AGP Executive Report

Independence at 47: Prime Minister Godwin Friday called for unity, stronger public safety and more opportunities for young people, while former PM Ralph Gonsalves warned of economic hardship, crime and governance problems. Cruise Port Deal: The government has signed a 30-year agreement with Global Ports Holding to manage and expand cruise facilities, including a proposed new berth at Clifton, Union Island. Officials say the ports remain 100% government-owned; GPH must invest at least US$80 million across two phases. New Financing: Parliament approved SVG’s membership in the Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean, requiring a share purchase of about US$2 million. Membership opens another financing option but does not guarantee loans, and opposition lawmakers raised concerns about borrowing costs and how funds will be spent. Mangrove Protections: The government says it plans new laws to protect mangroves after officials confirmed current law does not prevent landowners from removing trees on private property.

Cruise Port: SVG has signed a 30-year deal with Global Ports Holding to expand cruise facilities while keeping 100% government ownership. GPH must invest at least US$20 million in Kingstown and US$60 million in a second phase, including a berth at Clifton, Union Island. Officials say local businesses must share in the benefits. Development Finance: Parliament approved SVG’s membership in the regional development bank CAF, requiring a US$2 million share purchase. Membership opens financing options but does not guarantee loans; opposition lawmakers urged careful borrowing and spending. Independence: Prime Minister Godwin Friday marked SVG’s 47th anniversary on Tuesday, calling for renewed commitment to the country’s future. Education and Skills: Nearly 100 Vincentians graduated from Monroe University’s St. Lucia campus, while 23 people completed the country’s first fibre-optics technician training programme. Tourism: Vincy Escape Weekend is planned for November 2027, with eight events aimed at drawing visitors to experience Vincentian culture and the islands.

Independence at 47: As St. Vincent and the Grenadines marks 47 years of independence, a call for greater local ownership and control puts the focus on whether Vincentians can shape a future they want to build at home. Development Finance: Parliament approved membership in the Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean, requiring a roughly US$2 million share purchase. The move opens a possible financing channel, not guaranteed loans; lawmakers also raised concerns about market-linked borrowing costs and how funds will be spent. Public Accountability: Parliament heard that Argyle International Airport’s cleaning work was divided among three contractors, including a company owned by Deputy Prime Minister St. Clair Leacock and the two main public-sector unions. Environmental Protection: The physical planning minister said current law does not prevent landowners from removing mangroves on private property, and pledged legislation to protect them after clearing at Canash. Skills and Jobs: Twenty-three participants completed SVG’s first outside-plant fibre-optics technician course, combining online lessons with practical training.

Development Finance: Parliament approved SVG’s membership in CAF, requiring a US$2 million share purchase within 30 days. The move could open access to larger loans, but not guaranteed or necessarily concessionary financing; opposition senator Carlos James urged the government to use any borrowing wisely, while Deputy PM St. Clair Leacock said it was part of a broader economic plan. Public Projects: Prime Minister Godwin Friday says EC$170.6 million of EC$177.7 million in Saudi Fund development loans remains unspent, with just EC$3.39 million used. He has warned that slow project delivery will no longer be tolerated. Cruise Tourism: The government is due to sign a deal with Global Ports Holding today to manage cruise port operations, as projected calls rise to 355 ships next season. Environment: Parliament heard that SVG has no law protecting mangroves on private land, leaving sites including Canash vulnerable to clearing. The government says it plans to introduce protections.

Development Finance: Parliament approved SVG’s membership in CAF, requiring about US$2 million in share purchases and opening potential financing, though loans are not automatic. Prime Minister Godwin Friday also says EC$170.6 million of EC$177.7 million in Saudi Fund loans remains unspent, raising pressure to speed up projects. Cruise Tourism: Government is due to sign a port operations deal with Global Ports Holding on Monday, ahead of a projected rise to 355 cruise calls in 2026–27. Cost of Living: Gasoline drops EC$1.02 to EC$17.29 a gallon from Monday, while diesel prices rise slightly. Fuel tax cuts and electricity subsidies continue; VINLEC support has reached EC$3.9 million since May. Environment: Parliament heard that mangroves have no specific legal protection, leaving Canash clearing on private land difficult to stop. The minister says legislation is planned. Regional Diplomacy: Former CARICOM leaders, including Ralph Gonsalves, urged countries to back a UN vote on October 28 calling for an end to the US embargo on Cuba.

Public Finance: EC$170.6 million of EC$177.7 million in Saudi development loans remains unspent, with just EC$3.39 million used. Prime Minister Godwin Friday says slow project delivery will no longer be tolerated as some agreements near their deadlines. Cruise Tourism: SVG is set to sign a deal with Global Ports Holding on Monday for a 30-year cruise-port concession, with up to EC$250 million in phased investment to upgrade facilities and expand local benefits. Cost of Living: From Monday, gasoline falls by EC$1.02 to EC$17.29 a gallon, while diesel prices rise slightly. The government says fuel-tax cuts and electricity subsidies have cost EC$3.9 million since May. Investment: Invest SVG is reviewing 13 proposals worth a combined US$442.9 million across tourism, aviation, housing and other sectors; none has reached completion. Skills: Twenty-three participants have completed SVG’s first fibre-optics technician training programme, gaining practical skills for the telecommunications industry.

