AGP Executive Report

Dive & Tourism: Grenada’s 5th Annual Dive and Conservation Festival is set for Oct. 26–Nov. 1 under the theme “Sustainable Legacy,” spotlighting wrecks like the Bianca C, reefs, and hands-on coral restoration and reef rehabilitation across Grenada and Carriacou. Disability & Work: The HireAbility Campaign, sparked by Grenada youth advocate Zinzee Noel, is pushing for barrier-free, inclusive hiring across the English- and Dutch-speaking Caribbean. Health Services: Grand Anse Medical Station will close on Sat., Sept. 19 for a deep clean, with routine services moving to St. George’s Health Centre that day. Culture & Sports: Grenadian soca artists head to the Caribbean Music Awards in Trinidad on Sept. 19, with V’ghn leading the island’s nominations. Climate & Children: A UNICEF-backed study warns there’s “no safe zone” for Eastern Caribbean children as climate hazards overlap—more than 9 in 10 could face at least three risks by mid-century. Regional Fisheries Resilience: CC4FISH-II launches with US$12.55M to strengthen climate and disaster resilience in Caribbean fisheries through 2030. Legal Spotlight: Grenadian-born attorney Yolande I. Nicholson helps secure a historic US$60M NYC civil rights settlement over unlawful property seizures.

Tourism Boost: Grenada’s Spicemas 2026 delivered a 20% jump in total visitor arrivals, rising from 9,448 in 2025 to 11,299 this year, with non-national arrivals up 24% to 9,958. Sports & Youth: The Grenada National Sports Council and partners are shaping the 2027 sports agenda, using a workshop to align funding proposals and build a coordinated national sports calendar. Climate Finance: Grenada hosted the OECS’s first capacity-building session under the Climate Finance Action Platform, aiming to help ministries turn climate priorities into investment-ready projects. Fisheries Resilience: A US$12.55 million GEF-funded regional project, CC4FISH-II, was launched to strengthen climate and disaster resilience in Caribbean fisheries through 2030, including support for fisherfolk and coastal communities across several islands. Education Support: Rotary Club of Grenada East backed St. Giles Anglican Primary School through its Pathway to Promise back-to-school initiative, focusing on literacy and numeracy. Consumer Protection: Grenada’s Consumer Affairs Tribunal began work this week, with a five-member panel set to hear consumer disputes and strengthen redress. Scholarships: Two Grenadians received prestigious UK Government scholarships, including Chevening and Commonwealth awards.

Tourism Boost: Grenada’s Spicemas 2026 delivered a 20% jump in visitor arrivals, rising from 9,448 (2025) to 11,299, with non-nationals up 24% to 9,958—an uptick the Grenada Tourism Authority says is spreading benefits across hotels, transport, restaurants and vendors. Marine & Community Events: The Grenada Tourism Authority announced its 5th Annual Dive and Conservation Festival, running Oct. 26 to Nov. 1, 2026 under “Sustainable Legacy,” with diving, conservation education and community activities across Grenada and Carriacou. Climate Resilience in Fisheries: FAO’s Dr. Renata Clarke backed the US$12.55 million CC4FISH-II project, launched in Dominica, saying regional cooperation is key to helping Caribbean fisheries withstand climate pressures. Child Climate Risk: A UNICEF-backed Eastern Caribbean study warns there’s “no safe zone” for children, with more than a third already in areas exposed to at least three climate hazards, projected to rise sharply by mid-century. Consumer Protection: Grenada’s Consumer Affairs Tribunal began work on Sept. 16, with a five-member panel led by Magistrate Nevlyn John to hear and resolve consumer disputes. Health & Safety: SGU will host free rabies vaccination clinics for dogs island-wide on Sept. 26 in recognition of World Rabies Day. Sports & Youth: Grenada’s place in the spotlight continues as it’s listed in Group K for the inaugural FIFA U15 World Cup & Festival Azerbaijan 2026, with matches in Baku in October.

