AGP Executive Report

Independence: St. Vincent and the Grenadines marked 47 years of independence on October 27. Prime Minister Godwin Friday called for unity, safer communities and more opportunity, while announcing that NIS pensions will rise in January 2027. Minimum pensions will increase 25%, from EC$80 to EC$100 a week, and 7,375 pensioners are expected to benefit. Netball: The Vincy Jewels secured a place at the 2027 World Cup in Sydney with a dramatic 55–53 overtime win over St. Lucia, finishing second in the Americas qualifiers. The government has pledged support for the team’s World Cup campaign. Tourism: The SVG Tourism Authority launched its new destination identity, “Set Your Spirit Free,” highlighting the country’s landscapes, culture and people. Cruise development: The government signed a 30-year operating and development agreement with Global Ports Holding, while retaining full ownership of the ports. The deal requires at least US$20 million in Kingstown upgrades and US$60 million for a new pier and Union Island berth. Heritage: The National Trust has warned that roaming livestock at Martin’s Petroglyph Park are damaging the site and urged owners to secure their animals.

Independence: St. Vincent and the Grenadines marked 47 years of independence under the theme “Hand in Hand, Uplifting Our Nation.” Prime Minister Godwin Friday called for unity, stronger public safety and economic growth that reaches every Vincentian. Netball: The Vincy Jewels qualified for the 2027 World Cup in Sydney for the first time in 23 years, edging St. Lucia 55–53 in overtime. Their campaign also included a 49–43 win over Barbados, securing second place in the Americas qualifiers. Cruise Tourism: Government signed a 30-year operating and development agreement with Global Ports Holding, while retaining full ownership of the facilities. The deal requires at least US$20 million for Kingstown port upgrades and US$60 million for a second phase, including a berth at Clifton, Union Island. Heritage: The National Trust warned that roaming livestock in Argyle could permanently damage the ancient carvings at Martin’s Petroglyph Park and urged owners to secure their animals. Education: Nearly 100 Vincentians graduated from Monroe University’s St. Lucia campus, as the school highlighted its scholarship partnership with the SVG government.

Independence: St. Vincent and the Grenadines marks 47 years of independence today. Prime Minister Godwin Friday’s message reflected on the country’s journey and urged renewed commitment to its future. Netball: The Vincy Jewels are one win away from the 2027 World Cup after a 77–52 victory over Grenada. Trinidad and Tobago have already qualified with a perfect record. Education: Nearly 100 Vincentian students graduated from Monroe University’s St. Lucia campus, among 318 graduates celebrated on Monday. Finance: Parliament approved SVG’s membership in the Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean, requiring an investment of about US$2 million. Government says membership could open access to development financing; opposition lawmakers cautioned that future loans may carry market-rate costs. Environment: A minister says SVG has no legislation protecting mangroves, as concerns continue over their removal in Canash. The government says it plans to introduce protections.

Netball: The Vincy Jewels are one win from qualifying for the 2027 World Cup after beating Grenada 77–52. They have five wins from six matches and face Saint Lucia next. Argyle Airport: Government has ended Patriot Company’s nine-year, $79,253 janitorial contract and split the work into three packages after a competitive tender. Public Health: Attorney Grant Connell warns that imported Canadian cannabis and hashish may pose unknown health risks; recent importation cases have reached court. Development Finance: Parliament approved SVG’s membership in CAF, requiring a roughly US$2 million share purchase. The government says membership could open access to development financing, while critics caution that loans may carry market-rate costs. Tourism and Emergency Services: A proposed US$3.2 million helicopter service for tourist transfers and medical evacuations is under review. Environment: The government says it plans legislation to protect mangroves after a minister told Parliament that current law does not prevent landowners from cutting trees on private property.

