AGP Executive Report

Tragedy and Water Safety: Grenada is mourning after two-year-old Amir Nyack died following an apparent drowning near an irrigation canal in Telescope, St Andrew; family members searched for about 45 minutes before his grandmother found him unresponsive, and responders confirmed he drowned. Public Safety Measures: Grenada County, Mississippi has a burn ban in place through early September, banning any open flame that produces an ember, with limited exemptions. Football Leadership: The Grenada Football Association named Trinidad and Tobago’s all-time leading scorer Stern John as head coach of the Senior Men’s team; his first competitive match is set for Sept. 25 against Cuba. Regional Sports Event Prep: St Maarten drag racers will hold a training session on Soualiga Road Aug. 23 (10am–2pm) ahead of the Grenada Internationals Sept. 25–27, with the road closed to through traffic during training. International Cooperation: Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell says Grenada–Qatar relations are “very good,” with plans to deepen cooperation in education, healthcare, tourism, sports and economic development. Youth Health Education: REACH launched a webinar series on adolescent health and wellbeing, covering mental health, nutrition, parent-teen communication and stigma reduction.

Grenada–Qatar Diplomacy: Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell says relations with Qatar are “very good” and continually improving, with talks focused on deeper cooperation in education, healthcare, tourism, sports and economic development—plus more involvement from the private sector. Carriacou Museum Rebuild: The Carriacou Museum board is pushing a climate-resilient rebuild expected to cost over EC$1 million, aiming to preserve the historic cotton ginnery while upgrading it for future hurricanes. Digital Governance for the Region: Grenada is set to host Caribbean Internet Governance Forums, including the CIGF and a youth forum, bringing regional and international stakeholders together on a resilient, trusted digital Caribbean. OECS Trade in Services Data: OECS, UNCTAD and ECLAC wrapped up an initiative to strengthen evidence-based policymaking for trade in services, using TiSSTAT to improve services data and help countries build export strategies. Regional Security Update: Authorities intercepted the MV C Elizabeth at St. Kitts, seizing cocaine and cannabis concealed in dry coconut cargo, with crew from multiple countries detained for investigation. Education Deadline: Grenada’s School Uniform Assistance Programme applications close Friday, 21 August 2026, with QR codes due by 25 September.

Grenada-Qatar Ties: Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell says relations with Qatar are “very good” and growing, after talks in Doha focused on expanding cooperation in education, healthcare, tourism, sports, and economic development, with a push to involve private-sector links too. Cost of Living Relief: Grenada’s government has published a preliminary list of businesses for the inaugural VAT-Free weekend on Aug. 28–29, with appeals open to Aug. 19 for firms not on the list. Public Sector Governance: Grenada’s Ministry of Finance says Ernst & Young will sponsor Day One of the 3rd Annual Conference of Directors of Public Sector Entities (Sept. 23–24). OECS Trade in Services: The OECS Commission, with UNCTAD and ECLAC, says it has wrapped up work to improve services-trade data and policymaking across member states using TiSSTAT. Immigration Enforcement: Four St. Vincent nationals were fined and deported from Grenada after pleading guilty to illegal entry. Regional Security: St. Kitts authorities seized cocaine and cannabis from a vessel at port, arresting crew including nationals from Grenada and St. Vincent.

VAT-Free Weekend Prep: Grenada’s Ministry of Finance has published a preliminary list of businesses eligible for the first VAT-Free weekend on Aug. 28–29, with appeals open until Aug. 19 for firms not on the list. OECS Trade Policy: The OECS Commission says it has wrapped up work to strengthen evidence-based policymaking for trade in services, using UN tools to help member states better plan and compete. Diplomacy: Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell met Qatar’s PM and foreign minister in Doha, with both sides highlighting cooperation in education, health and tourism. Public Accountability: Civic advocate John Rullow renewed calls for transparency, branding the Mitchell administration “most corrupt” amid concerns about procurement. Immigration Enforcement: Four Vincentians were deported after pleading guilty to illegal entry; fines were paid and the men were removed, as authorities continue crackdowns on unlawful entry and work permits. Sports Development: Grenada’s U-14 boys opened their CFU Challenge Series campaign with a 3-2 win over Saint Lucia. Caribbean Weather Watch: A tropical wave is expected to bring showers to several islands including Grenada, with seas elevated and the system forecast to weaken.

