AGP Executive Report

Energy Investment: Africa Energy Week 2026 (Oct 12–16) in Cape Town is set to bring 10,000+ delegates to the Deal Room and finance forums, aiming to match projects across the energy value chain with capital and decision-makers. Tourism & Agri-Logistics: Jamaica’s Edmund Bartlett wants its ALEX platform expanded into a Caribbean agrolinkages exchange, with the model explicitly pointing to connecting Grenada’s nutmeg farmers to tourism buyers across the region. Water Security (Carriacou & Petite Martinique): G-CREWS water assets were commissioned at Princess Royal Hospital grounds, adding 100,000-imperial-gallon storage tanks and related upgrades to strengthen climate resilience and public health support for the sister islands. Clean Energy for Women-Led Firms: The CDB launched a US$500,000 SheTrades Caribbean Hub initiative (2026–2028) backing women-led businesses in clean energy innovation, including support for Grenada. Public Health Tech & Law Reform: PAHO and Grenada signed new cooperation agreements to improve health technology management (including oxygen systems and hospital infrastructure) and modernize public health legislation. Trade Facilitation: St Kitts and Nevis advanced plans for a National Electronic Single Window to streamline cross-border trade processes and reduce burdens on traders. Sports Infrastructure: Barbados’ netball stadium push is nearing completion ahead of the Netball World Cup Sydney 2027 Americas qualifier, with Grenada’s regional sports ecosystem watching closely.

Regional Agri-Logistics Push: Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett says Jamaica’s Agricultural Linkages Exchange (ALEX) should expand into a Caribbean-wide platform to connect farmers and agro-processors with tourism buyers, including potential links from Grenada nutmeg growers to hotels across the region. Boardroom Change: Republic Financial Holdings Ltd (RFHL) says founding director Dawn Callender has retired from its board, effective Oct. 1, with RFHL noting she was the last original RFHL director to step down. Health Tech & Law Modernisation: PAHO and the Government of Grenada signed new cooperation agreements to strengthen health technology management, oxygen systems and hospital infrastructure, while supporting Grenada’s review and modernisation of public health legislation. Clean Energy Support for Women: The CDB launched a US$500,000 initiative via SheTrades Caribbean Hub to back women-led businesses developing clean energy solutions across the region, including Grenada, with technical assistance and funding over 2026–2028. Water Security Milestone: Carriacou and Petite Martinique received commissioned G-CREWS water assets at Princess Royal Hospital grounds, adding two 100,000-imperial-gallon storage tanks to boost resilience after the 2010 drought. Trade Facilitation Tech: St. Kitts and Nevis advanced plans for a National Electronic Single Window to streamline cross-border trade processes through a single digital submission system. Sports: Grenfin Swim Club retained its national championship title at the Lucozade Grenfin Invitational, securing the George A. Menezes Challenge Trophy for a fifth straight year.

Clean Energy & Women’s Enterprise: The Caribbean Development Bank launched a US$500,000 SheTrades Caribbean Tech It Up Facility (2026–2028) to back women-led businesses developing clean energy solutions, with Grenada among the eligible countries. Water Security for Carriacou & Petite Martinique: G-CREWS water assets at Princess Royal Hospital grounds were commissioned, adding two 100,000-imperial-gallon storage tanks and related upgrades to strengthen climate resilience and public health. Health System Modernisation: PAHO and Grenada signed new cooperation agreements to improve health technology management, oxygen systems, and critical hospital infrastructure, alongside updates to public health legislation. Trade & Digital Facilitation (Regional): St Kitts and Nevis advanced plans for a National Electronic Single Window to streamline cross-border trade processes. Connectivity Investment (Regional): EllaLink moved its Caribbean Gateway into the development phase, targeting service by end-2029 with an open, carrier-neutral submarine corridor. Sports & Skills (Grenada): SoundLeap’s first cohort of 16 live sound engineering students gained hands-on experience at Sound Fest, with the next programme set for April 2027. Culture: The Mighty Sparrow (Slinger Francisco) was remembered in New York memorial events after his death at 91.

