AGP Executive Report

Grenada Election Watch: Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell confirmed Grenadians will vote on Nov 5, after a leaked Government Gazette circulated nomination and election dates; he says the leak is under investigation. Digital Connectivity: EllaLink launched its Caribbean Gateway initiative, moving from development to committed investment for a fibre optic submarine cable linking French Guiana to Martinique and Guadeloupe, with western branches for Aruba, Curaçao and Bonaire—targeting service by end-2029. Climate & Water Security (Carriacou/Petite Martinique): G-CREWS water assets were commissioned at Princess Royal Hospital grounds, adding large storage tanks and rural healthcare water cisterns to strengthen resilience after the 2010 drought. Coastal Compliance: Fisheries Division issued a final notice ordering removal of illegal private moorings in Woburn Bay, Clarke’s Court Bay, Whisper Cove and Saga Bay. Regional Finance & Clean Energy: CDB launched a US$500,000 SheTrades Caribbean Hub initiative to support women-led businesses developing clean energy solutions in Grenada and other Caribbean states. Policy Risk (Citizenship-by-Investment): EU pressure threatens CBI programmes in Antigua & Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St Kitts & Nevis and St Lucia, with a 2028 scrap deadline.

Caribbean Connectivity: EllaLink has officially launched its Caribbean Gateway (ECG) initiative, moving from design to committed investment for a fibre-optic submarine corridor linking Cayenne to Martinique and Guadeloupe, with branches for Aruba, Curaçao and Bonaire—targeting service by end-2029. Elections Watch: Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell confirmed Grenada’s general election will be held on Nov 5, after a leaked Gazette circulated nomination and election dates; the leak is under investigation. Water Security for Sister Islands: G-CREWS water assets were commissioned at Princess Royal Hospital grounds in Belair, adding two 100,000-imperial-gallon storage tanks to strengthen Carriacou and Petite Martinique’s water resilience, alongside rural health upgrades. Coastal Enforcement: Grenada’s Fisheries Division issued a final notice ordering removal of unauthorised private moorings in Woburn Bay, Clarke’s Court Bay, Whisper Cove and Saga Bay, citing navigation and marine habitat impacts. Business & Finance Support: The CDB launched a US$500,000 initiative via SheTrades Caribbean Hub to back women-led businesses developing clean energy solutions in Grenada and other regional states. Policy & Governance: Grenada’s Budget Alert Volume 5 highlights ongoing fiscal-policy debates around pension reform, and how deficits are managed when financed through reserves rather than unsustainable borrowing. Regional Trade/Travel Pressure: The EU has warned several Caribbean citizenship-by-investment countries, including Grenada, to end programmes by 2028 or risk losing visa-free access.

Grenada Election Countdown: Grenada’s Parliament is set to dissolve and the country will hold general elections on Nov 5, with Oct 15 set for candidate nominations as PM Dickon Mitchell is expected to confirm the timetable. Budget & Fiscal Planning: Work on Budget 2027 continues despite the political shift, with the Ministry of Finance saying the Medium-Term Fiscal Framework has been approved and ministries have submitted draft budgets. Water Security for Carriacou & Petite Martinique: Partners have commissioned G-CREWS water infrastructure at Princess Royal Hospital, adding two 100,000-imperial-gallon tanks to strengthen resilience after the 2010 drought. Coastal Enforcement: Grenada’s Fisheries Division has issued a final directive to remove unauthorised private moorings in Woburn Bay, Clarke’s Court Bay, Whisper Cove and Saga Bay. Business & Energy Support: The CDB launched a US$500,000 initiative to back women-led clean energy businesses in Grenada and other Caribbean states. Regional Policy Pressure: The EU has warned several Caribbean citizenship-by-investment countries, including Grenada, to end programmes by 2028 or risk losing visa-free access. Transport Update: Grenada is moving toward bus fare changes, with St George’s terminal upgrades planned for 2027 and wider traffic measures under development. Governance & Public Debate: A political dispute resurfaced around the opposition’s comments on missing passport-sale funds tied to the failed Shrimp Farm project. Culture & Legacy: Grenada is among the region mourning Slinger “Mighty Sparrow” Francisco, with tributes highlighting his Caribbean impact.

