AGP Executive Report

Housing & Land: St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ government is reviewing state land allocations made around the November 2025 election, flagging issues like multiple grants to the same people, repeat beneficiaries with outstanding obligations, and cases that may not have prioritized those most in need—aimed at regularizing arrangements while pushing eligible recipients to formalize through the Housing and Land Development Corporation. Regional Security: The U.S. and CARICOM’s IMPACS have signed a first multilateral biometric data-sharing deal, creating a framework for automated screening and vetting to strengthen border security and immigration checks across participating islands, with CBI-linked concerns explicitly in focus. CBI Pressure on the Table: Eastern Caribbean leaders met in Roseau to respond to EU demands to phase out Citizenship by Investment by June 2028, agreeing on a coordinated high-level mission to Brussels while defending reforms and security standards. Crime Update: Police report SVG’s homicide count reached 23 for 2026 after the fatal shooting of Sandre Matthias in Glen. Sports (SVG): SVG finished third in Group B at the FIBA AmeriCup 2029 Caribbean Pre-Qualifiers, beating Grenada and the Cayman Islands but falling to Haiti and Barbados; Shad Thomas led in the Barbados game. Regional Travel: Antigua PM Gaston Browne renewed calls for an OECS airline, citing long delays and missed connections that disrupt regional travel.

Border Security Deal: The U.S. Department of Homeland Security signed a Memorandum of Cooperation with CARICOM’s IMPACS to launch a biometric data-sharing partnership aimed at strengthening border security and immigration vetting across participating Caribbean states, including St. Vincent and the Grenadines. CBI Pressure and EU Talks: Eastern Caribbean leaders met in Dominica to respond to EU concerns over Citizenship by Investment programmes, warning that any changes must protect development gains, and they’ve agreed to push for talks with EU officials in Brussels. Crime Update: St. Vincent and the Grenadines recorded its 23rd murder of 2026 after the fatal shooting of Sandre Matthias in Glen; police are investigating and asking for public help. Sports—AmeriCup: SVG finished third in Group B at the FIBA AmeriCup 2029 Caribbean Pre-Qualifiers after wins over Grenada and Cayman Islands, but a loss to Barbados ended its run. Culture & Heritage: The National Trust of St. Vincent and the Grenadines says it’s preparing to celebrate its 60th anniversary in 2027, focused on preserving the country’s cultural, natural and architectural heritage.

Royal Navy & Local Pride: St. Vincent and the Grenadines-born Petty Officer Alexis Jones won the Open Plate Fish Prize at Exercise Joint Caterer, earning recognition for sustainable seafood and top military catering under pressure. Visa Rules & Travel: Germany’s 2026 visa-free list covers 62 non-EU countries including St. Vincent and the Grenadines, with stays up to 90 days; Pakistan is not included. Basketball (SVG): SVG finished third in Group B at the FIBA AmeriCup 2029 Caribbean Pre-Qualifiers after wins over Grenada and Cayman Islands, then losses to Haiti and Barbados. Public Safety: SVG recorded its 23rd murder of 2026 after Sandre Matthias was fatally shot in Glen; police are asking for information. Regional Diplomacy (CBI): Eastern Caribbean leaders met in Dominica over EU pressure on Citizenship by Investment, agreeing to send a high-level mission to Brussels and stress reforms on due diligence and transparency. Regional Security: The US DHS signed a biometric data-sharing partnership with CARICOM’s IMPACS to strengthen border vetting and immigration screening across participating states.

