AGP Executive Report

Cruise Access Boost: Major cruise lines are adding new Caribbean itineraries for fall 2026–2027, making Southern Caribbean ports like Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao easier to reach without long repositioning trips. Education & Skills: OECS has opened applications (Sept. 10–20) for advanced digital skills scholarships for citizens across member states, delivered by UWI Global Campus. Local Sports Pathway: The Grenada Football Association launches a Grassroots Primary School Campaign, bringing football into schools and linking summer programmes to weekly grassroots and club pathways. Health for Tourism Workers: GHTA is running a free PSA screening programme for 100 men aged 40+ across September, via Allied Medical Laboratory, with pre-registration required. Parliament & Energy: Grenada’s decision to terminate agreements with global petroleum group GPG is raising questions about possible investment disputes, with the hydrocarbons technical working group briefing parliament. Youth in Sport: Grenada will compete at the 2026 IMMAF Pan American Championship in Mexico with athletes Nathan Francique and Vincent Samawano. Disability Rights: A major disability rights case is set for oral arguments at the Inter-American Court of Human Rights, focusing on decades of institutionalization allegations in Guatemala.

OECS Diplomacy: OECS leaders, including Grenada, are pushing for a high-level EU meeting in Brussels to address the EU’s move to end visa-free access tied to Citizenship by Investment programmes, with Dominica’s PM Roosevelt Skerrit saying the mission is planned for later this month. Regional Human Rights: Trinidad and Tobago’s PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar signalled a reset with acting Venezuelan President Delcy Rodríguez, saying “I love her” and hinting at a possible UN General Assembly meeting around Sept. 25. Tourism & Health: Grenada Hotel and Tourism Association (GHTA) is offering free PSA screening for 100 men aged 40+ across September via Allied Medical Laboratory, with pre-registration required. Energy Transition: Grenada marks World EV Day 2026, highlighting efforts to cut motoring costs and expand charging infrastructure under national transport and energy plans. Caribbean Culture: Caribbean Music Awards 2026 in Trinidad and Tobago unveiled early performers, with Grenadian artist V’ghn leading nominations.

Digital Governance: Grenada has passed its Digital Transformation Agency Act, giving its digital government push a statutory backbone—now the real test is whether systems finally connect so people don’t have to repeat information across departments. Energy Politics: Grenada’s legislators received full insight into the government’s decision to terminate agreements with GPG, as hydrocarbons remain a flashpoint under parliamentary scrutiny. Public Safety & Justice: A British family says Grenada police should work with UK investigators after a Grenada death was ruled homicide by a UK coroner noted missing organs and an “unascertained” death status. Regional Security: The Regional Security System marked International Day of Police Cooperation with a people-centred policing message focused on trust and legitimacy. Disability Inclusion: A UN-backed Caribbean HireAbility campaign recognized Grenada’s Deansha Edwards and others, urging employers to hire beyond disability. Caribbean Culture Abroad: Grenada-born publisher Herman Hall was among grand marshals for Brooklyn’s West Indian American Day Parade, which also saw multiple shootings and stabbings near the route.

Digital Government: Grenada has passed its Digital Transformation Agency law, giving the DTA a statutory foundation as the country moves from digitising services to coordinating how government systems connect and work together. Public Health Preparedness: Grenada strengthened its National Respiratory Pathogen Pandemic Preparedness and Response Plan after a two-and-a-half-day validation workshop with PAHO/WHO, updating governance, staffing, and response roles. Energy & Infrastructure Finance: PM Dickon Mitchell defended a Design-Finance-Build road financing approach, with Parliament debating an EC$310.9 million supplementary appropriation and EC$161 million earmarked for DFB contracts. Tourism & Business: Grenada’s Renegade Rum Distillery is up for sale, with details on its modern plant, farm-to-bottle “cane code” traceability, and production flexibility. Local Opportunities: Grenada also announced a clean-ocean project consultancy tender and new local job vacancies, including marketing and carpentry roles. International Spotlight: A British man’s family is urging Grenada police to work with UK investigators after missing organs were noted in a UK coroner’s review of his death.

