Development and CARICOM, which praised his decades-long impact on Caribbean music and social commentary. Regional Mobility Policy: OECS leaders say an EU technical team will meet in Europe next month to clarify the bloc’s stance on Citizenship by Investment programmes, after the EU asked Grenada and four other OECS states to phase out CIPs by June 1, 2028 or risk losing visa-free Schengen access. Tourism & Business: Royal Caribbean announced a US$3 billion deal to buy a 50% stake in Sandals and Beaches Resorts, expected to close in early 2027, a move CPSO called a defining moment for Caribbean private sector growth. Politics & Local Life: Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell says Grenadians will learn the official general election date on 4 October, while police issued traffic plans for an NDC rally at St Paul’s, St George on Sunday. Health & Safety: CARPHA and PAHO convened a regional workshop in Trinidad to strengthen respiratory virus surveillance and lab diagnostics across 11 Caribbean countries, including Grenada.

Grenada Election Watch: Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell says Grenadians will learn the official general election date on 4 October, with the “conch shell” planned for St Mark that day, though voting itself may not be on 4 October. NDC Rally Traffic: Police issued road closures and one-way rules for the NDC rally at St Paul’s, St George on Sunday 27 September (from 4 pm to midnight). Public Transport Disruption: The National Bus Association warns services will be significantly reduced from 7 pm on Monday 28 September due to an emergency meeting of bus operators. Maritime Safety Training: Retired Coast Guard captain John Flores is training government ferry crews in emergency response drills after the MV Barima tragedy. Regional Security: OAS member states, including Grenada, are urging the UN Security Council to renew Haiti’s Gang Suppression Force mandate and back full deployment. Tourism Deal: Royal Caribbean announced it will buy a 50% stake in Sandals and Beaches Resorts for about US$3 billion, with Sandals listing properties across the Caribbean including Grenada. Diplomacy: Grenada and Nepal established diplomatic relations effective 14 September 2026.

Election Watch: Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell says Grenadians will learn the official general election date on 4 October, after the NDC “blows the conch shell” in St Mark that day—though voting itself won’t necessarily happen then. Campaign Logistics: The RGPF issued traffic changes for an NDC rally at St Paul’s, St George on Sunday, 27 September, with road closures, one-way traffic and no-parking rules from 4 pm to midnight. Public Transport Alert: The National Bus Association says an emergency meeting of bus operators is set for Monday, 28 September, with services significantly reduced from 7 pm—commuters are urged to plan to get home early. Budget & Economy: Budget Alert 6.3 and related submissions are being reviewed, focusing on Grenada’s 2026 finances, unemployment trends and the supplementary budget. Environment & Governance: Grenada Land Actors warns that while environmental laws and agreements are in place, enforcement is slow, citing developments where environmental and social impact assessments are incomplete. Regional Security: OAS member states, including Grenada, have called for the UN Security Council to renew Haiti’s Gang Suppression Force mandate and back it with personnel, funding and equipment. Diplomacy: Grenada and Nepal have formally established diplomatic relations, effective 14 September 2026. Health Access: World Contraception Day is marked with renewed calls for better contraceptive access and accurate information.

Tourism & Business: Royal Caribbean Group has agreed to buy a 50% stake in Sandals and Beaches Resorts in a deal valued at about US$3 billion, expected to close in early 2027, with Sandals’ Adam Stewart calling it a new growth era for the Caribbean’s homegrown hospitality brand. Grenada Diplomacy: Grenada and Nepal have formally established diplomatic relations effective September 14, 2026, with a joint communiqué signed in New York. Elections & Political Finance: Grenada’s Parliamentary Elections Office says the government has granted a 100% waiver on Common External Tariff and VAT for qualifying promotional and informational materials imported by registered political parties and independents. Public Health: CARPHA and PAHO convened respiratory virus surveillance and lab professionals from 11 Caribbean countries in Trinidad and Tobago to strengthen detection, monitoring and response to threats like influenza, RSV and COVID-19. Local Community: FoodHub Grenada continued its school reading programme, visiting Our Lady Help of Christian School in Beaulieu RC to run interactive sessions for kindergarten students. Energy & Infrastructure: The government has published a tender for preparatory civil works and water supply equipment ahead of exploratory geothermal slim-hole drilling, with bids due November 6, 2026.

Tourism Deal: Royal Caribbean Group has agreed to invest about US$3 billion for a 50% stake in Sandals and Beaches Resorts, valuing the Caribbean brand at roughly US$6 billion, with closing expected in early 2027—an eye-catching boost for all-inclusive growth across the region. Regional Health: CARPHA and PAHO brought together public health and lab teams from 11 Caribbean countries in Trinidad and Tobago to strengthen respiratory virus surveillance and diagnostics, including influenza, RSV and COVID-19. Local Politics: Grenada’s Parliamentary Elections Office says registered parties and independents get a 100% waiver on CET and VAT for qualifying promotional and informational election materials. Diplomacy: Grenada and Nepal have formally established diplomatic relations effective September 14, 2026. Labour/Utilities: NAWASA workers have resumed picketing over outstanding payments and unresolved collective bargaining. Energy/Infrastructure: Government has issued a tender for preparatory civil works and equipment ahead of geothermal slim-hole drilling at two sites. Health Awareness: St. Andrew’s Development Organisation marks September and October with breast and prostate cancer awareness activities and a community walk.

