AGP Executive Report

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.

Tourism & Investment: Royal Caribbean will buy a 50% stake in Sandals Resorts for about US$3bn, valuing the Caribbean brand at roughly US$6bn, with a planned close in early 2027—an expansion push that could reshape cruise-and-stay travel across the region. Regional Business: CARICOM Private Sector Organization (CPSO) hailed the deal as proof Caribbean enterprises can scale globally. Grenada Governance & Economy: Grenada’s Finance Minister Dennis Cornwall says his US diplomatic visa has been reinstated after Washington reversed an earlier withdrawal. Public Finance: Budget Alert 6.3 and related commentary scrutinize Grenada’s 2026 mid-year and supplementary budget financing, including the planned deficit and reserve drawdown. Energy & Infrastructure: Government tenders set up preparatory civil works and water supply equipment for geothermal slim-hole drilling at two sites, with bids due 6 Nov 2026. Diplomacy: Grenada and Nepal established diplomatic relations effective Sept 14, 2026. Elections Watch: PM Dickon Mitchell says the official election date will be announced on 4 Oct.

Tourism & Investment: Royal Caribbean will buy a 50% stake in Sandals Resorts and Beaches for about US$3bn, valuing the Caribbean brand at roughly US$6bn, with closing expected in early 2027—an expansion move that could deepen cruise-and-stay packages across the region, including Grenada. Public Finance: Budget Alert 6.3 and commentary on the 2026 Mid-Year Review focus on Grenada’s fiscal picture—an overall 2026 deficit (after grants) of EC$617.1m, largely financed by drawdowns of government reserves—while urging deeper scrutiny of sustainability beyond headline numbers. Geothermal & Infrastructure: Government tenders preparatory works for two geothermal slim-hole sites, including water intake, drill pads, access roads and equipment, with bids due 6 Nov 2026 and CDB funding backing the wider drilling push. Maritime Safety: A retired Coast Guard captain is training government ferry crews in emergency response drills after the MV Barima tragedy, aiming to improve navigation, seamanship and rapid rescue readiness. Politics & Elections: Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell says the official election date will be announced on 4 Oct, as parties intensify campaigning ahead of Grenada’s next general election. SME/Blue Economy: Grenada is among BluEFin-supported countries receiving seed funding for blue economy initiatives that back eco-entrepreneurs and small businesses.

Regional Security & Haiti: OAS member states, including Grenada, urged the UN Security Council to renew Haiti’s Gang Suppression Force mandate and to back it with personnel, funding, equipment and logistics for full deployment. Grenada Politics: Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell says Grenadians will learn the official general election date on 4 October, with speculation mounting that voting could follow soon. Public Finance Watch: Budget Alert 6.3 and related commentary focus on Grenada’s 2026 finances, including the size of the authorised deficit and how the enlarged budget is being financed. Diplomatic & Travel Update: Finance Minister Dennis Cornwall’s US diplomatic visa has been reinstated, clearing travel after Washington reversed an earlier decision. Election Stakes (St George North-west): Retired school principal Nigel DeGale says he’s confident of a major upset for the NDC in the constituency, aiming to win the seat for the first time since 1984. Geothermal Pipeline to Drilling: Government tender seeks preparatory civil infrastructure and water-supply equipment for two geothermal slim-hole wells, with bids due 6 November 2026. Tourism Investment Signal: Royal Caribbean’s planned US$3bn, 50% stake in Sandals and Beaches is framed as a major boost for Caribbean all-inclusive growth, with Grenada among Sandals’ resort footprint.