Development Funding: Prime Minister Godwin Friday says EC$170.6 million of EC$177.7 million in Saudi Fund loans remains unspent, with only EC$3.39 million spent so far. He has warned that slow project delivery will not be tolerated as some agreements approach their closing dates. Cruise Tourism: Government plans to sign a 30-year agreement with Global Ports Holding on Monday, October 26, for cruise port operations and development, with up to EC$250 million in phased investment proposed. Fuel Costs: From Monday, gasoline will fall by EC$1.02 to EC$17.29 a gallon, while diesel rises by four cents to EC$17.57. The government says tax cuts and electricity subsidies will continue to cushion consumers. Public Contracts: Argyle International Airport’s cleaning work has been divided among three contractors, including a company owned by Deputy Prime Minister St. Clair Leacock and the two main public-sector trade unions. Environmental Protection: Parliament was told no mangroves in SVG have legal protection, leaving sites including Canash and Ashton Lagoon vulnerable to clearing.

Airport Contracts: Government has split Argyle International Airport’s cleaning work into three contracts, awarding them to a company owned by Deputy Prime Minister St. Clair Leacock and the country’s two main public-sector trade unions. Public Spending: Prime Minister Godwin Friday says EC$170.6 million of EC$177.7 million in Saudi development loans remains unspent, with just EC$3.39 million used so far; he has warned that slow project delivery will not be tolerated. Cost of Living: From Monday, gasoline falls by EC$1.02 to EC$17.29 a gallon, while diesel and low-sulfur diesel rise. Government electricity subsidies hit a record EC$798,591 in October, bringing support since May to EC$3.9 million. Cruise Tourism: The government plans to sign a deal with Global Ports Holding on Monday, paving the way for a 30-year concession and up to EC$250 million in phased port investment. Environment: Mangroves at Canash and Ashton Lagoon have no legal protection, leaving them vulnerable; clearing at Canash continued despite a rejected development application. Youth Safety: Youth Minister Kaschaka Cupid said the public outcry over the fatal stabbing of teenager Tafari Browne was “for the wrong reasons,” without explaining what he meant.

Development Finance: St. Vincent and the Grenadines has signed three financing agreements with the Saudi Fund for Development. Prime Minister Godwin Friday said funds will be used once work on the approved projects is underway. Investment: Invest SVG is reviewing 13 proposals worth a combined US$442.9 million across tourism, aviation, marine infrastructure, housing and environmental management. None has received final approval. Energy Costs: Gasoline falls by EC$1.02 to EC$17.29 a gallon on Monday, October 26, while diesel prices rise slightly. Small Business: Today is the deadline for local MSMEs to register for a regional programme offering support with digital tools and e-commerce. Tourism: SVG is set to sign a cruise-port agreement with Global Ports Holding on Monday. The proposed 30-year concession includes up to EC$250 million in phased investment to upgrade the Kingstown terminal and expand cruise operations. Sandals Saint Vincent also won Caribbean’s Leading All-Inclusive Resort at the 2026 World Travel Awards. Netball: SVG lost 73-41 to Trinidad and Tobago in the Americas qualifiers, leaving its bid for a 2027 World Cup place under pressure.

Investment Pipeline: Invest SVG is managing 13 proposals worth a combined US$442.9 million across tourism, aviation, marine infrastructure, housing and environmental management. Two are at an advanced stage, but none has been completed or declined. Fuel Prices: Gasoline will fall by $1.02 to $17.29 a gallon from Monday, October 26. Diesel prices will rise slightly, to $17.57, while low-sulfur diesel will cost $17.73. Cruise Tourism: Government says it will sign a deal Monday with Global Ports Holding for a 30-year concession and phased investment of up to EC$250 million to upgrade Kingstown’s cruise terminal and expand cruise tourism. Food Security: An Agriculture Ministry official is calling for policies that treat food security as a national security issue and address land use. Tourism: Sandals Saint Vincent has been named the Caribbean’s Leading All-Inclusive Resort for 2026.

Fuel Prices: Gasoline prices will fall from October 26, Prime Minister Godwin Friday announced, while diesel will rise slightly. Cruise Tourism: SVG is set to sign a deal with Global Ports Holding on Monday for a 30-year Kingstown terminal concession, with up to EC$250 million in phased investment. The government says the expansion should bring more cruise-tourism business to local operators and vendors. Tourism and Culture: Sandals Saint Vincent has been named the Caribbean’s Leading All-Inclusive Resort for 2026. Locally, Gems of SVG has launched a souvenir line celebrating the country’s landmarks, heritage and traditions. Food Security: An Agriculture Ministry official is calling for policies that treat food security as a national security issue and address land use. Business: CannaBiz SVG runs October 29–31, bringing industry discussions, an exhibition and networking opportunities to Kingstown.

