AGP Executive Report

Chatham Bay Land Fight: Opposition leader Ralph Gonsalves called the NDP’s EC$54m Chatham Bay sale “laughable,” arguing the government is using misleading comparisons and undervaluing the land, while the PM insists the deal is conservation-led and includes a two-year government option to repurchase at the same price. Education Cost Shock: Students at SVGCC say “free education” promises are being undermined as registration fees reportedly return, with notices demanding about EC$480 and threats of holds if unpaid. Health Security Upgrade: St. Vincent and the Grenadines became the first OECS member to adopt CARPHA’s Regional Integrated Early Warning Surveillance and Response System, with training and port surveillance pilots ahead of major events. Tourism and JetBlue Tensions: Gonsalves warned that any move to renegotiate the JetBlue contract could shrink the airline’s schedule and hit hotels, taxis, and visitor numbers; he also rejected claims of a US$10m unpaid debt. Labour Allegations at Canouan Estate: Workers allege unpaid wages and changes to working hours/rest periods, with the Labour Department reportedly visiting the site. Disability Jobs Push: A UN campaign urges Caribbean employers to break barriers and adopt inclusive hiring for people with disabilities. Agriculture Land Access: OECS urged transparent crown-land terms so young farmers can secure financing and build agribusinesses.

Disability & Jobs: The UN launched its “HireAbility Campaign” across the Caribbean to boost disability-inclusive employment, linking governments and employers with a Disability Inclusive Employer’s Pledge. Health Security Upgrade: St. Vincent and the Grenadines became the first OECS member to adopt CARPHA’s Regional Integrated Early Warning Surveillance and Response System (RIEWSS), with training and port surveillance pilots timed ahead of Carnival and the Caribbean Premier League. Private Sector Push: The Centre for Enterprise Development (CED) unveiled a US$4.64m, five-year strategy (2026–2030) to strengthen MSME support, access to finance, partnerships, and institutional capacity. Tourism & Aviation Tension: Opposition leader Ralph Gonsalves warned that any move to renegotiate the JetBlue contract could trigger a tourism downturn, while he also rejected claims of a US$10m debt owed to the airline. Chatham Bay Land Fight: Government and opposition traded barbs over the sale of about 100 acres at Chatham Bay, with the NDP backing the deal for conservation and fiscal relief, and critics calling it a “crown jewel” sold too cheaply. Reefs Hope: A citizen-science coral survey reported rare young staghorn coral colonies off Battowia, offering a rare bright spot for Grenadines reefs. Bequia Development: An EU-funded Bequia Fish Market rebuild (EC$3.2m) got underway as a climate-resilient “blue economy” project. Sports & Community: Bequia’s BBA tournament wrapped up its 24th annual competition, and All Athletes Inc. marked its third anniversary supporting student-athletes.

Hospitality Skills Boost: Six Sandals Grande Antigua managers and supervisors earned hospitality leadership diplomas, with the final phase bringing them to St. Vincent and the Grenadines for a capstone project. Immigration Update: The US ended a January pause on immigrant visa issuance for nationals of 75 countries after a court order, with the pause no longer in effect as of August 21. Chatham Bay Land Fight: Opposition leader Ralph Gonsalves called the NDP’s support for the Chatham Bay sale “laughable,” while the government insists the deal protects biodiversity and includes a two-year option to repurchase at the same price. Tourism Under Pressure: Gonsalves warned the government could trigger a tourism collapse if it renegotiates the JetBlue contract, while he also rejected claims of a $10m debt owed to the airline. Business Law Debate: Parliament passed the Companies Amendment Bill as PM Godwin Friday pushes an investment-friendly agenda, but Gonsalves warned it could invite global financial scrutiny. Health Security Upgrade: SVG became the first OECS member state to adopt a regional digital early warning system for public health threats. Reef Hope for the Grenadines: Rare young staghorn coral colonies were discovered off Battowia, offering a rare bright spot after past climate shocks. CED Growth Plan: The Centre for Enterprise Development unveiled a US$4.64m, five-year strategy to strengthen support for MSMEs. Bequia Fish Market Rebuild: An EU-funded EC$3.285m project is underway to demolish and rebuild the Bequia Fish Market as a climate-resilient “blue economy” anchor.