Regional Security: The US Department of Homeland Security and CARICOM’s IMPACS signed a landmark deal to share biometric data for border security and immigration vetting, with an emphasis on spotting risky or fraud-linked travellers before they reach the US or other CARICOM states. CARICOM Governance: CARICOM leaders wrapped up their 51st Heads of Government meeting in Saint Lucia, with ministers and premiers in attendance including SVG’s Prime Minister Dr. Godwin Friday. Cost of Living Push: Leaders also agreed on measures to ease rising prices, including fuel import tax cuts, freight and cargo cost reductions, more renewable energy, and plans to fast-track a regional ferry service. CBI Under Pressure: Eastern Caribbean leaders met in Dominica and agreed to coordinate a response to EU concerns over Citizenship by Investment, including a high-level mission to Brussels. SVG Crime Update: St. Vincent and the Grenadines recorded another gun-related death in Glen, East St. George, bringing the homicide count this year to 23. Sports (SVG Basketball): SVG opened its FIBA AmeriCup 2029 Caribbean Pre-Qualifiers campaign with an 85-66 win over Grenada, led by rookie Shad Thomas. Tourism Spotlight: New figures show SVG welcomed 34,959 stayover visitors in Q1, up 12.8%, as the island’s “variety” tourism pitch continues to draw travellers.

Regional Border Security: The US Department of Homeland Security signed a landmark Memorandum of Cooperation with CARICOM IMPACS to expand biometric data sharing for border security and immigration vetting, with St Vincent and the Grenadines among the participating states. CARICOM Cost-of-Living Push: CARICOM leaders agreed on measures to ease rising prices, including fuel import tax cuts, lower freight and intra-regional cargo costs, more renewable energy, and plans to fast-track a regional ferry service. CBI vs EU Pressure: Eastern Caribbean leaders met in Dominica and agreed to coordinate their response to the EU’s revised visa suspension mechanism, including a high-level mission to Brussels; St Vincent and the Grenadines’ Prime Minister Godwin Friday attended. ECCB Currency Update: The Eastern Caribbean Central Bank unveiled redesigned EC banknotes featuring regional heroes, replacing Queen Elizabeth II’s portrait, with the $50 note set to include St Vincent and the Grenadines’ Sir Robert Milton Cato. SVG Crime Update: St Vincent and the Grenadines recorded another gun-related death in Glen, bringing the homicide count to 23 for the year and the third killing in July. Basketball Spotlight: SVG opened its FIBA AmeriCup 2029 pre-qualifiers campaign with a dominant 85-66 win over Grenada, led by rookie Shad Thomas’ 20-point, 10-rebound, five-assist performance.

CARICOM Summit Update: Prime Minister Godwin Friday attended the 51st CARICOM Heads of Government meeting in Gros Islet, Saint Lucia (5–8 July), where leaders focused on practical steps to ease the rising cost of living across the region. Cost-of-Living Relief: CARICOM says governments are moving on fuel import tax cuts, freight adjustments, cheaper intra-regional cargo, more renewable energy, and plans to speed up a regional ferry service. Border Security Deal: The U.S. DHS signed a cooperation memorandum with CARICOM IMPACS to strengthen border security and immigration vetting through biometric data sharing. EU Pressure on CBI: Eastern Caribbean leaders met in Dominica and agreed to coordinate a response to the EU’s push to phase out Citizenship by Investment programmes by 2028, including a high-level mission to Brussels. ECCB Banknotes: The ECCB unveiled redesigned EC banknotes featuring Caribbean heroes, with St Vincent’s Robert Milton Cato set for the new $5 note; circulation is expected to begin in late 2027. Local Crime: St Vincent recorded another gun-related death in Glen, East St George, bringing the homicide count to 23 for the year. Youth & Jobs: PM Friday told SVGCC graduates the priority is creating real opportunities at home—job creation, entrepreneurship support, and a “new economy” built around creativity, innovation and sports. Sports (SVG): SVG opened its FIBA AmeriCup 2029 Pre-Qualifiers campaign with a 85–66 win over Grenada, led by Shad Thomas’s 20 points and 10 rebounds.

