AGP Executive Report

Grenada Creative Spotlight: GOCA says three Grenadian creatives from its Animation Accelerator will head to the Annecy International Animation Festival and MIFA Market in France, pitching culture-rooted stories to global buyers. Sovereign Debt Watch: Fitch has revised sovereign rating criteria on when countries can pause bond repayments without triggering “default,” a move that could affect how quickly stressed states seek temporary liquidity relief. Sports (Regional Cricket): SLNCA named a trial squad for the Windward Islands Super 50, with training and fitness tests starting June 13 as Saint Lucia defends its title in Grenada (July 25–Aug 5). Diaspora & Travel: Grenada Diaspora Homecoming 2026 runs June 21–July 5 across Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique, with added flights from the US, Canada and the UK expected to boost arrivals and business activity. Environment & Tourism: SPECTO has closed turtle watching tours early for the 2026 leatherback nesting season after fewer nesting females were recorded on Levera Beach.

Diaspora & Tourism Boost: Grenada Diaspora Homecoming 2026 runs June 21 to July 5 across Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique, with cultural events, heritage tours, family days, community projects and business forums aimed at stronger diaspora ties and more investment; organisers say extra flights are being added from the US, Canada, the UK and across the Caribbean, including Air Canada Toronto–Grenada service and daily Miami–Grenada flights. Marine Protection: St. Patrick’s SPECTO has closed turtle watching tours for the rest of the 2026 leatherback nesting season after fewer females were seen nesting at Levera Beach; the Ministry of Blue Economy and Marine Affairs also condemned the illegal slaughter of a leatherback turtle on May 13 near Solamente Guesthouse and reiterated the closed-fishery rules. Environment Finance: Grenada took part in the GEF Assembly in Samarkand, pushing for faster, simpler climate finance for small island states and stronger recognition of SIDS as co-designers. Local Governance & Jobs: Grenada’s High Court ordered the Government to pay damages to former Head of Rural Development Byron L.J. Campbell after a wrongful termination.

Marine Protection & Tourism: Grenada’s turtle watching tours are being shut early for the 2026 leatherback nesting season after a sharp drop in female nesting activity at Levera Beach, with SPECTO warning the decline may be wider across the region. Enforcement & Public Reminder: The Ministry of Blue Economy and Marine Affairs (BEMA) also condemned the illegal slaughter of a leatherback near Solamente Guesthouse in Lance Aux Épines and reiterated the closed-fishery rules and dates, urging anyone with information to come forward. Regional Environment Funding: Grenada took part in the Eighth GEF Assembly in Samarkand, pushing Small Island Developing States priorities for faster, simpler access to climate finance and highlighting work under the GEF-9 Nature–Climate–Pollution agenda. Health Security for Visitors: Grenada launched its Tourism and Health Program with CARPHA to strengthen visitor-based surveillance, including hotel and vessel monitoring and training for infectious disease prevention. Public Safety & Culture: The Royal Grenada Police Force warned against unlawful masquerading activities that cause obstruction, property damage, noise and intimidation, saying enforcement will follow. Jobs & Business Readiness: ECCB advertised for a Facilities Maintenance Technician, while Grenada Development Bank issued an expression of interest for a climate finance public-private partnership strategist to help ready the private sector for climate funding.

Court Ruling: Grenada’s High Court ordered the Government to pay former Head of Rural Development Byron L.J. Campbell EC$47,236 plus 6% interest after finding his contract termination in February 2023 was wrongful. Tourism & Health: Grenada launched its Tourism and Health Program with CARPHA to boost visitor-based surveillance, training, and disease prevention at hotels and vessels. Mental Health: The government says a National Suicide Prevention Hotline is expected to be operational by end of June, amid concern over rising suicide figures. Opposition Politics: The NNP says it will “deliver” on promises if elected, including tax reductions on water and electricity, while internal party leadership changes were also reported. Business & Investment Push: Grenada’s honorary consul in Nigeria announced visa-free entry for Nigerian passport holders from July, alongside plans to deepen trade and investment ties. Public Transport: The Grenada Transport Commission reported EC$1.7 million invested via fuel tax rebates and western bus relief, with further duty-free concessions for bus parts and tyres in preparation. Regional Sports: Grenada is listed among teams in the Group B lineup for Antigua and Barbuda’s upcoming CBC Pre-Qualifiers basketball tournament.