Companies Amendment Bill: Prime Minister Godwin Friday says the passed Companies Amendment Bill will keep building an enabling environment for private sector growth and investment, with Senator Chelsea Alexander also backing the move. Digital Health Security: St. Vincent and the Grenadines becomes the first OECS member state to adopt the regional digital health warning system (RIEWSS), training officials and piloting port surveillance ahead of major events. Chatham Bay Fight: Friday and the NDP defend the sale of 100 acres at Chatham Bay, Union Island, saying conservation safeguards and a two-year government buy-back option protect the public interest, while critics warn it could trigger international scrutiny over company law reforms and financial reputation. Fiscal Pressure & Relief: Parliament hears the deficit narrowed from EC$125.23m to EC$57.78m, helped by Chatham Bay proceeds, as the government extends a 90-day cost-of-living relief package. Blue Economy Boost: EU-funded EC$3.285m Bequia fish market rebuild gets underway as a climate-resilient “blue economy” anchor. Crime & Policing: Security Minister St. Clair Leacock reports on NYPD methods after a briefing in New York as gun violence remains a concern. Education Updates: CXC results are temporarily withheld due to discrepancies at two schools, and national tuition scholarships for 2026/27 drop by over 500 to 2,466. Regional Weather Readiness: CREWS Caribbean 2.0 highlights stronger early warning links and impact-based forecasting across the region.

Chatham Bay Land Sale Fallout: The NDP says it backs the sale of about 100 acres at Chatham Bay for around EC$54 million, arguing biodiversity protections are built into the deal and pointing to a narrowed April–July deficit of EC$57.78m (down from EC$125.23m) driven by a EC$52.7m land payment. Parliamentary Clash Over Companies Law: Opposition Leader Ralph Gonsalves warns the Companies Amendment Bill could trigger international scrutiny and jeopardize SVG’s standing with global financial watchdogs, while PM Godwin Friday frames the reforms as “opening the country for business” and easing regulatory burdens. Tourism and Airline Dispute: Tourism Minister Kishore Shallow says SVG owes JetBlue more than EC$10m from an agreement signed by the previous administration, and the Delta service cut has sparked fresh questions about what was told to Parliament. EU Funding for Bequia: An EU-funded EC$3.285m Bequia Fish Market rebuild has been launched as a climate-resilient “blue economy” project, with work aiming for completion in 7–8 months. Education and Community Updates: CXC results were temporarily withheld due to school discrepancies; meanwhile Sandy Bay residents are being consulted on the permanent home for the new Sandy Bay Secondary School. Local Economy and Relief: The government extended its 90-day cost-of-living relief package, and fiscal reporting shows revenue pressure alongside the deficit improvement. Grenadines Environment: Rare staghorn coral was reported off Battowia, offering hopeful signs for reef recovery.

Tourism & Travel: Minister Kishore Shallow says St. Vincent and the Grenadines owes JetBlue more than EC$10 million under an agreement signed by the ULP, after the previous administration allegedly failed to pay bills from 2024; the disclosure came as Parliament questioned Delta’s decision to end its Atlanta–Argyle nonstop service. Public Finance: Prime Minister Godwin Friday told Parliament the central government deficit narrowed to EC$57.78 million for April 1–July 31, 2026, down from EC$125.23 million last year, helped by EC$52.7 million from the Chatham Bay land sale. Cost of Living: Government extended its 90-day relief package, keeping major fuel and electricity tax reductions to cushion households and businesses. Business & Regulation: A heated Companies Amendment Bill debate continues, with Opposition Leader Ralph Gonsalves warning the reforms could trigger international scrutiny and harm SVG’s financial standing. Education: CXC CSEC/CAPE results were temporarily withheld due to discrepancies at two schools, while a community consultation begins planning for the permanent Sandy Bay Secondary School site. Security & Crime: National Security Minister St. Clair Leacock shared lessons from a NYPD visit as SVG looks to modernize its approach to gun violence. Agriculture & Environment: FAO launched a coconut and soursop training mission, while conservationists report rare staghorn coral found off Battowia. Youth & Skills: ECCB’s Generative AI and Python Summer Camp expands with real business projects, and CED-backed programmes continue supporting new entrepreneurs. Community & Culture: SVG’s Vincentian diaspora in High Wycombe marked Caribbean heritage through cricket and community events. Media: Searchlight newspaper will cease publication after 31 years, pausing print and digital editions on September 25.

