AGP Executive Report

OECS Blue Economy Funding: The OECS Commission has launched the second call for proposals under Window 2 of the Regional MSME Matching Grants Programme, targeting Value Chain Groups in fisheries, coastal tourism and waste management across Grenada, Saint Lucia and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, with grants of US$100,000–US$150,000. Sovereign Debt Relief Signal: Fitch has revised sovereign rating criteria around pausing bond repayments, a move that could affect how countries seek short-term liquidity help during debt stress. Health Watch: Grenada’s Ministry of Health says it is monitoring the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo, with WHO assessing the risk of spread to the Caribbean (including Grenada) as very low. Luxury Tourism Push: InterContinental Hotels & Resorts announced InterContinental Grenada–La Sagesse, a 120-room beachfront resort opening in November 2026. Local Governance Jobs: The Housing Authority of Grenada is recruiting an Accountant as part of a wider push to modernise finance systems and support housing programmes. Youth in Agriculture: IICA Grenada held its 2026 Accountability Seminar focused on advancing youth development in agriculture. Africa-Caribbean Trade Drive: PM Dickon Mitchell renewed calls for stronger Africa-Caribbean trade and investment ties during African Liberation Day celebrations.

Luxury Tourism: InterContinental Hotels & Resorts says it will open InterContinental Grenada–La Sagesse, a 120-room beachfront resort beside Six Senses, scheduled for November 2026, positioning it as a new luxury benchmark with bay views, Caribbean-inspired design, and expanded dining. Public Health: Grenada’s Ministry of Health says it is monitoring the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo; WHO assesses the risk of spread to the Caribbean, including Grenada, as very low, with no immediate threat and no need for alarm. Housing & Jobs: The Housing Authority of Grenada is recruiting an Accountant as part of a broader push to modernise finance systems and strengthen governance for housing programmes like Project 500. Youth & Agriculture: IICA Grenada’s 2026 Accountability Seminar focused on advancing youth development in agriculture, highlighting training, technology access, agri-entrepreneurship, and plans for a youth in agriculture network. Politics & Allegations: Opposition Leader Emmalin Pierre demands a formal government investigation into allegations involving a Nigerian delegation hosted for African Liberation Day, after claims of inappropriate conduct toward hotel workers in the south. Regional Diplomacy: Grenada’s PM Dickon Mitchell used African Liberation Day to call for deeper Africa–Caribbean trade, investment, culture, and diplomacy, praising Nigerians in Grenada as part of national life. Search at Sea: Authorities continue searching for two men from Carriacou reported missing at sea after engine trouble near Kick ’em Jenny; the Coast Guard urges anyone with sightings to call 911.

Africa-Caribbean Push: Grenada PM Dickon Mitchell used African Liberation Day to call for deeper, practical ties with Africa—trade, investment, culture and diplomacy—while praising Nigerians in Grenada as a key part of national life. Citizenship & Governance Trend: A new Global Citizenship Programs Index 2026 says the market is shifting from chasing the cheapest option to prioritising governance quality and compliance, with Grenada ranked among the top Eastern Caribbean performers. Tourism Calendar: Caribbean Week in New York 2026 kicks off June 1 with a regional delegation of tourism leaders meeting in New York under the theme “One Caribbean: Infinite Experiences.” Local Culture Spotlight: Grenada’s “Isle of Spice” display won another gold at the Chelsea Flower Show, and the win is tied to the official launch of the Flower and Garden Festival set for Nov 8–15, 2026. Safety & Weather: Grenada Meteorological Service warns of strong winds and a Saharan dust plume affecting visibility and air quality through May 28. Search at Sea: Authorities are seeking two men from Carriacou reported missing at sea after engine trouble near Kick ’em Jenny; the Coast Guard urges anyone with sightings to call 911.

