AGP Executive Report

OECS 45th Anniversary & Leadership Handover: Heads of Government met in Antigua for the 78th OECS Authority meeting, marking 45 years of regional integration and shifting the chair from SVG’s PM Godwin Friday to Antigua’s PM Gaston Browne, who urged bold action on trade, connectivity, climate resilience and regional institutions. Tourism Leadership Shake-Up: SVG Tourism Authority CEO Annette Mark says she was interviewed through a local recruitment process and not “handpicked” by a foreign firm, while Tourism Minister Kishore Shallow says Mark’s earlier process was “circumvented” and Shafia London was the top choice before the vacancy was filled; London takes over July 1 with a results-focused mandate. Tourism Momentum: SVG reported strong Q1 2026 tourism growth with 196,513 visitors and standout yachting performance, as the Tourism Authority pivots to targeted, high-value visitors. Agriculture & Infrastructure: CARDI and partners held a peanut yield evaluation session to boost production, and the agriculture ministry continues work to improve access roads for farmers; housing hosted a building code workshop to strengthen construction standards. Education & Public Service: SVG Community College graduation set for 961 students; Faith Grant, a blind student, secured a historic CPEA place at Girls’ High School; ECCB named Phillip John as the 2026 Thomas De La Rue Scholar.

OECS Regional Talks: OECS leaders wrapped the 78th Authority meeting in Antigua, with Antigua’s Gaston Browne taking over the chair from SVG’s Godwin Friday, as they pushed priorities like economic development, climate resilience, security, and regional integration. U.S. Deportees Negotiations: OECS agreed to form a high-level advisory team to guide talks with the United States over a request for member states to accept third-nation deportees. Tourism Leadership Shake-up: SVG Tourism Authority named Shafia London as CEO effective July 1, and Tourism Minister Kishore Shallow says she was the top candidate two years ago but the process was “circumvented,” while London vows a results-driven, inclusive tourism push. Go Grenadines Passport: A new $100 “Go Grenadines Passport” campaign targets domestic travel in August, offering vouchers for stays, dining, tours, and island experiences. Education Milestones: SVG Community College graduation is set for 900+ students, while CPEA results highlight top performers including blind student Faith Grant securing a place at Girls’ High School. Health Innovation: The Health Ministry launched “Blood Text” to boost voluntary blood donations, using automated messages and a new donor-focused website.

Tourism Push: Tourism Minister Dr. Kishore Shallow launched the month-long “Go Grenadines” campaign for August, backed by a $100 “Go Grenadines Passport” voucher usable across participating Grenadines providers, with island packages like “Rediscover Bequia” and “Adventure in Canouan.” New Leadership: Shafia London was appointed CEO of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Tourism Authority, starting July 1, promising results over rhetoric and a tourism “national engine” approach that benefits taxi drivers, farmers, artisans and more. Local Infrastructure: Agriculture Minister Israel Bruce said government is seeking funding to improve access roads for farmers across SVG. Construction Standards: The Housing Ministry hosted a building code workshop at UWI Global Campus to strengthen construction skills and safer homes. Customs & Security: WCO Project BOLT delivered customs and border security training to boost enforcement and regional cooperation against illicit trafficking. Regional Politics: OECS leaders met in Antigua for the 78th Authority meeting, with chairmanship shifting from Godwin Friday to Gaston Browne. Health Innovation: The Health Ministry launched “Blood Text” and a new donor website to improve voluntary blood donations, especially among younger donors. Education Milestone: Faith Grant, a blind student from Fair Hall Government School, secured a historic place at Girls’ High School after excelling in CPEA.

