AGP Executive Report

Disaster Preparedness: St. Vincent and the Grenadines Meteorological Services will roll out an Impact-Based Early Warning system, shifting from forecasting weather to forecasting impacts. Climate Finance Push: PM Godwin Friday met the Green Climate Fund in Nassau to expand access to climate money, with a major water security initiative in preparation for submission. Health Security: The Ministry of Health says there are no Ebola cases in SVG, but it’s tightening border screening, supplies, and quarantine readiness, alongside a travel advisory for high-risk countries. Tourism Access & Growth: The SVG Tourism Authority says airlift and destination accessibility are top priorities, while the Ministry received 29 proposals for the new “Love SVG” campaign aimed at delivering 100 tourism initiatives. Environment & Land: The GEF approved a US$6.1 million ecosystem restoration project for St. Vincent’s south corridor, led by UNEP. Governance & Cost of Living: Opposition and former finance minister Camilo Gonsalves criticize government messaging on customs charge removals, warning the “100% removal” claim masks a much smaller cut. Regional Spotlight: Finland police have completed their probe into undersea cable damage, with a vessel reportedly linked to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines mentioned in the case.

Hurricane Beryl Aftermath: Union Island is reeling after Hurricane Beryl, with emergency updates broadcast as families rush to prepare and protect essentials. Climate Finance Push: Prime Minister Godwin Friday met the Green Climate Fund in Nassau, urging faster access to climate money and outlining priorities including water security, agriculture, sustainable tourism, and the blue economy. Debt and Development Pressure: Friday also told the Caribbean Development Bank to move swiftly on reforms, warning that chronically high debt and shrinking concessional funding are squeezing governments’ ability to invest and protect people. Governance and Cost-of-Living Debate: Opposition voices are challenging the government’s “100% removal” messaging on customs charges, arguing it misleads the public by framing a small cut as a full removal. Environment Funding: The GEF approved a US$6.1 million ecosystem restoration project for St. Vincent, targeting nature-based solutions in the south corridor. Tourism Access: The SVG Tourism Authority says airlift and destination accessibility are top priorities, with work underway to strengthen routes and visibility. Local Clean-Up Drive: Housing Minister Andrew John and CWSA are tackling illegal dumping in South Windward, including the Argyle roadway and Akers bypass. Sports and Youth: SVGTA is partnering with MAVCOM SVG to boost tournament operations, while SVGOC-led leadership training is underway for community groups.

Cricket Revival: Spartans Cricket Club is set for a comeback after a Stubbs Playing Field ceremony honoring long-time founder Lorraine George, with plans for a village competition and matches to rebuild the team. Community Sports Training: SVGOC has launched the first phase of a Certified Leadership Course for community organisations at Frenches House, with participants expected to design local projects supported for implementation. Entrepreneurship Spotlight: Vincentian-born consultant Krystle Phillips says business burnout is often caused by broken systems, not personal failure, urging entrepreneurs to fix structures. Climate & Debt Push: PM Godwin Friday met the Green Climate Fund in Nassau, calling for urgent climate finance and a water security initiative, while also urging the CDB to move from plans to delivery. Sports Administration Upgrade: SVGTA partnered with MAVCOM SVG to boost tournament operations, including an Epson printer for high-volume admin. Governance & Cost-of-Living Debate: Opposition claims a “crisis of governance” and accuses government of misleading tax removals, while critics warn the Sandals delay could cost jobs and tourism revenue. Environment Funding: GEF approved a US$6.1m ecosystem restoration project for St. Vincent’s south corridor. Tourism Pipeline: The Love SVG campaign received 29 project proposals, now headed for review. Hurricane Readiness: PM Friday urged Vincentians to prepare for the 2026 hurricane season amid drought and limited recovery funding. Regional Legal Access: OECS and OHADAC-CARO will launch arbitration and ADR training across the Eastern Caribbean, including SVG. Diplomacy & Culture: SVG marked 34 years of ties with Cuba in Havana, and Carnival preparations are in full swing with cultural revival efforts.

