AGP Executive Report

Tourism: St. Vincent and the Grenadines recorded 11,862 visitor arrivals in August, up 13.2% year on year. Stay-over arrivals rose 11.5%; total arrivals for January to August remained nearly flat as cruise schedules shifted. Economic Outlook: The IMF projects 2.7% inflation for SVG in 2026. Former finance minister Camillo Gonsalves has warned the government against an IMF austerity programme, arguing it could bring spending cuts and wage freezes. Mayreau Investment: Invest SVG and Nativo Group signed an agreement to advance a proposed US$100 million eco-resort, with more than 100 accommodation units and plans to create local jobs. The project is expected to rely on private investment and bank financing. Agriculture and Trade: A national exhibition in Kingstown on October 16 will showcase agriculture, fisheries and value-added products. Meanwhile, SVG is developing a five-year plan to strengthen seafood inspection and support access to regional and international markets. Postal Services: The SVG Postal Corporation is exploring ways to grow revenue and cross-border e-commerce as it attends an international shipping workshop in Switzerland.

Agriculture: Kingstown’s Market Square will host the National Agricultural Exhibition on Friday, October 16, showcasing local food, farming, fisheries and value-added products for World Food Day. Business: The SVG Postal Corporation is taking part in a global workshop in Switzerland on growing delivery volumes and revenue, including through cross-border e-commerce. Vincentian small businesses are also among those targeted by a CDB-backed regional project to strengthen digital skills and competitiveness. Mayreau Investment: Invest SVG and Luxembourg-based Nativo Group have signed an MOU to advance a proposed US$100 million eco-resort, which is expected to create jobs and business opportunities; construction is projected to take about two years. Public Service: A legal analysis of transfers warns that moves between St. Vincent and the Grenadines can impose significant costs on public officers and should be grounded in proper authority, operational need and fair process. Tourism and Trade: Stayover arrivals across the Caribbean rose 1.9% in the first half of 2026, with SVG among destinations growing faster than the regional average. A five-year seafood inspection plan is also being developed to support safer products and expanded export opportunities. Regional Security: Coast Guard commanders meeting in SVG called for closer cooperation, faster intelligence-sharing and stronger maritime surveillance to tackle trafficking and other threats.

Inclusive Sport: Visually impaired sailor Lorna Bacchus and crew Scarlett Hadley made SVG’s debut at the World Sailing Inclusion Championships, finishing in the top 10 in their final race. Regional Security: Coast Guard commanders meeting in SVG called for stronger maritime surveillance and faster intelligence-sharing to counter drug and arms trafficking and other threats. Mayreau Investment: Invest SVG and Luxembourg’s Nativo Group signed an agreement to advance a proposed US$100 million eco-resort, expected to create jobs and support local businesses; the project is planned to rely on private investment. Tourism and Utilities: SVG recorded visitor growth above the Caribbean average as regional stayover arrivals rose 1.9% in the first half of 2026. A separate analysis examines VINLEC’s statutory monthly fuel surcharge and the need for clear billing. Recovery and Finances: Taiwan pledged US$100,000 toward flood recovery after severe rainfall damaged homes and infrastructure. The government and opposition are meanwhile disputing the country’s finances, while an opinion piece points to 3.7% economic growth in 2025 and asks whether growth is improving people’s lives.

Maritime Security: Regional Coast Guard chiefs meeting in St. Vincent called for faster intelligence sharing, stronger surveillance and closer coordination to tackle drug and arms trafficking and other threats at sea. Tourism: Caribbean stayover arrivals grew just 1.9% in the first half of 2026, but SVG was among destinations outperforming the regional average; cruise visits rose 11%. The Tourism Authority is also recruiting local vendors for Kingstown’s Sunday Cruise Village. Public Finances: Deputy Prime Minister St. Clair Leacock says audit findings show SVG inherited serious financial strain. Opposition figures dispute the government’s account, pointing to past economic growth and warning that stalled projects could threaten jobs and development. Press Freedom: Camilo Gonsalves says the NTRC’s handling of Star Radio’s licence risks damaging the country’s democratic reputation; the regulator’s dispute with the opposition-aligned station remains unresolved. Mayreau Investment: Invest SVG and developer Nativo Group have signed an agreement to advance a proposed US$100 million eco-resort, which the partners say would be privately financed and create local jobs. Flood Recovery: Prime Minister Godwin Friday praised community-led cleanup after severe flooding, while Taiwan pledged US$100,000 in recovery aid. Seafood Exports: A new five-year plan aims to strengthen inspection services and help local seafood meet regional and international standards.

Tourism: Caribbean stayover growth slowed to 1.9 per cent in the first half of 2026, while cruise arrivals surged. St. Vincent and the Grenadines was among destinations growing faster than the regional average. Public Finances: Acting Prime Minister St. Clair Leacock stands by calling SVG “broke,” citing the 2023 Audit Report and mounting debt obligations. Opposition Senator Kesal Peters disputes that account, pointing to years of economic growth under the previous government. Press Freedom: The Star Radio licensing dispute has intensified, with former minister Camilo Gonsalves warning that shutting the opposition-aligned station would damage SVG’s international reputation. He says the regulator is pursuing old filing issues; the NTRC’s actions have been accused of political motivation. Mayreau Investment: Invest SVG and Luxembourg-based Nativo Group signed an agreement to advance a proposed US$100 million eco-resort, expected to create local jobs and business opportunities. The project is planned to be privately financed. Seafood Industry: A five-year development plan aims to strengthen inspection and safety standards, helping local seafood producers pursue regional and international markets.