Caribbean Connectivity: EllaLink has advanced its EllaLink Caribbean Gateway into the development phase, mapping a carrier-neutral fibre route from Cayenne to Martinique and Guadeloupe, with a western leg for Aruba, Curaçao and Bonaire, targeting service by end-2029. Water & Climate Resilience: G-CREWS water assets were commissioned at Princess Royal Hospital in Belair, adding two 100,000-imperial-gallon storage tanks to strengthen water security for Carriacou and Petite Martinique. Clean Energy for Women-Led Firms: The CDB launched a US$500,000 SheTrades Caribbean Tech It Up Facility (2026–2028) to back women-led businesses turning clean energy ideas into commercial solutions, including support for Grenada. Public Health Modernisation: PAHO and Grenada signed new cooperation agreements to improve health technology management and help modernise key public health laws. Agriculture & Food Security: A Caribbean Week of Agriculture discussion pushed for festival organisers to track food spending so more money reaches local farmers and producers, helping cut the region’s food import bill. Sports Infrastructure: Barbados’ netball stadium is nearing completion ahead of the Netball World Cup Sydney 2027 Americas qualifier. Regional Trade Facilitation: St Kitts and Nevis is moving ahead with a National Electronic Single Window to streamline cross-border trade processes. Business Finance Watch: A Grenada-focused Budget Alert highlights fiscal policy issues in 2025, including pension reform and the risks of chronic deficits. Culture & Industry: The Caribbean mourns calypso icon Slinger Francisco (“The Mighty Sparrow”), whose career helped carry regional music globally.

Water Infrastructure: G-CREWS has been commissioned at Princess Royal Hospital in Belair, adding two 100,000-imperial-gallon storage tanks to strengthen water security for Carriacou and Petite Martinique and supporting upgrades to rural healthcare delivery. Clean Energy & Women-Led Business: The Caribbean Development Bank launched a US$500,000 SheTrades Caribbean Tech It Up Facility (2026–2028) to back women-led MSMEs across the region, including Grenada, with technical assistance and funding to commercialise clean energy innovations. Health Systems: PAHO and Grenada signed new cooperation agreements to improve health technology management, oxygen systems, and critical hospital infrastructure, alongside efforts to modernise public health laws. Agriculture & Food Spend: IGCAT founder Nneka Nurse urged festival organisers to track purchasing and share more of Carnival and festival food spend with local farmers and producers to help cut the region’s food import bill. Trade & Digital Services: A regional push for better trade facilitation continues, with St Kitts and Nevis advancing plans for a National Electronic Single Window to simplify cross-border processes. Connectivity: EllaLink formally advanced its Caribbean Gateway into the development stage, targeting service by end-2029 with a carrier-neutral submarine route linking multiple islands. Sports & Training: Grenfin Swim Club retained its championship title at the Grenfin Invitational, while SoundLeap’s first cohort of 16 students gained hands-on live sound experience at Sound Fest. Regional Policy Watch: The EU has told Eastern Caribbean states to stop selling passports by 2028 or risk losing visa-free access.

Water & Resilience: G-CREWS water assets were officially commissioned at Princess Royal Hospital in Belair, adding two 100,000-imperial-gallon storage tanks to strengthen water security for Carriacou and Petite Martinique and support rural health delivery. Clean Energy & Women-Led Business: The CDB launched a US$500,000 SheTrades Caribbean Tech It Up Facility (2026–2028) to help women-led MSMEs in Grenada and across the region commercialise clean energy innovations. Health Systems: PAHO and Grenada signed new cooperation agreements to improve health technology management, oxygen systems, and critical hospital infrastructure, alongside modernising public health laws. Trade & Digital Connectivity: EllaLink advanced its Caribbean Gateway into the development stage, targeting service by end-2029 with a carrier-neutral submarine route linking Grenada and other islands toward Europe and beyond. Skills for Industry: SoundLeap’s first cohort of 16 students completed live sound engineering training, putting skills into practice at Sound Fest. Finance Watch: A Grenada-focused “Budget Alert Volume 5” highlights pension reform impacts and warns that chronic deficits financed by unsustainable borrowing remain the key fiscal risk. Fraud Warning: A guide on modern Ponzi schemes outlines how digital tools and influencers are used to lure new investors. Regional Policy: The EU told Eastern Caribbean states to end golden passport sales by 2028 or risk losing visa-free access.