CDB Focus: Prime Minister Godwin Friday told the CDB’s 56th Annual Meeting in Nassau that the bank is key to advancing Caribbean development, urging stronger resilience, regional solidarity, and faster delivery on reforms and climate-resilient projects. Environment & Land: The GEF approved a US$6.1 million watershed restoration project for St. Vincent, led by UNEP and executed through the BCRC-Caribbean, targeting degraded lands and sustainable livelihoods. Tourism Push: Caribbean Week in New York 2026 is bringing regional tourism leaders together under “One Caribbean: Infinite Experiences,” as ministers seek stronger connectivity and market share. Love SVG: St. Vincent’s Tourism Ministry received 29 proposals for the new Love SVG campaign, with ideas spanning heritage, eco-attractions, transport access, and community initiatives. Digital Inclusion: The DRIVE project contract worth EC$1.632 million was signed under the Universal Service Fund, with FLOW set to deliver services for five years. Hurricane Readiness: Friday urged Vincentians to prepare now for the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season amid drought and limited recovery funding. Diplomacy: SVG and Cuba marked 34 years of diplomatic ties in Havana, highlighting cooperation in health and training. Local Life: A weekend of tragedy included multiple deaths and a reported missing child at sea, while Carnival preparations are in full swing.

Tourism Momentum: The Tourism Ministry says it received 29 project proposals for the newly launched “Love SVG” campaign, ranging from heritage and eco-attractions to transport and access ideas, with submissions now moving into a review process. Regional Finance Push: Prime Minister Godwin Friday urged the Caribbean Development Bank to move faster from plans to delivery, warning that high debt and climate shocks are squeezing borrowing countries, including SVG’s debt-to-GDP now cited at 113%. Hurricane Preparedness: Friday also marked the start of the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season with a call for Vincentians to “act now,” pointing to drought conditions and limited disaster recovery funding. Digital Inclusion: A $1.6 million DRIVE Project contract was signed under the Universal Service Fund to expand ICT access and resilience services over five years. Legal Access in the OECS: The OHADAC–CARO arbitration and ADR training programme is set to launch in June to strengthen access to economic justice across the Eastern Caribbean, including SVG. Culture & Community: Carnival preparations are in full swing, while the Miss SVG 2026 pageant crowned Elreka Gaymes. Public Safety: Over the weekend, SVG recorded multiple deaths and a 6.0 earthquake rattled the southern Caribbean, with tremors felt across several islands.

CDB Pressure on SVG and the Region: Prime Minister Godwin Friday urged the Caribbean Development Bank to move “swiftly” from plans to delivery, warning that chronically high debt (SVG’s debt-to-GDP cited at 113%) and worsening climate shocks are shrinking access to concessional finance. Tax Claims Under Fire: Former Finance Minister Camilo Gonsalves accused the government of misleading “100% removal” messaging on customs charges, arguing the actual cut is only 5% and warning the spin could erode public trust. Hurricane Season Warning: Friday marked the start of the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, urging Vincentians to prepare amid drought conditions and limited disaster recovery funding. Earthquake Shakes the Region: A magnitude 6.0 quake rattled islands including St Vincent and the Grenadines, with no immediate damage reports. Food Security Push: Government advanced its Food Security Crisis Response Plan to shift from repeated emergency recovery to proactive monitoring and better preparation. Digital Inclusion Contract: The DRIVE project contract (USF-funded) was signed for five years to expand connectivity and virtual access. Clean Energy for Fisheries: The STAR-Fish project ramped up clean energy interventions for Caribbean fisheries, including SVG. Regional Justice Training: OECS and the OHADAC–CARO Centre will launch arbitration and ADR training to strengthen access to economic justice across the Eastern Caribbean. Local Culture and Community: Vincy Carnival preparations are in full swing, while the Miss SVG 2026 crown went to Elreka Gaymes. Public Safety and Crime: Weekend tragedy included multiple deaths and an investigation into a Union Island death.

