AGP Executive Report

Grenada–UK Investment Push: The High Commission hosted “Flavours of Grenada 2026” in London, linking tourism and investment priorities with talks led by Finance Minister Dennis Cornwall and showcasing rum and chocolate. Digital Skills Pipeline: OECS opened applications (Sept 10–20) for the Advanced Digital Skills Scholarship Programme, funded via the World Bank’s CARDTP and delivered by UWI Global Campus, with tracks spanning AI, cybersecurity, fintech, data analytics and more for eligible OECS citizens including Grenada. Agriculture Market Reform: Questions are rising over the financial impact of Grenada terminating agreements with global petroleum group GPG, with a parliamentary update saying the company could pursue damages. Agribusiness Marketing Overhaul: The Democratic People’s Movement says rebuilding the national agricultural marketing system will be a first-100-days priority, aiming to reconnect farmers to hotels and supermarkets after MNIB’s shutdown and delays in the IMEXA replacement. Skills for Work: OECS scholarship details also note Cohort I delivered 200+ certifications, setting up Cohort II for advanced, industry-ready credentials.

Digital Skills Scholarships: OECS has opened applications for the 2026 OECS Advanced Digital Skills Scholarship Programme (Sept 10–20), delivered by UWI Global Campus under the World Bank-funded Caribbean Digital Transformation Project, with more than 200 certifications already completed in Cohort I; eligible citizens include Grenada and other OECS members, and the curriculum spans AI, cybersecurity, cloud, fintech/blockchain, data analytics, UX/UI, web development and digital marketing. Agriculture Market Reform: Grenada’s Democratic People’s Movement says it will prioritise rebuilding an agricultural marketing system in its first 100 days, arguing the long uncertainty around the former MNIB and the delayed replacement (IMEXA) has left farmers disconnected from hotels and supermarkets. GPG Investment Dispute: Questions are rising over the financial impact of Grenada terminating agreements with global petroleum group GPG, with the hydrocarbons technical working group warning the company could seek damages for unconfirmed investments. Climate Grants (Regional): The Bahamas is set to offer up to US$5m under CABRIC for locally-led coastal resilience projects, with Grenada among participating countries—useful context for regional funding opportunities.

OECS–EU CBI Pressure: OECS leaders, including Grenada, plan a high-level mission to Brussels to discuss the EU’s move toward ending visa-free access tied to Citizenship by Investment, aiming to explain small-island vulnerabilities and push for practical solutions. Parliament & Hydrocarbons Accountability: Grenada’s Joint Sitting received an update from the Hydrocarbons Technical Working Group on the hydrocarbon programme, including the Government’s decision to terminate Global Petroleum Group’s Production Sharing Agreement and revoke its Development Licence. World EV Day 2026: Grenada marked World EV Day under “Switching Electric,” highlighting how rising imported fuel costs are driving transport electrification, charging expansion, and regulatory work. Climate Grants for Grenada: The CABRIC programme is opening grant funding for climate resilience projects, with Grenada among five participating countries and an estimated US$5m available. Disability-Inclusive Jobs: A UN-backed Caribbean campaign, featuring Grenada advocate Deansha Edwards, is pushing employers to expand access to disability-inclusive employment. Local Business & Tourism: Grenada’s World EV Day coverage and regional cultural events underscore ongoing demand for practical policy and visitor-facing experiences.

Digital Government Push: Grenada has passed its Digital Transformation Agency Act, giving the Digital Transformation Agency a statutory base—now the real test is whether systems across government can finally talk to each other instead of forcing citizens to repeat information. Public Finance: Grenada is set to auction EC$20 million in Treasury Bills, a move that will be watched for its impact on liquidity and borrowing costs. Climate Resilience Funding: The CABRIC Programme is opening grant opportunities for locally led climate resilience projects across the Caribbean, with Grenada among the participating countries and an estimated US$5m available. Disability-Inclusive Jobs: A UN-backed Caribbean campaign, “HireAbility,” is spotlighting disability-inclusive employment, with Grenada’s Deansha Edwards among recognised advocates. Health Workforce Pathways: St. George’s University and Taaleem (UAE) are creating new medicine admissions pathways and scholarship support for students across Taaleem’s network. US Visa Pressure on Performers: Grenadian entertainers are reportedly facing added uncertainty as the US intensifies visa revocations, prompting calls for better legal and business planning. Regional Trade Risk (Context): A World Bank/IDB/WTO report warns Guyana could be left behind in digital trade without stronger commitments and infrastructure—useful for Grenada’s own digital agenda.