Spicemas Tourism Boost: Grenada’s 2026 Spicemas delivered a major jump in visitors, with total arrivals rising 20% from 9,448 (2025) to 11,299 (2026). Non-national arrivals climbed even faster, up 24% to 9,958, reinforcing Spicemas as a key driver for Grenada’s tourism and creative economy. Climate Risk for Grenada: A UNICEF-commissioned Eastern Caribbean study warns that by mid-century, moderate to severe drought could hit Barbados and Grenada for three to four months each year, raising pressure on water, farming, health, and children’s schooling. Drought and Heat Reality: Another report highlights that climate change is already affecting food and water systems, with knock-on effects for fisheries and the affordability of nutritious food. Regional Climate Finance Push: Grenada hosted an OECS capacity-building session to strengthen access to climate and sustainable finance, aiming to turn national priorities into investment-ready projects. Fisheries Resilience Project: A US$12.55 million regional initiative (CC4FISH-II) is getting underway to help Eastern Caribbean fisheries and coastal communities adapt to climate impacts, with Grenada among participating countries. Public Health Preparedness: CARPHA wrapped up a CariPHLN workshop in Barbados focused on strengthening lab networks, surveillance, and faster response to health threats across the region. Football Update: The Grenada Football Association moved its 2026/27 Nations League home fixtures to Trinidad and Tobago due to ongoing pitch concerns at the Kirani James Athletics Stadium. Sports Calendar Planning: Grenada’s sports stakeholders met to shape 2027 funding priorities and build a coordinated national sports calendar. Community Safety: Police are searching for five-year-old Marlick Williams of Grand Anse Valley, last seen at The Carenage in St George’s on Sept. 10, with the case being treated as a child abduction. Mental Health Call: After reports of multiple suicides in Grenada, mental health advocates are urging families and workplaces to spot warning signs early and treat support as a daily priority.

US Ambassador Move: President Trump has nominated Kimberly Greenwood—wife of “God Bless the USA” singer Lee Greenwood—to be U.S. ambassador to Barbados, with concurrent responsibility for six Eastern Caribbean states including Grenada; her nomination now goes to the Senate. Spicemas Tourism Boost: Grenada’s Spicemas 2026 delivered a 20% jump in arrivals, with 11,299 visitors during Aug. 2–11, up from 9,448 in 2025; non-nationals rose 24% to 9,958. Regional Health Security: CARPHA’s lab network workshop in Barbados focused on strengthening Caribbean preparedness and faster detection and response to health threats, with Grenada among the participating countries. Climate & Fisheries Resilience: A US$12.55 million GEF-backed CC4FISH-II project launched in Dominica to help fisherfolk and coastal communities across Dominica, Grenada, St Kitts and Nevis, St Vincent and the Grenadines, and Trinidad and Tobago adapt to climate impacts. Football Fixtures Shift: The Grenada Football Association moved its 2026/27 Concacaf Nations League home games to Trinidad and Tobago due to ongoing pitch compliance concerns at the Kirani James Athletics Stadium. Mental Health Warning: Grenada’s suicide crisis is prompting renewed calls for mental health to be treated as a daily priority, with experts urging families and workplaces to watch for early warning signs and act fast.

Child Abduction Alert: Grenada police are treating the disappearance of 5-year-old Marlick Williams of Grand Anse Valley as a possible abduction, with the search now in its 5th day and an appeal to the public after he was last seen at The Carenage, St George, on Sept. 10. Mental Health Push: Calls across the region are growing after 10 suicides were recorded in Grenada last month, with advocates urging families, workplaces, and communities to spot warning signs early and act fast. Football Update: The Grenada Football Association has moved its 2026/27 Concacaf Nations League home fixtures to Trinidad and Tobago due to ongoing pitch concerns at the Kirani James Athletics Stadium. Climate & Fisheries Funding: A new US$12.55 million CC4FISH-II project was launched to strengthen climate and disaster resilience for fisheries and coastal communities across Dominica, Grenada, St Kitts and Nevis, St Vincent and the Grenadines, and Trinidad and Tobago. Sports Facility Progress: Work on the Grenada Aquatic Centre continues, with pool installation and key materials arriving as the country moves closer to a modern swimming facility. Education & Scholarships: The UK announced 2 Grenadians receiving major scholarships, including a Chevening scholar and a Commonwealth scholarship recipient.