Elections Watch: Grenada will hold general elections on Nov 5, with candidate nominations due Oct 15 as Parliament heads toward dissolution. Budget & Governance: Even with the political timetable shifting, the Ministry of Finance says 2027 budget preparations are continuing, with the Medium-Term Fiscal Framework already approved by Cabinet. Transport & Costs: Grenada’s transportation system is set for change: a bus fare increase is nearing agreement, and the St George’s bus terminal is slated for upgrades in 2027 under the Grenada Transport Commission. Water Security (Carriacou & Petite Martinique): Partners have commissioned G-CREWS water infrastructure at Princess Royal Hospital grounds, adding major storage capacity to strengthen resilience after the 2010 drought. Coastal Compliance: Fisheries has issued a final notice to remove illegal private moorings in Woburn Bay, Clarke’s Court Bay, Whisper Cove and Saga Bay. Regional Finance & Enterprise: The CDB launched a US$500,000 initiative to support women-led clean energy businesses across the region, including Grenada. Policy Risk (CBI): The EU has warned several Caribbean citizenship-by-investment states, including Grenada, to wind down programmes by 2028 or face loss of visa-free access.

Water Security Upgrade: Partners commissioned the G-CREWS water infrastructure at Princess Royal Hospital in Belair, adding two 100,000-imperial-gallon storage tanks to strengthen climate resilience for Carriacou and Petite Martinique. Marine Enforcement: Grenada’s Fisheries Division issued a final notice ordering removal of unauthorised private moorings in Woburn Bay, Clarke’s Court Bay, Whisper Cove and Saga Bay, citing impacts on navigation, fisheries management and public access. Budget & Elections: With Parliament set to dissolve on Friday and the election date expected Sunday, Grenada’s 2027 budget preparations continue, including work on the Medium-Term Fiscal Framework. Regional Finance & Green Growth: The Caribbean Development Bank launched a US$500,000 initiative to support women-led businesses developing clean energy solutions across the region, including Grenada. Bank Governance: Grenada Co-operative Bank announced Director Lisa Taylor’s demission effective 30 September 2026 after 16 years on the board. Transport Overhaul: Grenada’s transport system is set for change, with bus fare increases nearing agreement and planned upgrades to terminals, including St George’s terminal improvements in 2027. Culture & Legacy: Grenada’s ties to calypso’s “Mighty Sparrow” were highlighted across the region as Trinidad announced a state-assisted funeral and national tributes.

Grenada Politics: Parliament is set to dissolve on Friday, with Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell expected to announce the election date Sunday, as he and Dr Keith Mitchell marked 42 years in St George North-West. Budget Watch: Even with the political timetable shifting, the Ministry of Finance says preparations for the 2027 national budget are continuing, including work on the Medium-Term Fiscal Framework. Transport & Cost of Living: Grenada’s bus system is headed for change over the next three years, including a likely fare increase, upgrades to major terminals (with St George targeted for 2027), and new traffic measures. Green Business Support: The Caribbean Development Bank launched a US$500,000 initiative to back women-led businesses developing clean energy solutions, including support for Grenada-based firms. Trade & Mobility: Grenada is among countries that withdrew from a South Atlantic whale sanctuary bid at the International Whaling Commission, while the EU continues pressure on citizenship-by-investment schemes across the region. Banking Governance: Grenada Co-operative Bank announced Director Lisa Taylor’s demission effective 30 September 2026. Culture & Economy: The region continues to honour calypso legend Slinger “Mighty Sparrow” Francisco, with state-assisted funeral plans reported in Trinidad and Tobago.

Grenada Politics: Grenada’s Parliament is set to dissolve as Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell delivers a farewell address, with the election date expected Sunday—while the finance ministry says 2027 budget preparations are still on track. Transport & Cost of Living: Grenada’s transport system is moving toward change over the next three years, including a bus fare increase nearing agreement, terminal transfers to the Grenada Transport Commission, and upgrades planned for St George’s and other key terminals. Clean Energy for Women: The Caribbean Development Bank launched a US$500,000 initiative to back women-led businesses developing clean energy solutions across the region, including Grenada, with support running 2026–2028. Citizenship-by-Investment Pressure: The EU has ordered five Caribbean states, including Grenada, to end citizenship-by-investment programmes by 2028 or risk losing visa-free access—raising uncertainty for investors, including Nigerians using CBI as a Europe route. Whaling Policy: Grenada withdrew a whaling-related proposal at the International Whaling Commission meeting, while a South Atlantic whale sanctuary bid failed again. Business & Governance: Grenada Co-operative Bank announced Director Lisa Taylor’s demission effective 30 September 2026. Regional Trade & Development: EllaLink advanced its Caribbean Gateway proposal toward development, targeting service entry by end-2029. Culture & Economy: The region continues to mourn calypso icon The Mighty Sparrow, with tributes and state-assisted funeral plans in Trinidad and Tobago.

