AGP Executive Report

Chatham Bay Land Row: Deputy PM St. Clair Leacock used the “hook in the gill” metaphor in Parliament, arguing the government is managing debt and scarcity while facing gun violence, as the Chatham Bay sale debate continues over whether it’s truly for conservation and whether the public can repurchase the land. Education Funding Clash: Students at SVGCC say CAPE and registration fees were “abolished,” yet they’re still being asked to pay about EC$480, with threats of financial holds—sparking fresh anger over broken promises. Health Security Milestone: St. Vincent and the Grenadines became the first OECS member to adopt CARPHA’s Regional Integrated Early Warning Surveillance and Response System, with training and port surveillance upgrades timed ahead of major gatherings. Sports—Swimming: Blue Marlins Swim Club extended its dominance, winning a sixth straight National Swim Championships title and multiple national records. Sports—Youth Sailing: SVG Sailing’s Youth Championships in Calliaqua Bay delivered close finishes across Optimist, ILCA 4 and ILCA 6, supported by a World Sailing judge seminar. Grenadines Basketball: Union Island’s Smokin Aces won the Bequia tournament 1st Division title, while the Bequia Basketball Association also crowned first-ever U12 champions. Labour Allegations: Canouan Estate faces mounting claims of unpaid wages and labour-rule problems, with the Labour Department reportedly visiting the site.

Disability & Work: The UN launched its “HireAbility” campaign across the Caribbean, urging employers to break barriers and adopt inclusive hiring for people with disabilities, with businesses signing a Disability Inclusive Employer pledge. Education Costs: Students at SVG Community College say promised free education is being undermined by a $480 registration fee notice for second-year students. Health Security: St. Vincent and the Grenadines became the first OECS member to adopt CARPHA’s Regional Integrated Early Warning Surveillance and Response System (RIEWSS), with digital tools and port surveillance strengthened ahead of major gatherings. Police Direction: The Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force outlined a new push for more visible policing, respect for the public, and tighter internal discipline. Chatham Bay Fight: Prime Minister Friday and opposition figures traded sharp blows over the sale of Chatham Bay lands, with the government stressing safeguards and a buy-back option. Tourism & JetBlue: Opposition leader Gonsalves rejected claims of a $10m JetBlue debt and warned renegotiation could hurt tourism. Bequia Fish Market: An EU-funded, climate-resilient rebuild of the Bequia Fish Market was launched, targeting completion by mid-2027. Sports & Youth: SVG youth sailing champions were crowned at Calliaqua Bay, while young swimmer Greyson Burrell won four medals at the national swimming championships. Arts & Culture: Vincentian playwright Kevin Roderiques’ “Number Seven” is set for a local staging in Kingstown before an Off-Broadway debut in New York. Regional Diplomacy: Taiwan’s youth ambassadors visited SVG as part of the 45th anniversary of diplomatic ties.

Immigration Update: The US has lifted its suspension on issuing immigrant visas to citizens of 75 countries, effective Aug. 21, after a federal court ruling—meaning applicants from places including Bangladesh can again pursue permanent residency and eventually a green card. Local Politics & Land: Opposition leader Dr. Ralph Gonsalves calls the NDP’s Chatham Bay land sale “laughable,” arguing the government is misrepresenting valuations and conservation claims. Tourism & JetBlue Tension: Gonsalves warns that renegotiating the JetBlue contract could shrink the airline’s schedule and hit hotels, taxis, and visitor numbers; he also rejects claims of a $10m owed balance as fabricated. Business Climate: Prime Minister Godwin Friday and Senator Chelsea Alexander back the Companies Amendment Bill as part of a push to attract investment and support private sector growth. Health Security: SVG becomes the first OECS member to adopt the regional digital early warning surveillance and response system (RIEWSS), with training and port surveillance upgrades ahead of major events. Public Health Concern: A medical technologist raises alarms about antimicrobial misuse and antibiotic abuse. Sports & Youth: Greyson Burrell wins four medals at the SVG National Swimming Championships; SVG youth sailors and tennis players also make regional strides. Environment: Rare young staghorn coral colonies are reported off Battowia in the Northern Grenadines.