Climate Resilience for Fisheries: A new US$12.55 million regional project, CC4FISH-II, was launched in Dominica to help fisherfolk and coastal communities across Grenada, Dominica, St Kitts and Nevis, St Vincent and the Grenadines, and Trinidad and Tobago better withstand climate change and disasters. Infrastructure Support: The RIISE facility has begun operations, offering technical help to Dominica, Grenada, St Lucia, and St Vincent and the Grenadines to push climate-resilient infrastructure projects past delays. Aquatic Sports Upgrade: Work on Grenada’s Aquatic Centre is advancing, with pool installation underway after containers and materials arrived, and Myrtha Pools completing key piping work. Football Fixture Move: The Grenada Football Association relocated 2026/27 Concacaf Nations League home games to Trinidad due to ongoing pitch concerns at the Kirani James Athletics Stadium. Education & Scholarships: UK Chevening and Commonwealth scholarships were awarded to two Grenadians—Ravon Charles and Akeyshur Bartholomew—supporting postgraduate study in sport rehabilitation and medical ultrasound. Health Leadership Training: PAHO and UWI marked the completion of a health policy and systems postgraduate programme’s third cohort, including participants from Grenada. Local Notices: The Forestry Department reminded the public that hunting season remains closed, and the HRD Division at the Ministry of Education will close for a scholarship awards ceremony before resuming the next day.

World Athletics Spotlight: Grenada’s Anderson Peters won silver in the men’s javelin at the inaugural World Athletics Ultimate Championship in Budapest, throwing 86.18m behind Sri Lanka’s Rumesh Tharanga Pathirage (91.09m). Sports & Community: The Grenada Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation announced the 2nd Annual Grenada Glory Games 2026, with activities starting Dec. 5 and competitions running Dec. 11–13, featuring bodybuilding, physique, strongman/strongwoman and youth/school showcases. Climate & Waste Solutions: A Grenada delegation trained in Punta Cana on sargassum management under the BioWaste Caribbean project, aiming to reduce health and environmental impacts from seaweed influxes using containment, collection and utilization approaches. Local Services: Grenada’s Central Statistical Office will close its Melville Street offices from Sept. 14–18 for deep cleaning after a small fire on Sept. 7. Health & Farming Support: Climate-smart farming funding of over EC$57,000 is supporting farmers in the concord watershed with inputs and training.

Sports Spotlight: Grenada’s Anderson Peters won silver in the men’s javelin at the inaugural World Athletics Ultimate Championship in Budapest, throwing 86.18m, while Sri Lanka’s Rumesh Tharanga Pathirage took gold with 91.09m. Politics & Governance: Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell hit back at the Nelson Louison-led CCCC-I over long delays on state projects, saying the firm has still not completed road works three years after being awarded the Woburn/Cliff to Woodlands contract. Parliament Watch: The opposition New National Party boycotted a Joint Sitting of Parliament on the Oil & Gas report, arguing the invited technical experts are “strangers,” while the House Speaker cited UK precedent. Public Safety: Police are investigating a knife-point robbery at “Sunday to Sunday” pharmacy in Lance Aux Epines, where a cashier was threatened and $100 bills were taken. Heritage Push: Grenada National Trust officials say the island could qualify for World Heritage status, pointing to historic fortifications and tunnel systems, including Fort Matthew. Travel/Visas: U.S. data shows Grenada issued 164 B1/B2 tourist visas in the first two months of 2026, while Antigua and Dominica recorded zero.