Grenada in Bloom at Chelsea: Grenada has struck gold again at the Chelsea Flower Show, winning its ninth consecutive gold medal with “Isle of Spice – A Display of Tropical Flowers, Foliage and Spices,” featuring orchids, heliconias, ginger lilies, cocoa and nutmeg. Festival Launch: The win also marked the official London launch of Grenada’s Flower and Garden Festival, “Grenada in Bloom,” set for Nov 8–15, 2026. Missing at Sea: Search continues for two men from Carriacou reported missing after their 18-foot boat ran into engine trouble near Kick ’em Jenny. Regional Security & Diplomacy: The USS Nimitz has been hosting delegations across the Caribbean as part of Southern Seas 2026, with Grenada among the latest stops. CARICOM Co-operation: Prime Minister Godwin Friday says he’s optimistic about stronger CARICOM working relations as St Vincent and the Grenadines prepares to take the chair in 2027. Local Service Disruption: Grenlec’s Grand Anse Customer Care Centre will close June 8 and reopen July 6 for repairs. Youth Gambling Warning: New figures flag Grenada as an OECS youth gambling hotspot, with lottery sales jumping sharply from 2020 to 2025.

Grenada Justice Questions: Attorney Cajeton Hood says he found no official inquest was held into the death of former Senator Neilon Franklyn, raising fresh alarms about whether the Coroners Act was properly triggered and whether police and state handling will face closer scrutiny. Grenlec Disruption: Grenlec will temporarily close its Grand Anse Customer Care Centre from 8 June to 6 July for essential repairs, urging customers to use the Grenlec website, mobile app, automated phone service, and approved payment partners. Diaspora & Spice Replanting: Diaspora Affairs Ambassador Terrence Forrester says the June 2026 Homecoming will include “Spice Replanting Day,” with returning Grenadians helping replant nutmeg and spice trees damaged by recent hurricanes. Regional Spotlight: Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell called for deeper Africa–Caribbean ties beyond symbolism, while CARICOM/India cooperation and wider regional diplomacy also featured in the week’s coverage.

Grenlec Disruption Notice: Grenada Electricity Services says its Grand Anse Customer Care Centre will close for repairs from 8 June 2026 and reopen 6 July 2026, with customers urged to use Grenlec.com, the mobile app, the 24-hour phone service (237), and approved payment partners. Public Safety Questions: In St Vincent, opposition leader Ralph Gonsalves is raising alarms over a new Diamond-based police “Squad,” saying its purpose and structure were not clearly disclosed. Justice and Accountability: In Grenada, attorney Cajeton Hood claims there was no official inquest into the death of former senator Neilon Franklyn, renewing calls for answers. Regional Security Boost: The US announced US$8m for Caribbean forensic labs, including training and drug-detection equipment, aimed at strengthening court-ready evidence. Diaspora and Agriculture: Grenada’s Diaspora Homecoming plans include a Spice Replanting Day on 28 June, as hurricane damage continues to hit nutmeg and spice trees. Culture in Bloom: Grenada’s “Grenada in Bloom” Flower and Garden Festival is officially launched for Nov 8–15, building on fresh international recognition at the Chelsea Flower Show.

Memorial Day Debate: A fresh commentary argues a minute of silence can’t carry the weight of U.S. war deaths, urging Americans to face the raw numbers behind “peace-time” fatalities and forgotten conflicts. Grenada Justice Questions: In the Franklyn death probe, attorney Cajeton Hood says no official inquest was held, challenging how police and the state handled the case. Marijuana Law Confusion: Rastafarian elder Ras Simba says public smoking is rising, but cannabis rules are still unclear and inconsistent—making enforcement and public understanding messy. Diaspora Homecoming Perks: Ambassador Terrence Forrester says Grenadians returning for Diaspora Homecoming can get major duty-free concessions, including for vehicles and sample business goods. Spice Replanting Push: Forrester also announced “Spice Replanting Day” on June 28 to help restore nutmeg and spice trees after hurricanes. Regional Security Boost: The U.S. announced US$8m for Caribbean forensic labs, aiming to improve fentanyl detection and court-ready evidence. Culture & Tourism: Grenada launched its “Grenada in Bloom” Flower and Garden Festival in London, set for Nov 8–15.

Franklyn Death Probe: Attorney Cajeton Hood says no official inquest was ever held into the death of former Senator Neilon Franklyn, raising fresh questions about whether Grenada’s legal process was triggered properly after police said forensic work wasn’t finished and toxicology was pending. Weed Law Confusion: Rastafarian elder Ras Simba Akomba warns that public marijuana smoking is becoming more open, but says the bigger problem is unclear, inconsistent cannabis rules—especially the lack of a clear line between medicinal use and illegal herb. Grenada in Bloom: Grenada officially launched its Flower and Garden Festival “Grenada in Bloom,” set for Nov 8–15, with a London reception and a Chelsea Flower Show tie-in that again put Grenada’s floriculture on the global map. Diaspora Incentives: Diaspora Affairs Ambassador Terrence Forrester says Grenadians abroad for 7+ years can bring personal effects in duty-free, with extra vehicle concessions—plus a “Spice Replanting Day” planned for returning families. Customs Crackdown: Customs intercepted another illegal drugs attempt at St George’s port, with a suspect arrested after marijuana was found hidden in a vehicle arriving from the UK.