Tourism Leadership: Shafia London was named incoming CEO of the SVG Tourism Authority, pledging a results-first, inclusive programme when she takes over July 1. Customs & Security: WCO Project BOLT delivered targeted training to strengthen St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ customs enforcement and border security. Farm Roads & Agriculture: Agriculture Minister Israel Bruce says government is pushing to improve access roads for farmers, after seeking funding during a California visit. Housing Standards: The Housing Ministry hosted a building code workshop at UWI Global Campus to boost construction skills and safer homebuilding. OECS Focus: PM Godwin Friday is in Antigua for the 78th OECS Authority meeting as leaders set priorities on integration, climate resilience, security, and food/energy sustainability. Health Innovation: The Health Ministry launched “Blood Text,” a new donor engagement platform aimed at improving voluntary blood donations. CPEA Milestone: Faith Grant, a blind student from Fair Hall Government School, secured a place at GHS after topping her cohort in the CPEA results. Public Safety for Carnival: Electrical inspections are now required for carnival events, and licensed firearm holders must store weapons before entering Independence Park. Sports: System 3 FC were crowned inaugural VSPL champions.

OECS Leadership Shake-up: Prime Minister Godwin Friday is in Antigua for the 78th OECS Authority meeting as Gaston Browne takes over the chair, with St. Clair Leacock acting at home; leaders will focus on integration, climate resilience, security, food/energy security, freedom of movement, and digital transformation. OECS Commission Reform: Browne also urged a leaner, faster OECS Commission, pushing for cost cuts and stronger service delivery. Health Innovation: The Health Ministry launched “Blood Text,” a platform to automate personalised donor messages, alongside a new national blood bank website aimed at boosting voluntary donations—especially among younger donors. CPEA Breakthrough: Faith Grant, a blind student from Fair Hall Government School, made history by earning a place at Girls’ High School after top CPEA results; other top performers were also named. Tourism Pressure: With mass tourism concerns rising, SVG is seeing record stay-over numbers and full hotel occupancy ahead of Carnival. Vincy Mas Readiness: CDC is drafting an AI-in-music policy (“AI can help refine, but can’t be your creative juice”) and new safety rules include electrical inspection certificates for carnival events and a no-firearms-in-Independence Park policy. Agriculture Exports: Israel Bruce says SVG is pushing new deals for dasheen and hot pepper exports, including a dasheen minimum price pledge of EC$100 per sack. Sports: System 3 FC won the inaugural VSPL title; Handal Roban clocked 1:45.32 for silver in the 800m at the Los Angeles Grand Prix.

OECS Leadership Handover: Prime Minister Godwin Friday is in Antigua and Barbuda for the 78th OECS Authority meeting, where Gaston Browne takes over the chairmanship; Friday’s absence will be covered by St. Clair Leacock as Acting Prime Minister. ECCB Focus on Access: The ECCB says its agency offices across member states are key for currency operations, local oversight, and public education—while stressing they are not commercial banks. Vincy Mas Readiness & Rules: With Carnival ramping up, CDC is drafting an AI-in-music policy after AI songs were detected, and police say licensed firearm holders must store weapons outside Independence Park during shows. Tourism Pressure: Hotels and Airbnb are at full capacity ahead of Carnival, with visitors urged to book early as occupancy hits 100%. Agriculture Exports: Israel Bruce says SVG has pushed eight agri projects into a regional “deal room,” including new US export frameworks for dasheen and hot pepper deals. Education Standouts: Draádon Ackie tops the 2026 CPEA with 98.2%, while officials also face court action over delays in a psychiatric report. Sports & Community: System 3 FC win the inaugural VSPL trophy; local swim coaches complete sprint training; and Vincy Mas culture continues to be celebrated through events and youth programmes.

