AGP Executive Report

Water Security Watch: A new look at desalination argues the technology is moving from “emergency option” to mainstream water supply as CARICOM countries face drought and shrinking groundwater. Construction & Procurement Tensions: PM Dickon Mitchell publicly criticised CCCC-I/ Nelson Louison over long delays on state road works, while Parliament debates whether the government’s handling of oil-and-gas agreements and related decisions is being done transparently. Energy & Policy Scrutiny: Grenada’s oil-and-gas discussions continue as a technical working group was invited to brief lawmakers, despite an opposition boycott. Climate Funding for Coastal Resilience: The CABRIC programme is opening grant applications for locally led climate resilience projects, with Grenada among five participating countries and funding categories from small to large grants. Agriculture & Food Systems: OECS and Grenada hosted a Youth and Women in Agriculture symposium pushing agricultural transformation and reducing import dependence. Tourism Workforce Health: GHTA and Allied Medical Laboratory are offering free PSA screening for 100 men across September. VAT Relief Update: Grenada’s VAT-Free Shopping Days have new dates set for 2–3 October. Skills Pipeline: OECS Advanced Digital Skills Scholarship applications open 10 September, targeting advanced training in areas like AI, cybersecurity, cloud, and data analytics. Local Business Hiring: Grenada Distillers Limited advertised for a Sales and Marketing Manager.

OECS Agriculture Push: OECS and the Government of Grenada wrapped up the 2nd Youth and Women in Agriculture Symposium (Sept 1–3) with calls to boost food security and cut import dependence, spotlighting youth and women as drivers of technology and business. Digital Skills for Work: The OECS Advanced Digital Skills Scholarship opens Sept. 10 (applications close Sept. 20), offering industry certifications across areas like AI, cybersecurity, cloud, data analytics, and digital marketing. Tourism Workers Health: GHTA’s Free PSA screening programme runs Sept. 1–30 for 100 men aged 40+ via Allied Medical Laboratory, with pre-registration required. VAT Relief Dates: Grenada’s VAT-Free Shopping Days have new dates for Oct. 2–3 under the Cost of Living Assistance Programme. Education Infrastructure: St Dominic’s RC School Block #5 was officially handed over—climate-resilient classrooms and systems funded by the CDB via the Basic Needs Trust Fund. Energy Transition: Grenada marks World EV Day 2026, highlighting charging expansion and policy steps under the transport energy framework. Climate Grants (Region): CABRIC grant funding is available for locally led coastal resilience projects in the Caribbean, with Grenada among participating countries.

OECS Agriculture Push: OECS and Grenada convened the Youth and Women in Agriculture Symposium (Sept 1–3) with 150+ participants, urging youth and women to lead agricultural transformation as the region spends about US$658m annually importing food. Digital Skills: The OECS Advanced Digital Skills Scholarship opens Sept 10–20 under the World Bank-backed CARDTP, offering training and certifications across areas like AI, cybersecurity, cloud, data analytics and digital marketing. VAT Relief Update: Grenada’s VAT-Free Shopping Days have new dates—Oct 2–3—under the Cost of Living Assistance Programme. Tourism Workforce Health: GHTA and Allied Medical Laboratory restart a free PSA screening drive for 100 men aged 40+ across September, with pre-registration required. Education Upgrade: St Dominic’s RC School Block #5 was handed over as a climate-resilient rebuild (EC$1.44m) funded by CDB/BNTF. Hydrocarbons Oversight: Parliament received an HTWG update after the government terminated agreements with Global Petroleum Group (GPG), while opposition lawmakers boycotted the joint sitting. Inflation Scrutiny: Senator Mondy Andre Lewis questions whether official inflation figures reflect rising household food costs, calling for a refreshed food basket exercise.

