AGP Executive Report

Vincy Mas 2026 Security & Unity: Carnival Development Corporation and police leaders are rolling out fresh safety rules for “The Great Escape,” including a strict no-glass policy and a hard line against “6ixx and 7even” violence, while Culture Minister Kaschaka Cupid and CDC chair Ricardo Adams urge Vincentians to rally as “one people” and keep the festival rooted in culture, not just expensive fetes. AI in Carnival Music: CDC says it has spotted AI-generated songs in this year’s releases and is drafting limits on how much AI artistes can use—“AI cannot become your creative juice.” Tourism Push: The SVG Tourism Authority’s incoming CEO, Shafia London, promises a results-driven, inclusive tourism plan that benefits communities across the islands. Education Milestone: Faith Grant, a blind student from Fair Hall Government School, secures a historic place at Girls’ High School after standout CPEA results, highlighting inclusive testing support. Regional Focus (OECS): Prime Minister Friday heads to the 78th OECS Authority meeting in Antigua as chairmanship shifts to Gaston Browne, with priorities including climate resilience, security, and freedom of movement.

OECS Regional Focus: Prime Minister Dr. Roosevelt Skerrit is in Antigua for the 78th OECS Authority Meeting (June 21–22), where leaders will set direction on climate resilience, economic development, food and energy security, regional security, and deeper integration—while Grenada’s Gaston Browne takes over the chairmanship from SVG’s Godwin Friday. CPEA & Inclusion: Vincentian student Faith Grant, born blind, has secured a historic place at Girls’ High School after standout CPEA results, with calls for stronger corporate and community support for inclusive education. Top Performers in Schools: Draádon Ackie tops SVG’s 2026 CPEA with 98.20%, as multiple ties fill the top 10—highlighting a strong year for primary achievement. Vincy Mas Culture & Rules: As Vincy Mas 2026 nears, the CDC is drafting limits on AI in carnival music (“AI cannot become your creative juice”), while police and security leaders push for unity and an incident-free festival with strict no-glass and anti-violence messaging. Tourism Pressure: Local voices continue debating mass tourism’s impact on SVG’s future, as officials warn infrastructure and sustainability must keep up with rising visitor numbers. Border Modernisation: Plans are underway to digitise Grenadines immigration checks to strengthen border protection and speed up data capture.

OECS Leadership in Antigua: Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit is in Antigua and Barbuda for the 78th OECS Authority meeting, where leaders will focus on regional integration, climate resilience, security, food and energy security, and freedom of movement; the chairmanship is set to pass from SVG’s Dr. Godwin Friday to Antigua’s Gaston Browne, with Finance Minister Irving McIntyre acting while Friday is away. CPEA Breakthrough: Faith Grant, a blind student from Fair Hall Government School, has secured a historic place at Girls’ High School after standout CPEA results, highlighting how inclusive testing support can unlock achievement. Top of the Class: Draádon Ackie of Richland Park SDA topped SVG’s 2026 CPEA with 98.20%, with multiple ties in the top 10—another strong spotlight on local primary education. Vincy Mas Culture + Tech: The CDC is drafting a policy to limit AI use in Vincymas music after AI-generated songs were detected, with leaders stressing that AI should “refine,” not replace, human creativity. Carnival Safety: Police and security officials are rolling out stricter Vincy Mas protocols, including a no-glass-bottle rule and tougher action against violence tied to “6ixx and 7even.” Tourism Pressure Point: A local commentary warns that mass tourism could strain SVG’s infrastructure and damage beaches, arguing for a more careful approach to visitor growth. Sports & Community: System 3 FC were crowned inaugural VSPL champions, while local swim coaches completed sprint training to build coaching capacity.

Vincy Mas Culture & Safety: The Carnival Development Corporation is drafting a policy to limit AI use in Vincymas music after AI-generated songs were detected, with CDC chair Ricardo Adams stressing AI “cannot become your creative juice.” Police and security leaders also rolled out plans for the “safest carnival,” including a strict no-glass-bottle rule in Kingstown and a hard line against “6ixx and 7even” violence. Education & Inclusion: Former MP Camillo Gonsalves hailed blind student Faith Grant’s historic CPEA success, while Draádon Ackie of Richland Park SDA topped the 2026 CPEA with 98.20% and multiple ties in the top 10. Public Service & Work Culture: PM Godwin Friday urged public servants to improve service and productivity, acknowledging many are working in “substandard” conditions. Regional & Community Life: ECCB named Phillip John as the 2026 ECCB–Thomas De La Rue Scholar; World Pediatrics is wrapping a speech therapy mission that reached 100 children, with more visits planned from September. Sports & Leisure: VI and Jamaica meet in the Nation’s Cup today, and local swim coaches completed sprint training to build coaching capacity.

