AGP Executive Report

Caribbean Mourns Mighty Sparrow: Grenada-born calypso icon Slinger Francisco, “The Mighty Sparrow,” died at 91 in New York after a brief illness, prompting tributes across the region and condolences from leaders including Prime Minister Dr. Godwin Friday and CARICOM, as Grenada and Trinidad both celebrate his lasting cultural legacy. Grenada Football Focus: In CONCACAF Nations League action, St. Kitts and Nevis opened strongly and now host Grenada again today, with Grenada still searching for points after an earlier loss to Cuba. Tourism Jobs and Formal Work: An ILO study on Eastern Caribbean tourism says informality and weak labour protections are holding back growth, urging better working conditions and support for small businesses to move into the formal economy—covering Grenada among other islands. Human Rights Warning: UN-linked experts say a US migration “externalization” scheme is driving serious rights violations across 35+ countries, including risks of torture and enforced disappearances.

Mighty Sparrow Mourned: Grenada-born calypso icon Slinger Francisco, “The Mighty Sparrow,” died at 91 in New York after a brief illness, with family saying he passed peacefully surrounded by loved ones; tributes poured in across the Caribbean, including regional leaders and cultural groups, hailing his sharp wit, social commentary, and the way he carried calypso beyond Carnival. Haiti Security Push: All OAS member states urged the UN Security Council to renew and fully deploy Haiti’s Gang Suppression Force mandate, stressing that renewal must come with personnel, financing, equipment and logistics to support elections and security. Coconut Sector Support: FAO and St Vincent and the Grenadines’ agriculture ministry wrapped a week-long technical mission to strengthen the coconut value chain, training stakeholders on production, nursery management, and pest and disease control. Citizenship by Investment Watch: OECS leaders say a technical team will meet the EU to clarify the bloc’s stance on CIPs after a request to phase out programmes by June 1, 2028, tied to possible changes to visa-free Schengen access. Tourism & Business: InterContinental Grenada Resort & Spa unveiled its inaugural festive programme ahead of its November opening, while CPSO hailed a landmark Royal Caribbean–Sandals partnership worth about US$3 billion.

Caribbean Culture Loss: Grenada-born calypso icon Slinger Francisco—worldwide known as “The Mighty Sparrow”—died in New York at 91 after a brief illness, with tributes pouring in from across the region including CARICOM and Grenada’s Ministry of Culture. Regional Sports: In CONCACAF Nations League action, Cuba thrashed Grenada 3-0, while Barbados beat Saint Lucia 2-0 and Guadeloupe edged Bermuda 2-1; St Kitts and Nevis also won 2-1. Citizenship by Investment Watch: OECS leaders say they will send a technical team to Europe to clarify the EU’s stance on CIPs after the EU asked Grenada and others to phase them out by June 1, 2028, warning of possible loss of visa-free Schengen access. Grenada Politics: Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell says Grenadians will learn the official election date on 4 October, with the “conch shell” blow planned for St Mark that day. Tourism & Business: InterContinental Grenada is rolling out its inaugural festive programme ahead of its November opening, while CPSO hailed a landmark Royal Caribbean investment partnership with Sandals.

Grenada Politics: Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell says Grenadians will learn the official general election date on 4 October, with the “conch shell” blow set for St Mark that day—though voting itself is not expected then. NDC Campaign Moves: Reports say the NDC is drawing activists from the NNP and D’Movement, including figures appearing on the party’s St Andrew South-east platform. St George North-west Contest: Retired school principal Nigel DeGale says he’s confident of winning the seat for the NDC for the first time since 1984, after narrowly taking the nomination. Road & Rally Disruptions: Police outline traffic changes for an NDC rally at St Paul’s, St George on Sunday 27 September, and separate long-running road restrictions for NAWASA pipeline works on Woodlands Public Road starting 28 September. Maritime Safety: A retired Coast Guard captain is training government ferry crews in emergency response drills after the MV Barima tragedy. Regional Football: Cuba beat Grenada 3-0 in CONCACAF Nations League action, while the wider tournament continues across League B groups. Housing Update: The Housing Authority of Grenada is relocating to IBH Tower, Woodlands, effective 5 October 2026. Public Health & Community: FoodHub Grenada continues its school reading programme, while Grenada’s Pharmacy Council marks World Pharmacists Day with a message on pharmacists’ role in safer medicine use.