Budget & Elections: Grenada’s 2027 budget prep is continuing despite Parliament’s dissolution on Friday, with the election date expected Sunday, as the Ministry of Finance monitors major sectors and works through the Medium-Term Fiscal Framework. Transport & Cost of Living: PM Dickon Mitchell says a bus fare increase is nearing agreement, while Cabinet has approved transferring terminals to the Grenada Transport Commission, with St George’s upgrades targeted for 2027 and new measures to ease congestion. Banking Governance: Grenada Co-operative Bank announces Director Lisa Taylor’s demission effective 30 September after 16 years, including deputy chair leadership. Energy & Youth Support: Reach Within highlights ongoing trauma-healing and transitional living support for young people in care, alongside skills-building initiatives. Green Finance for Women: A CDB clean-energy facility backs women-led businesses across the region, including Grenada, with technical and financial support through 2028. Trade/Connectivity: EllaLink advances its Caribbean Gateway into development, aiming for service entry by end-2029 with routes reaching Grenada and other islands. International Policy Watch: Grenada withdraws an A&B whaling bid and seeks a scientific review process, as the IWC postpones voting amid expected debate.

EU Citizenship-by-Investment Pressure: Eastern Caribbean states selling “golden passports” say EU security upgrades to their Citizenship by Investment Program haven’t convinced Brussels; the EU has set a 2028 deadline to shut the schemes or risk losing visa-free access. Grenada Tourism & Sports: Grenada is pushing sports tourism with the Grenada & Carriacou Open Water Swim (Nov 19–22, 2026), backed by the Grenada Tourism Authority, aiming to boost visitor spend and make the event a regional fixture. Clean Energy for Women Entrepreneurs: The Caribbean Development Bank launches a US$550,000, 2026–2028 facility to help women-led businesses in Dominica, Grenada and other Caribbean states develop and commercialise clean energy solutions. Trade Facilitation Upgrade (Regional): St. Kitts and Nevis advances a National Electronic Single Window to streamline cross-border trade through a single digital platform. Grenada at UN on Cuba: Grenada tells the UN it remains “deeply concerned” about Cuba amid US economic pressure and an energy blockade, calling for sanctions relief and humanitarian-focused engagement. Culture & Economy Link: A food-industry voice argues festival and carnival spending should reach local farmers and producers, not imports. Caribbean Creative Finance: A regional youth panel highlights barriers creatives face in accessing commercial financing and monetisation tools.

Sports Tourism Push: Grenada is expanding its sports calendar with the Grenada & Carriacou Open Water Swim (Nov 19–22, 2026), backed by the Grenada Tourism Authority, aiming to draw regional competitors and families and spread visitor spend across the tri-island state. Connectivity & Investment: EllaLink has moved its Caribbean Gateway into the development phase, targeting service by end-2029; the open, carrier-neutral submarine corridor would link Cayenne to Martinique/Guadeloupe and a western leg to Aruba, Curaçao and Bonaire, with onward connectivity for markets including Grenada. Renewables Learning Mission: Grenada’s climate resilience and renewable energy team is in Morocco for a renewable energy learning mission, visiting major wind and solar facilities and exploring cooperation with OECS partners. Community & Water Access: The National Education Trust is installing safe drinking water and hydration stations in schools, with a $28m initiative focused on drought-affected institutions. Local Business Support: Republic Bank staff volunteered at the St Peter’s RC Church Soup Kitchen in Gouyave and donated a washing machine to support meal preparation. Regional Policy Watch: OAS member states, including Grenada, are calling for full deployment and renewed mandate of Haiti’s Gang Repression Force, urging UN Security Council support. Culture & National Mourning: Grenada is among the wider Caribbean community marking the death of calypso icon Dr Slinger “Mighty Sparrow” Francisco, with multiple tributes and state funeral announcements in the region.