Court Ruling: Grenada’s High Court ordered the Government to pay former Head of Rural Development Byron L.J. Campbell damages after finding his contract termination was wrongful, awarding EC$47,236 plus interest, while rejecting a major retroactive salary claim. Tourism & Health: Grenada launched its Tourism and Health Programme with CARPHA to strengthen visitor-based surveillance, training hotel and vessel monitoring, and improve infectious disease prevention in the tourism sector. Visa & Investment Push: Grenada approved visa-free entry for Nigerian passport holders starting in July, with talks on reciprocal arrangements and possible direct air links to boost trade, tourism, and investment. Public Transport Funding: The Grenada Transport Commission says EC$1.7 million was invested in bus support through fuel tax rebates and western passenger relief, and is preparing 50% duty-free concessions for essential parts and tyres. Mental Health: A National Suicide Prevention Hotline is expected to be operational by end of June as officials report 5 suicides so far in 2026. Regional Airlift: New airline partnerships across the Caribbean aim to reduce fragmented travel between islands by improving interline connections.

Tourism & Health: Grenada has launched a Tourism and Health Program with CARPHA to strengthen visitor-based disease surveillance, with hotels and vessels registering on the THiS system and training for land and sea monitoring. Visa & Investment Push: Grenada’s honorary consul in Nigeria says visa-free entry for Nigerian passport holders starts in July, alongside talks on direct air links within six months, as the island courts Nigerian investors in aviation, tourism, real estate, healthcare, agriculture, logistics and fintech. Public Transport Funding: The Grenada Transport Commission reports EC$1.7 million invested in the Fuel Tax Rebate Programme and Western Bus Passenger Relief Initiative (2025–2026), and says it’s preparing 50% duty-free concessions on essential bus parts and tyres. Mental Health Support: The government says a National Suicide Prevention Hotline is expected to be operational by end-June, citing rising suicide concerns in 2026. Regional Context: Caribbean leaders and health groups are urging faster healthy food policy action to tackle the region’s NCD crisis.

Tourism & Health Boost: Grenada officially launched its Tourism and Health Program (THP) with CARPHA support, training hotel and vessel surveillance teams and pushing the Tourism and Health Information System to strengthen visitor-based outbreak detection. Mental Health Support: The government says a National Suicide Prevention Hotline is expected to be operational by end of June, as officials report 5 suicides so far in 2026 versus 3 in the first five months of 2025. Nigerian Investment Push: Grenada’s honorary consul in Nigeria, Bidemi Sonoiki, says visa-free entry for Nigerians is set to begin in July, alongside talks for direct air links within six months, targeting sectors like tourism, aviation, real estate, healthcare, agriculture and fintech. Public Transport Funding: The Grenada Transport Commission reports EC$1.7 million invested via fuel tax rebates and bus passenger relief, and says 50% duty-free concessions for essential parts and tyres for registered bus owners is in final preparation. Regional Health Security: Eastern Caribbean labs are linking up for faster outbreak response as PAHO advances tier-based laboratory networks. Sports: Concacaf confirmed the 2026/27 Nations League format, with Guyana placed in League B.

Visa-Free Push for Nigerians: Grenada’s honorary consul in Nigeria, Bidemi Sonoiki, says visa-free entry for Nigerian passport holders is set to start in July, with talks underway on direct air links within six months to boost trade, tourism and investment. Investment Pitch: Sonoiki also outlined opportunities in aviation, tourism, real estate, healthcare, education, agriculture, logistics and financial services, positioning Grenada as a gateway between Africa and the Caribbean. Tourism Agenda: Grenada’s tourism minister, Adrian Thomas, mapped out a 12–24 month plan focused on product upgrades at key sites, better visitor experience, stronger digital marketing and community tourism. Mental Health Support: Grenada is moving toward a National Suicide Prevention Hotline, expected to be operational by end of June, amid reported increases in suicides in 2026. Public Transport Funding: The Grenada Transport Commission says EC$1.7 million was invested in bus support through fuel tax rebates and western corridor relief, with duty-free concessions for tyres and essential parts in final prep. Regional Governance: Grenada’s senator Gloria Ann Thomas was elected vice president of the Inter-American Commission for Women steering committee, returning the country to regional leadership after decades.