Water Security Upgrade: Partners commissioned the G-CREWS water assets at Princess Royal Hospital in Belair, adding two 100,000-imperial-gallon storage tanks to boost climate resilience and protect Carriacou and Petite Martinique’s public health systems. Clean Energy Support for Entrepreneurs: The CDB launched a US$500,000 SheTrades Caribbean Tech It Up Facility (2026–2028) to back women-led businesses in Grenada and across the region with technical assistance and funding for clean energy innovations. Health Systems Modernisation: PAHO and Grenada signed new cooperation agreements to strengthen health technology management, oxygen systems, and critical hospital infrastructure, alongside updates to public health legislation. Connectivity for Trade and Tourism: EllaLink advanced its Caribbean Gateway into the development stage, targeting service by end-2029 with an open, carrier-neutral fibre route linking the Eastern Caribbean to Europe and beyond. Skills for the Creative Economy: SoundLeap’s first Grenadian live sound and production cohort of 16 students put training into practice at Sound Fest, with the next programme set for April 2027. Agriculture & Food Security: Grenada’s Veterinary and Livestock Division completed a Carriacou visit to support the Limlair Livestock Facility through herd health assessments, training, and essential supplies.

Energy Costs: Vincentians are feeling the squeeze as VINLEC expects to spend EC$100 million on fuel this year, with fuel surcharges repeatedly rising despite subsidies—fuel is about 76% of monthly costs. Clean Energy for Women: The Caribbean Development Bank launched a US$500,000 SheTrades initiative (2026–2028) to back women-led businesses in Grenada and across the region to turn clean energy ideas into market-ready solutions. Health Systems Upgrade (Grenada): PAHO and Grenada signed new cooperation agreements to strengthen health technology management, oxygen systems, and critical hospital infrastructure, alongside modernising public health laws. Connectivity & Trade: EllaLink advanced its Caribbean Gateway into the development stage, targeting service by end-2029 with a carrier-neutral submarine route linking islands to Europe and beyond. Agriculture & Food Security: At Caribbean Week of Agriculture, leaders pushed for farmers and fishers to capture more festival and carnival spending, warning the region’s food import bill remains a major risk. Livestock Support (Grenada): Grenada’s veterinary team completed a Carriacou visit to boost herd health, training, and supplies at the Limlair Livestock Facility. Regional Policy: OECS trade-in-services stakeholders received EU-funded training to strengthen negotiating capacity across member states.

Clean Energy for Women-Led Firms: The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) has launched a US$500,000 SheTrades Caribbean Hub initiative to back women-led businesses developing clean energy solutions across the region, including Grenada, with technical help and funding from 2026–2028. Food, Festivals and Farmer Pay: IGCAT founder Nneka Nurse says the Caribbean’s multibillion-dollar festival calendar is feeding demand, but farmers and fishers risk being left out unless organisers track what they buy, how much, and who supplies it. Health Tech & Law Modernisation: PAHO and the Government of Grenada signed new cooperation agreements to strengthen health technology management and support updates to public health legislation. Trade Facilitation Push: St. Kitts and Nevis advanced plans for a National Electronic Single Window to streamline cross-border trade processes—an approach Grenada’s exporters may watch closely. Connectivity Investment: EllaLink moved its Caribbean Gateway into the development stage, targeting service by end-2029 with a carrier-neutral submarine cable route that includes Grenada. Tourism Business Signals: St. Lucia’s winter season outlook points to stronger airlift and seat growth—good news for regional travel demand. Regional Security: The OAS called for full deployment and renewed UN backing for Haiti’s Gang Repression Force.

Citizenship by Investment Pressure: The EU has told Eastern Caribbean “golden passport” states to end sales by 2028 or risk losing visa-free travel access, citing concerns they can’t properly screen applicants. Clean Energy for Women: The Caribbean Development Bank launched a US$550,000, 2026–2028 initiative to help women-led businesses in Grenada and across the region develop and commercialise clean energy solutions. Grenada Skills & Audio Production: SoundLeap’s first cohort of 16 students put live sound training into practice at Sound Fest, with the next programme set for April 2027. Trade & Digital Facilitation: St Kitts and Nevis advanced plans for a National Electronic Single Window to streamline cross-border trade processes. Connectivity Investment: EllaLink moved its Caribbean Gateway into the development stage, targeting service by end-2029 with a route linking Cayenne to multiple islands including Grenada. Food Systems Focus: Caribbean Week of Agriculture 2026 spotlighted food security, agri-business, climate-smart tech and export expansion amid a $13.7bn regional food import bill. Grenada Labour Update: Grenada’s Public Workers’ Union and NAWASA reached a preliminary agreement on retroactive payments and salary increases, suspending industrial action. Animal Health Support: Grenada’s veterinary team completed a Carriacou visit to strengthen herd health and support the Limlair Livestock Facility. Culture Loss: Calypso icon “The Mighty Sparrow” (Slinger Francisco) died at 91, with tributes highlighting his Grenada roots and Caribbean-wide impact.