Digital Government: Grenada has passed its Digital Transformation Agency Act, giving the Digital Transformation Agency a statutory foundation after years of digitising services—success now hinges on how systems are coordinated and connected. Public Health Preparedness: Grenada strengthened its National Respiratory Pathogen Pandemic Preparedness and Response Plan after a two-and-a-half-day validation workshop with PAHO/WHO, updating legal authority, staffing roles and operational steps. Roads Funding Debate: PM Dickon Mitchell defended an EC$161m Design-Finance-Build component within a larger EC$310.9m supplementary appropriation, saying the model is needed to move major road projects forward amid limited local capacity. Treasury Bills: Government will auction EC$20m in 91-day Treasury Bills on 8 September via the RGSM on ECSE, with a 3.5% maximum rate. Tourism/Business: Renegade Rum Distillery in northeastern Grenada is up for sale, with details highlighting its cane traceability and ability to produce rum from both fresh cane juice and molasses. Jobs/Community: TNC seeks a communications and stakeholder engagement consultant for a Clean and Healthy Ocean project, while local vacancies include marketing personnel and a multi-skilled carpenter.

Roads & Finance: Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell defended a new Design-Finance-Build (DFB) model as Parliament debated an EC$310.9 million supplementary appropriation, with EC$161 million earmarked for DFB road contracts expected to run into 2027. Public Debt Watch: Grenada will auction EC$20 million in 91-day Treasury Bills on 8 September via the Regional Government Securities Market, with a 3.5% maximum rate. Digital Push: Island Innovators is set to host a Gold Economy Digital & Tech Leadership Assembly on 10 September at Mount Cinnamon to drive Grenada’s digital transformation agenda with local and regional partners. Environment & Jobs: The Nature Conservancy is seeking a Communications and Stakeholder Engagement Consultant for a “Clean and Healthy Ocean” project in Grenada, while FoodHub Grenada and other employers posted local vacancies including marketing and multi-skilled carpentry roles. Governance & Politics: Controversial Canadian-based pollster Justine Pierre and Dr Ezra Matthias traded sharp criticism over alleged gaps in Pierre’s Grenada survey, as the political debate heats up ahead of elections. Human Rights Concern: A Grenada-US deportation arrangement via a non-binding MOU is drawing human rights worries, with critics pointing to risks around refugee protections and procedures. Security Training: Fifteen Royal Grenada Police officers are scheduled to travel to China for a traffic management course funded by the Chinese Ministry of Public Security. Business Spotlight: Renegade Rum Distillery in northeastern Grenada is up for sale, with details highlighting its modern plant, spare capacity, and traceable cane sourcing from neighbouring farms.

Grenada–US Migration Deal: Grenada’s non-binding MOU on receiving vetted third-country deportees from the United States is drawing fresh human rights concerns, with critics pointing to gaps in refugee status processes and the lack of dedicated national legislation. Public Finance: The Government of Grenada will auction EC$20 million in 91-day Treasury Bills on 8 September via the RGSM on the ECSE, with bidding set for 9am–noon and a 3.5% maximum rate. Digital Push: Island Innovators is set to host a Gold Economy Digital & Tech Leadership Assembly on 10 September at The Flying Fish, aiming to turn Grenada’s digital transformation plans into partnerships and real action. Local Policing Training: Fifteen Royal Grenada Police Force officers are scheduled to travel to China for a two-week traffic management course, funded by the Chinese Ministry of Public Security. Tourism Jobs: The Grenada Tourism Authority is recruiting temporary cruise-season roles for October 2026–2027, including a Team Leader and Customer Service Representatives. Sports Spotlight: Grenada’s Anderson Peters finished fourth at the Diamond League Final in Brussels, with Sri Lanka’s Rumesh Tharanga Pathirage winning the javelin title. Public Debate: Controversial Canadian-based pollster Justine Pierre is again under scrutiny in Grenada after criticism of his latest survey’s “Data Validation Note” section and a heated exchange with Dr Ezra Matthias.

Aviation & Tourism: Delta permanently ended its only nonstop U.S. route to St. Vincent and the Grenadines, cancelling the Atlanta–Argyle service on Sept. 5, citing rising fuel costs and low profit—an outcome that threatens tourism momentum and leaves the island without its sole U.S. nonstop connection. Public Safety & Training: Fifteen Royal Grenada Police Force officers are set to travel to China for a two-week Traffic Management Course in September, funded by the Chinese Ministry of Public Security, with a briefing led by the Chinese Ambassador and Grenada’s Commissioner of Police. Justice & Human Rights: Grenada’s deportation arrangement with the U.S. is drawing human rights concerns, with critics warning about risks tied to third-country transfers under a non-binding MOU. Local Governance & Energy Costs: A government electricity-cost relief package is offering some consumer relief, but an advisor says it won’t meaningfully boost business competitiveness without sustained reductions and more renewable energy investment. Community & Jobs: The Grenada Tourism Authority is recruiting for cruise-season roles (Team Leader and Customer Service Representatives) for Oct. 2026–2027. Crime Investigation: UK Scotland Yard is investigating the death of British national Andrew Frederick in Grenada after reports that key organs were missing from his body following an exhumation.