Visa Policy & Travel: Grenada has approved visa-free entry for Nigerian passport holders, with the honorary consul in Nigeria saying the waiver should start in July and is aimed at boosting business travel, tourism, education and investment, alongside talks for direct air links within six months. Investment Push: The same briefing highlighted Grenada’s pitch to Nigerians across aviation, tourism, real estate, healthcare, education, agriculture, logistics and financial services, positioning the island as a gateway between Africa and the Caribbean. Regional Health: Caribbean leaders and public health experts are urging faster action on healthy food policy to tackle the region’s noncommunicable disease crisis, citing gaps between policy goals and real-world implementation. Eastern Caribbean Courts: The Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court named Madam Margaret Price Findlay as its new Chief Justice, effective April 9, 2026, marking a major leadership change for the sub-region. Sports (Grenada in the mix): Grenada is listed in Group B for the CBC Pre-Qualifiers basketball tournament in Guyana, with a squad that includes overseas-based players. Community & Culture: Tributes continue for Grenadian journalist and social activist Renrick Rose, remembered for his lifelong commitment to agriculture and service.

Visa-free push for Nigerians: Grenada says visa-free entry for Nigerian entrepreneurs and professionals starts in July, with talks on direct air links in the next six months and a drive to attract investment into healthcare, tourism, agriculture, logistics, fintech, education and real estate. Regional leadership for women: Grenada’s Senator Gloria Ann Thomas elected Vice President of the Inter-American Commission of Women steering committee, marking a return to leadership after more than four decades. Eastern Caribbean justice: Her Ladyship Margaret Price Findlay appointed 14th Chief Justice of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court, effective April 9, 2026. Public health and food policy: Caribbean partners assess slow progress on NCD targets and discuss stronger healthy food policy, including action to protect children from harmful ultra-processed food marketing around schools. Local business and community: Carib Brewery sets its 66th annual shareholders meeting for June 26, while Grenada County fuel prices and diesel availability show a week of low midgrade and diesel rates. Sports and culture: Grenada’s presence continues across regional and diaspora events, from tourism promotion in New York to arts and carnival-season music.

Grenada-Nigeria Business Push: Grenada’s honorary consul in Nigeria, Bidemi Sonoiki, urged Nigerian investors to tap new opportunities in Grenada across aviation, tourism, real estate, healthcare, education, agriculture, logistics, finance and digital innovation, pointing to visa-free travel and aiming for direct air links within six months. Regional Diplomacy: Trinidad and Tobago was elected to the UN Security Council with 181 votes, a win that comes amid sharp CARICOM tensions and differing stances on US policy toward Venezuela. Caribbean Tourism in New York: Caribbean Week in New York 2026 brings tourism leaders together under “One Caribbean: Infinite experiences,” as the region markets a shift toward cultural and regenerative travel. Grenada Roadworks: Scott Street in St George’s is set to close for asphalt paving from Tuesday, 2 June, 9pm–3am, with detours and no-parking rules in place. Health & Skills: HEART/NSTA Trust digitised Level Two TVET courses for delivery across participating institutions, including Grenada, as part of a CARICOM TVET digitalisation pilot. Local Advocacy: CYEN Grenada is urging residents to protect sea turtles during nesting season by keeping noise and lights low and avoiding disturbance.

Caribbean Week in New York 2026: Tourism ministers and officials from across the region, including Grenada, gathered at the InterContinental New York Times Square for the CTO summit under “One Caribbean: Infinite Experiences,” aiming to boost resilience and push a shift toward authentic, culture-led travel. Regional diplomacy and justice: Grenada was listed among vice presidents for the OAS Inter-American Commission of Women leadership, while the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court welcomed new Chief Justice Madam Margaret Price Findlay, effective April 9, 2026. Local governance and services: Grenada’s Citizen’s Guide to Climate Change Adaptation moved closer to release after a validation workshop, and the Central Procurement Unit will host a two-day procurement symposium in June to strengthen bidding and partnerships. Public safety and infrastructure: Grenada’s city fire services are set to get a new fire station next to the Emergency Operations Center, after the loss of a station in 2022 raised concerns about response times and insurance ratings. Agriculture and accountability: A stables owner alleges Grenada’s Ministry of Agriculture acted unfairly in the euthanisation of two imported horses after tick-borne disease tests, raising questions about permits and quarantine handling. Community and environment: CYEN Grenada urged residents and visitors to protect sea turtles during nesting season by keeping noise and lights low and avoiding disturbance.