Election Watch: Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell says Grenadians will learn the official general election date on 4 October, with the “conch shell” planned for St Mark that day—though voting won’t necessarily happen then. Traffic & Campaign Logistics: The RGPF issued road changes for an NDC rally at St Paul’s, St George on Sunday 27 September (closures, diversions, one-way sections, and no-parking areas from 4 pm to midnight). Infrastructure Disruption: Another RGPF notice outlines one-way traffic and no-entry rules for Nawasa pipeline works along Woodlands Public Road from Monday 28 September for about three months. Public Finance Debate: Budget Alert 6.3 and related commentary revisit Grenada’s 2026 finances, including the size and financing of the supplementary budget and unemployment trends. Environment & Development Oversight: Grenada Land Actors warns that environmental protections are still slow in practice, citing concerns around developments lacking completed environmental and social impact assessments. Regional Diplomacy: Grenada and Nepal have established diplomatic relations effective 14 September 2026. Sports: Cuba beat Grenada 3-0 in Concacaf Nations League action, while Grenada’s David Ruiz was named to Honduras’ Nations League roster.

Housing & Public Services: The Housing Authority of Grenada says it’s relocating to the IBH Tower, Woodlands, St George, effective 5 October 2026, with the Sandino Office closed from 28 September to 2 October for the transition. Community & Learning: FoodHub Grenada continued its school reading programme on 24 September at Our Lady Help of Christian School—Beaulieu RC, bringing interactive reading sessions to the Kindergarten class. Politics & Elections: The Parliamentary Elections Office announced a 100% waiver on Common External Tariff and VAT for qualifying promotional and informational materials imported by registered political parties and independents. Diplomacy: Grenada and Nepal have formally established diplomatic relations effective 14 September 2026. Regional Health: CARPHA and PAHO convened a respiratory virus surveillance and lab diagnostics workshop in Trinidad and Tobago, including Grenada, to strengthen detection, monitoring and response. Sports (Regional): Grenada’s international football calendar remains active, with Concacaf Nations League matches featuring Grenada players in the wider window.

World Pharmacists Day: Grenada’s Pharmacy Council marked World Pharmacists Day 2026 with a message on pharmacists’ role as the most accessible health professionals—dispensing safely, giving accurate medicine information, and supporting community outreach. Water Disruptions: Grenada again faced water service interruptions after an overnight main break, with affected areas including Perry Road, the UMMC area, Sweethome Road and parts south of Stonebridge; a boil water notice remains in effect. NAWASA Industrial Action: NAWASA workers returned to the picket line over outstanding payments and unresolved collective bargaining. Politics & Elections: The Parliamentary Elections Office says the Government of Grenada has granted a 100% waiver of CET and VAT on qualifying promotional and informational materials for registered parties and independents. Diplomacy: Grenada and Nepal formally established diplomatic relations effective September 14, 2026. Geothermal Prep: Government published a tender for preparatory infrastructure and water supply equipment ahead of exploratory geothermal slim-hole drilling, with bids due November 6, 2026. Health Awareness: St. Andrew’s Development Organisation launched September–October breast and prostate cancer awareness activities, including a walk and health fair.

Water Disruptions: Grenada’s Water Department says service is out again in parts of the island after another overnight main break, affecting Perry Road and nearby areas, the UMMC area, Sweethome Road, and areas south of Stonebridge; crews are repairing the fault and a boil water notice remains in effect until lifted. Labour & Public Services: NAWASA workers have returned to the picket line as a dispute over outstanding payments and collective bargaining remains unresolved, with union president Daisy Hazzard outlining the position. Politics & Elections: The Parliamentary Elections Office says registered parties and independents can benefit from a 100% waiver on CET and VAT for qualifying promotional and informational materials ahead of Grenada’s next general election due by November 2027. Regional Diplomacy: OECS foreign ministers met in New York on UNGA margins, pushing stronger regional diplomatic coordination and a more connected approach to small-state vulnerabilities. Geothermal Prep: Grenada has published a tender for preparatory civil infrastructure and water supply equipment for exploratory geothermal slim-hole drilling, with bids due 6 November 2026. Court Backlog: Grenada’s assizes backlog appears to be easing post-COVID, with fewer matters and a drop in sexual offence cases reported by the DPP’s office. Caribbean Tourism Business: The CPSO hailed the landmark Royal Caribbean-Sandals partnership as a defining moment for regional private sector growth, with a major investment expected to support resort expansion.