Diplomacy: Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani met Grenada PM Dickon Mitchell during his visit, reviewing bilateral ties and cooperation in education, health, and tourism. Public Finance & Workers: Government released details of businesses taking part in Grenada’s first-ever VAT Free weekend, and also announced an agreement with the labour union on salary increases for public sector workers. Local Development Dispute: Tyrell Bay Marina renewed its request to access a fenced-off section of its boatyard, saying the long-running land dispute is affecting customers, workers, and the Carriacou community. Sports (Youth): Grenada’s U-14 boys beat Saint Lucia 3-2 in the CFU Challenge Series opener in Punta Cana, with Grenada scoring in injury time; Saint Lucia next plays the US Virgin Islands. Weather Watch: A new tropical wave is expected to bring showers to Grenada and nearby islands late Monday into Tuesday, with seas elevated and the system likely weakening.

Cost of Living Relief: Grenada’s government has published a preliminary list of businesses eligible for the upcoming VAT-Free Weekend under its Cost of Living Assistance Programme, and the Inland Revenue Division says businesses not on the list can appeal by 19 August 2026. Regional Child Policy: The OECS Commission, with UNICEF support, unveiled the OECS Regional Child Policy and Strategic Plan 2026–2032, aiming for a whole-of-the-child approach to protect and empower children across member states. Education Digital Push: OECS SKIP says it has advanced a regional digital learning effort after a software development milestone in Grenada (July 27–30), targeting platforms for post-secondary education. Tragedy—Drowning: A toddler drowned during a family outing at the Boucherie area in Simon, St. Andrew, after disappearing from sight for seconds; the child was pronounced dead at the scene. Diplomacy: Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell met Qatar’s PM in Doha to discuss cooperation in education, health and tourism. Sports: Grenada Football Association backs FIFA President Gianni Infantino after his FIFA Forward Enterprise u-turn, calling it a unity-preserving move.

Cost of Living Relief: Grenada’s Ministry of Finance has published a preliminary list of businesses eligible for the upcoming VAT-Free Weekend under the Cost of Living Assistance Programme, and the Inland Revenue Division is urging any qualifying businesses not on the list to appeal by 19 August 2026. Regional Child Protection: The OECS, with UNICEF support, has unveiled its Regional Child Policy and Strategic Plan 2026–2032, aiming for a whole-of-the-child approach across member states. Digital Education Push: OECS SKIP says it has completed a major software development milestone in Grenada (July 27–30), advancing regional digital platforms for post-secondary education. Tragedy in St. Andrew: A toddler from Telescope, St. Andrew, allegedly drowned during a family outing at Boucherie in Simon; the child was found submerged and pronounced dead at the scene. Football Governance: The Grenada Football Association backs FIFA President Gianni Infantino after his decision to withdraw the FIFA Forward Enterprise proposal, calling it a step toward unity and proper process. Diplomatic Engagement: Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell leads a delegation on an overseas mission to Spain and an official visit to Qatar (Aug 13–19), with talks including support for Project Polaris, energy cooperation, sports and education, and multilateral coordination. Weather Watch: A new tropical wave is expected to reach the eastern Caribbean by late Monday night into Tuesday, bringing showers and elevated seas, with Grenada among the islands likely to be affected.

Regional Child Policy: The OECS has unveiled a new Regional Child Policy and Strategic Plan 2026–2032, backed by UNICEF, aiming for a “whole-of-the-child” approach across member states. Cost of Living Relief: Grenada’s government is moving ahead with its Cost of Living Assistance Programme, publishing a preliminary list of businesses for the upcoming VAT-Free Weekend and setting an appeal deadline of 19 August for those not listed. Education Tech Push: OECS SKIP says a Grenada-hosted software development milestone has advanced plans for a regionally interoperable post-secondary education digital ecosystem. Tragedy in St. Andrew: A toddler reportedly drowned during a family outing at the Boucherie area in Simon, with the child pronounced dead at the scene. Earthquake Alert: A 5.0 magnitude earthquake hit Granada, Spain, prompting evacuations and emergency warnings to residents. Sports—Grenada Football: The Grenada Football Association backs FIFA President Gianni Infantino after his withdrawal of the FIFA Forward Enterprise proposal. Sports—Volleyball: The VI Senior Women beat Grenada 3-1 at the ECVA championships in Tortola, with Grenada dropping to a loss in Pool A.