PNM Ties: Former St Vincent PM Dr Ralph Gonsalves told PNM meetings at Balisier House he remains firmly aligned with the PNM, while acknowledging friendships in Trinidad’s UNC. Chatham Bay Land Sale: The NDP backed the sale of about 100 acres at Chatham Bay, Union Island, for about EC$54 million, saying biodiversity protections and binding conservation covenants are built in, while proceeds help ease the debt burden. Fiscal Pressure: Parliament heard the government’s deficit narrowed to EC$57.78m (Apr 1–Jul 31, 2026) from EC$125.23m last year, but current revenue fell 10.6% amid a revenue drop linked to reporting delays at Customs. Companies Reform Clash: Opposition Leader Ralph Gonsalves warned the Companies Amendment Bill could trigger global scrutiny and risk blacklisting, while PM Godwin Friday defended the reforms as needed to unlock private investment. Tourism/Flights Dispute: Tourism Minister Kishore Shallow said SVG owes JetBlue over EC$10m under a 2024-era agreement, and faced questions after Delta ended its Atlanta–Argyle nonstop service. Cost-of-Living Relief: Cabinet extended the 90-day relief package, keeping major fuel and electricity-related tax reductions. Education & Schools: CXC results were temporarily withheld due to discrepancies at two schools; meanwhile Sandy Bay residents were consulted on the permanent home for the new secondary school. Reefs & Agriculture: Rare staghorn coral was reported off Battowia, and farmers received soil-health and climate-resilient agricultural kits.

Aviation Debt: Tourism Minister Kishore Shallow told Parliament St. Vincent and the Grenadines owes JetBlue more than EC$10 million under an agreement signed by the ULP administration, saying payments were refused from 2024 until the government changed. Parliament Clash: Prime Minister Godwin Friday and Opposition Leader Ralph Gonsalves sparred over sweeping company law and financial services reforms, with Friday calling them pro-growth and Gonsalves calling them a giveaway for non-compliant firms. Education Updates: The ministry says CXC results were temporarily withheld due to discrepancies at two schools, while residents of Sandy Bay were consulted on a permanent site for the relocated Sandy Bay Secondary School. Cost of Living Relief: Government extended its 90-day economic relief package for another three months, keeping fuel and electricity-related tax reductions. Public Finance: Fiscal outturn shows the central government deficit narrowed from $125M to $57.78M for April–July, helped by a Chatham Bay land sale injection, though revenue fell. Security Focus: National Security Minister St. Clair Leacock shared plans after a NYPD visit, aiming to modernize approaches to gun violence. Reef Hope: Rare staghorn coral was spotted off Battowia, offering a hopeful sign for Grenadines reefs. Business & Jobs: CED business programme graduates are set to receive support to start and register businesses, and ECCB’s Generative AI and Python camp continues regional youth upskilling. Media: Searchlight newspaper will cease print and pause digital editions on September 25 after 31 years.

Debt and tourism fallout: Tourism Minister Kishore Shallow told Parliament St. Vincent and the Grenadines owes JetBlue more than EC$10 million under an agreement signed by the ULP, saying the previous administration “refused to pay” from 2024 and that no consultant oversaw the talks. Politics and regulation: Prime Minister Friday and Opposition Leader Ralph Gonsalves clashed in the House over sweeping company law and financial services reforms, with Friday arguing for private-sector growth and Gonsalves calling it a giveaway for non-compliant firms. Cost of living and fiscal picture: Cabinet extended the 90-day economic relief package for another three months, keeping major fuel and electricity tax reductions; meanwhile the central government deficit narrowed to $57.78m for April–July, helped by a Chatham Bay land sale. Housing and education pressures: Housing Minister Andrew John said the ministry inherited over $15m in arrears; Education Minister Phillip Jackson said CXC results were temporarily withheld due to discrepancies at two schools. Community and development: Residents in Sandy Bay were consulted on a permanent home for the new Sandy Bay Secondary School; UN FAO launched coconut and soursop training, and IICA delivered soil-health agricultural kits to farmers. Public safety and services: National Security Minister St. Clair Leacock shared lessons from a NYPD visit on tackling gun violence, as concerns grow over sudden terminations of school bus and town board workers. Regional links: Taiwan and SVG discussed funding for a national development bank and social projects. Sports and culture: Swimming nationals continue at Shrewsbury Pool, and Parliament paid tribute to late Alphian Allen, MBE.

