AGP Executive Report

Union Island Recovery Tensions: Displaced residents say hurricane rebuilding on the mainland is marked by neglect and sudden eviction notices, even as officials insist prefabricated homes and contractor-led rebuilds are underway. Agriculture & Food Security: The Agriculture Ministry and CARDI are evaluating new carrot varieties to cut the food import bill, while 20 poultry farmers received nesting boxes to boost egg quality and shelf life. Biosecurity Alert: Authorities are stepping up efforts to eradicate the Giant African Snail, urging extra precautions for people moving in and out of infected areas. OECS Digital Skills: Applications for the OECS Advanced Digital Skills Scholarship (Cohort II) open Sept. 10 and run to Sept. 20, with training areas including AI, cybersecurity, fintech and data analytics. Regional Cricket Move: The Windward Islands Volcanoes franchise will relocate to Saint Lucia from Oct. 1, with the DSCG as its home base. Education Update: Schools reopened for the 2026–2027 term with some staggered starts due to maintenance, after a VAT-free shopping day shift.

Digital Skills Push: The OECS Advanced Digital Skills Scholarship Programme opens September 10 and runs to September 20, offering advanced training (including AI, cybersecurity, cloud, data analytics and fintech) delivered by UWI Global Campus under the World Bank-backed CARDTP. Food Security & Farming: The Agriculture Ministry is working with CARDI to evaluate five carrot varieties in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, aiming to cut the food import bill and boost rural profitability. Agriculture Sector Data: A 2026 Agriculture and Fisheries Census is underway through October 30, with enumerators collecting farm and fishing information to strengthen planning for the fisheries sector. Biosecurity Threat: Authorities are stepping up efforts to eradicate the Giant African Snail, urging people moving in and out of affected areas to take precautions. Health Leadership: PAHO and UWI celebrated the graduation of the third cohort of a regional health policy and health systems programme, training professionals from across the Caribbean including SVG. Public Finance & AI: PM Godwin Friday opened a regional workshop on adapting public financial management for AI using a “digital-by-design” approach, stressing resilience and good governance.

Coastal Culture Boost: Murals have been unveiled along the Villa/Calliaqua coastal stretch, blending Vincentian and Barbadian imagery after two weeks of painting by local and visiting artists. Public Health Security: SVG hosted the country’s first national workshop on implementing the Biological Weapons Convention, training over 30 participants and supporting preparation of the first confidence-building measures report. Food & Farming Support: Nesting boxes were distributed to 20 poultry farmers at Dumbarton to improve egg quality and shelf life, as part of a CDB-funded food safety pilot. Agriculture Data Push: Enumerators are collecting information for the 2026 Agriculture and Fisheries Census, running through Oct. 30, to strengthen fisheries planning. Regional Digital Skills: OECS applications open Sept. 10 for advanced digital scholarships (Cohort II), including AI, cybersecurity, fintech and data analytics. Public Finances & AI: PM Godwin Friday opened a regional workshop urging “digital by design” public financial management, warning against AI hype and focusing on governance and resilience. Invasive Species Alert: Authorities are stepping up efforts to eradicate the Giant African Snail, urging precautions for people moving in and out of affected areas. Sports & Training: Seven Vincentians are in Taiwan for advanced hospitality training, while local footballer Ty Clarke scored in his first pro start for Inter Toronto FC.

Digital Skills Boost: OECS opens applications for the 2026 Advanced Digital Skills Scholarship Programme (Sept 10–20), offering advanced training across AI, cybersecurity, fintech, data analytics and more for citizens including St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Food Security Data: SVG’s 2026 Agriculture and Fisheries Census is underway, with enumerators collecting farm and fishing information through Oct 30 to strengthen fisheries planning, funded with World Bank support. Health Security & Compliance: SVG hosts its first national workshop on implementing the Biological Weapons Convention, training participants on biosafety/biosecurity and confidence-building measures. Public Finance Modernisation: Prime Minister Godwin Friday opens a regional workshop on “Digital-by-Design” for public financial management, warning against “AI hype” and pushing technology to solve real governance problems. Invasive Pest Fight: Authorities step up efforts to eradicate the Giant African Snail, urging people moving in and out of infected areas to take precautions. Education Restart: Schools reopen across SVG for the new academic year, with some staggered start dates due to maintenance. Regional Cricket: Windward Islands Volcanoes relocate to Saint Lucia as their official home from Oct 1. Diaspora & Culture: SVGAO plans its 47th Glam Awards gala in Nov 2026, and Trinidadians in New York get a “parade of sorts” on Sept 12 after a cancellation.

