AGP Executive Report

Agribusiness & Skills: Grenada and the OECS Commission will host an OECS Youth and Women in Agriculture Symposium on Sept 1 at Radisson Grenada, with training in climate-smart farming, agribusiness and digital skills, plus finance and market access. Water & Waste Infrastructure: Grenada is set to host the 35th Annual CWWA Conference (Oct 12–16) on water security, climate resilience, wastewater and solid waste, co-led locally by NAWASA and GSWMA. Disaster Recovery Capacity: CDEMA launched a Caribbean Resilient Recovery Facility Recovery Experts Roster, adding regional surge support across engineering, IT, healthcare, business development and more. Energy & Investment Push: Grenada’s Hydrocarbons Technical Working Group wrapped IMAGE 2026 in Houston, pitching underexplored offshore potential and promoting a 2027 licensing round. Cost-of-Living Relief: Government announced six VAT-free shopping days (Aug 28–29, Sept 25–26, Oct 30–31) and VAT removal on electricity bills through Dec 31, alongside continued fuel and LPG price controls. Telecom Policy: CTU’s Rodney Taylor says high intra-Caricom roaming charges still persist despite the 2022 St George’s Declaration. Facilities Jobs: Carib Brewery advertised for a Facilities Officer, focusing on building operations, maintenance scheduling, contractor coordination and safety compliance.

Water & Waste Infrastructure: Grenada is set to host the 35th Annual CWWA Conference and Exhibition (12–16 Oct 2026) at Radisson Grenada Beach Resort, with Nawasa and GSWMA co-hosting to spotlight water security, climate resilience, wastewater and solid waste management. Disaster Recovery Capacity: CDEMA launched a Caribbean Resilient Recovery Facility Recovery Experts Roster, adding a regional pool of engineers and other specialists to speed up post-disaster recovery across participating states. Energy & Investment Promotion: Grenada’s Hydrocarbons Technical Working Group wrapped up IMAGE 2026 in Houston, running a roadshow to boost interest in its 2027 licensing round for offshore exploration blocks. Cost-of-Living Relief: Government announced six VAT-free shopping days (28–29 Aug, 25–26 Sep, 30–31 Oct 2026) plus VAT removal on electricity bills through Dec 2026, alongside continued fuel and LPG price controls. Local Jobs & Tourism Buildout: RIEAST Developments broke ground on Hideaway Too, a 23-unit tourism and student accommodation project in True Blue, targeting January 2028 and projecting a 70% local workforce during construction. Electrician Vacancy: Camper & Nicholsons’ Port Louis Marina is recruiting a Qualified Electrician for maintenance of shore power, dock lighting, breaker panels and marina electrical systems. Regional Telecom Pressure: CTU’s Rodney Taylor says high intra-Caricom roaming charges still persist despite the 2022 St George’s Declaration. Heritage Protection: An international team is assessing Grenada’s historic Drill Yard after an interim court injunction halted demolition by the NIS Board pending preservation options.**

Water & Waste Infrastructure: Grenada will host the 35th Annual CWWA Conference and Exhibition (12–16 Oct 2026) at Radisson Grenada Beach Resort, aiming to drive regional action on water security, climate resilience, wastewater and solid waste management, co-led locally by NAWASA and GSWMA. Energy & Oil Prospects: Grenada’s Hydrocarbons Technical Working Group wrapped up IMAGE 2026 in Houston with a roadshow to attract international oil and gas partners and tee up its inaugural 2027 licensing round for offshore blocks. Disaster Recovery Capacity: CDEMA launched a Caribbean Resilient Recovery Facility Recovery Experts Roster, creating a regional pool of engineers and other specialists to speed up post-disaster recovery across participating states. Cost-of-Living Relief: Grenada announced six VAT-free shopping days (28–29 Aug, 25–26 Sep, 30–31 Oct 2026) plus VAT removal on electricity bills through Dec 2026 and continued fuel/LPG price controls. Agriculture Skills Push: FAO began a coconut and soursop training mission in St Vincent and the Grenadines (24–31 Aug) under a public-private production and marketing project. Regional Telecom Policy: CTU’s Rodney Taylor says intra-Caricom roaming charges are still too high despite the 2022 St George’s Declaration targeting major reductions. Tourism & Housing Development: RIEAST Developments broke ground on “Hideaway Too,” a 23-unit tourism and student accommodation project in True Blue, targeting January 2028 with local landowner equity participation. Heritage & Construction: An interim court injunction pauses demolition of Grenada’s historic Drill Yard while an international technical team assesses options for stabilising and rehabilitating the site. Youth for Digital Work: ECCB’s Generative AI and Python Summer Camp adds real business placements for participants across the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union. Agrifood Finance Dialogue: FAO convened a Latin America and Caribbean agrifood systems meeting focused on scaling investment beyond fragmented funding. Cultural Industry Spotlight: Spotify launched “Carnival Sounds Live” with Grenadian soca artist V’ghn alongside Shenseea and Original Koffee, boosting Caribbean music visibility in the UK and Ireland.