Netball: Vincy Jewels beat Barbados 49–43 to move into second place in the Americas qualifiers, with two matches left. The top two teams earn places at next year’s World Cup in Sydney. Development Finance: Parliament approved SVG’s membership in regional development bank CAF. The country will invest about US$2 million in shares, which could open access to roughly US$8 million in borrowing, subject to separate approvals. Environment: Physical Planning Minister Nigel Stephenson said SVG has no law preventing landowners from cutting mangroves on private property. The government plans legislation to protect them after mangroves were removed at Canash, Union Island. Missing Fishermen: Relatives of two Tobago fishermen missing since October 9 are seeking DNA tests after two decomposed male bodies were found in SVG waters. Neither body has been identified as one of the men. Education: More than 560 Vincentian students made the UWI Global Campus Honour Roll, keeping SVG at the top of the campus tally for a fifth straight year. Regional Affairs: Former SVG Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves joined 10 former Caribbean leaders urging countries to back a UN resolution calling for an end to the US embargo on Cuba.

Finance: Parliament approved St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ membership in regional development bank CAF, which the government says will widen financing options. The country is to buy shares worth about US$2 million; membership does not guarantee a loan. Environment: Mangroves at Canash had no legal protection from clearing on private land, Physical Planning Minister Nigel Stephenson told Parliament. He said the government plans laws to protect mangroves. Netball: The Vincy Jewels beat Barbados 49–43 in a crucial Americas qualifier, strengthening their bid for a place at the 2027 Netball World Cup. Public Safety: Families of two missing Tobago fishermen are seeking DNA tests after two bodies were found in Vincentian waters. Police are investigating the discoveries. Courts: Confiscation proceedings are due to begin Monday in the Turks and Caicos against three men convicted in the SIPT corruption case. The Crown is seeking more than $129 million, though the court has yet to decide whether to order payment; Vincentian jurist Justice Raymond Colin Williams will preside.

Netball: Vincy Jewels thrashed the British Virgin Islands 91–13 at the Americas World Cup qualifiers, while Trinidad and Tobago beat St Lucia 62–35 to remain unbeaten. Public Safety: Families of two missing Tobago fishermen are seeking DNA tests after two decomposed bodies were found in Vincentian waters; identities have not been confirmed. A Grenadian omnibus driver pleaded guilty to dangerous driving in Richmond Hill and was fined EC$1,200. Skills Training: Twenty-three people, including four SVG Community College students, completed a new fibre-optics technician programme. Energy Costs: Gasoline will fall by EC$1.02 to EC$17.29 per gallon from Monday, while diesel and low-sulphur diesel prices rise. The government says electricity subsidies reached a record EC$798,591 this month. Tourism: Government plans to sign an agreement with Global Ports Holding on Monday to manage cruise-port operations and support development.

Netball: Vincy Jewels crushed the British Virgin Islands 91–13, earning their third win in four matches at the Americas World Cup qualifiers. Missing Fishermen: Families of two Tobago fishermen missing since October 9 are seeking DNA tests after two bodies were found in Vincentian waters. Neither has been identified as the men. Public Finances: EC$170.6 million of EC$177.7 million in Saudi Fund development loans remains unspent, prompting Prime Minister Godwin Friday to demand faster project delivery. Energy Costs: From Monday, gasoline falls to EC$17.29 a gallon, while diesel prices rise. The government says tax cuts and VINLEC subsidies will continue to cushion consumers. Tourism and Contracts: Government plans to sign a cruise-port agreement with Global Ports Holding on Monday. Separately, airport cleaning contracts were awarded to three entities, including a company owned by Deputy Prime Minister St. Clair Leacock. Public Safety: SVG has recorded 42 murders so far this year, up from 40 over the same period in 2025, as officials warn there is no quick fix to violent crime.