Private Sector Push: Prime Minister Godwin Friday says the Government will keep creating an enabling environment for private investment, as Parliament passes the Companies Amendment Bill, with Senator Chelsea Alexander calling it more business-friendly. Chatham Bay Fight: Opposition and government continue trading blows over the sale of 100 acres at Chatham Bay, with the PM insisting conservation safeguards and a two-year buyback option, while critics warn the deal could damage SVG’s financial standing. Business Support Plan: CED unveiled a US$4.64m, five-year strategy (2026–2030) to strengthen support for micro, small and medium enterprises, backed by the Caribbean Development Bank. Health Security Upgrade: SVG becomes the first OECS state to adopt the regional digital early warning and response system (RIEWSS), training officials and piloting port surveillance tools. Reef Hope for the Grenadines: A coral survey off Battowia reports rare young staghorn coral thriving, offering a rare bright spot after past climate shocks. Policing Direction: RSVGPF outlines a new push for visible, respectful policing and tighter internal discipline. Youth Sports: Six Under-12 tennis players debut regionally in Trinidad, while SVG sailors win youth sailing titles at Calliaqua Bay. Agriculture Training: FAO runs coconut and wider farm value-chain training to help revive production and management. Culture & Memory: Straker’s Records founder Granville Straker dies at 86, remembered for building Caribbean music distribution from Brooklyn.

Chatham Bay Land Sale Row: Prime Minister Godwin Friday says criticisms of the sale of 100 acres at Chatham Bay miss “two fundamental aspects,” arguing the deal is conservation-led and the government can repurchase at the same price within two years; Opposition Leader Ralph Gonsalves calls it “absolute misbehavior.” Parliamentary Finance Fight: Gonsalves warns the Companies Amendment Bill could trigger international scrutiny and “global financial blacklists,” while Friday defends “opening the country for business” and points to a revenue deficit narrowing and EC$52.7m from the Chatham Bay sale. JetBlue Debt: Tourism Minister Kishore Shallow says SVG owes JetBlue over EC$10m from an inherited agreement after the previous administration allegedly failed to pay. Police Discipline & Bail: Acting Deputy Commissioner Junior Simmons signals tougher internal discipline, and police outline when accused persons may be granted bail. Bequia Fish Market Rebuild: EU-funded EC$3.285m project launched to demolish and rebuild the Bequia Fish Market, aiming for climate resilience and a mid-2027 opening. Regional Security & Early Warnings: WCO says Project BOLT strengthened Caribbean frontline enforcement; CREWS Caribbean 2.0 highlights improved early warning coordination. Education & Sports: CSEC performance report delayed pending a joint review; SVG Sailing Association crowns youth national champions at Calliaqua Bay.

Chatham Bay Land Fight: Opposition Leader Ralph Gonsalves blasted the NDP over the sale of about 100 acres of prime beachfront land at Chatham Bay, calling the EC$54 million deal “absolute misbehavior” and disputing claims of a huge public “capital gain,” saying the earlier EC$700,000 figure came from a compensation tied to a forfeiture case. Companies Bill Clash: Gonsalves also warned the Companies Amendment Bill could trigger international scrutiny and threaten SVG’s standing with global financial watchdogs, arguing it weakens anti-money laundering and corporate transparency rules. Debt and Airlines: Tourism Minister Kishore Shallow told Parliament SVG owes JetBlue more than EC$10 million, while the government says it has no outstanding payments to energy product distributors under the bonus/malus system. Education Updates: Tuition scholarships for 2026/27 fell to 2,466, down over 500 from the prior peak; CSEC/CAPE results were delayed due to discrepancies at two schools; and CPEA Boot Camp wrapped up for Grade 5–6 students. Public Safety & Courts: Police outlined when accused persons may get bail; five men were charged with affray; and a former policeman was freed after the DPP withdrew a theft charge. Youth & Sports: SVG Sailing held Youth Nationals at Calliaqua Bay; two Vincentians signed pro basketball deals in Spain; and two Level One volleyball coaches were certified. Tourism & Culture: SVG earned nine World Travel Awards nominations, and VAT-Free Shopping Day drew mixed but generally positive local business feedback.