OECS–EU Diplomacy: OECS leaders, including St. Vincent and the Grenadines, are pushing for a high-level mission to Brussels later this month to discuss the EU’s move toward ending visa-free access tied to Citizenship by Investment. Agriculture Biosecurity: Authorities in SVG are stepping up efforts to eradicate the Giant African Snail, using surveillance and collection, and urging extra precautions for people moving in and out of affected areas. Education Update: Schools across SVG reopened for the 2026–2027 term, with a staggered schedule for six institutions due to maintenance. Public Finance & AI: Prime Minister Godwin Friday opened a regional workshop in Kingstown on “digital by design” for public financial management, warning against chasing AI hype instead of solving real governance problems. Food Security Youth: Forty-five young Vincentians received certificates after completing the Youth in Agriculture Science Internship Programme, supported by local conservation and food-system partners. Community & Culture: Kevern Cyrus and PAFS helped five East Kingstown students start secondary school with bursaries and shoes. Sports: Ty Clarke scored his first professional goal for Inter Toronto FC in his first CPL start. Regional Security Policing: The RSS marked International Day of Police Cooperation, calling for people-centred policing across the Caribbean.

Giant African Snail Response: St. Vincent and the Grenadines is stepping up efforts to eradicate the invasive Giant African Snail, with surveillance and collection measures led by the Ministry of Agriculture and advice for people moving in and out of affected areas. Education Restart: Schools across SVG reopened for the 2026–2027 term, with a staggered schedule for six schools due to maintenance, after a one-week delay to complete preparations. Food Security Push: Forty-five young Vincentians received certificates after the Youth in Agriculture Science Internship Programme, supported by the Zero Hunger Trust Fund and the SVG Conservation Fund. Public Finance & AI: PM Godwin Friday opened a regional workshop on “digital by design” for public financial management, warning against AI hype and urging practical, governance-led transformation. Regional Security: The RSS marked International Day of Police Cooperation, calling for people-centred policing and stronger community trust across the Caribbean. Sports: Ty Clarke scored his first professional goal for Inter Toronto FC in his first CPL start. Community Support: Kevern Cyrus and partners provided bursaries and shoes to East Kingstown students starting secondary school.

Public Finance & AI: Prime Minister Godwin Friday opened a regional workshop in Kingstown on “Adapting Public Financial Management for AI: Harnessing Digital-by-Design,” warning governments not to chase “AI hype” or mere digitisation, but to start with real governance problems and build data resilience for SIDS. Education Restart: Schools across St. Vincent and the Grenadines reopened for the 2026–2027 year, with a staggered schedule for six schools due to maintenance, including delays to Sept. 9 and Sept. 14. Food Security Youth Push: Forty-five young Vincentians received certificates after completing the 2026 Youth in Agriculture Science Internship Programme, backed by the Zero Hunger Trust Fund and the SVG Conservation Fund. Union Island Recovery Tensions: A growing divide is emerging over hurricane rebuilding on Union Island, with displaced evacuees reporting poor conditions and abrupt eviction notices while officials cite ongoing reconstruction and transfers. Land & Accountability Debate: Fresh public scrutiny continues around the sale of Chatham Bay land on Union Island, with critics questioning the explanations and process. Bird Import Ban Lifted: The 15-year ban on importing birds has been lifted immediately, citing improved lab capacity and alignment with WOAH and WTO risk-based trade principles. Sports: Ty Clarke scored his first professional goal for Inter Toronto FC in his first CPL start, earning a multiyear contract through 2028.

Digital Finance Push: Prime Minister Godwin Friday opened a regional workshop in Kingstown on “Adapting Public Financial Management for AI: Harnessing Digital-by-Design,” stressing that SIDS must move beyond “mere digitisation” and build resilient data systems for public finances, especially after disasters. Cable-Damage Trial: In Helsinki, the Fitburg case began against a Russian captain and Azerbaijani bosun over alleged anchor-dragging that damaged subsea telecom cables between Finland and Estonia; both deny sabotage and face prison if convicted. Hurricane Recovery Tension (Union Island): Reports describe a sharp gap between government claims of compassionate rebuilding and complaints from displaced families about neglect, poor conditions, and sudden eviction notices while Union Island repairs continue. Back to School: Most schools reopened Monday, Sept. 7, but six institutions have staggered starts for maintenance, with some returning Sept. 9 and others Sept. 14. Food Security Youth: Forty-five young Vincentians received certificates after completing the Youth in Agriculture Science Internship Programme, with placements across host organisations and a “Ten for Ten” push to support the food sector. Bird Import Ban Lifted: SVG lifted its 15-year ban on importing pet birds, citing improved lab capacity and alignment with WOAH and WTO guidance.