Tourism & Culture: A new wave of Caribbean travel is shifting from beaches-only to stories, food, festivals, and real local access, with Grenada highlighted as part of that experience-driven push. Grenada Infrastructure: Grenada’s city is set to regain a lost fire station, with a new facility planned next to the Emergency Operations Center to improve response times and protect insurance ratings. Road Updates: Scott Street in St George’s will close overnight (9pm–3am) for Nawasa asphalt paving, with detours and no-parking rules in place. Climate Adaptation: The Ministry of Climate Resilience hosted a validation workshop for Grenada’s Citizen’s Guide to Climate Change Adaptation ahead of its final release. Skills & Training: HEART/NSTA Trust digitised Level Two TVET courses under a CARICOM pilot, including programmes delivered in Grenada. Environment & Communities: CYEN Grenada is urging residents and visitors to protect sea turtles during nesting season by keeping noise and lights low and avoiding disturbance. Regional Spotlight: Taraba State says its participation in Grenada’s African Liberation Festival boosted cultural diplomacy and diaspora tourism links.

Fire & Safety: Grenada’s city leaders say a new fire station is set to replace an old one near the Emergency Operations Center, after the loss of a station in 2022 left the department’s insurance rating at risk—officials argue it will cut response times and help keep residents and businesses safer. Roadworks: The Royal Grenada Police Force announced Scott Street in St George’s will be closed overnight (June 2, 9pm–3am) for Nawasa asphalt paving, with detours and no-parking rules in place. Climate Planning: Grenada’s Ministry of Climate Resilience hosted a validation workshop for a revised Citizen’s Guide to Climate Change Adaptation for Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique, ahead of its public release. Public Procurement: The Central Procurement Unit will hold a two-day symposium (June 10–11) on “Smart Bidding, Stronger Partnerships” to strengthen procurement compliance and partnerships. Youth & Health Advocacy: Across the Caribbean, youth and civil society groups are pushing for urgent action to ban marketing of ultra-processed foods around schools, warning it undermines healthy eating and raises childhood obesity and NCD risks. Regional Skills: HEART/NSTA Trust digitised three Level Two TVET courses under a CARICOM pilot, with programmes now available through the HEART/NSTA Moodle platform. Sports: Grenadian quarter-miler Jamara Patterson turned heads again in US collegiate competition, running a 50.98 in prelims and continuing her climb among the region’s fastest.

Eastern Caribbean Justice: Her Ladyship Madam Margaret Price Findlay has been appointed the 14th Chief Justice of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court, effective 9 April 2026, taking over regional judicial leadership across OECS member states. Climate & Fisheries: Canada-funded STAR-Fish is scaling clean energy support for Caribbean fisheries, including renewable power and cold-chain upgrades, to boost resilience and low-carbon market access. Public Procurement: Grenada’s Central Procurement Unit will host a two-day “Smart Bidding, Stronger Partnerships” symposium on 10–11 June at Radisson Beach Resort, aiming to strengthen compliance and vendor participation. Climate Adaptation Planning: A validation workshop for Grenada’s Citizen’s Guide to Climate Change Adaptation was held 1 June, refining the guide ahead of its public release under the National Adaptation Plan 2025–2030. Tourism Health Security: Grenada has launched CARPHA’s Regional Tourism and Health Programme to improve surveillance and early warning for tourism-related public health threats. Local Updates: Scott Street in St George’s will close for asphalt paving from 2 June, 9pm–3am, with detours and no-parking rules in place. Sports Spotlight: Grenadian sprinter Jamara Patterson made history by running 50.98 seconds in NCAA prelims and winning the 400m title at C-USA Outdoor, moving her up the national all-time list. Environment Watch: CYEN Grenada is urging residents and visitors to protect sea turtles during nesting season by keeping noise and lights low and avoiding disturbance.

Grenada Tourism & Health: Grenada has launched the Regional Tourism and Health Programme, a CARPHA initiative to boost health surveillance and early warning for tourism-related public health events, with tourism contributing over 25% of GDP. Digital Transformation: Ron Redhead has been appointed Grenada’s Minister for Digital Transformation, tasked with ICT infrastructure, digital government, data governance, cybersecurity, innovation and AI policy. Regional Aviation: Antigua hosted the 14th NACC civil aviation directors meeting, highlighting aviation as the “lifeblood” for small islands and pushing safety, security and sustainability. Caribbean Week in New York: Tourism ministers and leaders gathered in Manhattan for Caribbean Week 2026 to strengthen connectivity, resilience and a unified regional tourism voice. Community Concerns in Woodford: Two Woodford-area groups, WE ACT and the Future Builders Community Network, are raising questions about industrial development, planning law and environmental governance. Finance Watch: The Grenada Development Bank rejected circulating claims about its 2024 loss, saying it was driven by a software write-off and higher loan-loss provisions.