AGP Executive Report

Carnival Safety Push: Police Station Sergeant Steven Billy is urging Vincentians and visitors to treat safety as a top priority during VincyMas, as Crime Prevention Week’s exhibition promotes practical ways to reduce offences. Solar for the Library: The National Public Library and Documentation Centre is installing a solar PV system to cut electricity costs, freeing money for more reading materials and children’s programmes. Film & Ocean Culture: Vincentian documentary Madulu, The Seaman sold out in Maryland and is sparking global talks on ocean equity and representational justice. Football Federation Overhaul: FIFA consultants’ recommendations are driving fresh calls for SVGFF restructuring, including a dedicated grassroots development role and stronger planning and funding coordination. Youth Sports Support: SAMPASA Inc. backed System 3 Sports Academy with funds for an inter-island tour, backing young players’ development through sport and life skills. Regional Rights Agenda: CARICOM is moving toward a meeting and committee work on Rastafarian rights, after leaders flagged ongoing barriers in education, employment, and public life. Tourism Leadership Change: Shafia London has been appointed CEO of the SVG Tourism Authority, taking over July 1 as the country leans into growth in arrivals and cruise tourism. Agriculture Modernisation: FAO is funding a $1.3M project to boost data-driven farming and coastal risk management, including agriculture drones and geospatial datasets.

Rastafarian Rights Push: CARICOM leaders have agreed to set up a regional committee to tackle discrimination and marginalisation faced by Rastafarians, including barriers in education, employment and public life, with St. Vincent and the Grenadines among the participating states. Community Tourism Skills: OECS officials met in Saint Lucia to train member states on community-based tourism planning, stressing that local communities should be the “architects and beneficiaries” of tourism, supported by EU funding. Gender Equality Training: The OECS Commission launched a three-part gender mainstreaming staff training series to help embed gender-responsive planning across programmes. Tourism Leadership Change: St. Vincent and the Grenadines Tourism Authority named Shafia London as CEO, aiming to steer the destination through a fast-changing tourism era. Health Alert: SVG’s Ministry of Health issued a safe-sex warning as HIV cases rise, with new clusters among women 25–29 and older men 60+. Education Spotlight: A new Chief Education Officer, Marvis Findlay-Joseph, shared her vision for the sector, while educator Adriana King continued her public dispute over withheld allowances. Media Milestone: NBC Radio marked 40 years as a corporation, celebrating “the sound of the nation.”

Rastafarian Rights at CARICOM: CARICOM is set to convene a regional meeting to tackle discrimination and marginalisation faced by Rastafarians, with leaders noting barriers in education, employment and public life. A committee is planned with representatives from Barbados, Jamaica, St Kitts and Nevis, St Vincent and the Grenadines, and Trinidad and Tobago to push rights protections at both regional and international levels. Gender Equality Training (OECS): The OECS Commission launched a three-part Gender Mainstreaming staff training series to help embed gender-responsive planning across programmes, including practical case work and a Gender Marker simulation. HIV Safe-Sex Push in SVG: The Ministry of Health issued an urgent safe-sex warning during VincyMas, citing rising HIV cases—especially among women aged 25–29 and men 60+—and stressing that HIV can’t be seen by appearance. Education Leadership & Culture: SVG welcomed a new Chief Education Officer, Marvis Findlay-Joseph, sharing a vision to restore joy in learning, while Bequia’s youth basketball camps continue to grow with local mentors and visiting Vincentian figures. Tourism Leadership Change: Shafia London was appointed CEO of the St Vincent and the Grenadines Tourism Authority, tasked with steering the destination’s next growth phase. Sports & Community: CARICOM and regional partners also backed inclusive sailing initiatives, bringing para and inclusive competition opportunities to the wider Caribbean.

Gender Equality Training: The OECS Commission has launched a three-part Gender Mainstreaming Staff Training Series to help staff apply gender-responsive planning across programmes, using case studies and a Gender Marker simulation. Regional Leadership: Dr. Didacus Jules has been reappointed for a fourth term as OECS Director General, with leaders praising his work on food sovereignty, digital transformation, healthier communities and education reform. Rastafarian Rights: CARICOM will convene a regional meeting and set up a committee (including St. Vincent and the Grenadines) to tackle discrimination and marginalisation affecting Rastafarians, focusing on access to education, jobs and public life. Education & Community Life: Adriana King is publicly disputing the Ministry of Education over withheld end-of-year allowances, while the new Chief Education Officer, Mavis Findlay-Joseph, shares her vision for the sector. Health & Lifestyle: The Ministry of Health warns of rising HIV cases in SVG, urging safe sex—especially as VincyMas approaches—after new infections cluster among women 25–29 and men 60+. Youth Sports: Bequia Basketball Association says its weekly youth camps are gaining momentum, with local mentors and national-level pathways for young players.