Tourism & Regional Links: St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ Tourism Minister Dr Kishore Shallow took part in the 2026 ASTA Caribbean Showcase in St Kitts, joining regional leaders to push destination growth. Politics & Party Ties: Former PM Dr Ralph Gonsalves met PNM leader Pennelope Beckles at Balisier House, stressing long-standing PNM links while acknowledging friendships in Trinidad’s UNC. Land, Debt & Budget Pressure: The NDP backs the sale of about 100 acres at Chatham Bay, Union Island, saying it protects biodiversity while easing debt; PM Godwin Friday also cited a revenue improvement tied to the Chatham Bay land proceeds. Parliament Clash Over Companies Law: Opposition Leader Gonsalves warned the Companies Amendment Bill could trigger international scrutiny and harm SVG’s financial standing. Airline Money Woes: JetBlue is owed over EC$10 million under an agreement from the previous administration, while Delta’s planned route cuts have sparked questions about whether officials were fully truthful. Education Updates: CSEC and CAPE results were temporarily withheld due to discrepancies at two schools, pending a critical subject review. Community & Safety: Police outlined when accused persons may get bail; five men were charged with affray after a public disturbance. Sports & Youth: Vincentian basketball players signed pro deals in Spain; SVG swimmers, archers, and volleyball coaches made new progress, while CPEA Boot Camp support continued for primary students.

Chatham Bay Land Sale: The NDP backs the government’s sale of about 100 acres at Chatham Bay, Union Island, for about EC$54 million, saying biodiversity protections and binding conservation covenants will safeguard key forest reserves and the endangered Union Island Gecko. Budget Watch: Prime Minister Godwin Friday says the Chatham Bay proceeds helped narrow the April 1–July 31, 2026 central government deficit to EC$57.78 million, down from EC$125.23 million last year, even as current revenue fell 10.6%. Companies Bill Clash: Opposition Leader Ralph Gonsalves warns the Companies Amendment Bill could trigger international scrutiny and put SVG at risk of global financial blacklists, while the government argues it will modernize rules and ease burdens on businesses. Airline Debt: Tourism Minister Kishore Shallow says SVG owes JetBlue over EC$10 million from an agreement signed by the previous ULP administration, citing non-payment from 2024. Education Update: CSEC/CAPE results are temporarily delayed due to discrepancies at two schools, though students can still view individual grades online. Public Safety: Police outlined when accused persons may be granted bail, including during investigations or when there isn’t enough basis to detain. Cost-of-Living Relief: The government extends its 90-day relief package, keeping major fuel tax reductions. Crime-Fighting Plan: National Security Minister St. Clair Leacock says he met NYPD officials to bring new approaches to SVG’s gun violence response. Sports & Culture: Two Vincentians sign pro basketball deals in Spain; SVG earns nine World Travel Awards nominations; and the Searchlight newspaper prepares to end its 31-year print run.

Renewables Push: IRENA has opened a call for renewable energy project proposals across Central America and the Caribbean, including St. Vincent and the Grenadines, with potential support via its Climate Investment Platform and Energy Transition Accelerator Financing. Tourism Spotlight: St. Vincent and the Grenadines picked up nine World Travel Awards nominations, including “Caribbean’s Leading Green” and “Leading Nature” destination, and voters are urged to back the bid before voting closes. Airline Debt: The government says it owes US carrier JetBlue more than EC$10 million under an agreement signed by the previous ULP administration, after alleged non-payment from 2024. Cost of Living Relief: Prime Minister Godwin Friday confirmed a 90-day extension of the economic relief package, keeping major fuel tax reductions in place. Education Update: CSEC results are delayed pending a joint review of two local schools, though students can still access individual grades online until Sept. 30. Public Safety: Police outlined when accused persons may be granted bail while investigations continue, and warned people to report if they feel unsafe after making a police report. Community & Sports: Two Vincentians signed pro basketball deals in Spain; and the national swimming championships begin this week at Shrewsbury Pool.