CPEA Spotlight: Draádon A. Ackie of Richland Park SDA topped SVG’s 2026 CPEA with 98.20%, as 11 students landed in the top 10 amid multiple ties. Regional Diplomacy: PM Godwin Friday heads to Antigua for the 78th OECS Authority meeting, with St. Clair Leacock acting at home. Vincy Mas 2026 Safety & Rules: Police and CDC rolled out tighter carnival controls, including a no-glass policy and a plan for licensed firearm holders to store weapons before entering Independence Park. Culture Meets Tech: CDC is drafting a policy to limit AI use in Vincymas music after AI-generated songs were detected in this year’s releases. Education & Inclusion: Former MP Camillo Gonsalves hailed blind student Faith Grant’s historic CPEA placement, calling it a milestone for inclusive education. Health Court Update: The Serious Offences Court summoned senior health officials over delays in producing a court-ordered psychiatric report. Agriculture & Exports: Israel Bruce says SVG pushed eight agri projects into a Barbados “deal room,” while new US export frameworks target higher earnings for dasheen and expanded hot pepper exports. Public Service Push: PM Friday urged public servants to improve service in “substandard” conditions during Public Service Week. Community Concerns: Roseau River sand and aggregate plans face fresh backlash as residents warn it feels like “quarry number two.”

Vincy Mas 2026 Security & Rules: Police say the carnival will be the “safest in the region,” with a visible force in Kingstown, a hard line on “6ixx and 7even” violence, and strict no-glass enforcement at venues. Licensed firearm holders must store weapons outside Independence Park before entering shows. AI vs Culture in Carnival Music: The Carnival Development Corporation is drafting a policy to limit AI use in Vincymas songs after detecting AI-generated tracks, with CDC chair Ricardo Adams warning that AI can “refine” but must not replace human creativity. Tourism Surge for Carnival: Hotels are at 100% occupancy and late bookings for the next two weekends are effectively closed, with visitors arriving earlier than usual. Public Service Pressure: PM Godwin Friday told public servants they’re being asked to work in “substandard” conditions, and pledged government support to improve workplaces while urging better service. Agriculture Exports: Minister Israel Bruce says new US export frameworks will lift dasheen prices to a minimum of EC$100 per sack and expand hot pepper exports, including seed and support for farmers. Regional Finance: IFC plans up to US$15M into a Caribbean debt fund for climate resilience and SME financing across 13 countries. Education Results: CPEA top spots went to students with multiple ties, led by Richland Park SDA’s Draádon A. Ackie scoring 98.20%. Sports & Local Talent: Handal Roban won silver in the 800m at the Los Angeles Grand Prix; local swim coaches completed a sprint training course.

CPEA Results: Desmond V. Morris topped the Caribbean Primary Exit Assessment in St. Vincent and the Grenadines with 98.20%, while multiple ties shaped the top 10, including several students from Kingstown Preparatory and Richland Park SDA. Vincy Mas Safety & Rules: Carnival organisers are tightening security and safety ahead of Vincy Mas 2026, including a no-glass policy and a plan for licensed firearm holders to store weapons outside Independence Park, with police warning they’ll act firmly against “6ixx and 7even” violence. AI in Music: The Carnival Development Corporation is drafting a policy to limit AI use in Vincymas music after AI-generated songs were detected, with the CDC chair stressing AI can’t replace human creativity. Tourism Surge: Hotels and Airbnb listings are reportedly at full capacity early for Carnival, with visitors urged to book now. Agriculture Exports: Agriculture Minister Israel Bruce says new U.S. export frameworks and deals aim to raise dasheen and hot pepper earnings for farmers, including a minimum price commitment for dasheen. Public Service Push: PM Godwin Friday acknowledged public servants are working in “substandard” conditions and pledged government action to improve workplaces while urging higher service standards.

Vincy Mas Safety & Rules: Police say the carnival will be “incident-free” with visible patrols, a hard line on “6ixx and 7even” violence, and strict no-glass enforcement—plus licensed firearm holders must store weapons outside Independence Park during shows. Public Service Push: PM Godwin Friday told public servants they’re being asked to work in “substandard” conditions, but pledged government upgrades while urging staff to lift performance and deliver timely, professional service. Carnival Readiness & Culture: CDC leaders are also moving to regulate AI in Vincymas music to protect human creativity, while Culture Minister Kaschaka Cupid urged unity and hands-on support for the festival. Tourism Surge: Hotels and Airbnb are at full capacity ahead of carnival, with visitors urged to book early. Agriculture Exports: Agriculture Minister Israel Bruce says new U.S. frameworks and deals will raise dasheen prices to a minimum of EC$100 per sack and expand hot pepper exports. Regional Trade Talks: President Luis Abinader called for stronger CARIFORUM–EU implementation as the Joint Council meets in the Dominican Republic. Education & Resilience: CXC’s disaster response model was praised after Hurricane Melissa, and SVGCC graduation is set for June 23. Sports: Handal Roban won silver in the men’s 800m at the Los Angeles Grand Prix; Mitres retained the Division One netball title.