Rastafarian Rights at CARICOM: CARICOM will hold a special regional meeting to tackle discrimination and marginalisation faced by Rastafarians, with a committee set to include Barbados, Jamaica, St Kitts and Nevis, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and Trinidad and Tobago. Education Under Scrutiny: Social activist Adriana King is publicly challenging the Ministry of Education over withheld end-of-year allowances, calling the situation unlawful and “lawless.” New Education Leadership: Marvis Findlay-Joseph has taken over as Chief Education Officer, sharing her vision to reignite joy in learning and drive change across the system. HIV & Safe Sex Push: The Ministry of Health warns of rising HIV cases, especially among women 25–29 and men 60+, urging testing and safer sex during the VincyMas period. Youth Sports in Bequia: The Bequia Basketball Association says its weekly youth camps are gaining momentum, with Prime Minister Dr. Godwin Friday visiting the latest session. Youth Protection Initiative: Police launch the “steps project” to help students resist peer pressure and grooming by adult predators. Regional Culture & Integration: OECS leaders reappoint Dr. Didacus Jules for a fourth term, backing continued work on food sovereignty, digital transformation, and education reform.

Education & Pay Dispute: Social activist Adriana King is blasting the Ministry of Education, saying her end-of-year allowances are still being withheld even after her full salary was restored, calling the ministry “lawless” and questioning who ordered the stoppage. New Leadership in Schools: Newly installed Chief Education Officer Marvis Findlay-Joseph says she’s grateful and wants to bring fresh energy to literacy and classroom joy, after decades across primary, secondary and tertiary education. HIV Warning Ahead of VincyMas: The Ministry of Health is urging safe sex as HIV cases rise, with infections clustering among women 25–29 and men 60+, stressing you can’t tell by looking and that condoms are key. Youth Sports in Bequia: The Bequia Basketball Association says its weekly youth camps are gaining momentum, with visiting basketball figures and Prime Minister Dr. Godwin Friday encouraging the next generation. Crime Prevention & Youth Protection: Police wrapped up Crime Prevention Week with a public exhibition, while a new “steps project” targets peer pressure and grooming risks for students. Mental Health Staffing: SVG has recruited consulting psychiatrist Dr. Eloy Castillo after a decade-long vacancy, aiming to strengthen mental health rehabilitation services. Regional Governance: OECS leaders reappointed Dr. Didacus Jules for a fourth term, and Antigua’s PM Gaston Browne took over OECS Authority chairmanship. Public Health Alert: Health officials report a spike in gastrointestinal illness, blaming poor hand hygiene and urging stronger sanitation before Carnival. Culture & Learning: A St. Vincent-born cultural anthropologist, Dr. Artwell Cain, is behind a new St. Eustatius book project focused on remembrance, Afrikan ancestors and community voices.

Regional Leadership & Integration: OECS Authority’s 78th meeting in Antigua saw Prime Minister Gaston Browne take over the chair from SVG’s Dr. Godwin Friday, with leaders pointing to priorities like climate resilience, food and energy security, education, health, security, and digital transformation. OECS Governance: Dr. Didacus Jules was reappointed for a fourth term as OECS Director General, praised for work on food sovereignty, digital transformation, healthier communities, and education reform. Public Health (HIV): SVG’s Ministry of Health reports a spike in HIV cases, especially among young adults 25–29 and older men 60+, urging safer sex ahead of Carnival and reminding people you can’t tell by appearance—testing and condoms matter. Public Health (Gastro): Health officials also warn of a surge in gastrointestinal illness linked to poor hand hygiene, with cases running high among children under five and older age groups. Youth & Safety: Police wrapped Crime Prevention Week with a public exhibition, and launched a “steps project” to help students resist peer pressure and grooming by adult predators. Education & Skills: Mavis Findlay-Joseph became Chief Education Officer, while SVG Community College graduation saw 961 students celebrated. STEM for Youth: ECCB announced a free 2026 STEM Camp starting July 6 for ages 14–18 across ECCU territories, including SVG. Culture & Heritage: Cultural anthropologist Dr. Artwell Cain’s work is highlighted in a St. Eustatius Emancipation Day shift toward history, education, and community dialogue. Sports (Local Talent): Bequia’s youth hoops programme continues to grow, with Vincentian basketball figures supporting camps.