JetBlue Debt Dispute: The SVG government says it inherited more than EC$10 million in unpaid bills to US airline JetBlue, blaming “irresponsible leadership” and a refusal to pay from 2024 until the last administration left office. Energy Payments Clarified: Prime Minister Dr. Godwin Friday told Parliament the Government has no outstanding payments to energy product distributors under the bonus/malus system for May 1 to July 31, 2026. Cost of Living Relief Extended: Cabinet approved a 90-day extension of the economic relief package, keeping fuel and diesel tax reductions in place to cushion households and transport. Budget Watch: The central government deficit narrowed to $57.78 million (April–July) from $125.23 million last year, helped by a $52.7 million Chatham Bay land sale. Education Delays: CSEC/CAPE results were temporarily withheld due to discrepancies at two schools, pending a joint critical subject review, while online access to preliminary grades remains open. Policing & Courts: RSVGPF outlined when accused persons may get bail, and a former policeman Phillip Arrindell was freed after the DPP withdrew a theft charge. Community & Safety: Police are investigating a death after a fire in Belvedere; five men were charged with affray after a Richmond Hill disturbance. Tourism & Sports: SVG earned nine World Travel Awards nominations, while Vincentian basketball players signed pro deals in Spain and volleyball gained new Level One coaches. Culture & Media: Searchlight announced it will cease publication after 31 years.

Parliament Showdown on Business Rules: Prime Minister Godwin Friday and Opposition Leader Ralph Gonsalves clashed in the House over sweeping company law and financial-services reforms, with Friday calling them needed modernization and Gonsalves accusing the bill of handing benefits to non-compliant foreign firms. Disaster Preparedness: Jamaica’s disaster early warning push was highlighted as the region works to strengthen alert systems using the Common Alerting Protocol. Education Updates: CXC CSEC and CAPE results were temporarily withheld in SVG due to discrepancies at two schools, while a Sandy Bay Secondary School community consultation is underway ahead of the CDB-funded relocation. Public Safety and Courts: Police are investigating a Belvedere man’s death after a fire, and five men were charged with affray following a Richmond Hill disturbance. Economy and Relief: Government extended its 90-day cost-of-living relief package, and fiscal reports show the central government deficit narrowed sharply, helped by a $52.7m Chatham Bay land sale. Tourism and Travel: SVG secured nine World Travel Awards nominations, while aviation news includes Delta ending its Atlanta–Argyle route and talk of new airlines eyeing SVG. Local Life: Residents in Clare Valley are calling for action against an African snail infestation. Media Change: Searchlight announced it will cease print publication after 31 years.

Media & Democracy: Searchlight says it will publish its final print edition and pause digital editions on Sept. 25, after 31 years, with Editor Corletha Ollivierre calling the paper’s run “true to its purpose.” Courts & Accountability: Former policeman Phillip Arrindell was freed of a theft charge after the DPP withdrew the matter, but his lawyer says he has launched a legal challenge against the RSVGPF. Education: CXC CSEC/CAPE results were temporarily withheld due to discrepancies at two schools, Education Minister Phillip Jackson says the ministry is working with CXC to fix the issues. School Relocation: Residents are being consulted on a permanent home for the relocated Sandy Bay Secondary School under a CDB-funded EC$73m school improvement project. Public Safety: Police are investigating the death of Romel Hannaway after a fire at Belvedere; a post-mortem is expected and there’s no indication of foul play at this stage. Tourism: SVG has nine World Travel Awards nominations, including Caribbean’s Leading Green and Nature Destination, and voters are urged to support the bid. Sports & Youth: Volleyball gains two new Level One coaches; Paralympians complete an IPC-backed capacity workshop; and 20 students receive back-to-school help from Rotary and First Citizens.

Media & Community: After 31 years, St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ Searchlight newspaper will publish its final print edition and pause its digital editions on Sept. 25, 2026, as Interactive Media Limited reviews the future of the operation. Tourism & Travel Trade: Sandals says it will prioritize getting UK travel agents to experience its revamped Jamaica resorts in early 2027, with Sandals South Coast reopening Nov. 18 and other major properties following in December. Agriculture & Food Security: An FAO training mission is underway in SVG (Aug. 24–31) to boost coconut and soursop production with practical, sustainable farming skills. Education & Youth: Saint James School of Medicine launches a new international medical track allowing students to complete clinical rotations locally in SVG. Infrastructure & Jobs: Bequia’s Port Elizabeth Fish Market rehabilitation gets an official launch and groundbreaking, funded by the EU at EC$3.2 million. Governance & Services: Parliament lists five bills for Thursday’s sitting, while the New York consulate moves toward digitizing early passport application steps for Vincentians in the diaspora. Public Safety: Police leadership reiterates a stronger, more accountable crime-fighting approach, including plans for modern tools like drones and cybercrime capacity. National Planning: Government prepares the 2026 Survey of Living Conditions and Household Budgetary Survey, with enumerator training starting Aug. 31.