Public Safety: DNA testing may help identify two decomposing bodies found in SVG waters as relatives search for missing Tobago fishermen. The discoveries come amid concern over rising violence: SVG has recorded 42 murders this year, and the fatal stabbing of 17-year-old Tafari Browne has sparked national grief. Economy: From Monday, gasoline will fall by EC$1.02 to EC$17.29 a gallon, while diesel prices rise slightly. Government also reported a record EC$798,591 electricity subsidy for October. Separately, EC$170.6 million of EC$177.7 million in Saudi development loans remains unspent, prompting the Prime Minister to demand faster project delivery. Cruise Tourism: Government plans to sign an agreement with Global Ports Holding on Monday to develop cruise operations, amid infrastructure limits and rising ship calls. Environment: Parliament heard that mangroves have no legal protection in SVG, leaving sites including Canash and Ashton Lagoon vulnerable to clearing. Netball: The national team is competing in the Americas World Cup qualifiers in Barbados, where it beat Canada but suffered heavy defeats to Trinidad and Tobago and Barbados.

Public Safety: St. Vincent and the Grenadines has recorded 42 murders so far this year, compared with 40 over the same period last year. Foreign Affairs Minister Fitz Bramble says the rise in violent crime is a complex problem with no quick fix. Police are also investigating after a man’s partially decomposed body was found at Stubbs Beach on Wednesday. Investment and Tourism: Invest SVG is managing 13 proposed projects worth US$442.9 million. Cabinet has approved key terms for the proposed US$35 million sale of the Holiday Inn/Best Western property at Diamond, while a US$16.5 million Hilton resort at Bambareaux remains at an early stage. Government plans to sign a cruise port agreement with Global Ports Holding on Monday, with up to EC$250 million in phased investment proposed. Cost of Living: Gasoline will fall to EC$17.29 per gallon from Monday, while diesel prices will rise slightly. Sport: Sandals Saint Vincent has been named the Caribbean’s Leading All-Inclusive Resort. At the Netball World Cup qualifiers, SVG beat Canada 51–41 but suffered a 73–41 defeat to Trinidad and Tobago.

Public Safety: Police are investigating after a partially decomposed man’s body was found at Stubbs Beach on Wednesday evening. A post-mortem is expected to determine the cause of death. Netball: The Vincy Jewels bounced back from a 73–41 loss to Trinidad and Tobago, beating Canada 51–41 at the Americas World Cup qualifiers. Cruise Tourism: SVG is set to sign a deal with Global Ports Holding on Monday for a 30-year concession and up to EC$250 million in phased investment to upgrade Kingstown’s cruise terminal. A Sunday Cruise Village will also give local vendors a chance to sell to cruise visitors. Cost of Living: Gasoline prices will fall from Monday, while diesel prices will rise slightly. VINLEC’s October fuel surcharge has climbed to 86.71 cents per kilowatt-hour. Independence: The annual Sir Dwight Venner Memorial Lecture was scheduled for Thursday evening at UWI Global Campus, focusing on skills, talent and enterprise for national development. Sport: SVG has sent its largest-ever team to the Caribbean Dinghy Championships in Sint Maarten, with seven sailors competing.

Cruise Development: St. Vincent and the Grenadines is set to sign a 30-year agreement with Global Ports Holding on Monday, paving the way for up to EC$250 million in phased investment to upgrade Kingstown’s cruise terminal and grow local business opportunities. Netball: The Vincy Jewels bounced back from a 73–41 loss to Trinidad and Tobago, beating Canada 51–41 in the Americas qualifiers; Mary-Ann Frederick scored 44 goals from 45 attempts. Public Safety: Foreign Affairs Minister Fitz Bramble says the country’s 42 homicides so far this year reflect a complex problem with no quick fix, as concern over violent crime grows. Household Costs: VINLEC’s October fuel surcharge rose seven cents to 86.71 cents per kilowatt-hour, despite a record EC$798,591 subsidy. Youth Sailing: SVG has sent a record seven-member team to the Caribbean Dinghy Championships in St. Maarten, highlighting growth in its youth sailing programme. Food Security: An Agriculture Ministry official is calling for policies that treat agriculture and food security as national security priorities, including stronger attention to land use.