Digital Government: Grenada has formally passed its Digital Transformation Agency law, giving the Digital Transformation Agency a statutory base to better connect government systems and reduce “repeat information” friction for citizens. Public Finance: Grenada will auction EC$20 million in 91-day Treasury Bills via the RGSM on the ECSE, with a 3.5% maximum rate and bids running 9am–noon. Road Infrastructure Funding: PM Dickon Mitchell defended a Design-Finance-Build model tied to a EC$161 million slice of a larger EC$310.9 million supplementary appropriation, arguing it’s needed to move major road projects forward amid limited local capacity. 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. Tech & Innovation: Island Innovators is set to host a digital transformation leadership assembly on 10 September, aiming to turn Grenada’s digital agenda into concrete regional partnerships and investments. Tourism/Travel Business: St. George’s University signed an MoU with UAE K-12 provider Taaleem to create medicine pathways for eligible students, including admissions and scholarship support. Trade/Industry Deal: Renegade Rum Distillery is up for sale, with the listing highlighting modern production flexibility (cane juice and molasses) and farm-level “cane code” traceability. Local Governance/Procurement: TNC has issued an RFP for a communications and stakeholder engagement consultant for its “Clean and Healthy Ocean” project in Grenada.

Digital Governance: Grenada has formally passed the Digital Transformation Agency Act, giving its digital government push a statutory base—now the real test is whether systems actually connect and reduce repeat paperwork for citizens. Public Finance & Infrastructure: PM Mitchell defended a Design-Finance-Build road model as Parliament debated an EC$310.9m supplementary appropriation, including EC$161m for DFB contracts. Debt Markets: Grenada will auction EC$20m in 91-day Treasury Bills on 8 September via the RGSM/ECSE, with a 3.5% maximum rate. Tourism & Business Opportunities: Renegade Rum Distillery in northeastern Grenada is up for sale, with its modern, traceable cane-to-bottle model and spare production capacity drawing buyer interest. Health Preparedness: Grenada strengthened its National Respiratory Pathogen Pandemic Plan after a PAHO/WHO-supported validation workshop, updating legal, staffing and operational details. Jobs & Procurement: TNC seeks a communications and stakeholder engagement consultant for its Clean and Healthy Ocean project; FoodHub Grenada and other roles also advertise for marketing and skilled carpentry support. Security & Disruption: A Grenada man was charged with first-degree arson after an $80,000 manufactured home fire, while separate shootings near the West Indian American Carnival Parade in New York marred celebrations.

Public Finance: Grenada will auction EC$20 million in 91-day Treasury Bills on 8 September, via the RGSM on the ECSE, with bidding from 9am–noon and a 3.5% maximum rate. Infrastructure & Procurement: PM Dickon Mitchell defended a Design-Finance-Build (DFB) approach tied to a EC$161 million slice of a EC$310.9 million supplementary appropriation, saying it’s needed to push major road works forward amid limited local capacity—while critics warn it could squeeze local contractors and procurement rules. Digital Economy: Island Innovators is set to convene a Gold Economy Digital & Tech Leadership Assembly on 10 September to turn Grenada’s digital transformation agenda into practical partnerships and investments. Tourism/Business Assets: Renegade Rum Distillery in northeastern Grenada is up for sale, with the listing highlighting modern production capacity, cane traceability, and flexibility to make rum from both fresh cane juice and molasses. Environment & Jobs: A new RFP seeks a communications and stakeholder engagement consultant for the Clean and Healthy Ocean project, while local vacancies include marketing personnel (Foodhub Grenada) and a multi-skilled carpenter role. Maritime/Community: Barbadian fishermen were rescued at sea with coordination involving the Grenada Coast Guard and Grenada Marine Police.