Hurricane Season Prep: Prime Minister Godwin Friday urged Vincentians to “act now” for the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, warning of drought conditions and limited disaster recovery funding. Regional Justice Access: The OHADAC–CARO training programmes on arbitration and ADR will launch June 10 with OECS support, aiming to strengthen economic justice across the Eastern Caribbean, including St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Judicial Leadership: Her Ladyship Madam Margaret Price Findlay was appointed 14th Chief Justice of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court, effective April 9, 2026. Clean Energy for Fisheries: The Canada-funded STAR-Fish project is scaling clean energy interventions for Caribbean fisheries, including cold storage and low-carbon certification support for participating countries. CDB Meeting: PM Friday leads SVG’s delegation to the CDB’s 56th Annual Meeting in The Bahamas, focusing on resilience, debt sustainability, and the energy transition. Digital Inclusion: A $1.6m DRIVE Project contract was signed to expand digital, resilience, inclusion and virtual access services via FLOW under the Universal Service Fund. Food Security Push: Government is advancing its Food Security Crisis Response Plan to move from repeated emergency recovery toward proactive monitoring and preparation. Youth & Culture: Miss SVG 2026 Elreka Gaymes was crowned, while Carnival preparations are in full swing ahead of Vincy Mas.

Caribbean Week in New York: Tourism ministers and leaders from across the region, including St. Vincent and the Grenadines, gathered in Manhattan for Caribbean Week 2026 under the theme “One Caribbean: Infinite Experiences,” as the industry pushes for stronger connectivity and a unified regional voice. Hurricane season warning: Prime Minister Godwin Friday urged Vincentians to prepare now for the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, citing a prolonged drought and limited disaster recovery funding. Earthquake scare: A magnitude 6.0 quake rattled parts of the eastern Caribbean, with tremors felt in St. Vincent and the Grenadines and no immediate reports of damage. Digital inclusion push: A $1.6m DRIVE Project contract was signed to expand digital, resilience, inclusion and virtual access services in SVG. Access to justice training: OECS and the OHADAC–CARO Centre will launch arbitration and ADR training across the Eastern Caribbean, including SVG, to strengthen business dispute resolution. Local spotlight: Petra-Anne Davis won the 2026 YLAI Solution Pitch Competition for her Elixirs mobile cocktail bar concept. Public safety and tragedy: Police investigated multiple deaths over the weekend, including a stabbing in Campden Park and a fatal incident on Union Island.

Hurricane Readiness: Prime Minister Godwin Friday urged Vincentians to “act now” as the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season begins, warning of drought conditions and limited disaster recovery funding. Digital Inclusion: A $1.6 million DRIVE Project contract was signed to expand digital, resilience and virtual access across SVG under the Universal Service Fund. Access to Justice: OECS and the OHADAC CARO Centre will officially launch OHADAC–CARO training on arbitration and ADR in the Eastern Caribbean on June 10, aiming for a more predictable legal environment for business. Regional Leadership: The Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court appointed Madam Margaret Price Findlay as its 14th Chief Justice, effective April 9, 2026. Food Security Push: SVG is advancing its Food Security Crisis Response Plan, while the Zero Hunger Trust Fund received seed donations to boost backyard gardening and small-scale production. Public Safety & Tragedy: Police investigated multiple deaths over the weekend, including a stabbing in Campden Park, a fatal incident on Union Island, and a child reported missing at sea. Entrepreneurship Spotlight: Petra-Anne Davis won the 2026 YLAI Solution Pitch Competition for her Elixirs mobile cocktail bar concept. Culture & Heritage: SVG marked Indian Arrival Day with calls to preserve heritage, and commemorated 34 years of Cuba-SVG diplomatic relations.

Tourism & Travel: A new wave of nonstop U.S.–Caribbean flights is ramping up, with United Airlines set to launch the only nonstop service between New York and St. Croix this fall, cutting layovers for winter travellers. Food Security: The Zero Hunger Trust Fund received three barrels of vegetable, herb and flower seeds from Canada-based Still Kickin’ Charity to boost backyard gardening and small-scale production. Cost of Living: Government emergency measures aim to cushion rising fuel and food prices, including electricity and LPG relief steps, as fuel costs keep climbing. Agriculture Planning: St. Vincent and the Grenadines is advancing a Food Security Crisis Response Plan to move from repeated recovery spending to earlier preparation. Regional Updates: A magnitude 6.0 earthquake rattled parts of the eastern Caribbean, with tremors felt in St. Vincent and the Grenadines and no immediate reports of damage. Diplomacy: SVG marked 34 years of diplomatic relations with Cuba, while a new ambassador presented credentials to Taiwan. OECS & Business: OECS launched a second call for proposals under the Regional MSME Matching Grants Programme for blue economy value chain groups.