Sports — Javelin spotlight for Grenada: Rumesh Tharanga Pathirage won the men’s javelin at the inaugural World Athletics Ultimate Championship in Budapest with a huge 91.09m, becoming the first to break 90m in Hungary. Grenada — Anderson Peters silver: Peters threw 86.18m for second, while Arshad Nadeem finished fifth with 81.49m. Track & field — sprint doubles: Melissa Jefferson-Wooden and Kenny Bednarek completed 200m sprint doubles in Budapest, as Alison dos Santos powered the 400m hurdles. Grenada & travel — U.S visa data: U.S. State Department figures show a slight uptick in B1/B2 tourist visas issued to St Vincent and the Grenadines in early 2026 (62 in January, 82 in February). Grenada — oil & gas politics: Grenada’s Oil & Gas debate continues after a joint sitting on the work of a technical working group was boycotted by the opposition, with “strangers” to Parliament at the centre of the dispute. Local crime: Police are investigating a knife-point robbery at “Sunday to Sunday” pharmacy in Lance Aux Epines.

Oil & Gas Politics: Grenada’s Joint Sitting on the Oil & Gas report went ahead despite an opposition boycott, with the NNP arguing the invited technical experts are “strangers” to Parliament; the House Speaker cited UK Commons precedent. Roadworks Row: PM Dickon Mitchell hit back at the Nelson Louison-led CCCC-I over long delays on the Woburn/Cliff to Woodlands road, saying the government has worked with the firm for over three years and still awaits completion. Security Alert: Police are investigating a knife-point robbery at “Sunday to Sunday” pharmacy in Lance Aux Epines, where a masked hooded man grabbed cash from the till. Fire Investigation: The RGPF is probing a Monday night fire at the old National Insurance Scheme headquarters on Melville Street, affecting the Legal Affairs and Attorney-General chambers. Heritage Push: Grenada National Trust is driving a bid for World Heritage status, pointing to historic forts and tunnel systems, including Fort Matthew. Sports Spotlight: Anderson Peters of Grenada finished second in the men’s javelin at the World Athletics Ultimate Championship in Budapest, behind Rumesh Pathirage’s 91.09m.

Oil & Gas Governance Clash: Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell hit back at the opposition after Tuesday’s Joint Sitting boycott over an Oil & Gas report, arguing the “strangers” issue is a procedural non-starter and pointing to UK House of Commons precedent. Road Delays & Procurement Questions: Mitchell also slammed Nelson Louison’s CCCC-I over long delays on state road works, while the NNP has renewed claims of procurement breaches and past monopolies. Crime & Public Safety: Police are investigating a knife-point robbery at the “Sunday to Sunday” pharmacy in Lance Aux Epines, where a masked man grabbed cash from the till. World Heritage Push: Grenada National Trust officials say historic fort sites—including Fort Matthew’s tunnel systems—could unlock “millions” in funding if the country secures World Heritage status. Mental Health Watch: Grenada recorded 10 suicide cases as of August 31, prompting renewed calls for stronger prevention support. Sports & Regional Cricket: Grenada-linked Windward Islands Volcanoes are relocating to Saint Lucia’s Daren Sammy Cricket Ground from Oct. 1, with a new MOU signed. Jobs: Grenada Distillers Limited advertised for a Sales and Marketing Manager.

Water Security: A new push across CARICOM is looking at desalination as a practical answer to drought and shrinking groundwater, with global demand rising fast but environmental and cost risks still under debate. Politics & Accountability: PM Dickon Mitchell hit back hard at the Nelson Louison-led CCCC-I, accusing it of long delays on major road works and pointing to alleged procurement and monopoly issues from the previous administration. Parliament Watch: The Opposition NNP boycotted Tuesday’s Joint Sitting over the Oil & Gas report, arguing invited experts were “strangers,” while the Speaker cited UK House of Commons precedent. Crime: Police are investigating a knife-point robbery at “Sunday to Sunday” pharmacy in Lance Aux Epines, where a masked man grabbed cash from the till. Heritage & Funding: Grenada National Trust officials say World Heritage status could unlock millions, citing historic fortifications and tunnel systems, including at Fort Matthew. Public Life: Broadcaster Jerry Romain has died. Sports: Grenada’s chess team is set to depart for the 46th FIDE Chess Olympiad in Samarkand.