Treasury & Debt Management: Grenada will auction EC$20 million in 91-day Treasury Bills on 8 September via the RGSM on the ECSE, with bidding from 9am–noon and a 3.5% maximum rate, as the new issue refines the maturity schedule of earlier bills. Digital Economy: Island Innovators is set to host a Gold Economy Digital & Tech Leadership Assembly on 10 September at Flying Fish, Mount Cinnamon, aiming to turn Grenada’s digital transformation agenda into partnerships and investments. Energy Costs: A Grenada finance advisor says temporary electricity relief won’t meaningfully boost business competitiveness unless power costs fall sustainably and renewable investment accelerates. Public Finance Oversight: Parliament is considering a large EC$310.9 million supplemental appropriation tied to Hurricane Beryl recovery and new budget challenges, while a Carriacou and Petite Martinique minister rejects calls for a commission of inquiry, saying he has “nothing to hide.” Education Services: The Ministry of Education has relocated in-person services from its Sir Eric Gairy Botanical Gardens compound to the nearby Ministerial Complex, keeping key units available weekdays 8am–4pm. Regional Mobility: St Vincent and the Grenadines’ passport ranks 48th globally with 73.2% visa-free access, a useful benchmark for regional travel and tourism planning.

VAT Relief Watch: Grenada’s first VAT-free shopping weekend pulled big crowds to St George and Grand Anse, boosting foot traffic for retailers, though shoppers reported mixed savings and some price questions, alongside traffic congestion. Public Finance: Parliament is set to consider a EC$310.9m supplemental appropriation tied to Hurricane Beryl recovery and new budget challenges, with the biggest slice (EC$161m) earmarked for a design-finance-build arrangement. Energy Costs: A finance ministry advisor says temporary electricity-cost relief won’t be enough to improve business competitiveness unless reductions are sustained and renewable investment ramps up. Education Services: The Ministry of Education moved in-person services from its Sir Eric Gairy Botanical Gardens compound to the nearby Ministerial Complex, keeping key units open daily 8am–4pm. Governance & SOEs: Gravel Concrete and Emulsion Production Corporation signed as exclusive Day 2 sponsor for the 3rd Annual Conference of Directors of Public Sector Entities (23–24 Sept). Local Justice: A Grenada man was charged with first-degree arson after an estimated EC$80,000 manufactured home fire.

VAT Relief Watch: Grenada’s first VAT-free weekend (Aug 28–29) pulled big crowds to supermarkets and hardware stores, but also sparked traffic congestion around St George’s and Grand Anse; retailers saw more footfall while shoppers reported mixed results on whether prices truly fell, with the programme tied to the EC$18m Cost of Living Assistance effort. Fiscal Planning: Parliament is considering a EC$310.9m supplemental appropriation to speed priority projects, handle new post-Beryl needs, and complete recovery work, with Carriacou/Petite Martinique Minister Tevin Andrews pushing back on calls for a commission of inquiry, saying he has “absolutely nothing to hide.” Electricity Costs Debate: An advisor says temporary power-cost relief may ease bills, but won’t boost business competitiveness unless reductions are sustained and renewable investment accelerates. Public Services Update: The Ministry of Education moved in-person services from its Sir Eric Gairy Botanical Gardens compound to the nearby Ministerial Complex (8am–4pm weekdays), keeping remote channels for other units. Governance & Youth: Grenada’s public sector directors conference (Sept 23–24) gets an exclusive Day 2 sponsor, while regional agriculture youth leadership continues to gain momentum.