Public Health Alert: St. Vincent and the Grenadines is seeing a worrying rise in HIV cases, with new positives clustering among young adults (25–29) and older men (60+), as health officials urge safer sex and remind people you can’t tell by looking—testing and condoms are key. Youth Safety & Prevention: The Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force launched a “steps project” to help students resist peer pressure and spot grooming tactics before harm happens. Mental Health Overhaul: The health ministry is shifting toward community-based mental health care, aiming to reduce stigma, decentralize services to clinics and homes, and move away from long-term institutionalization. Education Leadership: Mavis Findlay-Joseph has been appointed Chief Education Officer, bringing 34 years of experience across the education system. Regional Culture & Learning: OECS reappointed Dr. Didacus Jules for a fourth term, highlighting priorities like food sovereignty, digital transformation, and education reform. Food & Nutrition Strategy: The Zero Hunger Trust Fund validated its 2026–2030 strategic plan, pushing a more integrated food-systems approach. Sports Spotlight: Amaia Edwards won three national titles at the Wendell Hercules Championships, adding high jump gold to her long jump and triple jump wins.

Youth Safety & Prevention: The Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force launched the “steps project” to help students resist peer pressure and spot grooming tactics, aiming to prevent harm before it happens. HIV Update: Health officials report a spike in HIV cases, with clusters among young adults (25–29) and older men (60+), urging safer sex and testing—especially with carnival season approaching. Public Health—Gastro Surge: A Ministry warning says gastrointestinal illness is running above expected levels, linked to weaker hand hygiene; authorities are urging families to wash hands often, particularly during mass gatherings. Mental Health Reform: SVG is shifting from long-term institutional care toward community-based mental health services, with plans for destigmatization, decentralization, and deinstitutionalization. Education Leadership: Mavis Findlay-Joseph has been appointed Chief Education Officer, bringing 34 years of experience to guide system priorities. Regional Culture & History: St. Eustatius’ Emancipation Day moves toward community-led education and remembrance, with scholars including SVG-born cultural anthropologist Dr. Artwell Cain. Sports & Talent: Amaia Edwards won three national titles at the Wendell Hercules championships, while SVG’s netball venue debate continues over aging facilities.

HIV & Safer Sex: St. Vincent and the Grenadines health officials report a worrying HIV uptick, with cases clustering among young adults (25–29) and older men (60+), and they’re urging condom use ahead of carnival. Public Health (Gastro): The Ministry also warns of a surge in vomiting-and-diarrhea cases, blaming slipping hand hygiene and urging adults to push better hygiene for children. Mental Health Reform: A new community-based mental health approach is being rolled out, focusing on destigmatization, decentralization to clinics and homes, and reducing long-term institutional stays. Education & Inclusion: Mavis Findlay-Joseph takes over as Chief Education Officer, while 12-year-old Faith Grant becomes the first blind student accepted to Girls’ High School after excelling in CPEA. Regional Culture & Learning: OECS marks 45 years of integration with an “OECS renaissance” call, and the ECCB prepares a free STEM Camp for youth across the Eastern Caribbean. Sports & Youth Pride: Amaia Edwards wins three national titles at the Wendell Hercules Championships, and SVGCC graduates over 900 students under “Tomorrow’s Leaders.”

Medical milestone & education links: Saint Lucia’s Camille Andrew became the first OECS woman to earn an MD in Morocco, graduating with highest honours after seven years of training and research on pediatric inflammatory bowel disease. Regional leadership: Dr. Didacus Jules was reappointed for a fourth term as OECS Director General as Heads of Government backed his push for food sovereignty, digital transformation, healthier communities and education reform. Public service & digital life: St. Vincent and the Grenadines held a Public Service Digital Innovation Forum under UN Public Service Day themes, with plans for faster, more connected government services and a new tax information system coming online next year. Health & Carnival readiness: The Ministry of Health warned of a sharp rise in gastrointestinal cases, urging better hand hygiene ahead of Carnival crowds. Mental health shift: Officials outlined a move toward community-based mental health care, including destigmatization, decentralization and reducing long-term institutional stays. Sports & youth culture: Amaia Edwards swept three national titles at the Wendell Hercules Championships, while women’s rugby in Barbados spotlighted growing female participation. Learning inclusivity: A 12-year-old blind student, Faith Grant, made history by gaining entry to Girls’ High School after excelling in the CPEA with accommodations.

Food Security & Youth Participation: The Zero Hunger Trust Fund validated its Strategic Plan 2026–2030 in Kingstown, bringing together ministries, NGOs, youth and civil society to shape a five-year, “systems” approach to food and nutrition security. Regional Leadership: OECS Heads of Government reappointed Dr. Didacus Jules for a fourth term as Director General, praising his work on food sovereignty, digital transformation, healthier communities and education reform. Education & Inclusion: Mavis Findlay-Joseph assumed the role of Chief Education Officer, while St. Vincent’s 12-year-old Faith Grant made history as the first blind student accepted to Girls’ High School after excelling in the CPEA with accommodations. Public Health: Health officials warned of a surge in gastrointestinal cases ahead of Carnival, urging better hand hygiene to curb vomiting and diarrhea. Mental Health Reform: The Ministry outlined a shift to community-based mental health care, focusing on destigmatization, decentralization and deinstitutionalization. Culture & Sports: SVGCC’s graduation celebrated 961 students, and Amaia Edwards swept three national titles at the Wendell Hercules Championships.