NAWASA Industrial Action: NAWASA workers in Grenada are back on the picket line after a dispute over outstanding payments and unresolved collective bargaining, with union president Daisy Hazzard outlining the workers’ position. Geothermal Push: The Government of Grenada has published a tender for preparatory civil infrastructure and water supply equipment for two geothermal slim-hole wells, with bids due 6 November 2026. Tourism & Investment: A landmark Royal Caribbean deal to buy a 50% stake in Sandals and Beaches Resorts for about US$3 billion is being hailed as a major boost for Caribbean tourism, with Sandals’ presence including Grenada. Regional Funding for Blue Economy: Grenada is among five countries set to benefit from CBF BluEFin seed funding, supporting blue economy initiatives with grants up to US$250,000. Politics & Campaign Rules: Grenada’s Parliamentary Elections Office says registered parties and independents get a 100% waiver on CET and VAT for qualifying promotional and informational materials. Health Awareness: September and October are marked for breast and prostate cancer awareness activities led by St Andrew’s Development Organisation. Local Business Recognition: Real Value Supermarket IGA’s managing director, Hassan Hadeed, has been named IGA International Retailer of the Year for the Caribbean.

Geothermal Push: Grenada has published a tender for preparatory infrastructure and water-supply equipment ahead of exploratory geothermal slim-hole drilling for two sites, with bids due 6 November 2026. Tourism & Investment: Royal Caribbean Group agreed to buy a 50% stake in Sandals and Beaches Resorts for about US$3 billion, a move that could boost cruise-and-stay growth and future investment tied to Sandals/Beaches projects across the Caribbean, including Grenada. Blue Economy Funding: St. Vincent and the Grenadines is set to receive CBF BluEFin seed funding, with Grenada also among eligible countries for up to US$250,000 grants supporting biodiversity and climate-resilient blue economy initiatives. SME Support Call: The Grenada Sustainable Development Trust Fund is calling for expressions of interest for a part-time business development and mentorship consultant (Nov 2026–June 2027), supporting SMEs in a marine protected area livelihoods programme. Local Recognition: Real Value Supermarket IGA’s managing director, Hassan Hadeed, was named IGA International Retailer of the Year for the Caribbean. Diplomacy at UNGA: India and CARICOM foreign ministers met in New York, discussing deeper cooperation on trade, digital governance, climate resilience and UN reforms, with Grenada’s finance minister participating.

Geothermal Push: Grenada has published a tender for preparatory infrastructure and water-supply equipment ahead of exploratory geothermal slim-hole drilling for two sites, with bids due 6 November 2026. Regional Diplomacy: OECS foreign ministers met in New York to strengthen collective diplomatic coordination, with chairmanship shifting from St Vincent and the Grenadines to Antigua and Barbuda. UNGA Sidelines: India and CARICOM foreign ministers held talks in New York on deeper cooperation across trade, investment, agriculture, digital governance, climate resilience and energy. Investment Spotlight: Royal Caribbean confirmed a landmark plan to buy a 50% stake in Sandals and Beaches Resorts for about US$3 billion, a move that could reshape Caribbean all-inclusive travel. Local Economy & Jobs: Grenada’s Project Polaris was pitched to international partners as a healthcare and “Medical City” investment opportunity aimed at jobs and skills growth. Tourism & Community: Sandals Foundation and partners mobilised 700+ volunteers across the Caribbean for International Coastal Cleanup Day, including a Grenada cleanup involving schools and local agencies. Health & Skills Funding: Grenada Sustainable Development Trust Fund opened EOI for business development and mentorship for SMEs tied to the Woburn–Clarke’s Court Bay Marine Protected Area, with applications due 2 October 2026.

Regional Diplomacy: OECS foreign ministers met in New York as the bloc pushed for tighter diplomatic coordination, with St Vincent and the Grenadines handing over the COM:FA chairmanship to Antigua and Barbuda. Tourism & Investment: Royal Caribbean Group confirmed a landmark US$3 billion plan to buy a 50% stake in Sandals and Beaches Resorts, valuing the Caribbean hospitality brand at about US$6 billion, with a deal expected to close in early 2027. Grenada in the Spotlight: UNICEF launched a child-centred, multi-hazard spatial climate risk assessment for the Eastern Caribbean, including Grenada, to help protect children from climate impacts. Health Infrastructure: The Ministry of Mental Health says renovation works will begin Sept. 28 on Block C of Mt. Gay Psychiatric Hospital, with patients relocated within the compound and services continuing. Community & Environment: Sandals Foundation led International Coastal Cleanup Day in Grenada with 70 volunteers cleaning along the Airport Top Road to Devil’s Bay. Sports: Grenada’s Under-23 volleyball team departed for the NORCECA U-23 Copa America in El Salvador, marking the first time Grenada competes at this level. Business & Jobs: Island Innovators says it is a finalist at the Digital@UNGA Awards for digital inclusion, putting Grenada on the global tech-diplomacy map.