Vincy Mas 2026 Security: Police and security officials say the festival will be the “safest in the region,” with visible patrols in Kingstown, a hard line on “6ixx and 7even” gang-linked violence, and strict rules including a no-glass-bottle policy around venues. Vincy Mas Culture & Unity: Culture Minister Kaschaka Cupid and CDC leaders are urging Vincentians to rally as “one Vincy,” warning against turning carnival into an expensive “festival of fetes” that prices out ordinary people. AI in Music: The CDC is drafting a policy to limit AI use in Vincymas music after suspected AI-generated songs surfaced, stressing that technology can help refine but must not replace human creativity. Cruise Port Deal: Tourism Minister Kishore Shallow calls the 30-year Global Ports Holdings (GPH) cruise terminal partnership a “no-brainer,” while critics question whether it amounts to a long-term takeover of a key national asset. Aviation Update: After a private aircraft vanished mid-flight toward Tobago, Minister St. Clair Leacock says it has been located, with no loss of life reported, as authorities continue a “very delicate” investigation. Public Service Week: PM Godwin Friday and Minister Leacock urged public servants to improve productivity and service conditions, as the government kicks off Public Service Week activities.

Vincy Mas Security: Acting Deputy Police Commissioner Trevor “Buju” Bailey says the 2026 carnival will be the safest in the region, warning anyone planning “6ixx and 7even” violence they’ll face the full force of the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force. Culture & Unity: Culture Minister Kaschaka Cupid urged Vincentians to rally around Vincymas 2026 as a moment of national unity and economic opportunity, while CDC chair Ricardo “Ricky” Adams pushed back against turning the festival into a high-priced “festival of fetes.” AI in Music: The Carnival Development Corporation is drafting a policy to limit and regulate AI use in Vincymas music after checks found AI-generated songs among releases. Cruise Port Shake-up: Tourism Minister Kishore Shallow calls the 30-year Kingstown cruise terminal deal with Global Ports Holdings a “no-brainer,” while critics argue it’s a disguised takeover. Aviation Mystery Update: The HI-1145 aircraft reported missing en route to Tobago has been located, with no loss of life reported; authorities say the investigation is “very delicate.” Public Service Push: Prime Minister Godwin Friday and National Security/Public Service Minister St. Clair Leacock urged public servants to “lift their game” and improve productivity during Public Service Week.

Vincy Mas 2026 security push: Acting Deputy Commissioner Trevor “Buju” Bailey vowed “no 6ixx and 7even violence,” warning troublemakers they’ll face the “number one” police force head-on, as the CDC and police briefed for safer carnival crowds. Vincymas stays cultural: Culture Minister Kaschaka Cupid urged unity and “hands-on” backing for the Carnival Development Corporation, while CDC chair Ricardo “Ricky” Adams warned against shrinking Vincymas into a high-priced “festival of fetes.” Cruise port deal sparks debate: Tourism Minister Kishore Shallow called the 30-year Global Ports Holdings (GPH) concession a “no-brainer,” citing losses and planned upgrades, while critics questioned whether it amounts to a long-term takeover of a national asset. Aviation mystery update: St. Vincent’s security minister said the missing HI-1145 aircraft has not crashed and authorities know its location, but the investigation remains “very delicate.” Public service week: Government leaders kicked off Public Service Week, urging workers to be “5% better” and promising support for public servants. Customs boost: Customs and Excise exceeded its 2025 revenue mandate by about EC$10 million after upgrading its ASYCUDA World system. Kids’ tourism camp expands: The tourism ministry is rolling out a wider 2026 Kids’ Tourism Summer Camp across multiple communities.