Tourism & Trade Link-Up: Grenada’s High Commission in the UK hosted “Flavours of Grenada 2026” in London, bringing investors, tourism players and government leaders together around priority sectors like rum and chocolate. Health for Workers: The Grenada Hotel and Tourism Association (GHTA) is running free PSA screenings for 100 men aged 40+ across September, via Allied Medical Laboratory, with pre-registration required. Energy Transition: Grenada marked World EV Day 2026, highlighting efforts to cut motoring costs through EV rollouts in public institutions, expanding charging infrastructure, and updates to the Road Traffic Act plus end-of-life battery planning. Climate Grants: The CABRIC programme opens opportunities for Grenadian organisations to bid for climate resilience funding (small up to US$150k; medium/large up to US$300k/US$500k), targeting areas like climate-resilient agriculture and coastal protection. Hydrocarbons Oversight: Parliament received an update from the Hydrocarbons Technical Working Group on progress and the government’s decision to terminate agreements with Global Petroleum Group, while opposition legislators boycotted the joint sitting. Road Building Financing: PM Mitchell defended an EC$161m Design-Finance-Build model to move major road projects forward, as Parliament debated a supplementary appropriation. Digital Skills Pipeline: OECS launched applications for the Advanced Digital Skills Scholarship Programme opening 10 September, with training tracks spanning AI, cybersecurity, cloud, data analytics and more.

Cruise Access Boost: Southern Caribbean ports are set to feel less “out of the way” as major cruise lines add new itineraries and even new departure ports for fall 2026–2027, opening up bucket-list stops like Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao without repositioning cruises. Tourism Health Push: The Grenada Hotel and Tourism Association (GHTA) is running a free PSA screening drive for 100 men aged 40+ across September via Allied Medical Laboratory, with pre-registration required. Hydrocarbons Accountability Clash: Parliament heard an update from the Hydrocarbons Technical Working Group on the status of Grenada’s programme and the government’s decision to terminate agreements with Global Petroleum Group (GPG), while the opposition boycotted the joint sitting—prompting PM Dickon Mitchell to call it disappointing. Energy Transition Watch: Grenada marks World EV Day 2026, highlighting efforts to cut motoring costs through EV adoption, expanding charging infrastructure and regulatory updates. Climate Grants (CABRIC): Grenada is among countries eligible for CABRIC coastal resilience funding under the Green Climate Fund, with grant categories ranging from small to large awards. Roads Financing Debate: PM Mitchell defends a Design-Finance-Build model tied to an EC$161m supplementary appropriation for road projects, as opposition questions procurement and local contractor impacts. Local Industry Spotlight: Renegade Rum Distillery is up for sale, with details on its modern plant capacity and farm-linked “cane code” traceability. Preparedness Upgrade: Grenada validated updates to its National Respiratory Pathogen Pandemic Preparedness and Response Plan with PAHO/WHO support.

Oil & Gas Accountability: Grenada’s Joint Sitting heard the Hydrocarbons Technical Working Group (HTWG) brief MPs and senators on the status of the hydrocarbon programme and the government’s decision to terminate the Production Sharing Agreement and revoke Global Petroleum Group (GPG) licences, with opposition lawmakers also questioning process and procedure. Roads & Procurement: Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell defended an EC$161m Design-Finance-Build (DFB) road financing plan as Parliament debated a supplementary appropriation, arguing the model is needed to push major works forward amid limited local capacity. Tourism Health: The Grenada Hotel and Tourism Association (GHTA) is running a free PSA screening programme for 100 men aged 40+ during September, via Allied Medical Laboratory, with pre-registration required. Energy Transition: Grenada marks World EV Day 2026, highlighting efforts to cut motoring costs through EV adoption in public institutions, expanding charging infrastructure, and planning for end-of-life battery management. Climate Grants: CABRIC climate resilience funding is open for Grenada-based organisations, with grant sizes ranging from US$150,000 to US$500,000 for locally led coastal and climate-risk projects. Clean Ocean Procurement: The Nature Conservancy (TNC) issued an RFP for a communications and stakeholder engagement consultant for Grenada’s “Clean and Healthy Ocean” waste management project. Rum Industry Deal: Renegade Rum Distillery is listed for sale, with details on its modern plant, spare capacity, and traceability from 12 nearby farms.