VAT Relief for Shoppers: Grenada will roll out six VAT-free shopping days—Aug 28-29, Sept 25-26, and Oct 30-31—plus VAT removal on electricity bills from Aug 1 to Dec 31 and continued fuel/LPG price controls through December, targeting cost-of-living pressure. Digital Skills Push: The ECCB’s Generative AI and Python Summer Camp is placing young participants with real businesses and public-sector clients across the Eastern Caribbean to build job-ready digital competencies. Agriculture Training in SVG: FAO has launched a coconut and soursop training mission in St Vincent and the Grenadines (Aug 24-31) to boost production, yields, and resilient farming systems via practical capacity building. Cattle Export Pressure: St Vincent’s Agriculture Minister Israel Bruce says live cattle shipments to Grenada are effectively halted while SVG focuses on local supply and a modern abattoir plan. Heritage Protection in Grenada: An interim court injunction is stopping NIS Board demolition of the historic Drill Yard as an international technical team assesses preservation options, due by Aug 31. Caricom Roaming Call: CTU SG Rodney Taylor says high intra-Caricom roaming charges still persist despite the 2022 St George’s Declaration aiming for major reductions. Tourism & Housing Supply: RIEAST Developments broke ground on “Hideaway Too,” a 23-unit tourism and student accommodation project near SGU, opening targeted for Jan 2028 with a local landowner equity model.

VAT Relief for Shoppers: Grenada announced six VAT-free shopping days—Aug 28-29, Sept 25-26, and Oct 30-31—plus VAT removal on electricity bills (Aug 1–Dec 31) and continued price controls on fuel and LPG through December, as part of a cost-of-living package aimed at easing pressure on households. Mobile Costs Push: CTU SG Rodney Taylor says high intra-Caricom roaming charges still persist despite the 2022 St George’s Declaration, renewing calls for “roam like you’re at home.” Livestock Export Shock: Agriculture Minister Israel Bruce says government has effectively halted live cattle and other livestock shipments to Grenada, citing local supply and enforcement needs while a modern abattoir plan moves forward. Heritage Protection: An interim injunction stops the NIS Board from demolishing St George’s historic Drill Yard while an international technical team assesses preservation options, with a report due by Aug 31. Tourism & Housing Investment: RIEAST Developments broke ground on “Hideaway Too,” a 23-unit tourism and student accommodation project near St George’s University, targeting opening in Jan 2028 with a local land equity stake model. Agrifood Skills: Reach Within (with Sandals Foundation, Irish Aid and Fork Farms) is expanding hydroponic farming training for youth in care homes, linking food security to practical skills.

VAT Relief & Energy Costs: Grenada announced six VAT-free shopping days—Aug 28-29, Sept 25-26, and Oct 30-31—plus VAT removal on electricity bills for all consumer categories from Aug 1 to Dec 31, 2026, alongside continued price controls on gasoline, diesel, kerosene (EC$17/gallon) and LPG (EC$40 for 20-lb; EC$350 for 100-lb) through December. Telecom Affordability: CTU SG Rodney Taylor says high intra-Caricom roaming charges still persist despite the 2022 St George’s Declaration aiming for major reductions. Livestock & Food Supply: Agriculture Minister Israel Bruce says government has effectively halted live cattle shipments to Grenada while it pushes a modern abattoir plan and tighter enforcement, as regional farmers in SVG mobilise against a proposed export ban. Heritage & Construction: An interim court injunction is keeping Grenada’s historic Drill Yard from demolition while an international technical team assesses options to stabilise and rehabilitate the site, with work due by Aug 31. Port & Trade Security: Customs and Port Authority staff are reeling after a port agent allegedly stole five windows from a container, prompting questions about controls at the Grenada Port. SME Digital Push: A CDB-backed regional initiative will support at least 150 MSMEs across Grenada and neighbours to adopt digital tools and boost competitiveness. Consumer Safety: Grenada-linked coverage also highlights broader fraud risks, with regional and US scam-tracker reporting underscoring ongoing online purchase and employment scams.