Vincy Mas 2026 Culture Policy: The Carnival Development Corporation says it has detected AI-generated songs in this year’s releases and is drafting rules to limit how much AI artistes can use—warning that AI can “refine” work but must not replace human creativity. Vincy Mas 2026 Unity & Access: Culture Minister Kaschaka Cupid and CDC chair Ricardo Adams are urging Vincentians to back the festival as “one Vincy,” while also pushing for a carnival rooted in culture—not just expensive “fetes.” Vincy Mas 2026 Safety Push: Police and security leaders promise a “safest carnival” with visible patrols, zero tolerance for violence tied to “6ixx and 7even,” and strict no-glass rules around Kingstown and venues. Public Service Week: PM Godwin Friday told public servants they’re being asked to work in “substandard” conditions, pledging upgrades while urging staff to lift service standards. Education & Youth Protection: CPEA results highlight top performers across multiple ties, and the Sexual Offences Unit rolls out S.T.E.P.S for Grade Six students. Health & Caregiving: The Alzheimer’s and Dementia Association announces a caregiver workshop in July to build practical dementia support skills. Tourism & Community: The Kids’ Tourism Summer Camp expands to multiple communities across St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Vincy Mas & AI in music: The Carnival Development Corporation says it has detected AI-generated songs in this year’s Vincymas releases and is drafting a policy to limit how much AI artistes can use—warning that AI can refine work, but “cannot become your creative juice.” Vincy Mas safety & unity: As “The Great Escape” approaches, officials are pushing national unity while rolling out stricter security: visible police presence, a hard line against “6ixx and 7even” violence, and a strict no-glass policy around Kingstown and venues. Tourism surge for Carnival: Hotels have hit verified 100% occupancy, with bookings for the next weekends reportedly already sold out—tourism leaders say visitors are arriving earlier than ever. Education spotlight: CPEA results put Richland Park SDA student Draádon A. Ackie on top with 98.20%, while 11 students share top-10 positions amid multiple ties. Child protection & health: A 9-year-old boy injured at Kingstown Preparatory School has undergone two brain surgeries in eight months, and the police’s Sexual Offences Unit is launching its S.T.E.P.S. child protection programme for Grade Six students. Regional culture & learning: CXC’s disaster response model was praised as a blueprint for resilience after Hurricane Melissa, and SVGCC’s 2026 graduation will celebrate 961 graduands.

CPEA Results: Richland Park SDA student Draádon A. Ackie topped this year’s Caribbean Primary Exit Assessment in St. Vincent and the Grenadines with 98.20%, while 11 students landed in the top 10 amid multiple ties. Vincy Mas Culture & Safety: Carnival leaders are pushing for unity ahead of Vincy Mas 2026 (“The Great Escape”), with police promising a “safest carnival” approach—visible patrols, strict no-glass rules, and a hard line against “6ixx and 7even” violence. AI in Music: The Carnival Development Corporation is drafting a policy to limit and regulate AI use in Vincymas music after AI-generated songs were detected, with the chairman warning: “AI cannot become your creative juice.” Public Service Week: PM Godwin Friday urged public servants to improve service and tackle “substandard” working conditions, framing it as both national duty and citizen care. Education & Youth Protection: The Sexual Offences Unit will roll out its S.T.E.P.S child protection programme for Grade Six students, starting June 24–25.