Regional Leadership: Dr. Didacus Jules has been reappointed for a fourth term as OECS Director General, with Heads of Government praising his work on food sovereignty, digital transformation, healthier communities and education reform. Education & Inclusion: St. Vincent’s 12-year-old Faith Grant made history by becoming the first blind student accepted to Girls’ High School after excelling in the CPEA, with exam accommodations helping her place among the top performers. Community Safety: Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force wrapped up Crime Prevention Week with a public exhibition at Police Headquarters, urging vigilance ahead of Carnival. Health Watch: The Ministry of Health reports a sharp rise in gastrointestinal cases, blaming weaker hand hygiene and urging families to step up sanitation before Carnival crowds. Mental Health Shift: St. Vincent and the Grenadines is moving toward community-based mental health care, focusing on destigmatization, decentralization and deinstitutionalization. Tourism & Culture: SVG’s Tourism Authority is seeing momentum in 2026 arrivals, and a new “Go Grenadines Passport” campaign is set to boost domestic travel in August.

OECS Leadership: Dr. Didacus Jules has been reappointed for a fourth term as Director General, with OECS Heads of Government praising his work on food sovereignty, digital transformation, healthier communities and education. Digital Public Services: During Public Service Week, a forum on “Digital Public Service” highlighted plans to make government services faster and more accessible, including a new tax information system expected to go live next year. Education & Inclusion: St. Vincent and the Grenadines Community College graduated 961 students, while 12-year-old Faith Grant made history as the first blind student admitted to Girls’ High School after a top CPEA performance. Health & Community Care: The health ministry warned of a surge in gastro cases ahead of Carnival, and announced a major mental health shift toward community-based treatment. Tourism & Culture: The SVG Tourism Authority welcomed new CEO Shafia London and shared momentum from Q1 2026 visitor growth, alongside a “Go Grenadines Passport” push for domestic travel. Sports: Amaia Edwards swept three national titles, and commentary called for better netball facilities at the Kingstown Netball Centre. Regional Spotlight: OECS marked 45 years of integration as leaders met in Antigua, with a renewed push for an “OECS renaissance.”

Education & Inclusion: Faith Grant, a 12-year-old blind student from Fair Hall Government School, has made history by becoming the first blind student accepted to St. Vincent’s Girls’ High School after excelling in the CPEA (19th among girls, 43rd overall), with accommodations like questions read aloud and tactile diagram support. Regional STEM & Learning: The ECCB will launch a free 2026 STEM Camp (ages 14–18) across ECCU member states, aiming to turn youth into tech creators using AI, Python, and design thinking. Tourism with a Local Focus: SVG’s Tourism Authority has appointed Shafia London as incoming CEO, promising results-driven growth and better visitor experiences, while the “Go Grenadines Passport” campaign pushes domestic travel in August. Culture & Community Memory: St. Eustatius is reimagining Emancipation Day with education-led programming that highlights resistance and community dialogue. Food & Health Advocacy: A regional campaign targets ultra-processed food and drink marketing around schools, including SVG. Regional Leadership: OECS marks 45 years of integration as chairmanship shifts to Gaston Browne, with priorities spanning trade, connectivity, climate resilience, and food security. Public Safety: A shooting in Lowmans (Leeward) left one dead and two injured; police investigations continue.

Education & Inclusion: Faith Grant, a 12-year-old blind student from Fair Hall Government School, made history by placing 19th among girls in the CPEA and earning entry to Girls’ High School—supported during the exam with read-aloud questions and tactile diagram tracing. Regional STEM & Learning: The ECCB will launch a free 2026 STEM Camp (July 6) for ages 14–18 across ECCU territories, aiming to turn youth into tech creators using skills like Python and design thinking. Culture & Heritage: St. Eustatius is reshaping Emancipation Day into a community-led programme focused on history, education, and dialogue, with scholars including Vincentian cultural anthropologist Dr. Artwell Cain. Tourism & Lifestyle: SVGTA unveiled the “Go Grenadines Passport” to boost domestic travel in August, while Miss Shafia London was appointed incoming CEO with a results-driven, nationally inclusive tourism mandate. Food & Health Advocacy: A regional campaign targets ultra-processed food and drink marketing around schools, including St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Safety & Community: Police continue investigations after a shooting in Lowmans, where one man died and two others were injured. OECS Spotlight: OECS leaders opened their 78th Authority meeting in Antigua, with chairmanship shifting to Gaston Browne and a push for an “OECS renaissance.”