VAT-Free Weekend Impact: Grenada’s first VAT-free shopping weekend pulled big crowds into St George’s and Grand Anse, boosting retail traffic, but also brought congestion and mixed shopper views on whether prices truly fell. Fiscal Watch: Parliament is set to consider a large EC$310.9m supplemental appropriation tied to Hurricane Beryl recovery and new budget challenges, with Carriacou and Petite Martinique Affairs Minister Tevin Andrews pushing back on calls for a commission of inquiry. Cost of Living & Power: An economic advisor says temporary electricity-cost relief won’t be enough to improve business competitiveness unless reductions are sustained and renewable investment accelerates. Public Sector Governance: Gravel Concrete and Emulsion Production Corporation has signed on as exclusive Day 2 sponsor for the 3rd Directors of Public Sector Entities conference (Sept 23–24). Education Operations: The Ministry of Education moved several in-person services from the Sir Eric Gairy Botanical Gardens compound to the nearby Ministerial Complex. Marina Dispute: Tyrell Bay Marina clients say a new fence at the site has blocked vessel relaunches and left them detained for months, despite repeated requests for a practical fix.

Maritime Rescue: Two Barbadian fishermen, Jason Harewood and Lionel Barnes, were rescued after more than a week adrift on the “Twin Fin,” coordinated with the Grenada Coast Guard and Marine Police, and now being processed for safe return. Marina Dispute: Tyrell Bay Marina vessel owners at Tyrell Bay Marina in Carriacou say a fence by Corion Estate has blocked relaunching for over four months, leaving them effectively “imprisoned” without a practical solution. Cost of Living & Retail: Grenada’s first VAT-free shopping weekend (28–29 Aug) drew crowds and boosted some sales, but also brought traffic congestion, pricing confusion, and system/qualification challenges; more VAT-free days are set for 25–26 Sept and 30–31 Oct. Public Finance: Parliament is considering a EC$310.9m supplemental appropriation tied to Hurricane Beryl recovery and new budget challenges, with Carriacou/Petite Martinique Affairs Minister Tevin Andrews pushing back on calls for inquiry. Energy Competitiveness: A finance advisor says temporary power relief won’t be enough for business competitiveness unless electricity costs fall sustainably and renewable investment accelerates. Digital Growth: A panel at the Caribbean Internet Governance Forum argued Grenada can turn ICT into startups, jobs, and export revenue through incubators, mentorship, and market-ready pilots. Youth Agriculture: Dominica’s Ephraim Elijah Roberts won the OECS Young Farmer Award in Grenada for diversified, resilient farming. Education Access: The Ministry of Education moved in-person services from the Sir Eric Gairy Botanical Gardens compound to the nearby Ministerial Complex while continuing remote support. ICT Skills Push: The DPM outlined an apprenticeship and skills initiative aimed at easing Grenada’s shortage of skilled trades. Governance Spotlight: Gravel Concrete and Emulsion Production Corporation will sponsor Day 2 of a public sector directors conference focused on governance and compliance. Politics & Polls: Justine Pierre’s latest Grenada political survey faces scrutiny after claims of missing content in a “Data Validation Note” section. VAT-Free Logistics: Retailers and shoppers reported mixed savings and operational hiccups, including transport limits and technical issues at checkout.

Caribbean diplomacy: Trinidad and Tobago’s Sean Sobers met Venezuela’s Félix Plasencia in Caracas as relations are “patched up” gradually, with experts urging Kamla Persad-Bissessar to keep public comments measured while a roadmap targets energy, agriculture and security. Grenada cost of living & power: Grenada’s “power relief” is easing bills, but an advisor warns it won’t boost business competitiveness unless electricity costs fall sustainably and renewable energy investment ramps up. VAT-free shopping results: The first VAT-free weekend (28–29 Aug) drew crowds and extra retail activity, but shoppers and businesses flagged traffic congestion, transport limits, and confusion over which items qualified. Fiscal pressure: Parliament is set to consider a EC$310.9m supplemental appropriation tied to Hurricane Beryl recovery and new 2026 challenges, with Carriacou/Petite Martinique Minister Tevin Andrews rejecting calls for a commission of inquiry. Agriculture & youth: Dominica’s Ephraim Elijah Roberts won the OECS Young Farmer Award in Grenada, highlighting diversified, resilience-focused farming. Public sector governance: Gravel Concrete and Emulsion Production Corporation signed on as exclusive Day 2 sponsor for Grenada’s Public Sector Directors Conference (23–24 Sept). Digital economy push: A Grenada panel at the Caribbean Internet Governance Forum argues the country can build tech businesses and exports by solving real problems and strengthening pathways like incubators and pilots. Education operations: The Ministry of Education moved in-person services from its Tanteen compound to the nearby Ministerial Complex while keeping remote support running.