Citizenship by Investment Pressure: Nevis Premier Mark Brantley says “CBI as we know it is dead,” arguing small islands face tougher geopolitical and immigration pressure and must diversify fast. Regional Agrifood Finance: FAO is convening Latin America and the Caribbean leaders to scale up investment in agrifood systems, citing hunger and weak access to formal finance for producers. Heritage & Construction: Grenada’s Drill Yard preservation effort is moving ahead as an interim court injunction blocks the NIS Board from demolishing the historic site while an international technical assessment runs to 31 August 2026. Livestock Trade & Local Industry: St Vincent’s Agriculture Minister Israel Bruce says live cattle exports to Grenada have been effectively halted, pointing to local supply needs and a push for a modern abattoir. MSME Digital Push (Grenada included): CDB and Barbados’ Small Business Association launched a regional programme to help at least 150 MSMEs across Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, Saint Lucia and SVG adopt digital tools and boost competitiveness. Tourism Development: RIEAST Developments broke ground on “Hideaway Too,” a 23-unit tourism and student accommodation project in True Blue, targeting January 2028 and using an equity-based land partnership model.

Livestock & Food Supply: St Vincent’s Agriculture Minister Israel Bruce says the government has effectively halted live cattle and other livestock shipments to Grenada, citing pressure on local beef availability, downstream livelihoods, and the need to build a modern abattoir plus tougher enforcement against livestock theft. Regional Trade & Policy: The move comes as Grenada’s own government is also considering ending live animal exports, with discussions tied to strengthening the Predial Larceny Act and improving meat quality systems. Digital Growth for MSMEs: The Caribbean Development Bank and the Small Business Association of Barbados launched a regional push to help at least 150 MSMEs across Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, Saint Lucia and St Vincent and the Grenadines adopt digital tools, boost competitiveness, and expand into regional and global markets, with inclusion for women-led and underserved firms. Tourism & Local Ownership: RIEAST Developments broke ground on “Hideaway Too,” a 23-unit tourism and student accommodation project near St George’s University, aiming for a January 2028 opening and projecting a 70% local workforce during construction, with a landowner equity stake model. Food Security & Skills: Reach Within says its hydroponics programme is training more than 100 youth (with support from Sandals Foundation, Irish Aid and Fork Farms) and expanding care-home gardens to strengthen sustainable produce supply for vulnerable young people.

Digital MSME Push: The Caribbean Development Bank and the Small Business Association of Barbados launched “Reengineering MSMEs for Growth,” backing at least 150 MSMEs across Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, Saint Lucia and St Vincent with help to assess digital maturity, adopt practical tools and build transformation plans—explicitly targeting women-led and underserved firms. Hospital Governance Update: Grenada’s Hospital Statutorisation Transition Team says new hospital legislation is in the works to modernise governance, finance and data protection, with a first draft expected by end-September and aimed for Parliament in October, potentially rolling out in the first half of 2027. Procurement Scrutiny: The Democratic People’s Movement is challenging Grenada’s use of “design, build and finance” for major road projects, alleging procurement law violations and a lack of public cost and financing details. Port & Construction Integrity: Customs and Port Authority staff are reeling after a major agent allegedly stole five windows from a container at the Grenada Port, prompting questions about controls in import and handling. Energy & Food Security Angle: A Grenadian charity, Reach Within, is expanding hydroponic training and home-garden support for youth in residential care to strengthen food security and sustainability.