Electricity Costs: VINLEC’s October fuel surcharge has risen seven cents to 86.71 cents per kilowatt-hour. The company says its $798,591 subsidy kept the rate from exceeding 92 cents. Netball: St. Vincent and the Grenadines lost 76–45 to Trinidad and Tobago in the World Cup qualifiers, after opening with a 50–47 win over the United States. The top two teams qualify for the 2027 tournament. Food Security: Agriculture officials are calling for policies that treat food security as a national security issue and address land use. Public Safety: Police are investigating a fatal crash in Pembroke that claimed the life of 37-year-old Jamol Layne. Tourism: Kingstown’s Sunday Cruise Village launches October 25, when Carnival Venezia visits from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., giving local vendors a chance to sell to cruise visitors. Regional Investment: St. Vincent and the Grenadines joined a U.S.-Caribbean dialogue where Washington announced a US$340 million regional package targeting areas including energy, ports and digital infrastructure; no specific allocation for SVG was announced. Sailing: SVG is sending its largest-ever team to the Caribbean Dinghy Championships in Sint Maarten, running October 22–25.

Netball: St. Vincent and the Grenadines opened the Americas World Cup qualifiers with a 50–47 win over the United States, but suffered a 76–45 defeat to Trinidad and Tobago. Cost of Living: VINLEC’s October fuel surcharge climbed to 86.71 cents per kWh, a seven-cent increase, despite a record EC$798,591 subsidy. Public Safety: Police are investigating the death of 37-year-old Jamol Layne, who was struck by a vehicle in Pembroke on Monday. Independence: Preparations are progressing for the military parade at Arnos Vale on October 27, part of celebrations marking the country’s 47th anniversary. Environment and Sport: SVG sent its largest-ever sailing team—seven athletes—to the Caribbean Dinghy Championships in Sint Maarten, while the sailing association has adopted reef-safer sunscreen for its programmes and events. Biodiversity: Two officials are representing SVG at the UN’s COP17 biodiversity conference in Armenia, which runs through October 30. Banking Notice: BOSVG says ATMs, card payments and POS services will be temporarily unavailable from midnight to 4 a.m. on October 23 for a system upgrade.

Netball: St. Vincent and the Grenadines lost 76–45 to Trinidad and Tobago in the Americas qualifiers for the 2027 Netball World Cup, after opening with a win over the United States. The top two teams qualify. Fatal Crash: Jamol Layne, 37, of Ottley Hall, died after being struck by a vehicle in Pembroke on Monday. Police are investigating. Electricity Costs: VINLEC’s October fuel surcharge rose to 86.71 cents per kWh, even after a record EC$798,591 subsidy. The company cited high fuel prices and global supply disruptions. Biodiversity: St. Vincent has sent two officials to COP17 in Armenia to take part in talks on biodiversity conservation and global targets. Banking: BOSVG says card transactions, ATMs and POS services will be unavailable from midnight to 4 a.m. on Friday, October 23, during a system upgrade. Independence: Preparations continue for the military parade on October 27 at 5 p.m. at Arnos Vale Sports Complex, with 14 guards expected to participate. Swimming: Sarai Williams set a new national age-group record in the 50m backstroke, clocking 42.79 seconds.

Independence Week: The annual Sir Dwight Venner Memorial Lecture on Oct. 22 will focus on skills, enterprise and SVG’s future. Preparations are also underway for the Oct. 27 military parade, with 14 guards confirmed. Sport: SVG opened its Netball World Cup qualifying campaign with a 50–47 win over the United States. Arnos Vale will host 18 matches in the Canadian National Cricket League’s GT20 tournament from Oct. 23 to Nov. 2. Regional Investment: The United States says it will invest more than US$340 million across the Caribbean in areas including connectivity, health and security. SVG’s minister has urged a stronger focus on resilience. Tourism: Vincentian researcher Dalano DaSouza shared the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s inaugural intelligence award for research into why residents travel outside the region. Immigration: Caribbean legal immigration to the U.S. fell 53% under new policies, with SVG among the countries where immigrant visa issuance dropped by at least 80%. Business: Bank of St. Vincent and the Grenadines reported a EC$15 million interim loss, largely due to sharply higher provisions for credit losses.