Gun Violence: St. Vincent and the Grenadines recorded another killing in Glen, East St. George, with police identifying 35-year-old vendor Sandre Matthias as the latest victim, bringing the homicide count to 23 for the year and the third death in July. Regional Security & Justice: Police also continue appeals in separate cases, including the strangling of 84-year-old Lida Lewis and the shooting death of 49-year-old Gayron Jackson. Basketball (SVG): SVG opened its FIBA AmeriCup 2029 Caribbean Pre-Qualifiers campaign with a strong 85-66 win over Grenada in Georgetown, led by rookie Shad Thomas’ 20 points, 10 rebounds, 5 assists and 3 steals. CARICOM & Cost of Living: CARICOM leaders say they’re pushing measures to ease prices, including fuel tax cuts, freight relief, cheaper intra-regional cargo, more renewables, and faster work on a regional ferry service. Currency & Identity: The ECCB unveiled redesigned EC banknotes replacing Queen Elizabeth II’s portrait with Caribbean heroes, including Vincentian PM Robert Milton Cato on the EC$5 note, with circulation expected from late 2027. Youth & Jobs: PM Godwin Friday told SVGCC graduates the goal is keeping young Vincentians building careers at home, with job creation and a “new economy” focused on creativity, innovation and sports.

Eastern Caribbean Currency Update: The ECCB has unveiled redesigned EC banknotes featuring regional heroes and leaders, replacing Queen Elizabeth II’s portrait; Vincentians named include Sir K. Dwight Venner on the $50 note, with circulation expected in late 2027. Basketball Spotlight: St. Vincent and the Grenadines opened the FIBA AmeriCup 2029 Caribbean Pre-Qualifiers with an 85-66 win over Grenada in Georgetown, led by rookie Shad Thomas’s 20 points, 10 rebounds, 5 assists and 3 steals; SVG next faces the Cayman Islands on Friday. Regional Cost-of-Living Push: CARICOM heads of government agreed on measures to ease everyday prices, including fuel import tax adjustments, freight and intra-regional cargo cost reductions, more renewables, and progress toward a regional ferry service. Prime Minister in ECCB Talks: PM Godwin Friday is attending the 113th ECCB Monetary Council meeting in Dominica, representing SVG as finance minister. Youth and Jobs Focus: At SVGCC graduation, Friday pledged a “new economy” built around creativity, innovation and sports, with job creation and entrepreneurship support to help young Vincentians stay and build careers at home. Community Health Support: Rotary Clubs of St. Vincent handed over a refurbished occupational therapy unit to the Mental Health Centre in Glen and donated therapeutic recreation supplies. Sports Development: Richmond Hill United FC launched “Vision 2028: Road to Professional Status,” aiming for professional football by the 2028 season.

ECCB Currency Overhaul: The Eastern Caribbean Central Bank unveiled a new family of EC banknotes and coins in Dominica, featuring national heroes and regional icons—starting with the EC$5 Milton Cato note for St. Vincent and the Grenadines—marking 50 years since the EC dollar’s fixed exchange rate. Youth, Jobs and Staying Home: Prime Minister Godwin Friday told SVGCC graduates the goal is real opportunity at home, with job creation, entrepreneurship support, and a “new economy” built around creativity, innovation and sports. AmeriCup Basketball Start: St. Vincent and the Grenadines opened the FIBA AmeriCup 2029 Caribbean Pre-Qualifiers with a dominant 85-66 win over Grenada in Georgetown, led by rookie Shad Thomas’s 20 points, 10 rebounds, 5 assists and 3 steals. Regional Ferry Talks: CARICOM leaders are pushing a cheaper intra-regional cargo ferry plan, with Trinidad and Tobago exploring a temporary ferry pilot while regulations and a longer-term private-sector service are worked out. Sports Development: Richmond Hill United FC launched “Vision 2028: Road to Professional Status,” aiming for full professional football by the start of the 2028 season. Road Safety During Carnival: The SVG Police Traffic Department reported 30 motor accidents during carnival celebrations, with 16 on the carnival weekend and many involving rentals. Calypso Crown: Chanique Rogers-Bailey won Calypso Monarch 2026 at Independence Park in her first attempt. Music Night in Kingstown: Canadian-based violinist Tanya Charles and Vincentian pianist Sean Sutherland reunite for a recital at Kingstown Methodist Church on July 14.