Digital MSME Push: CDB and the Small Business Association of Barbados launched “Reengineering MSMEs for Growth,” backing at least 150 MSMEs across Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, Saint Lucia and SVG to boost digital maturity and competitiveness. Hospital Governance Update: Grenada’s Hospital Statutorisation Transition Team is drafting new hospital legislation, aiming for Parliament in October and possible full implementation in the first half of 2027. Procurement Watch: Grenada’s DPM says government road projects using a “design, build and finance” model “completely ignored” procurement laws, raising concerns over costs and transparency. Port & Customs Integrity: Staff at the Grenada Port Authority and Customs are reeling after an agent allegedly stole five windows from a container, prompting questions about controls at the port. Energy & Water Education: PURC wrapped its Summer School Outreach, reaching 1,679 students with lessons on renewable energy, efficiency, and water/electricity conservation. Telecom Competition Delay: Curaçao remains stuck waiting for number portability while Flow and Digicel already offer it elsewhere in the region.

Digital MSME Push: CDB and the Small Business Association of Barbados launched “Reengineering MSMEs for Growth,” backing at least 150 MSMEs across Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, St Lucia and SVG to boost digital maturity, competitiveness and global market access, with inclusion for women-led and underserved firms. Public Hospital Reform: Grenada’s Hospital Statutorisation Transition Team says new hospital legislation is in the works to modernise governance and data protection, aiming for Parliament in October and possible full rollout in early 2027. Energy & Consumer Education: Grenada’s PURC wrapped its biggest Summer School Outreach, reaching 1,679 students with lessons on renewable energy, efficiency and water/electricity conservation. Trade & Services Data: OECS, UNCTAD and ECLAC advanced evidence-based policymaking for trade in services across the OECS, improving services statistics to help countries plan export strategies. Port & Construction Integrity: A report claims a port agent stole five windows from a container, raising fresh questions for customs and port controls. Procurement Scrutiny: Grenada’s DPM says road projects using “design, build and finance” sideline competitive bidding and may breach procurement laws. Digitalisation/AI for Land: Grenada called for fair access, stronger data governance and safeguards so digital tools and AI can support land restoration and drought resilience.

Hospital Governance: Grenada is drafting new public hospital legislation after its Hospital Statutorisation Transition Team found the 1998 Hospitals Authority Act no longer fits modern governance, finance, and data protection standards, with a first draft expected by end-September and a push for Parliament in October. Digital & MSMEs: The Caribbean Development Bank and Barbados’ Small Business Association launched a regional “Reengineering MSMEs for Growth” initiative to support at least 150 MSMEs across Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, St Lucia and St Vincent—helping firms assess digital maturity, adopt solutions, and build resilience, with inclusion for women-led and underserved businesses. Trade & Policy Data: OECS, UNCTAD and ECLAC wrapped up work to strengthen evidence-based policymaking for trade in services across the OECS, using TiSSTAT to close services data gaps and improve export strategy planning. Energy & Consumer Education: Grenada’s PURC completed its 2026 Summer School Outreach, reaching 1,679 students and 172 facilitators with lessons on renewable energy, efficiency, and water/electricity conservation. Procurement Watch: The DPM says major road projects using a “design, build and finance” model have “completely ignored” Grenada’s procurement laws, calling for more transparency on costs and financing. Regional Business Push: Minister Kerrie Symmonds warned Caribbean digital commerce lags North America, urging policy support to move beyond traditional retail toward more digital transactions.

Port Security & Trade: Customs and the Grenada Port Authority are investigating an agent caught stealing five windows from a container, after the employee resigned—another reminder that supply-chain controls matter as much as shipping itself. Digital Skills for MSMEs: The Caribbean Development Bank and the Small Business Association of Barbados launched a regional push to help at least 150 MSMEs across Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, Saint Lucia and St Vincent and the Grenadines adopt practical digital tools, with inclusion for women-led and underserved firms. Digital Commerce Gap: Barbados minister Kerrie Symmonds warned Caribbean businesses are lagging, with only about 4–5% of transactions done digitally versus roughly 18–19% in the US, urging faster transformation. Public Health Governance: Grenada is drafting new hospital legislation to modernise governance and enable statutorisation, with a first draft expected by end-September and a push for Parliament in October. Energy & Utilities Education: Grenada’s PURC wrapped its Summer School Outreach, reaching 1,679 students across 40 schools with lessons on renewable energy, efficiency and water/electricity conservation. Bilateral Business Links: PM Dickon Mitchell says relations with Qatar are “very good,” targeting cooperation in education, healthcare, tourism, sports and economic development. Carriacou Museum Rebuild: The Carriacou Museum board is seeking funding for a rebuild expected to cost over EC$1 million, aiming for a climate-resilient, tech-savvy facility.