Police Training in China: Fifteen Royal Grenada Police Force officers are set to travel to Hainan Province Police College for a two-week Traffic Management Course, fully funded by China’s Ministry of Public Security, with a briefing led by the Chinese Ambassador and the local Commissioner of Police. US Deportation Deal Scrutiny: A Grenada–US non-binding MOU on transferring “third-country” nationals removed from the US is raising human rights concerns, with critics pointing to gaps in Grenada’s refugee protections and procedures. Scotland Yard Probe into Death of Andrew Frederick: The UK Metropolitan Police has launched an investigation into the death of British national Andrew Frederick in Grenada, after family claims that key organs were missing following an exhumation and that the original local handling was inadequate. Local Governance & Roads: The RGPF announces a Balthazar Bridge closure from 7 September for repairs under the Grenada Resilience Improvement Project, plus Sunday traffic changes around the National Library in St George’s. Public Debate: Controversial Canadian-based pollster Justine Pierre and Dr Ezra Matthias are trading accusations over a Grenada political survey, with Matthias questioning missing content in a “Data Validation Note” section. Tourism Jobs: The Grenada Tourism Authority is recruiting temporary cruise-season roles—Team Leader and Customer Service Representatives—for October 2026–2027.

Grenada–US Deportation Deal: Grenada’s non-binding agreement with the United States is back in the spotlight after reports that Guyana has begun receiving vetted deportees under a similar one-year arrangement, raising fresh human rights questions about how “skilled” and “non-criminal” deportees are handled. Police Training in China: Fifteen Royal Grenada Police Force officers are set to travel to China for a fully funded two-week Traffic Management Course, aimed at upgrading local road-safety enforcement. Local Justice Case: UK Scotland Yard is investigating the death of British national Andrew Frederick in Grenada, after Grenada initially ruled it accidental—while his family alleges missing vital organs and calls for deeper cooperation. Public Safety & Roads: The RGPF announced traffic changes for Balthazar Bridge and works around the National Library, including a full bridge closure and temporary no-entry/no-through rules. Tourism Jobs: The Grenada Tourism Authority is recruiting temporary cruise-season staff, including Team Leader and Customer Service Representatives, for October 2026–2027. Electricity Costs Debate: Government “power relief” is offering some relief, but an advisor says it won’t meaningfully boost business competitiveness without sustained cuts and more renewable energy investment.

Coast Guard Rescue: Two Barbadian fishermen, Jason Alexander Harewood and Lionel DaCosta Barnes, were rescued after more than seven days adrift on the “Twin Fin,” coordinated with the Grenada Coast Guard and Grenada Marine Police, and brought to Kingston, Jamaica for safe return arrangements. High-Profile Death Probe: A British family is threatening a multi-million-dollar lawsuit over missing vital organs from the body of Andrew Frederick, whose death in Grenada is now under Metropolitan Police investigation after Scotland Yard exhumed him for lab work in London. Election Poll Fallout: Controversial Canadian-based pollster Justine Pierre’s latest Grenada survey is under scrutiny after Dr Ezra Matthias questioned a “Data Validation Note” section, with Pierre firing back that the criticism is disrespectful and outside Matthias’ expertise. Human Rights Alarm: A Grenada–US deportation agreement tied to third-country transfers is drawing human rights concerns, with critics warning Grenada lacks a dedicated refugee status process and is not a party to the 1951 Refugee Convention. Local Updates: RGPF announced Balthazar Bridge closure from 7 September and temporary National Library traffic changes on 6 September.

Grenada Energy Costs: A government electricity-cost relief push is easing bills, but advisor Richard Duncan says it won’t boost business competitiveness unless power savings are sustained and renewable energy investment ramps up. Public Finance & Recovery: Parliament is weighing a large EC$310.9m supplemental appropriation, with the biggest slice tied to a design-finance-build plan, as officials press ahead with Hurricane Beryl recovery and targeted home/community support. Road Disruptions: RGPF warns motorists that Balthazar Bridge will close from Monday, 7 September, for resilience works, with set diversion routes in place; separate National Library traffic rules apply Sunday, 6 September. Tourism Jobs: The Grenada Tourism Authority is recruiting for the 2026–27 cruise season, including a Team Leader and Customer Service Representatives, with basic Spanish or French preferred. International Probe: UK Met Police has launched an investigation into the death of British national Andrew Frederick in Grenada, after local authorities initially ruled it accidental. Public Discourse: A local opinion piece argues Grenada should decide what “correct English” should look like for students using modern exam tools and mixed-language influences.