Tourism & Investment: Caribbean Week in New York 2026 opens Monday with a strong turnout of tourism ministers and commissioners, including St. Vincent and the Grenadines, as the region pushes “One Caribbean: Infinite Experiences” to protect market share. Cost of Living Relief: Prime Minister Godwin Friday unveiled a 90-day emergency package to cushion imported inflation, including fuel and electricity tax relief and freight reforms, with weekly monitoring by the National Cost of Living Task Force. Food Security Planning: Government is advancing its Food Security Crisis Response Plan to move from repeated emergency recovery to better preparation, after warnings about limited fertilizer supplies and disrupted supply chains. Earthquake Watch: A magnitude 6.0 quake rattled parts of the eastern Caribbean, with tremors felt in St. Vincent and no immediate reports of damage. Blue Economy Push: A Miami boat show trip is helping local entrepreneur Storm Gonsalves seek marine-sector partnerships, while OECS leaders back tech-driven climate resilience and blue economy MSME grants. Diplomacy & Regional Links: SVG marked 34 years of ties with Cuba and welcomed a new ambassador to Taiwan, as NIS CEO Stewart Haynes prepares to depart for the Eastern Caribbean Securities Exchange.

Cost of Living Relief: PM Godwin Friday unveiled a 90-day emergency package to cushion imported inflation, cutting fuel and electricity charges and aiming to keep savings reaching households. Fuel & Electricity Pressure: The plan targets big pump-price jumps and utility costs, including tax removals on diesel for power generation and matching discounts via VINLEC. Debt Watch: Friday also said SVG’s debt-to-GDP has climbed to 113% and revealed a $200m bank overdraft beyond the statutory limit, promising corrective action. Tourism Momentum Questioned: A new debate asks whether tourism has lost momentum under the NDP, after years of airport-driven optimism and hotel investment plans. Regional Earthquake: A magnitude 6.0 quake rattled parts of the eastern Caribbean, with tremors felt in St. Vincent and no immediate damage reported. Diplomacy & Trade: SVG marked 34 years of ties with Cuba and welcomed a new ambassador to Taiwan; meanwhile, VSWIFT is rolling out to modernize trade documents. OECS & Blue Economy: OECS launched Window 2 of MSME matching grants for fisheries, coastal tourism and waste management. People & Skills: UWI Global Campus recognized adult learners, and Sandals introduced a student hospitality etiquette and service excellence programme.

Cost of Living Relief: Prime Minister Godwin Friday unveiled a 90-day emergency package to cushion rising fuel, electricity, cooking gas, and freight costs, including tax cuts and customs relief aimed at slowing the pass-through to food prices. Public Finances: Friday also said SVG’s debt-to-GDP has climbed to 113% and disclosed a $200 million bank overdraft beyond the statutory limit, promising a “course correction” to restore fiscal discipline. Trade Modernisation: Government rolled out Vincy Single Window for Trade (VSWIFT), an electronic system linking 19 departments and trade stakeholders to streamline licenses and permits. Regional Business Support: OECS launched the second call for proposals for Window 2 of the Regional MSME Matching Grants Programme, targeting Blue Economy value chain groups in fisheries, coastal tourism, and waste management. Diplomacy & Partnerships: SVG marked 34 years of diplomatic relations with Cuba with a flag-raising ceremony, while a new Vincentian ambassador presented credentials in Taiwan as ties deepen. Tourism & Skills: Sandals introduced a student hospitality etiquette and service excellence programme, and a Vincentian taxi driver says Sandals’ arrival has boosted tourism work. Sports & Youth: SVG selected players for youth table tennis in Trinidad and Tobago and set inter-primary cricket competition matches across the islands.