Vincy Mas travel rush: Hotels in St. Vincent and the Grenadines are at full occupancy already, with Rodney Small warning that bookings for the Carnival weekend stretch won’t be available—visitors are arriving much earlier than in past years. Airport-to-festival welcome: The CDC says Vincy Mas will kick off on arrival, with Argyle International Airport set for full activation from Sunday 21 June, featuring live performances and on-site festival immersion. Vincy Mas safety rules: Police and security leaders promise a “safest carnival” with visible patrols, zero tolerance for violence tied to “6ixx and 7even,” and a strict no-glass policy around Kingstown and venues. Culture first, not just fetes: CDC chair Ricardo Adams urges people to keep Vincymas rooted in culture, not reduced to high-priced “festival of fetes.” AI in music gets limits: The CDC is drafting rules to curb AI-generated songs, saying technology can refine but must not replace human creativity. Grenadines border upgrades: National Security Minister St. Clair Leacock outlines plans to digitize Grenadines immigration checks to tighten border control. Kids’ tourism camp expands: The Tourism Department is rolling out a wider 2026 Kids’ Tourism Summer Camp across more communities, bringing tourism learning to children on both mainland and the Grenadines.

Vincy Mas 2026 Unity Push: Culture Minister Kaschaka Cupid and CDC chair Ricardo Adams are urging Vincentians to rally “one people, one nation” as the festival heads into its 50th-anniversary era, with the message that Vincy Mas is a national responsibility, not just a CDC project. Vincy Mas Security Overhaul: Acting Deputy Police Commissioner Trevor “Buju” Bailey promises the “safest carnival in the region,” with visible patrols, a hard line against “6ixx and 7even” violence, and strict “no glass bottle” rules around Kingstown and venues. AI in Music Gets Limits: The CDC is drafting a policy to curb AI-generated songs in Vincymas, saying technology can refine creativity but must never replace human “creative juice.” Culture Over Commercial Fetes: CDC chair Adams warns against shrinking carnival into high-priced parties, arguing the festival’s heart is southern Caribbean culture—pan, mas bands, and community art. RISE Vincy Mas Wednesday: Nouvelle Vie ends its Uptown Party partnership and launches a new July 1 night at Victoria Park with Patrice Roberts, The A Team Band, and more live acts. Kids’ Tourism Camp Expands: The tourism ministry is rolling out a decentralised 2026 Kids’ Tourism Summer Camp across multiple communities, mixing field trips, arts, tourism talks, and heritage learning. Child Protection in Schools: The RSVGPF Sexual Offences Unit begins its S.T.E.P.S programme for Grade Six students on June 24–25. Education Milestone: SVGCC graduation is set for June 23 at Independence Park, with 961 eligible graduands and a live stream via Facebook and YouTube.

Vincy Mas & AI in music: The Carnival Development Corporation is drafting a policy to limit AI use in Vincymas songs after checks found AI-generated tracks, with CDC chair Ricardo Adams stressing AI can refine ideas but can’t replace human “creative juice.” Culture & unity: Culture Minister Kaschaka Cupid backs the CDC “hands-on,” urging Vincentians to treat Vincymas 2026 as a moment of national unity and economic opportunity. Carnival safety & youth protection: Police leadership is promising an incident-free festival, warning against “6ixx and 7even” violence, while the Sexual Offences Unit rolls out S.T.E.P.S for Grade Six students and police held a Carnival duties briefing on crowd, traffic, and emergency response. Keeping Vincymas cultural: CDC chair Adams pushes back on turning carnival into a high-priced “festival of fetes,” arguing for wider access and the southern Caribbean roots of mas, pan, and band culture. Education & community life: SVGCC’s 23 June graduation (961 eligible) celebrates “Tomorrow’s Leaders,” and OECS PEARL graduates early childhood practitioners, while World Pediatrics wraps a speech therapy mission for children. Tourism for families: The Tourism Department expands the Kids’ Tourism Summer Camp across multiple communities.

Vincy Mas Security: Acting Deputy Commissioner Trevor “Buju” Bailey vowed a “safe carnival,” warning anyone tied to “6ixx and 7even” violence that police will confront them in Kingstown. Festival Culture: CDC chair Ricardo “Ricky” Adams pushed back on turning Vincymas into a “festival of fetes,” arguing carnival must stay rooted in culture and pan traditions. Youth Protection: The Sexual Offences Unit launches S.T.E.P.S for Grade Six students on June 24–25, aiming to protect and educate children as they head to secondary school. Community & Learning: SVGCC’s 2026 Graduation will welcome 961 graduands at Independence Park on June 23, with the theme “Tomorrow’s Leaders.” Tourism for Kids: The Ministry expands its Kids’ Tourism Summer Camp to multiple communities across SVG, bringing tourism education to children aged 8–14. Health & Caregiving: SVGADDA plans a dementia caregivers workshop on July 22, training families and staff to better manage day-to-day care. Sports Leadership: The Olympic Committee/Commonwealth Games Association rolled out a TAFISA-certified leadership course, using sport to build community leadership and resilience. Regional Mobility Debate: An OECS free-movement discussion asks whether integration is a “wind beneath our wings” or a risk amid today’s economic turbulence.