Climate Finance for Grenada: The CABRIC Programme (backed by the Green Climate Fund) is set to offer climate resilience grants across the Caribbean, with Grenada among five participating countries and an estimated US$5m available; projects can be small (up to US$150k), medium (US$150k–US$300k) or large (US$300k–US$500k), targeting areas like climate-resilient agriculture, fisheries and coastal nature solutions. Roads Funding Debate: PM Dickon Mitchell defended an EC$161m Design-Finance-Build model inside a wider EC$310.9m supplementary appropriation, saying it’s needed to move major road works forward despite limited local capacity—while opposition raised concerns about procurement and local contractor access. Public Health Preparedness: Grenada advanced its National Respiratory Pathogen Pandemic Preparedness and Response Plan after a two-and-a-half-day validation workshop with PAHO/WHO, updating governance, staffing and operational responsibilities under a One Health approach. Energy & Offshore Interest: Grenada’s offshore hydrocarbon prospects are drawing major energy-player attention as the country moves toward the next stage of developing its potential. Waste Management Procurement: The Nature Conservancy is seeking a Communications and Stakeholder Engagement Consultant for its 5-year “Clean and Healthy Ocean” project, aimed at improving waste management and public awareness. Visa Pressure on Performers: Grenadian entertainers are reportedly affected by US visa revocations tied to intensified enforcement across the region, with local stakeholders urging artistes to seek proper legal guidance to protect livelihoods.

Visa Revocations & Performers: Grenadian entertainers are facing fresh U.S. visa revocations tied to tougher enforcement, with local stakeholders urging artistes to get legal guidance and tighten the business side of paid travel. Energy & Offshore: Legislators received full insight into government’s decision to terminate agreements with GPG, as Grenada’s offshore petroleum prospects draw major oil players’ attention. Roads & Procurement: PM Mitchell defended an EC$161m Design-Finance-Build road model, arguing it’s needed to move projects forward despite limited local capacity—while critics warn it could squeeze local contractors. Health Preparedness: Grenada strengthened its National Respiratory Pathogen Pandemic Plan after a PAHO/WHO-supported validation workshop, updating governance, staffing, and response operations. Clean Ocean Project: The Nature Conservancy issued an RFP for a communications and stakeholder engagement consultant for Grenada’s clean and healthy ocean waste-management push. Local Industry Jobs: A vacancy was listed for a multi-skilled carpenter, including hurricane-rated window/door installs and tile finishes. Agriculture Spotlight: Dominica’s OECS Young Farmer winner Ephraim Elijah Roberts was recognized in Grenada for diversified, resilient farming. Arson Case: A Grenada man was charged with first-degree arson after a manufactured home fire on Hebron Church Road caused about EC$80,000 in damage.

Grenada–Energy & Procurement: Legislators received full insight into the government’s decision to terminate agreements with GPG, as the island’s energy direction continues to draw scrutiny. Roads & Construction Finance: PM Dickon Mitchell defended an EC$161 million Design-Finance-Build model inside a wider EC$310.9 million supplementary appropriation, arguing it’s needed to push major road works despite limited local capacity. Public Health Preparedness: Grenada strengthened its National Respiratory Pathogen Pandemic Preparedness and Response Plan after a two-and-a-half-day validation workshop with PAHO/WHO, updating governance, staffing, and operational responsibilities. Offshore Energy Interest: Major oil players are eyeing Grenada’s offshore petroleum prospects as the country moves toward the next stage of developing hydrocarbon potential. Waste & Ocean Industry: The Nature Conservancy issued an RFP for a Communications and Stakeholder Engagement Consultant for a 5-year “Clean and Healthy Ocean” project focused on waste management and public awareness. Local Safety & Risk: A Grenada man was charged with first-degree arson linked to an $80,000 manufactured home fire on Hebron Church Road. Labour & Migration Policy: Grenada’s US deportation agreement is raising human rights concerns as the country weighs labour shortages against legal and refugee protections.