Caribbean Connectivity & Investment: EllaLink has officially launched its Caribbean Gateway initiative, moving the Cayenne–Martinique/Guadeloupe trunk and western Aruba–Curaçao–Bonaire leg into the development stage, with letters of intent to be converted into firm commitments and a target of service by end-2029. Renewables & Regional Energy Learning: Grenada’s Ministry of Climate Resilience sent a delegation to Morocco for a renewable energy learning mission, including visits to major wind and solar facilities, with talks aimed at regional approaches via the OECS. Tourism & Airlift Demand: Grenada’s sports tourism push gets a boost with the Grenada & Carriacou Open Water Swim (Nov 19–22, 2026), while regional winter-season capacity continues to rise as airlines expand routes and seats. Water Access in Schools: The National Education Trust (NET) is installing safe drinking water and hydration stations in drought-affected schools, with an initiative costed at $28 million for multiple institutions. Cuba Sanctions Concern: Grenada told the UN it remains “deeply concerned” about Cuba’s ongoing hardship amid US economic pressure and an energy blockade, calling for constructive engagement and relief. Local Conservation Jobs & Data: Gaea Conservation Network launches community-anchored monitoring for priority species in and around Grenada’s protected areas, training locals and opening public walks. Community Support: Republic Bank staff volunteered at the Gouyave soup kitchen and donated a washing machine to support daily meal operations.

Transport & Roads: Grenada’s regional neighbour Antigua and Barbuda faces Opposition scrutiny after Parliament approved an EC$87m Transport Board loan guarantee (EC$67m to refinance debt, EC$20m for road works), with the government covering any repayment shortfalls. Tourism & Airlift: Saint Lucia is set for a bigger winter season, projecting 295,244 seats (up 7.3%), led by expanded US capacity and a sharp rise in Canadian flights. Sports Tourism (Grenada): Grenada and Carriacou will host the Grenada & Carriacou Open Water Swim (19–22 Nov 2026), backed by the GTA, aiming to spread visitor spend beyond peak periods. Water & Schools (Grenada): The National Education Trust is rolling out safe drinking water and hydration stations in schools, targeting drought-affected institutions, with eight sites selected for the 2026/27 start. Local Infrastructure (Grenada): Nawasa begins installing a new 12-inch water main along Woodlands Junction to Sugar Mill Roundabout, with 1-way traffic controls for about three months. Digital & Trade Capacity: OECS stakeholders received EU-funded training to strengthen trade policy and services negotiating skills across member states. UN & Regional Voice: Grenada told the UN it wants small island states treated as “laboratories of resilience,” pushing for fairer financing and stronger support for Haiti. Culture: The Caribbean mourns the death of Grenada-born calypso legend Slinger Francisco, “The Mighty Sparrow,” with tributes highlighting his role as a social commentator through music. Governance & Accountability (Caribbean): A Caribbean commentary questions whether proposed tolling and related costs are being weighed fairly in parliamentary budgeting. Environment & Conservation: Gaea Conservation Network launches community monitoring for priority species in and around Grenada’s protected areas, including public walks for the Grenada Dove and Frog. Labour & Formalization (Eastern Caribbean): An ILO study warns that informality and weak protections are holding back tourism’s ability to deliver decent work and sustainable growth.

Sports Tourism Push: Grenada is gearing up for the Grenada & Carriacou Open Water Swim (Nov 19–22, 2026), with GTA support and a four-day mix of races and destination experiences meant to spread visitor spend across the Tri-Island State. Water Access for Students: The National Education Trust (NET) is installing safe drinking water and hydration stations in drought-affected schools, with eight institutions in Kingston and St. Andrew set to benefit at a reported cost of $28 million. Regional Infrastructure Disruption: Nawasa will install a new 12-inch water main from Woodlands Junction to the Sugar Mill Roundabout starting Sept. 29, expected to take about three months, with 1-way traffic rules and route changes. Tourism Jobs & Formalization: An ILO study flags that tourism’s big role in the Eastern Caribbean (about 39% of GDP and 11% of employment) is held back by informality, weak labour protections, financing gaps, and skills mismatches—calling for decent work and formalization together. UNGA & Resilience Financing: Grenada told the UN that small island states are “laboratories of resilience,” urging fairer financing using vulnerability measures beyond income, and backing Haiti’s gang suppression force renewal. Caribbean Connectivity: EllaLink launched its Caribbean Gateway initiative, moving from letters of intent to committed investment for a cable linking Cayenne to Martinique/Guadeloupe and serving Aruba, Curaçao and Bonaire, targeted for service by end-2029. Caribbean Hospitality Deal: Royal Caribbean’s planned US$3bn, 50% stake in Sandals and Beaches is framed as a cruise-and-land tourism boost for regional airlift and supply chains. Cultural Loss: Grenada and the wider Caribbean mourned the death of Slinger Francisco, “The Mighty Sparrow,” with tributes highlighting his role as a Grenada-born cultural ambassador.