Geothermal Push: The Government of Grenada has issued a tender for preparatory civil works and water-supply equipment ahead of exploratory geothermal slim-hole drilling, with bids due 6 November 2026. The work is split into three lots, including access roads, drill-pad civil works at two sites, and diesel generators/pumps. SME Support for Marine Protection: Grenada’s Sustainable Development Trust Fund is calling for expressions of interest for a business development and mentorship consultant (Nov 2026–June 2027), tied to the Gender-Responsive Livelihood Support Initiative in the Woburn–Clarke’s Court Bay Marine Protected Area. Regional Diplomacy: OECS foreign ministers met in New York to strengthen collective diplomatic coordination, including a chairmanship handover from St Vincent and the Grenadines to Antigua and Barbuda. UNGA Cooperation: India and CARICOM foreign ministers met on UNGA sidelines, discussing deeper cooperation on trade, digital governance, climate resilience, and UN reforms. Tourism Investment Watch: Royal Caribbean’s planned US$3 billion deal for a 50% stake in Sandals and Beaches is being framed as potential cruise-and-stay growth across the Caribbean, including properties in Grenada. Court Backlog: Grenada’s assizes backlog appears to be easing after COVID-era delays, with a reported drop in sexual offence cases.

Geothermal Push: Grenada has published a tender for preparatory infrastructure and water-supply equipment ahead of exploratory geothermal slim-hole drilling, covering access roads, drill pads, pipelines, electrical/mechanical systems, and diesel generators, with bids due 6 November 2026. Tourism & Investment: Royal Caribbean Group confirmed it will buy a 50% stake in Sandals and Beaches Resorts for about US$3 billion, a deal expected to close in early 2027 and expand the cruise giant’s land-based all-inclusive footprint across the Caribbean, including Grenada. Regional Diplomacy: India and CARICOM foreign ministers met on the sidelines of UNGA in New York to discuss deeper cooperation on trade, investment, agriculture, digital governance, climate resilience and energy. Court Update: Questions remain over the whereabouts of Grenadian national Alister Haynes, remanded in connection with a major cocaine yacht seizure, after he did not appear when the case returned to court. Democracy Watch: A Grenada-focused opinion piece argues that election observers are essential to protect fairness and public confidence as the next general election approaches. Local Opportunities: The Grenada Sustainable Development Trust Fund is calling for expressions of interest for a part-time business development and mentorship consultant for SMEs tied to the Woburn–Clarke’s Court Bay Marine Protected Area initiative, with applications due 2 October 2026.

OECS Diplomacy: OECS foreign ministers met in New York on Sunday, with St Vincent and the Grenadines handing over the chairmanship to Antigua and Barbuda, as leaders urged tighter regional diplomatic coordination. Grenada International Ties: Nepal and Grenada formally established diplomatic relations in New York, opening a new framework for cooperation on issues like tourism, education, and climate change. Tourism & Investment: Royal Caribbean Group confirmed a landmark deal to buy a 50% stake in Sandals and Beaches Resorts for about US$3 billion, valuing the brand at roughly US$6 billion and expected to close in early 2027; the partnership aims to expand all-inclusive options across the Caribbean, including Sandals’ presence in Grenada. Local Courts: Grenada’s September Assizes were postponed due to air-conditioning problems at the St George’s High Court, delaying 85 criminal matters until repairs are completed. Health Infrastructure: Renovation works are set to begin on Block C of Mt Gay Psychiatric Hospital from Sept. 28, with patients relocated within the compound while services continue. Environment: Sandals Foundation mobilised 70 volunteers in Grenada for International Coastal Cleanup Day, part of a wider Caribbean effort with 700 volunteers.

Sickle Cell Awareness: A new opinion piece highlights how sickle cell disease was identified over a century ago, yet the gap between discovery and truly effective treatments still leaves patients waiting for better options. Grenada Courts: September Assizes in Grenada have been postponed because air-conditioning problems at the St George’s High Court (housed at the CLICO building) are not yet fixed, delaying 85 criminal matters until cooling is restored. Diplomacy: Nepal and Grenada have formally established diplomatic relations, with a joint communiqué signed in New York and plans to cooperate on tourism, education, and climate impacts. Sports (Grenada): Grenada’s 2026/27 Concacaf Nations League home matches will be played in Trinidad and Tobago due to concerns about the Kirani James Athletics Stadium playing surface. Health (Grenada): Mt Gay Psychiatric Hospital in St George will begin renovations on Block C from Sept 28, with patients relocated to a newly renovated block while services continue. Regional Security: Operation ATLAS NEXUS reports 490+ arrests and 156.9 tonnes of drugs seized across 35 countries, including Grenada, targeting transnational organised crime. Tourism/Business: Royal Caribbean is reported to be moving deeper into Caribbean land vacations by buying a stake in Sandals Resorts, with Sandals properties including Grenada.