Grenada-US Migration Deal: Grenada and the United States signed a non-binding MOU that could transfer third-country nationals removed from the US, with Grenada able to accept or reject cases and preference for skills—while human rights groups warn Grenada lacks dedicated refugee status procedures. Roads Financing Push: Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell defended an EC$161m Design-Finance-Build road model inside a larger EC$310.9m supplementary appropriation, saying it’s needed to move major projects forward despite limited local capacity. Clean Ocean Project Procurement: The Nature Conservancy (TNC) issued an RFP for a Communications and Stakeholder Engagement Consultant for Grenada’s “Clean and Healthy Ocean” waste management and public awareness project. Energy & Power Costs: Grenada’s offshore petroleum prospects are drawing major international interest as development moves ahead, while an advisor says temporary electricity-cost relief won’t boost business competitiveness without sustained reductions and more renewable investment. Agriculture Youth Spotlight: OECS Young Farmer Award winner Ephraim Elijah Roberts (Dominica) was recognised in Grenada for diversified farming that builds resilience. Public Sector Governance: Gravel Concrete and Emulsion Production Corporation signed on as Day 2 sponsor for Grenada’s 3rd Annual Conference of Directors of Public Sector Entities (23–24 Sept).

Grenada–US Migration Deal: Grenada’s non-binding MOU with the United States could transfer “skilled” and “non-criminal” third-country nationals to Grenada case-by-case, with PM Dickon Mitchell citing labour shortages in construction, agriculture and hospitality—while human-rights groups warn Grenada lacks refugee status procedures and dedicated legislation. Energy & Power Costs: Offshore petroleum interest is rising as Grenada edges toward the next phase of developing hydrocarbon potential, while an advisor says temporary electricity-cost relief won’t boost business competitiveness unless reductions are sustained and renewable investment accelerates. Public Sector Governance: Gravel Concrete and Emulsion Production Corporation will sponsor Day 2 of the 3rd Annual Conference of Directors of Public Sector Entities (Sept 23–24) at the Grenada Trade Centre, focused on board excellence and strengthening governance across statutory bodies and SOEs. VAT-Free Weekend: Grenada’s first VAT-free shopping weekend drew big crowds and more retail traffic, but also brought congestion in St George’s and Grand Anse, with mixed shopper views on whether prices truly fell. Agriculture & Skills: OECS Young Farmer Award winner Ephraim Elijah Roberts highlights diversified farming for resilience, and the DPM pushes a national apprenticeship push to tackle Grenada’s shortage of skilled trades. Regional Sports: Black Sands Swim Squad returned from the SVG Gallagher National Swim Championships with 108 medals, including national record swims by Sarai Williams.

VAT-Free Shopping: Grenada’s first VAT-free weekend (28–29 Aug) pulled big crowds to supermarkets and hardware stores, but shoppers and retailers flagged traffic congestion in St George’s and Grand Anse, transport limits, and confusion over which items qualified; some stores also reported technical hiccups during VAT-free processing. Public Sector Governance: Gravel Concrete and Emulsion Production Corporation signed on as exclusive Day 2 sponsor for the 3rd Annual Conference of Directors of Public Sector Entities (23–24 Sept, Grenada Trade Centre), focused on strengthening governance across statutory bodies and SOEs. Human Rights & Labour: A Grenada–US third-country deportation arrangement is raising human rights concerns, even as the MOU is framed as a way to address labour shortages in construction, agriculture and hospitality. Energy & Industry: Offshore petroleum interest is growing as Grenada moves toward the next stage of developing its hydrocarbon potential, while an advisor says electricity-cost relief won’t be enough for business competitiveness without sustained reductions and more renewables. Agriculture & Youth: OECS Young Farmer Award winner Ephraim Elijah Roberts (Dominica) and CARICOM Young Farmer of the Year Dywany St John highlight diversification-led farming across the region.

VAT-Free Shopping: Grenada’s first VAT-free weekend (28–29 Aug) pulled big crowds to supermarkets and hardware stores, but also sparked St George’s and Grand Anse traffic jams, confusion over qualifying items, and even a server-related delay at one retailer. Public Sector Governance: The Ministry of Finance says Gravel Concrete and Emulsion Production Corporation will sponsor Day 2 of the 3rd Annual Conference of Directors of Public Sector Entities (23–24 Sept), focused on strengthening governance across statutory bodies and SOEs. Offshore Energy Watch: Major oil players are reportedly eyeing Grenada’s offshore hydrocarbon prospects as the country moves toward the next stage of developing its potential. Migration & Rights: A Grenada–US deportation arrangement tied to a non-binding MOU is drawing human rights concerns, with critics pointing to limited refugee protections and no dedicated status-determination framework. Agriculture & Skills: OECS youth agriculture recognition highlights diversified farming success, while a Grenada apprenticeship push targets skilled-worker shortages in trades like masonry, plumbing and carpentry. Sports: Black Sands Swim Squad delivered a standout medal haul at the SVG national championships, including new national records.