Cost of Living & Power Relief: A Grenada finance adviser says the government’s temporary electricity-cost measures offer some relief, but won’t meaningfully boost business competitiveness unless power savings are sustained and renewable investment ramps up. VAT-Free Weekend: Grenada’s first VAT-free shopping days (28–29 Aug) pulled big crowds and helped some retailers, but also brought traffic congestion in St George’s and Grand Anse, plus confusion over qualifying items and system hiccups at checkout. Road Updates: The RGPF announced Balthazar Bridge will close to vehicles from 7 Sept for bridge restoration, with set diversion routes; it also issued Sunday (6 Sept) traffic rules around the National Library. Skills & Jobs: The DPM is pushing a national apprenticeship and trades-skills push to tackle Grenada’s shortage of skilled workers. Digital Growth: A panel at the Caribbean Internet Governance Forum argues Grenada can build tech businesses and exports by focusing on real problems and stronger pathways like incubators and mentorship. Youth & Agriculture: Dominica’s Ephraim Elijah Roberts won the OECS Young Farmer Award in Grenada for diversified, resilient farming.

VAT-Free Weekend: Grenada’s first VAT-free shopping push (28–29 August) pulled big crowds to supermarkets and hardware stores, but also sparked traffic congestion in St George’s and Grand Anse, plus mixed shopper views on whether prices truly fell. Cost of Living Relief: The weekend was part of the EC$18 million Cost of Living Assistance Programme, with more VAT-free days already set for 25–26 September and 30–31 October. Hurricane Beryl Funding: Parliament is reviewing a large EC$310.9 million supplemental appropriation tied to Hurricane Beryl recovery, with Carriacou and Petite Martinique Affairs Minister Tevin Andrews saying he has “nothing to hide” amid calls for a commission of inquiry. Skills for Young Grenadians: The DPM is pushing a major apprenticeship and skills development initiative to tackle Grenada’s shortage of tradespeople and create opportunities for young people. Digital Growth Pitch: At the Caribbean Internet Governance Forum, a Grenada tech panel argued the country can turn ICT into new businesses, jobs and export revenue—if incubators and market pathways are strengthened. Regional Governance: Nevis is taking part in the CPA conference in Jamaica, focusing on maintaining parliamentary decorum in the digital age, with a youth parliament session on AI set for September 3.

VAT-Free Weekend: Grenada’s first VAT-free shopping drive (28–29 August) pulled big crowds to supermarkets and hardware stores, but also sparked St George’s and Grand Anse traffic jams, mixed shopper reports on savings, and some business “system challenges” tied to VAT processing. Education & Skills: The Ministry of Education launched the Grenada RISING foundational literacy pilot at St David’s Catholic School, aiming to get more children reading by age 9 after weak Minimum Competency Test results. Youth & Employment: A UN HireAbility campaign is pushing disability-inclusive hiring across the Caribbean, building on Grenada youth advocate Zinzee Noel’s work. Energy & Infrastructure: Grenada is moving ahead with World Bank-backed renewable energy planning, including an Owner’s Engineer role for a dual-circuit transmission network and an ESIA consultancy for transmission lines, substations and solar PV. Business & Growth: Digital Growth Inc. says Grenada can turn technology into export-ready businesses, urging incubators, mentorship and pilots to help young ICT entrepreneurs scale beyond the island. Public Safety: The Royal Grenada Police Force marked Recruit Class 2026 at its 49th Passing Out Ceremony, stressing integrity and service.

Immigration Policy Shift: A US federal judge struck down the pause on immigrant visas for 75 countries, lifting the suspension that had included Grenada and other Caribbean states. Education & Skills: The DPM is pushing a national apprenticeship and trades skills push to tackle shortages of masons, carpenters, plumbers and more. Learning Reform: Grenada RISING—Foundational Learning Programme began a pilot to boost literacy by age 9, with in-class coaching and family support after weak Minimum Competency Test results. VAT-Free Weekend: Grenada’s first VAT-free shopping weekend brought a rush for some businesses, but shoppers and retailers flagged traffic, transport limits, pricing confusion and VAT-processing glitches. Digital Growth: A Grenada tech panel says the next big export could be technology—if incubators, mentorship and market channels are built early. OECS Agriculture: OECS leaders urged transparent access to crown lands for young farmers, with terms banks can recognize. Police Probe: UK authorities are investigating the death of a British man in Grenada after a private post-mortem ruled it homicide.