JetBlue Debt in Parliament: Tourism Minister Kishore Shallow told lawmakers St. Vincent and the Grenadines owes US-based airline JetBlue more than EC$10 million under an agreement signed by the Unity Labour Party, saying payments were refused from 2024 until the NDP took office. Company Law Clash: Prime Minister Godwin Friday and Opposition Leader Ralph Gonsalves sparred in the House over sweeping Companies Amendment Bill reforms, with Friday arguing for private-sector growth and Gonsalves calling it a “giveaway” for non-compliant firms. Cost-of-Living Relief Extended: Government approved a 90-day extension of its economic relief package, keeping major fuel and electricity-related tax reductions to cushion households and transport and agriculture. Education Disruptions: CXC results were temporarily withheld due to discrepancies at two schools, says Education Minister Phillip Jackson, while a Sandy Bay community consultation is underway to secure a permanent home for the relocated Sandy Bay Secondary School. Public Finance Watch: The central government deficit narrowed to $57.78 million for April–July 2026, helped by a Chatham Bay land sale, though current revenue fell 10.6%. Security and Crime-Fighting: National Security Minister St. Clair Leacock shared what he learned from a NYPD briefing on tackling rising gun violence. Housing Debt: Housing Minister Andrew John says his ministry inherited over $15 million in arrears, delaying new construction. Regional and Local Economy: ECCB’s Generative AI and Python Summer Camp expands with real business projects, while farmers received soil-health kits and training under regional agriculture support. Sports: The national swimming championships continue at Shrewsbury Pool as clubs chase titles and selection. Immigration Update: A US court struck down the Trump administration’s immigrant visa ban affecting 75 countries, including several Caribbean states. Media: Searchlight newspaper will cease print and pause digital editions on September 25 after 31 years.

Education & Community Planning: Residents of Sandy Bay are being consulted on a permanent home for the relocated Sandy Bay Secondary School, part of a EC$73 million CDB School Improvement Project, with the Ministry of Education outlining future academic goals. CXC Results Delay: Education Minister Phillip Jackson says CSEC and CAPE results were temporarily withheld after discrepancies involving two local schools, with work underway with CXC to fix the issues. Cost of Living Relief Extended: Prime Minister and Finance Minister Dr. Godwin announced a 90-day extension of the economic relief package, keeping major fuel and electricity tax reductions in place. Public Finance Update: SVG’s mid-year central government deficit narrowed sharply to $57.78M for April–July 2026, helped by a non-recurrent Chatham Bay land sale injection, though current revenue fell 10.6%. Tourism & Security: National Security Minister St. Clair Leacock shared plans after a NYPD visit on tackling gun violence, while Tourism Minister Kishore Shallow told Parliament SVG inherited over EC$10M in JetBlue debt from the previous ULP deal. Sports: The St. Vincent and the Grenadines Swimming Federation’s 2026 National Championships are underway at Shrewsbury Pool, with national selection and titles on the line. Agriculture & Youth: Farmers received soil-health agricultural kits via IICA/CARDI support, and CED’s business programme is backing new entrepreneurs with grants and coaching.

Court Ruling on US Visas: A New York federal judge has struck down the Trump administration’s immigrant visa freeze affecting nationals of 75 countries, restoring case-by-case processing and drawing fresh relief from Caribbean immigration advocates. Grenadines Business Support: The CED Business programme has concluded with 12 entrepreneurs set to receive ongoing coaching, business registration help, and a US$2,000 grant to launch their ventures. Public Finance Update: Government says central government revenue fell during April to July, with a reported overall deficit of EC$57.78 million. Media Under Pressure: St. Vincent’s Searchlight newspaper will cease print and pause digital editions on September 25 after 31 years. Reef Hope for the Grenadines: Conservationists report rare staghorn coral found off Battowia, offering a hopeful sign for reef recovery. Health & Skills: PAHO/WHO supported Eastern Caribbean critical care training for severe infections, while ECCB runs a Generative AI and Python summer camp with real-world business projects. Education & Surveys: Sandy Bay residents took part in a school improvement consultation, and the Statistical Office prepares the 2026 Survey of Living Conditions and Household Budgetary Survey. Local Governance Tensions: Authorities face renewed scrutiny as liquidators press for court action in the CCF scandal, and concerns grow over sudden terminations of public contract workers, including school bus services.

Parliament Watch: Five bills are set for Thursday’s sitting, with three scheduled for first reading (Financial Services Authority Amendment, Companies Amendment, Legal Profession) and two deferred (Representation of the People Amendment, Constitution Amendment), alongside nine opposition questions for oral answers. Education & Community: A public consultation at Sandy Bay Government School will shape the School Improvement Project’s new Sandy Bay Government School location and offerings, funded by the CDB. Agriculture & Food Security: FAO has launched a coconut and soursop training mission in SVG (Aug 24–31) under a public-private partnership project, while farmers and government also face renewed pressure over live cattle exports to Grenada, with Agriculture Minister Israel Bruce saying shipments are halted. Youth & Skills: ECCB’s Generative AI and Python Summer Camp is expanding into real business problem-solving, and SVG is preparing to run the 2026 Survey of Living Conditions and Household Budgetary Survey after enumerator training (Aug 31–Sep 4). Regional Diplomacy: Minister Israel Bruce represents SVG at UNCCD COP17 in Mongolia, pushing drought resilience and innovative financing. International Links: Taiwan says talks with SVG continue on funding a national development bank and social projects, with nothing finalized yet. Health Leadership: Dr. Eva Jané Llopis has assumed her PAHO/WHO role for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean Countries. Environment: A citizen-science dive report confirms rare young staghorn coral colonies off Battowia in the Northern Grenadines.