Grenada Cost of Living Relief: Government has published a preliminary list of businesses for the upcoming VAT-Free Weekend under its Cost of Living Assistance Programme, with the Inland Revenue Division urging firms not on the list to appeal by 19 August 2026. OECS Child & Education Push: The OECS, with UNICEF support, launched a Regional Child Policy and Strategic Plan 2026–2032, and separately marked a major milestone for the OECS SKIP digital learning project after a software development session in Grenada. Tragedy in St. Andrew: A toddler from Telescope drowned during a family outing at the Boucherie area in Simon; the child was found submerged and pronounced dead at the scene. Sports—Grenada in Regional Volleyball: The VI Women beat Grenada 3-1 at the ECVA Senior Championships in Tortola, with Grenada set to face Bermuda next. Prime Minister’s Overseas Mission: PM Dickon Mitchell leads a delegation to Spain and then an official visit to Qatar (Aug 13–19), including talks on funding for Project Polaris, energy cooperation, sports and education. Earthquake Alert: Reports say a 5.0 magnitude earthquake struck Granada, Spain, prompting evacuations and warnings of more tremors.

Tragedy in St. Andrew: A toddler died after drowning during a family outing at the Boucherie area in Simon. Reports say the child disappeared from sight within seconds while playing with siblings in the water. Family members searched immediately and found him submerged; emergency responders and a doctor rushed to the scene, but the child was pronounced dead. Football governance shake-up: The Grenada Football Association has backed FIFA President Gianni Infantino after FIFA withdrew the controversial “FIFA Forward Enterprise” plan, calling it swift action to preserve unity and warning it will not support moves that bypass FIFA’s processes. Regional diplomacy: Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell is set to lead an overseas mission to Spain, followed by an official visit to Qatar (Aug. 13–19), with talks expected to cover funding support for Project Polaris, energy cooperation, sports and education, and alignment on voting positions. Weather watch: A tropical disturbance is expected to bring heavy rain and gusty winds to Grenada and the southeastern Caribbean tonight into Saturday, with risks of isolated flooding and mudslides. Sports development: Grenada’s Boxing Association has been recognised as an Endorsed Member of World Boxing, clearing the way for wider participation in international boxing activities.

FIFA Fallout: Gianni Infantino’s World Cup share-sale plan is off the table, but the fight over trust is still raging. Concacaf, UEFA and the Asian Football Confederation accused FIFA leadership of “deception,” while Qatar and Lebanon (and other Arab nations) publicly backed Infantino anyway—showing a split that’s now spilling across the football world. CCJ Governance: Political scientist Prof. Hamid Ghany says a dress-code dispute and leaked internal emails at the Caribbean Court of Justice are eroding public confidence and must be resolved to restore trust. Development Push for Grenada: The CDB and World Bank agreed follow-up actions after a joint review of 11 active Grenada projects, including geothermal drilling, water supply, education, climate-smart agriculture and health. Regional Child Protection: OECS unveiled a 2026–2032 regional child policy and strategic plan, aiming to make children safer and better protected across the Eastern Caribbean. Sport & Community: Boxing in Grenada gained World Boxing recognition; and the Grenada Chess Federation’s free summer camp runs 17–21 August, with one-day sessions in Carriacou and Grenville.

Development Watch: The Caribbean Development Bank and the World Bank have agreed on follow-up actions after a joint portfolio review of 11 active Grenada projects, covering coastal protection, water supply, health, education, agriculture, renewable energy and monitoring and evaluation, with Cabinet-level discussions marking the next steps. Education & Governance: The Ministry of Education has set the 2026–2027 school reopening plan, with staff prep from Aug. 24–28 and classes starting Aug. 31, plus guidance on uniforms, supplies and the School Uniform Assistance Programme. Prime Minister’s Diplomacy: PM Dickon Mitchell will travel to Spain and then visit Qatar (Aug. 13–19) for high-level talks on Project Polaris, energy cooperation, sports and education, and coordination in multilateral voting. Culture & Sport: Sen. Quinc Britton congratulated winners of Grenada’s 2026 Traditional Mas, while Nexa Credit Union hailed Nexa New Dimension’s 15th Senior Panorama title and strong junior showing. Regional Safety: NEMA is monitoring a mid-Atlantic low pressure system (Invest 92L) that could develop into a tropical depression toward the Eastern Caribbean by this weekend. International Policy Impact: The U.S. has made its visa bond program permanent for certain applicants from Grenada and other Caribbean states, raising concerns for tourism and travel flows.