Tourism & Investment: Royal Caribbean Group agreed to buy a 50% stake in Sandals and Beaches Resorts in a landmark US$3bn deal, valuing the Caribbean brand at about US$6bn, with closing expected in early 2027—an expansion move that could boost cruise-and-stay demand across the region, including Sandals properties in Grenada. Diplomacy & Trade: Grenada and Nepal formally established diplomatic relations effective Sept. 14, with a New York communiqué signed by Grenada’s Finance Minister Dennis Cornwall and Nepal’s Foreign Affairs Minister Shisir Khanal. Regional Health Security: CARPHA and PAHO convened a four-day respiratory virus surveillance and lab diagnostics workshop in Trinidad and Tobago, including Grenada, to strengthen SARI/ARI detection and faster response to threats like influenza, RSV and COVID-19. Energy & Procurement: Grenada published a tender for preparatory civil infrastructure and water-supply equipment for geothermal slim-hole drilling at two sites, with bids due Nov. 6, supported by CDB funding. SME & Livelihoods: Grenada Sustainable Development Trust Fund opened EOI processes for business development, mentorship and skills support for SMEs tied to the Woburn–Clarke’s Court Bay Marine Protected Area, with deadlines in early October and seed grants up to US$5,000.

Tourism & Investment: Royal Caribbean Group has agreed to buy a 50% stake in Sandals and Beaches Resorts for about US$3 billion, valuing the Caribbean brand at roughly US$6 billion; the joint venture is expected to close in early 2027, with committed financing from Morgan Stanley and potential “cruise-and-stay” spillovers for regional resorts including Grenada. Regional Business Climate: The CARICOM Private Sector Organisation called the deal a defining moment for Caribbean enterprise scaling globally, while highlighting the structural risk of putting cruise and resort power under one governance umbrella. Diplomacy & Trade Links: Grenada and Nepal formally established diplomatic relations effective Sept. 14, with a communiqué signed in New York by Grenada’s Finance Minister Dennis Cornwall and Nepal’s Foreign Affairs Minister Shisir Khanal. Public Procurement (Energy): Grenada published a tender for preparatory infrastructure and water supply equipment for geothermal slim-hole drilling (two sites), with bids due Nov. 6, 2026. SME & Livelihoods: Grenada’s Sustainable Development Trust Fund opened EOI for business development and mentorship for SMEs tied to the Woburn–Clarke’s Court Bay Marine Protected Area, running Nov. 2026–June 2027. Health & Resilience: CARPHA and PAHO convened 11 Caribbean countries in Trinidad to strengthen respiratory virus surveillance and lab diagnostics, including support for Grenada’s systems.

Tourism & Investment: The CARICOM Private Sector Organisation hailed Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts’ landmark partnership with Royal Caribbean Group: Royal Caribbean will buy a 50% stake in the all-inclusive operator for about US$3 billion, valuing the business at roughly US$6 billion and expected to close in early 2027, subject to approvals—seen as a major win for Caribbean enterprise and jobs across the region, including Grenada. Energy & Public Procurement: Grenada published a tender for preparatory civil works and water-supply equipment ahead of geothermal “slim hole” drilling for two sites, split into three lots (roads, drill pads, pumps/generators), with bids due 6 Nov 2026. SME & Marine Livelihoods: Grenada’s Sustainable Development Trust Fund opened expressions of interest for a part-time business development and mentorship consultant (Nov 2026–Jun 2027) supporting SMEs tied to the Woburn–Clarke’s Court Bay Marine Protected Area. Healthcare Investment Pitch: “Project Polaris” was presented to international partners at UNGA 81, positioning Grenada’s new Medical City and general hospital as a catalyst for healthcare, research, talent and wider economic activity. Regional Finance Product: The ECCU’s government securities market launched a retail bond programme (as low as XCD 500) offering 4.5% per annum for two years, building on Grenada’s earlier launch.