Education & Community Input: A public consultation was held in Sandy Bay for the CDB-funded School Improvement Project, with residents weighing in on the location and offerings for a new Sandy Bay Government School, including plans to renovate eight schools and build the Sandy Bay Secondary School. Legislation in Parliament: Five bills are set for first reading and debate in Thursday’s parliamentary session, including Financial Services Authority, Companies, and Legal Profession amendments, while two constitutional/representation bills were deferred. Agriculture & Food Security: Minister of Agriculture Israel Bruce says live cattle exports to Grenada have been halted as the country focuses on local supply, enforcement against livestock theft, and a modern abattoir plan. Public Services Concerns: Star Radio reports severe concerns over sudden terminations of school bus and town board workers, with allegations of political victimization and replacement by retired pensionable staff. Living Conditions Data: Government is preparing the 2026 Survey of Living Conditions and Household Budgetary Survey, with enumerator training set for Aug. 31–Sept. 4. Regional Health Leadership: Dr. Eva Jané Llopis has assumed her PAHO/WHO role covering Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, including St. Vincent and the Grenadines. International Diplomacy: Taiwan says talks with SVG are ongoing on funding a national development bank and social projects, with nothing finalized yet. Immigration Update (US): Caribbean immigration advocates welcomed a New York court ruling striking down Trump’s immigrant visa suspension for nationals of 75 countries, including SVG.

Public Service Shake-Up: Star Radio reports sudden terminations of school bus and town board contract workers across St. Vincent and the Grenadines, with allegations of political victimization and replacements by retired, pensionable staff—raising fresh concerns as youth unemployment remains a pressure point. Living Conditions Survey: Government says the 2026 Survey of Living Conditions and Household Budgetary Survey is set to update poverty, inequality and spending patterns; enumerator training runs Aug. 31–Sept. 4, with the last survey done in 2018. Agriculture & Food Security: Agriculture Minister Israel Bruce says live cattle exports to Grenada have been effectively halted while local supply is secured and enforcement strengthened; cattle farmers meanwhile mobilize against a proposed export ban. Regional Development & Health: Taiwan and SVG are in talks on funding a national development bank and social projects; PAHO/WHO also welcomed Dr. Eva Jané Llopis as the new representative for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean. Crime & Justice: RSVGPF held a survivor empowerment workshop at Black Point, stressing support beyond investigations and court. Sports & Culture: Massy Finance Remittances signs a three-year CPL sponsorship, linking remittances and cricket through promotions and match experiences.

Sports & Community Ties: Massy Finance Remittances has signed a three-year sponsorship with the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL), bringing MoneyGram customers closer to matches through promotions, match experiences and fan activities. Tourism & Regional Spotlight: St. Kitts hosted the 2026 ASTA Caribbean Showcase (Aug. 22–26), with regional tourism ministers including SVG’s Kishore Shallow among speakers and officials pushing for stronger airlift, smarter tourism and sustainable growth. Poverty & Planning Survey: The SVG Statistical Office is preparing for the 2026 Survey of Living Conditions and Household Budgetary Survey, with enumerator training set for Aug. 31–Sept. 4, 2026, to update poverty, inequality and household spending data since the last survey in 2018. Public Health Leadership: Dr. Eva Jané Llopis has assumed the PAHO/WHO Representative role for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean Countries, bringing 25 years of experience to strengthen resilient health systems across the region. Agriculture & Food Security: Under the ADOPT Caribbean soil-health project, IICA handed over climate-resilient agricultural kits to SVG farmers, including tools and supplies for compost, organic mulch and improved soil practices. Safety & Support for Survivors: The RSVGPF ran a Survivor Empowerment Workshop at Black Point to support healing and connect survivors of sexual abuse with counselling and services. Diplomacy & Development Funding: Taiwan says talks are ongoing with SVG on funding a national development bank and social projects, with nothing finalized yet.