Tourism & Jobs: A new ILO study on Eastern Caribbean tourism says the sector’s big economic weight (about 39% of GDP and 11% of employment) is held back by informality, weak labour protections, limited access to finance, skills gaps, and weak enforcement—urging countries to tackle productivity, decent work, and formalisation together. Trade in Services: OECS is running EU-funded specialised training for more than 200 trade-in-services practitioners across public, private, and civil society groups in OECS Protocol states, aimed at strengthening policy and negotiating capacity. Water Infrastructure: Nawasa will install a new 12-inch water main along Woodlands Junction to the Sugar Mill Roundabout starting 29 September, with 1-way traffic rules and road access changes for about three months. UN Diplomacy & Haiti: Grenada told the UN General Assembly that small island states are “laboratories of resilience” but need fairer financing and a stronger voice; it also backed calls to renew and fully deploy the UN Gang Suppression Force in Haiti. Regional Business Deal: CARICOM private sector leaders welcomed Royal Caribbean’s planned US$3bn move to buy a 50% stake in Sandals and Beaches, expected to close in early 2027. Culture & Economy: Grenada and the wider Caribbean mourned calypso icon Slinger Francisco (“The Mighty Sparrow”), a reminder of the country’s cultural brand power.

Tourism & Jobs: A new ILO study on Eastern Caribbean tourism flags how informality and weak labour protections are holding back productivity and “decent work,” urging countries (including Grenada) to tackle financing gaps, skills mismatches, social protection shortfalls and enforcement limits together. Regional Tourism Investment: The CARICOM private sector is hailing Royal Caribbean’s planned US$3bn, 50% stake in Sandals and Beaches (closing early 2027), calling it a major boost for cruise-and-land vacation integration and regional business scaling. Grenada Election Watch: Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell says Grenadians will learn the official general election date on 4 October, with political activity intensifying ahead of a likely short campaign period. Public Finance Focus: Budget Alert commentary highlights Grenada’s 2026 financing plan and the need to judge social-insurance health beyond headline contributor numbers. Maritime Safety: A retired Coast Guard captain is training government ferry crews on emergency drills after the MV Barima sinking, aiming to improve rapid response. Culture & Heritage: Grenada and the wider region mourn the death of calypso legend Slinger “Mighty Sparrow” Francisco, born in Grand Roy, Grenada, and celebrated for turning Caribbean stories into a global voice.

Tourism & Investment: Royal Caribbean Group will buy a 50% stake in Sandals and Beaches Resorts in a deal valued around US$3 billion (expected to close early 2027), a major vote of confidence in Caribbean hospitality and a potential boost for regional airlift and supply chains. Grenada Politics: Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell says Grenadians will learn the official general election date on 4 October, with campaigning and speculation intensifying ahead of the next polls. Public Finance: Commentary on Grenada’s 2026 Mid-Year Review and supplementary budget flags how the government’s deficit is financed largely through reserve drawdowns, urging deeper scrutiny of fiscal sustainability beyond headline numbers. Diplomacy: Grenada and Nepal have established diplomatic relations effective 14 September 2026, opening a new channel for cooperation. Maritime Safety: A retired Coast Guard captain is training government ferry crews in emergency response drills after the MV Barima tragedy, focusing on faster, practical readiness. Agriculture & Resilience: A FAO mission supported St Vincent and the Grenadines’ coconut value chain with training on production, nurseries, and pest management—relevant to wider OECS farm resilience efforts. Regional Security (Haiti): OAS member states, including Grenada, call for UN renewal and full deployment of Haiti’s Gang Suppression Force mandate, stressing funding, equipment, and logistics. Culture: Grenada-born calypsonian “The Mighty Sparrow” Slinger Francisco dies at 91, prompting regional tributes.