Citizenship-by-Investment Pressure: Eastern Caribbean states selling golden passports were told by the EU to end the practice by 2028 or risk losing visa-free travel access, after talks on security upgrades failed to shift the EU’s stance. Clean Energy for Women Entrepreneurs: The Caribbean Development Bank launched a US$550,000 SheTrades Caribbean Tech It Up Facility (2026–2028) to help women-led businesses in Grenada and across the region commercialise clean energy solutions. Grenada Skills & Audio Production: SoundLeap’s first cohort of 16 students completed live sound engineering training, putting skills into practice at Sound Fest, with the next programme slated for April 2027. Trade & Digital Facilitation: St. Kitts and Nevis advanced a National Electronic Single Window initiative with a visioning workshop aimed at simplifying cross-border trade processes. Connectivity Investment: EllaLink moved its Caribbean Gateway into the development phase, targeting service by end-2029 with a route linking Cayenne to Martinique/Guadeloupe and a western leg to Aruba, Curaçao and Bonaire. Renewables Learning Mission: Grenada’s climate resilience team visited Morocco to study renewable energy policy, financing and major projects, exploring regional cooperation via the OECS. Food Systems Push: Caribbean Week of Agriculture 2026 in Jamaica spotlighted food security, agri-business development, climate-smart technologies and export expansion. Regional Security Call: The OAS urged the UN to renew and fully deploy Haiti’s Gang Suppression Force with sustained funding and logistics. Culture Loss: Calypso icon “The Mighty Sparrow” (Slinger Francisco) died at 91, a major blow to Caribbean music and public storytelling.

Creative Industries & IP: St. Kitts and Nevis sent songwriter Collin Wyatt and the IP office’s Jihan Williams-Knight to a WIPO forum in Accra, focusing on how music can turn intellectual property into real business value—Caribbean artistes and IP offices including Grenada took part. Trade & Logistics Tech: St. Kitts and Nevis is pushing a National Electronic Single Window with the World Bank to let traders submit documents through one digital platform, aiming to cut red tape and speed goods across borders. Food Systems & Local Value: A food industry voice is urging festival and Carnival revenue to reach small farmers, fishers and producers instead of being drained by imports. Renewables Learning Mission (Grenada): Grenada’s climate and renewable energy team is in Morocco on a learning mission, visiting major wind and solar projects and exploring regional cooperation via OECS. Regional Connectivity: EllaLink officially launched its Caribbean Gateway development phase, targeting service by end-2029 with a route linking Cayenne to Martinique/Guadeloupe and a western leg to Aruba, Curaçao and Bonaire, with onward links to other islands including Grenada. Animal Health & Production: Grenada’s veterinary team completed a Carriacou visit to strengthen herd health and support the Limlair Livestock Facility with training and supplies. Security & Governance (Regional): The OAS called for full UN backing to renew and fully deploy Haiti’s Gang Repression Force, urging personnel, funding and logistics. Sports: Grenfin Swim Club retained its OECS qualifier title at the Grenfin Invitational, while St. Kitts and Nevis beat Grenada 3–0 in Nations League action.

Telecom Infrastructure: EllaLink has moved its EllaLink Caribbean Gateway from design into the development phase, targeting service by end-2029 with an open, carrier-neutral submarine route from Cayenne to Martinique/Guadeloupe and a western leg to Aruba, Curaçao and Bonaire, with branches/interconnection planned for islands including Grenada. Renewable Energy & Policy: Grenada’s climate ministry delegation is in Morocco for a renewable energy learning mission, visiting major wind and solar sites and exploring cooperation with OECS partners on regional clean-energy development. Tourism & Airlift: St. Lucia is forecasting a stronger winter season (Nov 2026–Mar 2027) with higher seat capacity and more frequent US routes—an airlift signal the wider OECS tourism sector will watch. Public Works Finance: Antigua and Barbuda’s parliament approved an EC$87M Transport Board loan guarantee, with funds split between refinancing and immediate road works, drawing opposition scrutiny over road funding priorities. Agriculture & Food Security: Grenada’s veterinary team completed a Carriacou visit to strengthen herd health and support the Limlair Livestock Facility with training plus medications and supplies. Labour & Tourism Quality: An ILO study flags informality and weak protections as limits on Eastern Caribbean tourism’s ability to deliver decent work and sustainable growth. Sports: Grenfin Swim Club retained its championship title at the Grenfin Invitational, securing the George A. Menezes Challenge Trophy for a fifth straight year. Culture: Calypso legend Slinger Francisco, the Mighty Sparrow, died at 91, with tributes highlighting his role in carrying Caribbean social commentary worldwide.