Regional Transport & Cost of Living: CARICOM leaders are pushing a regional ferry plan to cut cargo costs, with Trinidad and Tobago offering a ferry as a pilot while governments finalize rules and the private sector prepares a longer-term service. ECCB Milestones & Policy: The ECCB Monetary Council meets in Dominica as Dominica takes over the chairmanship, with new EC dollar banknotes and coins unveiled to mark 50 years since the EC dollar’s fixed exchange rate. Scholarships for Students: ECTEL opens the second round of applications for the Pearl Allison Lake (P.A.L.) Scholarship Fund, offering EC$1,500 support to selected students across its Contracting States, including a Vincentian recipient named from the first cohort. Road Safety During Carnival: The Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Traffic Department reports 30 motor vehicle accidents during carnival celebrations, with rentals featuring heavily. Local Sports: Vincentian basketball is in the spotlight as Group B of the FIBA AmeriCup 2029 Caribbean Pre-Qualifiers includes St. Vincent and the Grenadines, with matches set to shape qualification hopes. Business Support: OECS extends the deadline for Window 2 of the Regional MSME Matching Grants Programme to July 24, backing Blue Economy value chain groups.

Housing Recovery in the Grenadines: British investor Ian Wace is partnering with the St. Vincent and the Grenadines government on a major housing recovery and resilience push for Canouan and nearby islands hit hard by Hurricane Beryl in 2024. Cruise Pier Dispute: Opposition Leader Ralph Gonsalves denies the government had to cover cruise ship pier operating losses, saying any payments were arrears tied to the pier’s construction. Regional Ferries for Trade: CARICOM leaders are reviving intra-regional ferry talks, with Trinidad and Tobago set to provide a temporary ferry to move mainly cargo while a longer-term private-sector service is developed. ECCB Monetary Update: ECCB Governor Timothy N.J. Antoine will present the ECCU monetary, credit and financial conditions report at the 113th Monetary Council meeting in Dominica. Youth and Social Media: SVGCC graduates were urged to use social media and digital tools for real community problem-solving, not just “posting and being messy.” LGBTQIA+ Rights Call: An SVG rights group is urging the new government to repeal laws criminalising consensual same-sex relations. Carnival Clean-Up: “Love SVG” cleanliness efforts are rolling out with 85 waste bins across Kingstown and Arnos Vale for Vincymas.

Regional Transport: CARICOM leaders are reviving talks on a regional ferry service, with Trinidad and Tobago’s existing vessel proposed as a pilot while a private-sector plan for a permanent service is developed. CARICOM Meeting: Prime Minister Dr. Godwin Friday leads SVG’s delegation to the CARICOM Heads of Government meeting in Saint Lucia, with regional security, climate financing, food security, and CSME expansion on the agenda. Education: ECTEL launched round two of the Pearl Allison Lake (P.A.L.) Scholarship Fund, awarding EC$1,500 to five inaugural recipients and opening a new application cycle. Humanitarian Aid: Guyana-led efforts are shipping 88 containers of relief supplies to earthquake-hit Venezuela, with contributions including St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Local Governance & Rights: SVG’s LGBTQIA+ advocate ERAO SVG is urging the new government to repeal laws criminalising consensual same-sex relations and add protections against discrimination. Public Safety: Police reiterated the “no glass bottle” policy for Carnival 2026, warning patrons to comply in designated zones. Postal Services: SVG Postal Corporation announced two strategic leadership appointments to modernise operations and expand expedited services. Sports: In the FIBA Caribbean AmeriCup pre-qualifiers, Group B includes St. Vincent and the Grenadines as the tournament tips off in Guyana.

LGBTQIA+ Rights in the Region: A long-running challenge to Trinidad and Tobago’s colonial-era gay sex ban is set for a final hearing in London, with activists across the Caribbean watching for a possible decriminalization precedent. Public Health & Preparedness: St. Vincent and the Grenadines marked a major milestone as the first in the region to roll out the Regional Integrated Early Warning Surveillance System (RIEWSS), aimed at faster detection and response to health threats. Local Governance & Safety: Police reiterated the strict “no glass bottle” Carnival 2026 rule, warning patrons to comply in designated zones. Sports (SVG in the spotlight): Guyana kicked off the FIBA Caribbean AmeriCup Pre-Qualifiers with Group B featuring St. Vincent and the Grenadines, setting up key matches in the July 8–12 tournament. Regional Solidarity (Venezuela): Guyana-led relief shipments to earthquake-hit Venezuela are moving with support from CARICOM partners, including SVG. Tourism & Cleanliness: The “Love SVG” cleanliness push for Vincymas is distributing 85 waste bins across Kingstown and Arnos Vale to cut litter and protect the environment.