Grenada Economy & Finance: Finance Minister Dennis Cornwall wrapped up a 3-day UK visit, using meetings with multilateral partners, investors and the diaspora to push Grenada’s priorities on debt sustainability, climate resilience financing, and regional cooperation. VAT Relief: The Ministry of Finance says Grenada’s VAT-Free Shopping Days (Cost of Living Assistance Programme 2026) are now set for 2–3 October 2026. Food Security & Youth: OECS and Grenada hosted the 2nd Youth and Women in Agriculture Symposium (Sept 1–3), bringing 150+ participants to drive practical commitments to cut food import dependence (US$658m a year). Mental Health: Grenada marked World Suicide Prevention Day with reports of 10 suicide cases recorded as of Aug. 31, urging continued attention to risk factors and support. Education & Resilience: St Dominic’s RC School Block #5 was officially handed over—an EC$1.44m, climate-resilient rebuild funded by CDB/BNTF. Sports & Representation: Ten Grenada chess players depart Sept. 12 for the 46th FIDE Chess Olympiad in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.

OECS & Grenada Agriculture: The OECS Commission and the Government of Grenada wrapped up the 2nd Youth and Women in Agriculture Symposium (Sept. 1–3) in St George’s, bringing together 150+ young farmers, women and differently-abled stakeholders to push practical commitments for regional food security, with Grenada’s Minister Lennox J. Andrews urging a shift to youth- and women-led, tech-driven farming. Digital Skills Push: Applications for the OECS Advanced Digital Skills Scholarship Programme open Sept. 10 and close Sept. 20, offering advanced training and certifications across areas like AI, cybersecurity, cloud, data analytics and fintech for citizens in OECS member states including Grenada. Education & Resilience: St Dominic’s RC School Block #5 was officially handed over after reconstruction—EC$1.44 million funded via the Caribbean Development Bank and Basic Needs Trust Fund—adding classrooms, upgraded systems and features to support the school as an emergency shelter. Cost of Living: Grenada’s VAT-Free Shopping Days have new dates: Oct. 2–3, under the Cost of Living Assistance Programme 2026. Mental Health Alert: Grenada recorded 10 suicide cases as of Aug. 31, ahead of World Suicide Prevention Day. Sports & Youth: Grenada’s chess team departs Sept. 12 for the 46th FIDE Chess Olympiad in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, with 10 players (5 men, 5 women).

GPG Investment Dispute: Grenada’s Parliament heard an update on the government’s decision to terminate agreements with global petroleum group GPG, with concerns raised that the company could pursue damages over investments the state says it cannot confirm. Local Governance & Infrastructure: The Royal Grenada Police Force announced a temporary road closure in Belmont, St George, on Sunday, Sept. 13 (7am–6pm) to facilitate concrete works. Tourism & Trade: The High Commission for Grenada to the UK hosted “Flavours of Grenada 2026” in London, bringing together investors and tourism stakeholders and spotlighting Grenada’s rum and chocolate. Health in Tourism: The Grenada Hotel and Tourism Association (GHTA) is offering free PSA prostate screening for 100 men aged 40+ across September, via Allied Medical Laboratory. Sports Development: The Grenada Football Association launched a grassroots primary school campaign to expand weekly football opportunities and create a clearer pathway into club and national youth football. Digital Skills: OECS opened applications for its Advanced Digital Skills Scholarship Programme (Cohort II) for eligible citizens, with training areas spanning AI, cybersecurity, cloud, and more. Youth & Education: Grenada’s chess scene got a boost as under-16 champion Jaedyn Pierre and junior player Aiden Victor both passed 12 CSEC subjects, earning congratulations and next-stage opportunities.