Development Finance: The Caribbean Development Bank and the World Bank Group have wrapped a joint portfolio review mission in Grenada, agreeing follow-up actions to strengthen delivery across 11 active projects in areas like water, health, education, coastal protection, agriculture, renewable energy and monitoring. Disaster Preparedness: Atkinson Primary School in Dominica’s Kalinago Territory received upgrades under an OECS climate resilience effort, including a new drainage system, stronger doors, emergency communications and backup power—aimed at keeping schools safer and usable during disasters. Youth & Health: The REACH project marked International Youth Day with new webinar sessions on reproductive health, mental health, nutrition, healthy relationships and parent-teen communication, supporting adolescent health across Grenada and other OECS states. Policy Watch: A Grenada-focused commentary argues Grenada’s AI push should include a “sunset test” so pilots don’t quietly become permanent without clear results. Travel Rules: The U.S. made its visa bond program permanent for affected countries including Grenada, requiring some applicants to post a financial bond before visas are issued.

Grenada Safety Watch: A North Carolina woman, Liz Waddell, who vanished while swimming near Grand Anse Beach on July 22, has prompted fresh updates from her husband, who now says drowning “may be the most likely scenario” based on what investigators and witnesses have told the family. Spicemas Risk & Response: A separate Grenada report reflects on how large events like Spicemas can create real safety gaps, arguing that safety failures outside the health system quickly become health emergencies. Local Culture: Nexa Credit Union congratulates Nexa New Dimension after winning its 15th National Senior Panorama title, while also highlighting the Juniors’ strong showing in the Panorama season. Youth & Opportunity: Warwick Parish Council bursaries of $5,000 each were awarded to athletes Harlem Bean-Fox and Arima Turner to support both studies and sports careers abroad. Tech Policy: A Grenada AI commentary urges every public-sector AI pilot to include a “sunset test” so temporary tools don’t become permanent by default. International Travel Rules: The U.S. made its visa bond program permanent, with Grenada among the Caribbean countries affected.

AI & Governance: A Grenada AI push is gaining momentum, but a local commentator says every public-sector AI pilot should start with a “sunset test” so projects don’t quietly become permanent without clear results. Disaster Preparedness: NEMA is monitoring a mid-Atlantic low pressure system (Invest 92L) that could strengthen toward the Eastern Caribbean by the weekend, with no watch or warning yet in effect. Youth & Sports Funding: Warwick Parish Council awarded $5,000 bursaries each to Harlem Bean-Fox and Arima Turner to support both studies and athletic careers abroad. Culture & Community: Nexa Credit Union congratulated Nexa New Dimension after winning the 15th National Senior Panorama title, while Juniors placed second in their category. International Travel Rules: The U.S. made its visa bond program permanent, adding Grenada among four Caribbean countries affected. Missing Person Update: The husband of Liz Waddell, missing in Grenada since July 22, says drowning now seems the most likely scenario, though questions remain.

Missing Person Update: The husband of 44-year-old North Carolina woman Liz Waddell, who vanished while swimming off Grand Anse Beach in Grenada on July 22, says “drowning may be the most likely scenario,” citing reports she was seen far from shore and that jet-ski riders tried to persuade her to get on a ski. Road Safety for Carnival: The Royal Grenada Police Force is rolling out breathalyzer checks and reminding motorists to avoid drink-driving during Carnival. Local Safety and Accountability: A Grenada-based commentary reflects on two women gravely injured in a boating incident during Spicemas, arguing safety failures outside the health system become health harms. Regional Sports: ECVA is hosting a National Referees Volleyball Course in the Virgin Islands, with practical training running alongside the ECVA Senior Championships. Tourism and Business: Grenada’s La Sagesse resort corridor gets another boost as InterContinental Grenada Resort & Spa begins accepting reservations for a Nov. 4 opening. EU Migration Pressure: A report says the EU is pushing five Caribbean countries, including Grenada, to reform citizenship-by-investment or risk losing Schengen visa-free access.