Geothermal Push: Grenada published a tender for preparatory civil works and water-supply equipment ahead of exploratory geothermal slim-hole drilling at two sites, with bids due 6 Nov 2026—part of a CDB-funded geothermal programme. SME & Marine Livelihoods: The Grenada Sustainable Development Trust Fund opened calls for business development, mentorship and skills support for SMEs tied to the Woburn–Clarke’s Court Bay Marine Protected Area, including seed grants up to US$5,000 and training for women, youth and fisherfolk. Investment Pitch—Project Polaris: Grenada presented “Project Polaris” to international partners at UNGA 81, positioning the new General Hospital and Medical City as a jobs-and-growth platform across healthcare, research, technology and wellness. Tourism Finance Signal: Royal Caribbean agreed to buy a 50% stake in Sandals and Beaches Resorts for about US$3bn, a move that could boost regional all-inclusive investment—including properties in Grenada—while the deal is expected to close in early 2027. Regional Diplomacy: India and CARICOM foreign ministers met on UNGA sidelines, with Grenada’s Finance Minister participating as discussions covered trade, investment, digital governance, climate resilience and UN reforms. Local Business Recognition: Real Value Supermarket IGA’s managing director, Hassan Hadeed, was named IGA International Retailer of the Year for the Caribbean, spotlighting Grenada’s retail sector. New Diplomatic Link: Nepal and Grenada formally established diplomatic relations via a joint communiqué in New York, opening a framework for cooperation on SDGs, climate and sectors like tourism and education.

Geothermal Push: Grenada has published a tender for preparatory civil infrastructure and water-supply equipment for exploratory geothermal slim-hole drilling, split into three lots (access roads, drill-pad works, and diesel generators/pumps), with bids due 6 Nov 2026 and funding linked to the Caribbean Development Bank. Investment & Jobs Pipeline: Government also pitched Project Polaris to international partners at UNGA 81, framing the new General Hospital and “Medical City” as a platform for healthcare services, research, technology, wellness, and wider economic activity. SME Support for Marine Livelihoods: The Grenada Sustainable Development Trust Fund is calling for a part-time business development and mentorship consultant (Nov 2026–Jun 2027) and separate applications for a livelihood support initiative offering seed grants up to US$5,000, skills training, marine safety gear, and business registration help. Regional Finance for Households: The ECCU’s retail bond programme is expanding, letting citizens invest as low as XCD$500 in St Kitts and Nevis government bonds at 4.5% via the RGSM, following Grenada’s earlier launch. Tourism Deal Watch: Royal Caribbean confirmed a landmark US$3bn plan to take a 50% stake in Sandals and Beaches Resorts, valuing the Caribbean brand at about US$6bn and expected to close in early 2027—a major signal for regional hospitality and travel demand. Local Business Recognition: Real Value Supermarket IGA’s managing director, Hassan Hadeed, won IGA International Retailer of the Year for the Caribbean, spotlighting Grenada’s retail leadership. Diplomacy & Cooperation: India and CARICOM foreign ministers met in New York to deepen cooperation on trade, investment, agriculture, digital governance, climate resilience, and energy. OECS Coordination: OECS foreign ministers also met in New York, stressing stronger regional diplomatic coordination as small states face mounting global pressures. Grenada–Nepal Ties: Nepal and Grenada formally established diplomatic relations, opening a new framework for cooperation on SDGs, climate action, tourism, and education.

OECS Diplomacy: OECS foreign ministers met in New York and pushed for tighter regional diplomatic coordination, with chairmanship shifting from St Vincent and the Grenadines to Antigua and Barbuda. Tourism & Investment: Royal Caribbean Group confirmed a landmark US$3bn deal to buy a 50% stake in Sandals and Beaches Resorts, valuing the brand at about US$6bn and targeting faster Caribbean expansion (deal expected to close in early 2027). Grenada Finance & Markets: Nepal and Grenada formally established diplomatic relations, opening new cooperation pathways in areas like tourism and education. Grenada Economy & Jobs: Grenada’s Spicemas 2026 is reported to have boosted visitor arrivals by 20%, reinforcing tourism demand. Regional Security: Operation ATLAS NEXUS wrapped up with 490+ arrests and major drug and asset seizures, with Grenada among participating countries. Local Business Community: GCIC’s Inter-Sector Football Tournament ended with Sandals Grenada Beach Resort & Spa crowned champions, highlighting private-sector engagement.