Maritime Security: UN and naval sources say Somali pirate attacks are rising again in the Gulf of Aden/Red Sea, with a Palau-flagged bulk carrier reportedly attacked and crews safe—another reminder for ships to stay alert. Legal Milestone: Vincentian-born attorney Karlene J. Rogers-Aberman was sworn into the U.S. Supreme Court Bar in front of all nine justices, a rare “officer of the Court” moment. Tourism & Culture: The Tourism Ministry’s “Love SVG” cleanliness push for Vincymas is rolling out with 85 new waste bins across Kingstown and Arnos Vale, while a new piece highlights how Caribbean food experiences are becoming major travel drivers. Rights & Policy: SVG LGBTQIA+ advocates are urging the new government to repeal laws criminalising consensual same-sex relations and add protections against discrimination. Public Health Tech: SVG becomes the first in the region to implement RIEWSS, a digital early-warning system to detect and respond faster to health threats. Regional Solidarity: CARICOM partners are sending major earthquake relief to Venezuela, including 88 containers assembled for shipment with SVG among the contributors. Sports: SVG’s athletes and teams continue to feature across OECS/ANOCES coverage, with regional results and medal highlights.

Postal & Business Growth: SVG Postal Corporation announced two leadership appointments—Raffique Samuel as assistant director of operations and business development, and Esteban Richard-Hernández as manager of expedited services and customer solutions—effective July 1. Clean Streets for Vincymas: The Tourism Ministry and partners launched the “Love SVG” cleanliness push, distributing 85 waste bins across Kingstown and Arnos Vale and urging proper waste disposal during peak carnival activity. Health Security Upgrade: SVG became the first country in the region to successfully implement the Regional Integrated Early Warning Surveillance System (RIEWSS), supported by CARPHA, to strengthen rapid public health detection and response. Fuel Cost Pressure: Gasoline prices rose to EC$18.31 per gallon in the latest adjustment, with diesel and low-sulphur diesel also increasing. Regional Aid to Venezuela: PM Mark Phillips said 88 containers of disaster relief supplies are ready to ship from Guyana to Venezuela, with SVG among the contributors. Safety Reminder: Police reiterated the Carnival 2026 “no glass bottle” policy in designated zones. Weather Watch: A tropical wave is expected to bring showers and thunderstorms, followed by Saharan dust that could affect air quality. Sports Spotlight: St Vincent and the Grenadines’ Cori Durrant-Barbour scored four goals for FC Bishopmill in Scotland, drawing Highland League interest. Crime Update: Police investigations continue into a recent homicide wave, including the Peruvian Vale murder case involving an 84-year-old woman.

Carnival Safety Push: Police reiterate the strict “no glass bottle” policy for Carnival 2026, warning patrons to comply with “no glass bottle zones” or face being asked to surrender bottles. Public Cleanliness Drive: The Ministry of Tourism and partners including police and waste officials have deployed 85 waste bins across Kingstown and Arnos Vale, urging everyone to “Love SVG” and cut litter during Vincy Mas. Health Security Upgrade: St. Vincent and the Grenadines became the first in the region to launch the Regional Integrated Early Warning Surveillance System (RIEWSS), following a CARPHA technical mission and a high-level ministerial review in Kingstown. Cost of Living Pressure: Gasoline prices rose to EC$18.31 per gallon in the latest fuel hike, with diesel and low-sulphur diesel also increasing. Violence Update: Police are investigating the murder of 84-year-old Lida Lewis in Peruvian Vale, with at least four males detained; authorities have not confirmed reports of rape. Sports & Talent: SVG’s Cori Durrant-Barbour scored four goals for FC Bishopmill in Scotland, while regional OECS track action saw record-setting performances including a St. Vincent and the Grenadines relay bronze.