Transport & Infrastructure: Parliament approved an EC$87M government guarantee for the Antigua and Barbuda Transport Board, with EC$67M to refinance debt and EC$20M earmarked for immediate road works—an arrangement that drew opposition scrutiny over how road funding is managed. Regional Trade & Services: OECS trade officials and stakeholders across public, private and civil society sectors received EU-funded training to strengthen trade policy and negotiating capacity for services across Protocol member states, including Grenada. Agriculture & Food Security: Grenada’s Veterinary and Livestock Division completed a three-day support visit to Carriacou to boost herd health, deliver medications and equipment, and train farm assistants at the Limlair Livestock Facility. Livestock Production: The same Limlair push is aimed at strengthening local protein supply through better animal health care and facility management. Digital Connectivity: EllaLink launched its Caribbean Gateway initiative, moving from design to committed investment for a submarine cable linking Cayenne to Martinique and Guadeloupe, with western branches serving Aruba, Curaçao and Bonaire, targeted for service by end-2029. Labour Relations: Grenada’s Public Workers’ Union and NAWASA reached a preliminary agreement on retroactive payments and salary increases, leading the union to suspend industrial action. Culture & Industry: Calypso icon Slinger Francisco—The Mighty Sparrow—died at 91, a reminder of Grenada’s cultural reach and the Caribbean’s entertainment economy.

Transport Finance Watch: Parliament approved an EC$87M government guarantee for an Antigua and Barbuda Transport Board loan, with EC$67M for debt refinancing and EC$20M earmarked for immediate road works—plus a promise to cover any repayment shortfalls, raising questions about how road funding is prioritized. Agriculture & Food Security: Grenada’s Veterinary and Livestock Division completed a three-day Carriacou visit to strengthen herd health at the Limlair Livestock Facility, including assessments, treatments, and a handover of medications and supplies to support local protein production. Trade Skills for Growth: OECS, with EU funding, ran specialized training for services-sector trade stakeholders across member states, including Grenada, to boost policy and negotiating capacity. Regional Tourism Jobs: An ILO study flags that tourism’s big GDP and employment role across OECS countries is held back by informality, weak labour protections, skills gaps, and limited access to financing. Caribbean Connectivity: EllaLink launched its Caribbean Gateway initiative, moving from design to committed investment for a route serving Martinique, Guadeloupe, and western landings via Aruba, Curaçao and Bonaire, targeting service by end-2029. Culture: Grenada-born calypso icon Slinger Francisco (“The Mighty Sparrow”) died at 91, with CARICOM and regional voices hailing his global impact.

Animal Health & Food Security: Grenada’s Veterinary and Livestock Division completed a three-day Carriacou visit to strengthen herd health at the Limlair Livestock Facility, including assessments, treatments, staff training, and a handover of medications and farm supplies to support local protein production. Trade in Services: OECS, with EU funding, delivered specialised training for public, private and civil society stakeholders across the region to boost trade policy development and negotiation skills for the services sector, with Grenada among the in-country sessions. Labour Relations: The Grenada Public Workers’ Union and NAWASA reached a preliminary agreement on retroactive payments and salary increases, leading the union to suspend industrial action. Tourism Jobs & Protections: An ILO study warns that Eastern Caribbean tourism’s big economic role is held back by informality, weak labour protections, skills gaps and limited access to finance—hurting the push for decent work. Regional Tourism Investment: CARICOM’s private sector group welcomed Royal Caribbean’s planned $3bn, 50% stake in Sandals and Beaches, expected to close in early 2027, as a major boost for Caribbean vacation supply chains. Culture & Industry Legacy: Calypso icon “The Mighty Sparrow” (Slinger Francisco), born in Grenada, died at 91 in New York, leaving a landmark career that helped export Caribbean music worldwide.