Electricity Relief Debate: Grenada’s temporary power-cost measures are easing bills, but advisor Richard Duncan says they won’t boost business competitiveness unless reductions are sustained and renewable energy investment accelerates. Cost of Living & VAT-Free Shopping: The first VAT-free weekend (Aug 28–29) pulled crowds and helped some retailers, but also triggered St George’s/Grand Anse traffic jams and confusion over qualifying items; government says more VAT-free days are coming. Hurricane Beryl Fiscal Pressure: Parliament is reviewing a EC$310.9m supplemental appropriation tied to Beryl recovery and new challenges, with Carriacou/Petite Martinique Affairs Minister Tevin Andrews rejecting calls for a commission of inquiry. Renewables Project Pipeline: World Bank-backed tenders include an Owner’s Engineer role for a dual-circuit transmission network and an ESIA consultancy for transmission lines, substations, and solar PV at Pearls. Digital Jobs Push: A panel at the Caribbean Internet Governance Forum argued Grenada can grow ICT businesses by building incubators, mentorship, and export-ready distribution channels. Agriculture Access: OECS urged transparent crown-land access for young farmers on terms banks can accept as collateral.

VAT Relief Watch: Grenada’s first VAT-free shopping weekend (28–29 Aug) pulled big crowds to supermarkets and hardware stores, but also sparked traffic jams in St George’s and Grand Anse and raised questions about which items truly qualified. Fiscal Oversight: Parliament is reviewing an EC$310.9m supplemental appropriation tied to Hurricane Beryl recovery and new 2026 challenges, with Carriacou and Petite Martinique Affairs Minister Tevin Andrews pushing back on calls for a commission of inquiry. Education Access: The Ministry of Education moved several in-person services from the Sir Eric Gairy Botanical Gardens compound to the nearby Ministerial Complex (8am–4pm weekdays), while keeping remote support by phone and email. Skills for Growth: The DPM is promoting a Grenada apprenticeship and skills push to tackle shortages in trades like masonry, carpentry, plumbing and tiling. Digital Economy Angle: Digital Growth Inc argues Grenada can build tech businesses and export revenue, urging incubators, mentorship and pilots to turn ideas into scalable companies. Disability Inclusion: A UN regional HireAbility campaign is urging Caribbean employers to remove workplace barriers and expand decent jobs for people with disabilities.

VAT Relief Watch: Grenada’s first VAT-free shopping weekend (28–29 Aug) pulled big crowds to supermarkets and hardware stores, but also brought traffic jams in St George’s and Grand Anse, plus confusion over which items qualified; retailers reported higher footfall while shoppers mixed on whether prices truly fell, with the government framing the move as part of its EC$18m Cost of Living Assistance Programme. Digital Jobs & Growth: A Grenada panel at the Caribbean Internet Governance Forum argued the country can turn ICT into new businesses, skilled jobs and export revenue—if founders build real solutions, then deliberately create channels for wider Caribbean markets. Skills Pipeline: The DPM is pushing an apprenticeship and skills initiative aimed at easing Grenada’s shortage of tradespeople (masons, carpenters, plumbers, tilers), with training starting in schools and extending to youth already out of school. Renewables Procurement: World Bank-backed OECS Data for Decision Making and Grenada renewable energy projects continue to move via requests for expressions of interest, including living-conditions data analysis and owner’s engineer/ESIA work for transmission and solar PV. Disability Inclusion: The UN launched the HireAbility Campaign across the Caribbean to break workplace barriers and expand decent jobs for people with disabilities, with Grenada’s UN youth representative highlighted in the effort.