EV Market: Peter and Company officially launched the Chery brand in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, introducing the Chery Tiggo SUV line with four award-winning models and plans to roll out across the wider Caribbean. Public Service Push: PM Godwin Friday and National Security/Public Service Minister St. Clair Leacock urged public servants to be “5% better,” improve productivity, and deliver under tough facility conditions as Public Service Week runs June 16–23. Cruise Port Deal: Tourism Minister Kishore Shallow called the 30-year Kingstown cruise terminal partnership with Global Ports Holdings a “no-brainer,” citing losses and promised upgrades, while critics question whether it amounts to a long-term takeover of a national asset. Aviation Mystery: A Dominican-registered Beechcraft Baron (HI-1145) that vanished on the flight from St. Vincent to Tobago has been located, with Leacock saying there was no crash and no loss of life as a “very delicate” investigation continues. Customs Revenue: Customs and Excise says it exceeded its 2025 revenue mandate by about EC$10 million and rolled out an upgraded ASYCUDA World platform as part of the VSwift single window push. Kids’ Tourism Camp: The Tourism Department is expanding the 2026 Kids’ Tourism Summer Camp to multiple communities across SVG, with activities for ages 8–14. Regional Health: CARICOM and PAHO are driving efforts to end mother-to-child transmission of HIV, syphilis and hepatitis B, focusing on scaling prevention, testing and lab systems.

Aviation Update: The Dominican-registered private aircraft HI-1145 that vanished mid-flight from St. Vincent to Tobago has been located, and Minister St. Clair Leacock says there was no crash and no loss of life; authorities say the investigation remains “very delicate” as they focus on the people onboard. Cruise Port Deal: Tourism Minister Kishore Shallow calls the 30-year Global Ports Holdings (GPH) cruise port partnership a “no-brainer,” pointing to years of losses and state support, while critics argue it amounts to a long-term corporate takeover of a key national asset. Public Service Push: Prime Minister Godwin Friday urged public servants to “lift their game,” linking better performance to tackling debt and funding development, as Minister Leacock highlighted certificates awarded and the need for adaptability. Health & Regional Cooperation: CARICOM and PAHO are driving efforts to end mother-to-child transmission of HIV, syphilis and hepatitis B across the region. Tourism Investment Debate: SVG’s foreign investment stance is defended by the tourism minister amid questions about tax concessions and how much value stays locally. Community & Education: OECS PEARL graduates were celebrated for strengthening early childhood education, and police issued Carnival Vincy Mas 2026 safety and operations briefings.

Aviation Update: St. Vincent’s Minister of National Security St Clair Leacock says the vanished HI-1145 private aircraft has not crashed and that regional and international agencies know its location, while he urges patience because the investigation is “very delicate.” Regional Search: The Dominican-registered Beech 58P Baron (HI-1145) disappeared after leaving Argyle for Tobago, with authorities shifting from the aircraft to the people on board as search efforts continue. Cruise Port Deal: Global Ports Holding has signed an MOU to enter exclusive talks to manage the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Cruise Port under a 30-year concession, with up to EC$250m planned for phased upgrades. Debt & Growth Focus: Finance and Investments Ambassador Kevin Hope says SVG must restore fiscal discipline while pushing private-sector-led growth to escape an unsustainable debt path and cut poverty. Agriculture & Environment: IICA highlighted its 2025 impact in SVG, while GEF approved a US$6.1m project to restore ecosystems and improve land management in the south corridor. Vincy Mas Prep: Nouvelle Vie has ended its partnership with Uptown Party and will run “RISE Vincy Mas Wednesday” at Victoria Park on July 1.