AI & Public Finance: St. Vincent and the Grenadines hosted a regional workshop on “Adapting Public Financial Management for AI,” with PM Godwin Friday warning against “AI hype” and urging “digital by design” that solves real problems, not just automates weak systems. Regional Governance: Finance officials from 19 CARTAC member states met in Kingstown to map how AI can strengthen fiscal controls and decision-making across small island states. Food Security Push: CARDI is running EU-funded carrot trials on a local farm to revive SVG’s export legacy, cut the import bill, and boost rural profits. Local Policy Watch: The FSA has paused new virtual asset business applications for September 2026 to improve oversight capacity. Land & Accountability: Opposition and commentators continue to question the government’s handling of the Chatham Bay sale on Union Island, with debate focused on conservation claims and public consultation. Culture & Community: Vincentian-born music pioneer Granville Straker died at 86, remembered for building Straker’s Records and shaping calypso and soca in Brooklyn and beyond.

AI & Public Finance: St. Vincent and the Grenadines hosted a regional workshop on “Adapting Public Financial Management for AI,” where PM Godwin Friday warned against chasing AI hype and urged a “digital by design” approach that starts with real public finance problems, not tech for its own sake. Regional Governance: CARTAC and IMF officials said the goal is safer, smarter modernization across 19 jurisdictions, with technology supporting strong institutions and good data. Food & Exports: CARDI is running EU-funded carrot trials to revive SVG’s export legacy and cut the food import bill, with youth encouraged to get involved. Agriculture & Trade Policy: SVG lifted its 15-year ban on importing pet birds, citing improved lab capacity and risk-based alignment with WOAH and WTO guidance. Local Accountability Debate: Commentary and public discussion continue over the Chatham Bay land sale on Union Island, with critics questioning the communications and the deal’s terms. Crime & Policing: Deputy PM St. Clair Leacock says his NYPD visit is shaping SVG’s response to gun violence, stressing community policing and coordinated information-sharing. Sports & Youth: North Windward won the Zonal Under-15 cricket title, while Union Island’s “Roots to Reef” camp trained 32 youth in seamoss farming and coastal resilience. Culture & Loss: Vincentian music pioneer Granville Leonard Straker died at 86, remembered for building Brooklyn’s Straker’s Records and bringing calypso and soca to global audiences.

Reparations Push: A Jamaican delegation led by Culture Minister Olivia Grange has arrived in London to hand King Charles III a petition seeking legal guidance on whether Britain has a “legal duty” to provide redress for slavery, including questions on English law, international law, and ongoing consequences—while Jamaica says it’s not demanding immediate payment. Local Education Update: St. Vincent and the Grenadines will reopen schools on a staggered schedule after maintenance—most schools start Monday, Sept. 7, but six schools shift to Sept. 9 or Sept. 14. Bird Import Ban Lifted: The long-running ban on importing birds (since 2011) has been lifted immediately, citing improved lab capacity and alignment with international animal health rules. Public Finance: Prime Minister Godwin Friday told Parliament current revenue fell 10.6% for April 1–July 31, 2026 versus the same period in 2025. Crime-Fighting Focus: Deputy PM and National Security Minister St. Clair Leacock says his NYPD visit is shaping SVG’s approach to gun violence, emphasizing community policing and partnerships. Environment Under Fire: Reports say mainland St. Vincent’s only marine protected area is being damaged by development activity at Canash Bay. Culture & Loss: Vincentian music pioneer Granville Straker, founder of Straker’s Records, has died at 86.

Reparations Push: Jamaica’s Culture Minister Olivia Grange and the National Council on Reparations are in London to lodge a landmark slavery-reparations petition with King Charles, asking him to seek legal clarification from the Privy Council on the legality of forced transport to Jamaica and Britain’s duties for restitution. Local Governance & Accountability: In St. Vincent and the Grenadines, debate is heating up over public spending and state land, with renewed calls for a fuller accounting after Parliament disclosures about housing allocations under the previous administration. Crime & Policing: Deputy Prime Minister and National Security Minister St. Clair Leacock says his NYPD visit is shaping SVG’s approach to gun violence and homicides, stressing community policing, better information flow, and partnerships beyond the police. Agriculture & Food Security: The Ministry of Agriculture is running a National Agriculture and Fisheries Census (March–October 2026) with World Bank funding, aiming to map the sector’s structure across mainland and the Grenadines. Trade & Regulation: The Financial Services Authority has paused new virtual asset business applications as of September 2026 to strengthen oversight, while Deriv secured a banking licence in SVG. Environment & Community: A youth seamoss camp on Union Island drew 32 young people for “Roots to Reef,” linking seamoss farming with coastal conservation and entrepreneurship. Birds Policy: SVG lifted its 15-year ban on importing pet birds, citing improved lab testing and alignment with international animal health guidelines. Sports & Culture: North Windward won the Zonal Under-15 cricket title, and Vincentian music pioneer Granville Straker died at 86.