Cost of Living Relief: PM Godwin Friday unveiled a 90-day emergency package to cushion rising fuel, electricity, cooking gas, freight and commodity costs, with tax cuts and targeted support meant to reach households and businesses. Public Finances: Friday also said the debt-to-GDP ratio has climbed to 113% and that a $200m bank overdraft was found, prompting a “course correction” to restore fiscal discipline. Diplomacy (Cuba): SVG and Cuba marked 34 years of diplomatic relations with flag-raising ceremonies and renewed pledges of cooperation. Diplomacy (Taiwan): Kenton Chance presented credentials in Taiwan, as SVG looks to deepen ties and attract investment. Regional Innovation: OECS leaders met in Kingstown to push tech innovation and digital transformation to build resilience against climate and economic risks. Trade Modernization: Government rolled out VSWIFT, a single electronic window connecting multiple agencies to speed up trade licences and permits. NIS Leadership Change: Stewart Haynes departs the National Insurance Services after nine years, citing record financial performance and reforms. Youth & Skills: UWI Global Campus held a ceremony for students completing short professional courses, while Sandals launched a student hospitality etiquette and excellence programme. Entrepreneurship: Petra-Anne Davis won the YLAI 2026 solution pitch competition for her Elixirs mobile cocktail bar concept.

Diplomacy & Investment: iWitness News founder Kenton X. Chance presented his credentials as SVG’s ambassador to Taiwan, aiming to deepen ties and attract Taiwanese investment. Cost of Living Relief: PM Godwin Friday unveiled a 90-day emergency package to cushion rising fuel, electricity, cooking gas and freight costs, including tax cuts and measures to keep savings with consumers. Public Finances: Friday also said SVG’s debt-to-GDP has climbed to 113% and that a $200m bank overdraft was found, promising a “course correction.” Tourism Skills: Education Minister Laverne King praised Sandals’ student hospitality etiquette and service excellence programme, while taxi driver Kendal Neverson described “Sandals Effect” benefits for transfers and jobs. Regional Development: OECS launched the second call for proposals for Window 2 of the Regional MSME Matching Grants Programme for Blue Economy value chain groups. Trade Modernization: Government rolled out VSWIFT, a single electronic platform to streamline trade licences and permits. Food Security & Agriculture: Still Kickin’ charity donated seeds to the Zero Hunger Trust Fund to boost backyard gardening and local production. Fisheries: Fisheries Minister Conroy Huggins announced a queen conch hatchery and nursery unit as conch and lobster landings decline. Health Access: PAHO/WHO and OECS-PPS convene a workshop to improve access to safe medicines and health technologies across the Eastern Caribbean. Sports: SVG selected Joshua Simmons and Juvante Baptiste for youth table tennis championships in Trinidad.

Cost-of-Living Relief: Prime Minister Godwin Friday unveiled a 90-day emergency package to cushion soaring global fuel, electricity, cooking gas, freight and commodity prices, including temporary fuel tax and customs charge reductions and electricity-focused measures with VINLEC, while directing weekly price monitoring to ensure savings reach consumers. Public Finances: Friday also said the country’s debt-to-GDP ratio has climbed to 113% and that a $200 million bank overdraft was uncovered, prompting a “course correction” to restore fiscal discipline. Diplomacy: St. Vincent and the Grenadines marked 34 years of diplomatic relations with Cuba with a flag-raising ceremony at the Financial Complex, reaffirming friendship and cooperation. Regional Trade Modernization: Government rolled out VSWIFT, a single electronic trade window connecting 19 departments and key trade stakeholders to speed up permits and licenses. OECS Funding Push: OECS launched the second call for Window 2 of the Regional MSME Matching Grants Programme for Blue Economy value chain groups in fisheries, coastal tourism and waste management. Tourism Skills: Education Minister Laverne King praised Sandals’ student hospitality etiquette and service excellence programme as practical workforce training for youth. Blue Economy & Food Security: Fisheries Minister Conroy Huggins announced a queen conch hatchery and reef restoration as landings decline, while Agriculture Minister Israel Bruce warned SVG is “too dependent” on imported food and urged a push toward food sovereignty. Postal Talks: Deputy Prime Minister St. Clair Leacock led SVG’s delegation to the Caribbean Postal Union conference in the Bahamas, focusing on digital transformation and resilience.