Sickle Cell Awareness Month: A new opinion piece marks September as National Sickle Cell Awareness Month, pointing to the long gap between the disease’s early identification and the approval of effective medicines. Caribbean tourism deal: Royal Caribbean is moving deeper into land-based vacations, signing an agreement to invest in Sandals Resorts—reportedly a 50% stake deal worth about $3b—with closure expected in early 2027; Sandals properties include Grenada among its portfolio. Diplomacy: Nepal and Grenada have formally established diplomatic relations, with both sides citing cooperation on tourism, education, and climate change. Health infrastructure: Grenada’s Mt. Gay Psychiatric Hospital will begin renovation works on Block C on Sept. 28, relocating patients to a renovated block while services continue. Climate risk for children: UNICEF launched a child-centred, multi-hazard spatial climate risk assessment for Eastern Caribbean countries including Grenada. Sports & youth: Grenada’s U-23 volleyball team has departed for the NORCECA U-23 Copa America in El Salvador, aiming for historic regional exposure. Business community: Grenada’s GCIC Inter-Sector Football Tournament ended with Sandals Grenada Beach Resort & Spa crowned champions. Local environment: Sandals Foundation coordinated International Coastal Cleanup Day in Grenada with 70 volunteers along the airport top road to Devil’s Bay.

Sandals & Royal Caribbean Deal Watch: Royal Caribbean shares slid after reports it’s nearing a major move to buy a stake in Sandals Resorts International, potentially valuing the all-inclusive group at about $6 billion and giving Royal Caribbean more control across Caribbean resorts. Mental Health Infrastructure: The Ministry of Mental Health says renovation works will begin Sept. 28 on Block C of the Mt. Gay Psychiatric Hospital in St. George, with patients relocated to a newly renovated block while services continue. Tourism Promotion: The Grenada Tourism Authority announced the second edition of “Pure Grenada Destination Magazine,” aiming to spotlight Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique for international readers. Climate Risk for Children: UNICEF launched a child-centred, multi-hazard spatial climate risk assessment for the Eastern Caribbean, including Grenada, to better protect children from climate impacts. Youth Sports on the Move: Grenada’s Under-23 volleyball team departed for the NORCECA U-23 Copa America Championships in El Salvador, marking the first time Grenada is represented at the event. Business & Community Sports: Sandals Grenada won the GCIC Inter-Sector Football Tournament, beating Acado Grenada in the final. Digital Innovation Spotlight: Island Innovators put Grenada on the UNGA awards stage as finalists in Digital Inclusion, tied to broader regional tech-diplomacy efforts.

Tourism & Trade: The Association of Touring & Adventure Suppliers says agent-led travel is booming, with bookings up 15% for agency sales and higher average tour revenue for agents than direct channels. Grenada Politics: Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell told NDC supporters to get ready for the next general election, hinting it could come “soon” and urging door-to-door voter preparation. Public Health Governance: Grenada launched a national naming competition to shape the identity of the proposed Grenada Public Hospitals Authority, inviting submissions for name, logo and tagline. Tourism Promotion: The Grenada Tourism Authority is partnering again with Greydoor Publishing for a second edition of Pure Grenada Destination Magazine, spotlighting Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique. Environment & Waste: Grenada commissioned a commercial glass pulveriser funded through the Tourism Enhancement Fund to boost glass recovery and cut waste entering the stream. Energy Costs: Grenada raised kerosene and some LPG prices while gasoline and diesel stayed unchanged. Culture & Music: Grenadian soca star V’ghn won Jab Artist of the Year at the Caribbean Music Awards in Trinidad. Local Infrastructure: Temporary one-lane traffic restrictions are set for Mt Alexander Road, St Patrick, for about four weeks of road upgrade works.

Tourism & Culture: Grenada’s Spicemas 2026 delivered a tourism boost, with 11,299 arrivals from Aug. 2–11—up 20% year-on-year—driven by a 24% jump in non-national visitors, as officials credit stronger marketing and the festival’s growing pull. Environment & Waste Management: Grenada commissioned a commercial glass pulveriser at the Solid Waste Management Authority, funded through the Tourism Enhancement Fund via GHTA, in a EC$486,000 push to improve glass recovery and cut recyclable waste entering the stream. Citizenship by Investment: IMA Grenada has ordered an independent review of its Citizenship by Investment programme, with public input invited via an online questionnaire during September–October 2026. Health Infrastructure: Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell says the government is selecting a design-build contractor for a new 250-room hospital, targeting a contract award in the first quarter of 2027. Music Spotlight: Grenadian soca star V’ghn won Jab Artist of the Year at the Caribbean Music Awards in Trinidad, adding to his seven nominations. Energy Costs: Grenada raised kerosene and some LPG prices effective Sept. 18, while gasoline and diesel prices stayed unchanged.