Public Finances: Acting Prime Minister St. Clair Leacock says a 2023 audit supports his claim that SVG inherited serious financial problems, with debt consuming more government resources. Opposition figures dispute his account and point to years of economic growth. Press Freedom: Former minister Camilo Gonsalves says the NTRC’s licensing dispute with opposition-aligned Star Radio risks undermining free expression; he argues the station filed for renewal and says past regulators allowed broadcasters to stay on air while applications were processed. Infrastructure: Opposition Senator Kesal Peters says major projects, including the Arnos Vale hospital and road works, have stalled, threatening jobs and growth. Seafood Exports: SVG is developing a five-year plan to strengthen seafood inspections and safety, aiming to improve quality and access to regional and international markets. Grenadines Investment: Invest SVG and Nativo Group have signed an agreement to advance a proposed US$100 million eco-resort on Mayreau, with local hiring and supplier opportunities planned.

Flood Recovery: Prime Minister Godwin Friday praised community cleanup efforts after severe flooding and landslides, which damaged homes, roads, schools and health facilities. Taiwan has pledged US$100,000 for recovery. Deputy PM St. Clair Leacock also commended public cooperation and police readiness, including officers who helped clear floodwaters at Milton Cato Memorial Hospital. Infrastructure and Finances: Opposition Senator Kesal Peters says stalled projects, including the Arnos Vale hospital and road works, threaten jobs and growth. She disputes the government’s claim that SVG is broke, citing five years of economic expansion; the government has pointed to fiscal pressures. Mayreau Investment: Invest SVG and developer Nativo Group signed an agreement to advance a proposed US$100 million eco-resort, expected to create local jobs and support businesses on the island. Economic Outlook: Friday is attending IMF and World Bank meetings in Bangkok as the government seeks investment and development financing. The World Bank projects SVG’s economy will grow 2.6% in 2026.

Flood Recovery: Prime Minister Godwin Friday praised Vincentians’ “Vincy spirit” after severe flooding and landslides triggered more than 103 disaster reports. No deaths, injuries or missing people were reported. Taiwan pledged US$100,000 for recovery, as communities continue cleanup and rehabilitation. Independence: SVG has begun its 47th Independence celebrations under the theme “Hand in Hand, Uplifting Our Nation,” with cultural events planned through October 27. Economy: Friday is attending the IMF-World Bank meetings in Thailand, where the government is seeking support to strengthen the economy, attract investment and create jobs. Mayreau Investment: Invest SVG and Luxembourg’s Nativo Group signed an agreement to advance a proposed US$100 million eco-resort. The privately financed project is expected to create local jobs and increase demand for island businesses and services.

Independence: SVG has begun its 47th Independence celebrations under the theme “Hand in Hand, Uplifting Our Nation,” with cultural events planned throughout October. Weather Alert: Forecasters warn of heavy showers, thunderstorms and gusty winds on Sunday, with flash flooding and landslides possible after recent flooding. Global Finance: Prime Minister Godwin Friday is due in Bangkok for the IMF-World Bank meetings, where SVG will pursue development financing and investment. Mayreau Investment: Invest SVG and Luxembourg’s Nativo Group have signed an agreement advancing a proposed US$100 million eco-resort, expected to create local jobs and business opportunities without government funding. Flood Recovery: Taiwan has pledged US$100,000 in emergency aid for communities affected by flooding. Tourism Trade: The Tourism Authority is inviting local vendors and artisans to join Kingstown’s Sunday Cruise Village and sell to visiting passengers. Economic Outlook: The World Bank projects SVG’s economy will grow 2.6% in 2026 and 2027, amid a more moderate recovery across tourism-dependent Caribbean economies.

Electricity Bills: Amid complaints about rising costs, a new commentary calls for greater transparency and accountability from VINLEC, including clearer public understanding of the utility’s profits. Mayreau Investment: Invest SVG and Luxembourg-based Nativo Group have signed an MOU for a proposed US$100 million eco-resort, expected to be privately financed and create local jobs and business opportunities. Economic Outlook: Prime Minister Godwin Friday is heading to IMF and World Bank meetings in Thailand to discuss financing, fiscal management and development priorities. Flood Recovery: Taiwan has pledged US$100,000 in emergency aid for communities affected by recent flooding. Local Business: The Tourism Authority is inviting vendors to join Kingstown’s Sunday Cruise Village, while a new seafood safety plan aims to strengthen quality controls and export readiness. Public Finances: Commentators have urged the government to set out a recovery plan as officials acknowledge severe financial pressures.