Birds Ban Lifted: St. Vincent and the Grenadines has ended its 2011 ban on importing pet birds, citing stronger lab testing, regional cooperation, and alignment with WOAH and WTO rules. Accountability Push: A new wave of public calls for accounting follows Parliament disclosures on housing allocations under the previous administration, with questions now widening to state lands and public contracts. Education as Liberation: Andrew Simmons told the Oscar Allen Memorial Emancipation Lecture that education must build identity and community-centred citizens, not just certification. Police and Crime Strategy: Deputy PM St. Clair Leacock says his NYPD visit is shaping a plan focused on community policing, better information systems, and partnerships beyond the police. Land Sale Firestorm: Opposition and critics continue to challenge the Chatham Bay (Union Island) sale, arguing secrecy and transparency gaps around the “conservation” deal. Regulating Digital Assets: SVG’s FSA has paused new virtual asset business applications from September 2026 to strengthen oversight. Marine Sanctuary Under Threat: Reports say bulldozers have moved into the South Coast Marine Conservation Area, raising alarms about damage to mangroves and habitats. National Finances: Prime Minister Dr. Godwin Friday reported a 10.6% decline in current revenue for April 1–July 31, 2026 versus the same period in 2025. Sports & Culture: North Windward won the Zonal Under-15 cricket title; Taiwan and SVG youth held a cultural night celebrating 45 years of ties; and Vincentian music pioneer Granville Straker died at 86.

Chatham Bay Land Sale Fallout: Opposition in St. Vincent and the Grenadines is demanding full disclosure over the government’s EC$54m sale of about 100 acres at Chatham Bay, Union Island, to AHRA LLC, arguing the “conservation” explanation is misleading and that residents were not consulted. Marine Conservation Alarm: Separate reporting says the island’s only mainland marine sanctuary is being quietly dismantled at Canash Bay, with bulldozers and reclamation work damaging mangroves and habitats inside a protected zone. Financial Sector Move: The Financial Services Authority has paused new virtual asset business applications as of September 2026, citing the need to strengthen oversight. Security and Police Leadership: Deputy PM and National Security Minister St. Clair Leacock told Parliament some senior officers are not committed to the new administration’s security agenda and should “go home,” as gun violence remains a focus. Education Fees Confusion: Senator Lavern King clarified the SVGCC school fees controversy after students reported a $480 bill despite “no fees” promises. Agriculture Update: The Ministry of Agriculture is rolling out a National Agriculture and Fisheries Census (March–October 2026) and has lifted the 15-year bird import ban. Culture & Loss: Vincentian music pioneer Granville Straker has died at 86, while Taiwan and SVG youth held a cultural night celebrating 45 years of ties.

Finances & Regulation: Prime Minister Dr. Godwin Friday reported a 10.6% drop in St. Vincent’s current revenue for April 1–July 31, 2026, down to $290.1m from $324.38m, as the government answers questions on the fiscal out-turn. Digital Assets: The FSA has paused accepting new virtual asset business applications from September 2026, while Deriv secured a banking licence in SVG, signaling a shift in how fintech operates locally. Public Safety & Police Leadership: National Security Minister St. Clair Leacock told Parliament some senior officers are not committed to the new administration’s security agenda, warning further leadership changes if performance doesn’t improve. Environment Under Fire: Critics say St. Vincent’s only mainland marine sanctuary is being destroyed at Canash Bay, with mangroves and habitats reportedly cleared inside a protected zone. Land Sale Controversy: Opposition renewed calls for full disclosure over the Chatham Bay land sale, arguing the “conservation” justification lacks transparency. Education: SVGCC students say they’re still being billed $480 despite “no fees” promises, sparking fresh complaints. Culture & Community: Taiwan’s youth ambassadors and Vincentian artists filled Kingstown with cultural exchange, and music pioneer Granville Straker died at 86.

Oscar Allen Memorial Lecture: Minister of Culture Kashacka Cupid urged Vincentians to honour Oscar Allen’s legacy at the UWI Global Campus event, with remarks also delivered by Dixton Findlay and Dr. Resa Noel-McBarnette. Public Finance: Prime Minister Dr. Godwin Friday told Parliament that current revenue fell 10.6% for April 1–July 31, 2026, down to EC$290.1m from EC$324.38m in 2025. Education & Fees: Senator Lavern King moved to clarify confusion at SVGCC after students reported a $480 registration bill, saying the issue stems from mixed-up education fee policies. Governance & Land Sale: Opposition renewed pressure over the Chatham Bay land sale on Union Island, accusing the government of secrecy and misleading claims about “conservation.” Health Security: St. Vincent and the Grenadines became the first OECS member to adopt CARPHA’s regional digital early warning surveillance system, timed ahead of Carnival and major events. Agriculture: The Ministry of Agriculture began a National Agriculture and Fisheries Census (March–October 2026) with World Bank support. Sports: North Windward won the Zonal Under-15 cricket title, beating North Central Windward in the finals.