US Visa Pause: The Trump administration has suspended new immigrant visa processing worldwide, with cancelled appointments and a stated reason of training at US embassies and consulates. Court Win for Caribbean Applicants: A New York federal judge struck down the visa freeze for nationals of 75 countries, restoring case-by-case processing. Police Modernization: RSVGPF leaders say promotions will be tied to merit and responsibility, while a strengthened crime-fighting plan includes drones, cybercrime tools, and better accountability. Agriculture & Food Security: FAO launched a coconut and soursop training mission in SVG, and government says live cattle shipments to Grenada have been halted while an abattoir plan and enforcement against theft move forward. Bequia Fisheries: EU-funded rehabilitation of the Bequia fish market was officially launched with a EC$3.2m project. Education & Services: A public consultation began for the Sandy Bay school upgrade; SVG also prepares a 2026 Survey of Living Conditions and Household Budgetary Survey. Diaspora & Health: The New York consulate is modernizing passport services, and a new PAHO/WHO representative took up duties covering the Eastern Caribbean. Local Business/Media: Searchlight newspaper will end its print run after 31 years.

Bequia Development: The government has broken ground on a $3.2 million EU-funded rehabilitation of the Port Elizabeth Fish Market, aiming for a modern facility to strengthen fisheries infrastructure, post-harvest capacity and coastal resilience. US Immigration Court Fight: Caribbean immigration advocates in New York welcomed a federal court ruling that struck down the Trump administration’s indefinite immigrant visa processing suspension for 75 countries, restoring case-by-case review. Local Jobs & Contracts: Star Radio reports widespread concern over sudden terminations of public contract workers, including school bus drivers and town board staff, with allegations of replacements by retired, pensionable individuals. Police & Crime Response: Police leadership says promotions will be tied to merit and responsibility as the force pushes a strengthened crime-fighting strategy, while officers increased patrols in Kingstown amid shooting concerns. Government Surveys: The Statistical Office is preparing the 2026 Survey of Living Conditions and Household Budgetary Survey, with enumerator training set for Aug. 31–Sept. 4. Diplomacy & Finance: Taiwan and St. Vincent and the Grenadines are in talks on funding a national development bank and social projects, with nothing finalized yet. Diaspora Services: The New York consulate is modernizing passport services, including plans to digitize parts of the application process. Agriculture: Minister Israel Bruce says live cattle exports to Grenada have been effectively halted as the country focuses on local supply and enforcement while pursuing an abattoir plan.

Caribbean Media & Tourism: Black Island Girl Multimedia has launched a Caribbean-wide “red carpet” video contest to pick an emerging correspondent for the 2026 Caribbean Music Awards in Trinidad and Tobago, offering flights, accommodation, and a chance to interview regional stars. Immigration Update: Caribbean immigration advocates in New York welcomed a US federal court ruling that struck down Trump-era indefinite visa processing suspension for 75 countries, including several Caribbean states. Police & Public Safety: RSVGPF leadership says promotions will be tied to merit and responsibility as it pushes a strengthened crime-fighting strategy, while police also reported an armed man intercepted in Kingstown with an unlicensed Glock and ammunition. Consular Services: St. Vincent’s Consulate in New York is modernizing passport services, including plans to digitize parts of the application process, with Deputy PM St. Clair Leacock calling it aligned with the country’s digital transformation push. Agriculture & Food Security: Farmers have begun mobilizing against a proposed halt to live cattle exports to Grenada, as Agriculture Minister Israel Bruce says shipments have been effectively stopped while local supply and enforcement are strengthened. National Planning: Government is preparing for the 2026 Survey of Living Conditions and Household Budgetary Survey, with enumerator training set for Aug. 31–Sept. 4. Health & Community: PAHO/WHO named Dr. Eva Jané Llopis as its representative for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, covering St. Vincent and the Grenadines among other territories. Sports & Youth: Netball launched a grassroots “Game Changers” programme in Fancy, and a Vincentian duo was certified as national volleyball referees.