Public Order vs Cannabis Confusion: Rastafarian elder Ras Simba Akomba says he’s “disturbed” by people smoking marijuana openly, even while arguing the laws are confusing and make it hard to tell medicinal cannabis from illegal herb—fueling a “kind of open rebellion” among young people. Diaspora Incentives: Ambassador Terrence Forrester says Grenadians abroad with 7+ years can bring personal effects in duty-free, with extra vehicle concessions for electric and hybrid imports, as Diaspora Homecoming ramps up. Spice Replanting Push: Forrester also announced June 28 as “Spice Replanting Day” for returning Grenadians to help restore hurricane-damaged nutmeg and spice trees. Drug Interception: Customs made another major port stop, seizing marijuana hidden in a vehicle linked to an arrival from the UK, with the Drug Squad taking over. Governance Watch: The Grenada Development Bank is under fresh scrutiny after GARFIN data reportedly shows a shift from surplus to deficit and rising non-performing loans. Tourism Spotlight: Grenada launched “Grenada in Bloom,” a Flower & Garden Festival set for Nov 8–15, timed with RHS Chelsea Flower Show success.

Parliament Reset: President Kangaloo has prorogued the First Session of Grenada’s 13th Parliament, with the Second Session set to begin June 5—an action tied to constitutional timing rules. Public Health Watch: Grenada is being urged to stay alert on hantavirus risks after a cruise ship outbreak (MV Hondius) reported multiple cases and deaths, with officials saying general public risk is low. Drugs at the Border: Customs intercepted another illegal shipment at St George’s port—marijuana hidden in a black BMW arriving from the UK—leading to an arrest and a Drug Squad investigation. Diaspora Push: Ambassador Terrence Forrester says Diaspora Homecoming participants will get a chance to help replant nutmeg and spice trees on “Spice Replanting Day” (June 28), alongside major duty-free vehicle and personal effects concessions. Governance Pressure: The Grenada Development Bank is under fresh scrutiny after GARFIN data showed a shift from a surplus to a deficit and rising non-performing loans. Culture & Tourism: “Grenada in Bloom” launches as the inaugural Flower and Garden Festival, running Nov 8–15, building on Grenada’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show gold.

Grenada Tourism & Culture: Grenada has officially launched its inaugural “Grenada in Bloom” Flower and Garden Festival, set for Nov 8–15, 2026, unveiled in London at a reception hosted by Governor-General Dame Cécile La Grenade and timed with Grenada’s 19th Gold at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show—a push that links floriculture with sustainability, tourism, and investment. Regional Security & Justice: The US announced US$8 million in new support for Caribbean forensic labs, including training and equipment aimed at improving fentanyl detection and strengthening court-admissible evidence, with Grenada’s police represented at the St Lucia summit. Local Governance & Roads: Grenada’s Ministry of Infrastructure says there will be a temporary road closure at Caricom Roundabout to True Blue on May 23–24 (8am–4pm) for culvert installation, with a diversion route via Sugar Mill Roundabout and Dusty Highway. Public Sector Reform: Government has signed key Administration and Investment Management Agreements to advance the Public Sector Employees Defined Contribution Pension Plan, moving from legislation into stronger execution. Community & Food Access: In the wider region, the YMCA free summer meal program begins in Memphis and North Mississippi, offering no-registration meal boxes for children.

Grenada in Bloom Launch: Grenada has officially unveiled its inaugural Flower and Garden Festival, “Grenada in Bloom,” set for Nov 8–15, 2026, with the launch held in London at a reception hosted by Governor-General Dame Cécile La Grenade and timed to the 2026 Chelsea Flower Show—where Grenada again won Gold for its 19th time, marking 9 straight years of top honours. Public Safety & Works: The Ministry of Infrastructure announced a temporary Caricom Roundabout road closure into True Blue on Sat May 23 and Sun May 24, 8am–4pm, for a cross culvert installation, with a diversion via Sugar Mill Roundabout and Dusty Highway. Regional Security Support: The US announced over US$8 million in new backing for Caribbean forensic labs, including advanced drug detection gear and training, with Grenada police among regional participants. Local Culture Politics: In St Vincent, Ralph Gonsalves renewed criticism that the current NDP government offered “stingy” funding for Spiritual Baptist Day, reigniting debate over support for the national holiday. Food Access Abroad: YMCA’s free summer meal programme begins in Memphis and North Mississippi, running through Aug 1.