Grenada Football: The Grenada Football Association confirmed its 2026/27 Concacaf Nations League home matches will be played in Trinidad and Tobago due to ongoing concerns about the Kirani James Athletics Stadium playing surface, with Stern John set to host two League B, Group C games against Bonaire at Hasely Crawford Stadium on Oct. 2 and 5. Health Infrastructure: Renovation works are set to begin Monday, Sept. 28, 2026 at Block C of the Mt. Gay Psychiatric Hospital in St. George, with patients relocated within the compound and mental health services continuing during refurbishment. Public Services: The Ministry of Education temporarily relocated the Special Education Needs Unit to Galleria Mall (Grand Anse, St. George), with services available 8am–4pm weekdays, while other units shift to the Ministerial Complex. Road Works: Temporary one-lane traffic restrictions start Monday, Sept. 21 on Mt Alexander Road, St. Patrick, expected to last about four weeks. Tourism & Culture: The Grenada Tourism Authority announced the second edition of “Pure Grenada Destination Magazine,” produced with Greydoor Publishing, aimed at showcasing Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique to international readers. Sports Development: Grenada’s Under-23 Volleyball Team departed for El Salvador to compete in the NORCECA U-23 Copa America Championships (Sept. 20–28), marking the first time Grenada is represented at the event. Climate & Children: UNICEF launched a child-centred, multi-hazard spatial climate risk assessment for the Eastern Caribbean, including Grenada, to support resilience planning for children. Politics: Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell told NDC supporters to prepare for the next general election, widely expected later this year, urging door-to-door voter registration and polling readiness.

Grenada Politics: Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell told NDC supporters to get ready for the next general election, hinting it will “come soon” and urging “boots, boots, boots” door-knocking and voter registration ahead of the constitutionally due 2027 poll. Grenada Health Services: The Government launched a National Naming Competition for the proposed Grenada Public Hospitals Authority, inviting Grenadians to submit ideas for a name, logo and tagline (student and adult categories). Grenada Governance & Public Trust: Grenada Ports Authority pushed back on public claims after the Grand Anse Beach incident, stressing no one has been exonerated and responsibility can’t be inferred until statutory investigations are completed. Grenada Infrastructure & Services: The Ministry of Education temporarily relocated the Special Education Needs Unit to Galleria Mall (Grand Anse, St George), while the Ministry of Infrastructure announced one-lane traffic restrictions on Mt Alexander Road, St Patrick, for about four weeks. Tourism & Environment: GHTA commissioned a glass pulveriser for the Grenada Solid Waste Management Authority, funded through the Tourism Enhancement Fund, to boost glass recovery and reduce waste. Citizenship by Investment Review: IMA Grenada commissioned an independent review of its CBI programme, using Caribbean Analytics to gather anonymous input from residents, the diaspora, applicants and stakeholders during September–October 2026. Sports & Culture: Grenadian artist V’ghn won Jab Artist of the Year at the Caribbean Music Awards, with performances representing Grenada on the Trinidad stage.

Tourism & Culture: Grenada’s Spicemas 2026 delivered a tourism boost, with visitor arrivals up 20% year-on-year to 11,299 (Aug 2–11), driven by a 24% jump in non-national arrivals, as officials credit stronger marketing and community-led experiences. Environment & Waste: The Grenada Hotel and Tourism Association funded a commercial glass pulveriser (EC$486,000) commissioned at the GSWMA to strengthen glass recovery and cut waste going to landfill. Citizenship by Investment: IMA Grenada has commissioned an independent review of its CBI programme, with public and diaspora input collected anonymously via Caribbean Analytics during Sept–Oct 2026. Transport & Daily Life: The Grenada Transport Commission says Bus Route Sticker services moved to its Kirani James Athletic Stadium offices for applications and issuance. Regional Sports: Grenada’s soca star V’ghn won Jab Artist of the Year at the Caribbean Music Awards in Trinidad, adding to his seven nominations. Politics: GRENADA-POLITICS—PM hints an election will “come soon,” while separate regional coverage includes debate over chemical castration proposals.

Tourism Boost: Grenada’s Spicemas 2026 delivered a tourism breakout, with visitor arrivals up 20% to 11,299 (Aug. 2–11), driven especially by a 24% jump in non-nationals, as officials credit culture-led marketing and stronger festival momentum. Regional Music Spotlight: Grenadian soca star V’ghn won Jab Artist of the Year at the 2026 Caribbean Music Awards in Trinidad, adding to Grenada’s strong presence at the event. Public Safety & Justice: Grenada is moving toward a dedicated Sexual Offences Court expected to begin operating in January 2027, alongside plans for a Sex Offender Registry, after concerns raised during DMs with PM. Health Services: Mt Gay Psychiatric Hospital will begin renovation works on Block C on Sept. 28, with patients temporarily relocated and visitation arranged in advance. Cost of Living: Petroleum prices in Grenada rose for kerosene and larger LPG cylinders, while gasoline and diesel stayed at $17.00. Energy/Climate Risk: A new UNICEF-backed study warns that by mid-century, most Eastern Caribbean children could face multiple climate hazards, with no “safe zone” under high-emissions scenarios.