Regional Investment: The United States announced a US$340 million Caribbean funding package for energy, ports, digital infrastructure, health and security after a regional dialogue attended by St. Vincent and the Grenadines. No country-by-country allocation was announced. Food Security: Agriculture officials are calling for national policies that treat food security as a security priority and address land use. Skills and Enterprise: A UWI Global Campus lecture in Kingstown today will focus on the skills, talent and enterprise needed to shape SVG’s future. Standards and Trade: The Bureau of Standards is marking 25 years of work in quality and consumer protection, while SVG is promoting local products and tourism at a global island expo in South Korea. Banking: BOSVG reported a EC$15 million interim loss for the first half of 2026, largely due to sharply higher credit-loss provisions. Community Development: More than 700 Vincentians are expected to benefit from a new BNTF programme to improve roads and community infrastructure.

Food Security: Agriculture officials are calling for national policies that treat food security as a matter of national security and address land use. Standards and Banking: The SVG Bureau of Standards is marking 25 years of consumer protection and quality work, while BOSVG reported a EC$15 million interim loss after a sharp rise in credit-loss provisions. The bank also warns card services, ATMs and POS machines will be unavailable from midnight to 4 a.m. on October 23 for a scheduled upgrade. Regional Ties: St. Vincent’s ambassador to Taiwan called the country a “faithful partner” as the two nations mark 45 years of diplomatic relations. Development: More than 700 Vincentians are expected to benefit from a new BNTF programme improving roads and community access. Sport: SVG opened its Netball World Cup qualifying campaign with a 50-47 win over the USA. What’s Ahead: The Canadian National Cricket League’s GT20 tournament begins at Arnos Vale on October 23, with 18 matches scheduled over 11 days.

Biodiversity: St. Vincent and the Grenadines has sent two officials to COP17 in Armenia to help advance global biodiversity goals. Banking: BOSVG says ATMs and card payments will be unavailable from midnight to 4 a.m. on Friday, October 23, for a system upgrade. The bank also reported a $15 million first-half loss, driven by sharply higher credit-loss provisions. Netball: SVG opened the Americas World Cup qualifiers with a 50–47 win over the USA and is chasing one of two places at the 2027 tournament. National development: The UWI Global Campus hosts its Sir Dwight Venner Memorial Independence Lecture on Thursday, focusing on skills, enterprise and the country’s future. Sport and tourism: An international T20 tournament begins at Arnos Vale on Friday, with 18 matches scheduled over 11 days. Meanwhile, SVG students are launching creative campaigns to promote the country and support local causes. Regional investment: SVG joined U.S.-Caribbean talks tied to a US$340 million regional investment plan for connectivity, health, security and economic growth.

Netball: St. Vincent and the Grenadines opened its World Cup qualifying campaign with a 50–47 win over the United States. The team next faces Trinidad and Tobago, with the top two sides advancing to the 2027 tournament. Tourism and Youth: SVG college students have launched a six-week project to promote the country while supporting local causes, ending with a public showcase in November. Independence Lecture: The UWI Global Campus hosts its annual Sir Dwight Venner Memorial Lecture on Thursday, focused on skills, enterprise and national development. Regional Investment: SVG joined U.S.-Caribbean talks ahead of a US$340 million regional investment package for connectivity, health and security. Banking: BOSVG reported a EC$15 million loss for the first half of 2026, driven largely by a sharp rise in provisions for credit losses. Immigration: Legal immigration from the Caribbean to the U.S. fell 53% under new restrictions; immigrant visa issuance for St. Vincent and the Grenadines dropped by at least 80%, according to a report. Tourism Research: Vincentian economist Dalano DaSouza shared the CTO’s first Tourism Intelligence Award for research into why Caribbean residents choose overseas travel.

Regional Investment: The U.S. announced more than US$340 million for Caribbean and Central American connectivity, health and security after a dialogue attended by St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The package includes US$175.8 million for undersea cables and US$61.5 million for regional health efforts; Blake urged a stronger focus on resilience. CBI Plans: Prime Minister Godwin Friday says SVG will pursue a revised citizenship-by-investment programme, with stronger due diligence and greater OECS coordination. Banking: Bank of St. Vincent and the Grenadines reported a EC$15.03 million interim loss, reversing last year’s profit as credit-loss provisions rose sharply. Community Investment: A new EC$13 million BNTF programme is expected to improve roads and footpaths for more than 700 Vincentians. Jobs and Trade: Agriculture Minister Israel Bruce is visiting Canadian farms to explore expanding seasonal work opportunities for Vincentians. SVG is also showcasing its tourism, culture and local products at the World Island Exhibition in South Korea.