US–Cuba Tensions: Cuba hit back hard after the US Department of Justice announced criminal charges against former president Raúl Castro, accusing Washington of a “despicable” move tied to a 1996 aircraft incident—while the US says it will not “forget its citizens.” Grenada Politics & Faith: Former PM Ralph Gonsalves says the NDP boycotted parliament over the Spiritual Baptist Liberation Day Bill for a “trivial reason,” and he linked the debate to the religion’s long fight for the right to worship. Sports Spotlight: Team SVG missed the title in the ANOCES U-23 Men’s 3x3 basketball tournament, beating Grenada in the semis before falling to St Kitts and Nevis in the final. Grenada Tourism Build: Grenada is set to launch a Flower and Garden Festival (“Grenada in Bloom”) in November, adding gardens, spice tours and culinary events to its growing experiential travel push. Local Watch: A public health datathon in Grenada is aiming to improve how health data is shared and used across the system.

UN Climate Push: Vanuatu-backed UN resolution sailed through the UN General Assembly, endorsing the ICJ’s landmark ruling that countries have legal duties to cut greenhouse gases. Regional Diplomacy: St Kitts and Nevis’ Denzil Douglas handed over COFCOR chairmanship at CARICOM’s foreign ministers meeting in Suriname, with climate resilience and economic diplomacy on the agenda. Grenada Economy & Governance: Grenada signed key agreements to advance public sector pension reform, while the Unit Trust Corporation says its regional push is now “operating reality.” Tourism & Culture: Grenada is set to launch a Flower and Garden Festival in November (“Grenada in Bloom”), and it just added another RHS Chelsea Flower Show gold—its 19th, and ninth straight. Public Health Data: Grenada held a PAHO-supported public health datathon to improve how health information is shared and used. Energy/Weather: Regional forecasts warn fewer hurricanes this year, but officials stress one storm can still devastate islands. Cuba-US Tensions: Cuba condemned US DOJ moves charging Raúl Castro, calling it illegitimate.

PM’s Washington push: Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell wrapped up a two-day official visit to Washington (18–19 May), lining up talks on investment, energy, trade, infrastructure, and regional security with US Cabinet officials, Congress, and private-sector leaders—aiming to lift Grenada’s economic profile and strengthen bilateral support. Sports tourism in focus: Grenada’s cricket pitch is getting attention beyond the boundary, with the Pure Grenada Masters Cricket Tournament drawing 60 visiting players and boosting hospitality and local business. Public health data drive: More than 30 professionals took part in Grenada’s first public health Datathon with PAHO, mapping how health information moves and where gaps in interoperability and data quality slow planning. Tourism sector dispute: Hotel groups are pushing back against a reported Booking.com rule that could apply commissions to taxes like VAT and GST, raising costs for properties across the region. Local services: NAWASA warned of a Concord Water System interruption on Thursday 21 May (9am–6pm) for a broken main repair.

Regional finance push: UTC says its “regional presence” is now real, not just an ambition, with operations across Jamaica and the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union and funds expanding into Grenada, St Kitts & Nevis, Dominica and beyond. Tourism & travel: Caribbean hotels are pushing back against a Booking.com rule that would apply commissions to the full booking total, including VAT/GST—an expected May 2026 change already confirmed in places like Grenada and Barbados. Weather readiness: Trinidad and Tobago’s meteorology service expects a drier-than-normal season and fewer hurricanes, but warns one storm can still devastate the Eastern Caribbean. Fisheries pressure: Ice shortages and compressor failures at the Bridgetown Fisheries Complex are forcing some boats to travel for ice, with calls for stronger management and clearer accountability. Culture on the move: Preston’s Caribbean Carnival returns this weekend, with Grenada-linked soca star Skinny Banton headlining. Grenada spotlight: Grenada again wins Gold at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, adding to its 19 gold medals.