Mayreau Investment: Invest SVG and Luxembourg-based Nativo Group have signed an agreement to advance a proposed US$100 million eco-resort on Mayreau. The privately financed project is expected to create local jobs and boost demand for island businesses, alongside environmental and resource-management initiatives. Economic Outlook: Prime Minister Godwin Friday is attending the IMF-World Bank meetings in Thailand, where discussions will include financing needs and support for national development. Tourism: The SVG Tourism Authority is inviting vendors and artisans to join a Sunday cruise village in Kingstown, giving local businesses a chance to sell directly to visitors. Flood Recovery: Taiwan has pledged US$100,000 in emergency aid for communities affected by recent flooding, which displaced 29 people and disrupted services. Public Finances: Former Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves has warned that the country faces overlapping crises, while separate reports say the national overdraft reached EC$243 million—nearly three times Parliament’s approved limit. Seafood Exports: A new five-year plan is being developed to strengthen seafood safety and inspection, with the aim of improving access to export markets.

Flood Recovery: Taiwan has pledged US$100,000 to help St. Vincent and the Grenadines recover from recent flooding, announcing the aid at its National Day reception in Kingstown. Public Finances: Deputy Prime Minister St. Clair Leacock’s blunt warning that the country is “broke” has intensified debate over the scale of the fiscal crisis and the need for a recovery plan. After the Rains: Flooding and landslides displaced 29 people from nine families. Most schools have reopened, but 14 remain closed. Regional Mobility: CARICOM says 939 people were processed in the first year of the four-country free-movement scheme, which includes SVG. Seafood Exports: A new five-year plan is being developed to strengthen inspection and safety standards and help local seafood businesses reach export markets.

Flood Recovery: Taiwan has pledged US$100,000 to help communities recover from Monday’s flooding. Twenty-nine people from nine families were displaced, and 14 schools remained closed after most reopened. Seafood Exports: A new five-year plan aims to strengthen seafood inspections and safety, helping local producers meet export requirements, including for Europe. Regional Support: Hosting OECS social development ministers, Prime Minister Godwin Friday urged governments to turn social policies into practical relief for vulnerable people. Free Movement: CARICOM says its four-country scheme processed 939 nationals in its first year; St. Vincent and the Grenadines is among the participating states. Public Finances: Opposition claims put the national overdraft at EC$243 million—nearly three times Parliament’s approved limit—while the government has acknowledged severe financial strain. Football: SVG remain top of their Nations League group after four straight wins, with one more victory in their final two matches likely to secure a Gold Cup place.

Seafood Exports: Saint Vincent and the Grenadines has completed consultations on a five-year plan to strengthen seafood safety, inspections and access to export markets, including Europe. Social Protection: Hosting the OECS human development ministers’ meeting, Prime Minister Godwin Friday urged regional governments to turn social policies into practical help for vulnerable people. Football: The national team is top of its Nations League group after four straight wins under coach Michael Findlay; one more victory in its final two matches would put it close to Gold Cup qualification. Public Finances: Opposition Leader Ralph Gonsalves says the government overdraft reached EC$243 million—nearly three times Parliament’s limit—and alleges the contingency fund was used to cover salaries. Citizenship Case: A court is considering whether Friday and Foreign Minister Fitz Bramble can serve as lawmakers while holding Canadian citizenship; hearings resume November 10. Flood Recovery: Heavy rains displaced 29 people and damaged homes, while most schools have reopened after flooding and landslides. Regional Mobility: The four-country CARICOM free-movement scheme, which includes SVG, processed 939 nationals in its first year.

Local Recovery: Most schools in St. Vincent and the Grenadines reopened after Monday’s severe flooding, but 14 remained closed because of damage or water-supply problems. NEMO reported 29 people displaced, while flooding and landslides blocked roads and disrupted services. Regional Mobility: A CARICOM free-movement scheme involving SVG, Barbados, Belize and Dominica processed 939 nationals in its first year, allowing them to live and work in participating countries without permits. Public Finances: Opposition Leader Ralph Gonsalves says the government’s overdraft reached EC$243 million—nearly three times the parliamentary limit—and alleges EC$10 million was improperly withdrawn from the Contingency Fund to cover salaries. Tourism: Silversea’s 2028–29 collection includes 103 voyages and 29 new ports; one itinerary features Canouan. SVG is also set to host the OECS social development ministers’ meeting. Community: Barrouallie’s Curlan Francis Edwards received EC$524,000 after winning her half of a Super 6 jackpot.

Flood Recovery: Most schools reopened Wednesday after heavy rain caused flooding and landslides, but 14 remain closed. NEMO reports 29 people displaced, while damage and blocked roads continue to disrupt communities. Regional Mobility: St. Vincent and the Grenadines is among four CARICOM countries that processed 939 nationals under their free-movement scheme in its first year. Public Finances: Opposition Leader Ralph Gonsalves alleges the national overdraft reached EC$243 million—nearly three times the legal limit—and says the government faces several connected crises. Tourism: More than 350 cruise calls, including eight first-time visits, are expected in the 2026/27 season. OECS Meeting: SVG is hosting regional ministers on human and social development, with talks focused on strengthening social protection.