Digital MSME Push: CDB and the Small Business Association of Barbados launched “Reengineering MSMEs for Growth,” backing at least 150 MSMEs across Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, Saint Lucia and St Vincent with help to assess digital readiness, adopt practical tools and build transformation plans—while ministers warned Caribbean firms still lag badly in digital commerce. Hospital Governance Upgrade: Grenada’s Hospital Statutorisation Transition Team is drafting new public hospital legislation, aiming for Parliament in October and implementation in the first half of 2027, to modernise governance, finances and data protection. Trade & Services Data: OECS, UNCTAD and ECLAC wrapped up work to strengthen evidence-based policymaking for trade in services, using TiSSTAT to close services data gaps and improve export strategy planning. Energy & Water Awareness: Grenada’s PURC completed its 2026 Summer School Outreach, reaching 1,679 students with lessons on renewable energy, energy efficiency and water/electricity conservation. Agriculture Policy Signal: Grenada’s agriculture ministry says it may move to end live animal exports, alongside plans for a modern abattoir and tighter enforcement of the Predial Larceny Act. Carriacou Museum Rebuild: The Carriacou Museum board is raising funds for a rebuild expected to cost over EC$1 million, targeting a climate-resilient, tech-savvy facility. Procurement Watch: The DPM criticised a “design, build and finance” approach to major road projects as a possible breach of Grenada’s procurement laws.

Digital MSME Push: CDB and the Small Business Association of Barbados launched “Reengineering MSMEs for Growth,” backing at least 150 MSMEs across Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, Saint Lucia and St Vincent with digital maturity checks, practical tools and transformation plans—plus a focus on women-led and underserved firms. Digital Commerce Gap: Barbados minister Kerrie Symmonds warned Caribbean businesses are lagging, with only about 4–5% of transactions done digitally versus roughly 18–19% in the US, urging faster policy support for mobile and online commerce. Hospital Governance Reform (Grenada): Grenada’s Hospital Statutorisation Transition Team is drafting new public hospital legislation, targeting Parliament in October, to modernise governance, finance and data protection with possible full implementation in 2027. Energy & Water Education: Grenada’s PURC wrapped its 2026 Summer School Outreach, reaching 1,679 students across 40 schools with lessons on renewable energy, efficiency and utility conservation. Trade & Services Data: OECS, UNCTAD and ECLAC concluded an evidence-based trade-in-services project using TiSSTAT to close services data gaps and help governments build export strategies.

Digital MSME Push: The Caribbean Development Bank and Barbados’ Small Business Association launched a regional initiative to help at least 150 MSMEs across Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, St Lucia and St Vincent adopt digital tools, build resilience and compete globally, with inclusion for women-led and underserved firms. Digital Commerce Gap: Grenada’s trade minister warned Caribbean businesses are lagging in digital transactions (about 4–5% vs 18–19% in the US), urging faster policy support for mobile and online commerce. Hospital Governance Update: Grenada is drafting new public hospital legislation after a transition team found the 1998 Hospitals Authority Act no longer fits modern governance, finance and data protection; Phase 1 targets Parliament in October, with implementation eyed for early 2027. Trade & Services Data: OECS, UNCTAD and ECLAC wrapped up work to strengthen evidence-based policymaking for trade in services, using TiSSTAT to close data gaps and help countries plan export strategies. Cost of Living Relief: Grenada published a preliminary list of businesses eligible for its inaugural VAT-Free weekend (Aug 28–29) under an EC$18m relief package. Energy & Utilities Outreach: PURC concluded its Summer School Outreach, reaching 1,679 students with lessons on renewable energy, efficiency and water/electricity conservation. Maritime Career Spotlight: PM Dr Andrew Holness is set to keynote the ACMF’s 9th Annual Anchor Awards in November, highlighting shipping and logistics career pathways. Bilateral Business Links: Grenada’s PM Dickon Mitchell reaffirmed “very good” ties with Qatar, pointing to cooperation in education, healthcare, tourism, sports and economic development.