Offshore Energy Watch: Major oil players are eyeing Grenada’s offshore hydrocarbon prospects as the country moves toward the next stage of developing its potential. Power Costs & Competitiveness: A government electricity-cost relief push is helping consumers, but an advisor says it won’t meaningfully boost business competitiveness without sustained cuts and more renewable investment. Renewables Grid Build: Grenada is seeking an Owner’s Engineer for pre-construction and construction of a dual-circuit transmission network and substation under a World Bank renewable energy facility. Public Sector Governance: Gravel Concrete and Emulsion Production Corporation has signed on as exclusive Day 2 sponsor for Grenada’s 3rd Annual Conference of Directors of Public Sector Entities, focused on strengthening governance and infrastructure delivery. VAT-Free Shopping Results: Grenada’s first VAT-free weekend drew big crowds and more retail traffic, but shoppers and businesses flagged congestion in St George’s and Grand Anse, plus confusion over qualifying items and some system issues. Labour & Agriculture Skills: A Dominica farmer won OECS Young Farmer recognition, while Grenada’s policy debate continues on building local skills for trades and agriculture to ease labour shortages. Human Rights & Migration: Grenada’s US deportation agreement is raising human rights concerns, with critics pointing to gaps in refugee status processes.

Human Rights & Migration: Grenada and the US signed a non-binding MOU that could allow transfer of third-country nationals removed from the US, with Grenada able to accept or reject cases case-by-case; rights groups warn Grenada lacks a dedicated refugee status process and has no 1951 Refugee Convention framework. Energy & Offshore Oil: Major oil players are eyeing Grenada’s offshore prospects as the country moves toward the next stage of developing hydrocarbon potential. Power Costs: Government electricity relief is helping consumers, but an advisor says it won’t boost business competitiveness without sustained cuts and more renewable investment. Renewables Grid Buildout: World Bank-backed tenders are moving ahead for an Owner’s Engineer role and an ESIA for Grenada’s dual-circuit transmission, substations and solar PV. Agriculture & Land Access: OECS urged governments to open crown lands on transparent terms that young farmers can use as bank-collateral, while Grenada hosts youth and women in agriculture training. Cost of Living Retail Push: Grenada’s first VAT-free weekend drew crowds and congestion in St George’s and Grand Anse, with mixed feedback on savings and qualifying prices. Public Sector Governance: Gravel Concrete and Emulsion Production Corporation is set as exclusive Day 2 sponsor for a directors’ conference focused on strengthening governance across statutory bodies and SOEs.

Offshore Energy Watch: Major energy players are eyeing Grenada’s offshore petroleum prospects as the country moves toward the next stage of developing hydrocarbon potential. Power Costs & Competitiveness: Government’s temporary electricity-cost relief is helping consumers, but an advisor says it won’t boost business competitiveness without sustained cuts and more renewable investment. Renewables Grid Push: World Bank-backed work is underway to secure an Owner’s Engineer and ESIA support for Grenada’s dual-circuit transmission network, substations and solar PV—key for utility-scale renewables and private participation. Agriculture & Land Access: OECS Director General Dr. Didacus Jules urged governments to open crown lands on transparent, bank-collateral terms so young farmers can invest; the message landed at the Youth and Women in Agriculture Symposium. VAT-Free Weekend Results: Grenada’s first VAT-free shopping weekend drew crowds and some savings, but also traffic congestion and confusion over qualifying items. Public Sector Governance: Gravel Concrete and Emulsion Production Corporation signed as Day 2 sponsor for the Directors of Public Sector Entities conference, focused on governance and infrastructure delivery. Local Talent in Agriculture: Dominica’s Ephraim Elijah Roberts won the OECS Young Farmer Award for diversified, resilience-focused farming.