Spiritual Traditions & Film: A new report explores why obeah—often demonised under colonial rule—still endures across the Caribbean, blending African spiritual roots with Christianity and local healing practices, and points to a fresh Jamaican film spotlighting the tradition. Public Service & Youth Protection: St. Vincent and the Grenadines kicks off Public Service Week (June 16–23) under a UN theme on innovation and inclusion, while the RSVGPF Sexual Offences Unit launches its S.T.E.P.S child protection programme for Grade Six students (June 24–25). Tourism & Community Culture: The Tourism Department expands its Kids’ Tourism Summer Camp across multiple communities in SVG, and Nouvelle Vie announces a new independent “RISE Vincy Mas Wednesday” (July 1) after ending its partnership with Uptown Party. Health & Caregiving: World Pediatrics wraps a speech therapy mission and also runs free neurosurgery and cranio-facial missions this week, while the Alzheimer’s and Dementia Association prepares a caregivers workshop (July 22). Sports & Empowerment: Hairouna Karate Federation selects Sharen Bennett-Bascombe for WKF’s Guardian Girls Instructor Training in Mexico, and the National Sports Council appoints Renson Haynes as its new manager.

Public Service & Youth Culture: PM Dr. Godwin Friday urged public servants to “lift their game,” pushing a 5% better mindset while calling out “demeaning” working conditions and stalled facility repairs. Cruise Tourism & Community Impact: Tourism Minister Kishore Shallow backed the Kingstown cruise port deal with Global Ports Holdings as a “no-brainer,” saying the terminal ran at a loss most years and that the 30-year plan could modernise facilities and expand cruise tourism. Local Governance & Safety: Police held Carnival duties briefings for Vincy Mas 2026, focusing on crowd management, traffic control, emergency response, and public cooperation. Child Protection & Education: The Sexual Offences Unit launches its S.T.E.P.S. Child Protection Programme for Grade Six students (June 24–25), while OECS PEARL graduates were celebrated for strengthening early childhood education. Health & Women’s Wellbeing: CARICOM and PAHO led a push to end mother-to-child transmission of HIV, syphilis and hepatitis B, and Soroptimist SVG signed an MOU with an endometriosis/PCOS group to expand support for women and girls. Arts & Entertainment: Nouvelle Vie ended its partnership with Uptown Party and will host “RISE Vincy Mas Wednesday” on July 1 at Victoria Park with a full soca lineup. Sports for Social Change: TAFISA launched a certified leadership course using sport for community empowerment, and the National Sports Council named Renson Haynes as its new manager.

Vincy Mas 2026: Nouvelle Vie has ended its partnership with Uptown Party and will run independently with “RISE Vincy Mas Wednesday” on July 1 at Victoria Park, Kingstown, featuring Patrice Roberts, The A Team Band and more live acts. Child Protection: The RSVGPF Sexual Offences Unit launches its S.T.E.P.S. Child Protection Programme for Grade Six students on June 24–25, focused on safeguarding and education as kids head to secondary school. Early Childhood Education: OECS PEARL Programme graduates were celebrated at UWI Global Campus, marking completion of training to strengthen early childhood education across the region. Carnival Safety: Police held a Carnival duties briefing ahead of Vincy Mas 2026, stressing crowd management, traffic control, emergency response and public cooperation. Women’s Health & Support: Soroptimist SVG and the SVG Association of Endometriosis, Adenomyosis and PCOS signed an MOU to expand health, wellness and empowerment for women and girls. Youth Development: Playaz Youth Academy announced its Basketball Summer Camp 2026 (July 27–Aug 7) with mentorship and life-skills sessions. Digital Safety: Children were reminded that their digital footprint is permanent and urged to manage screen time during a regional cybersecurity education session. Sports Leadership: Hairouna Karate Federation selected Sharen Bennett-Bascombe for WKF Guardian Girls Instructor training in Mexico, aiming to bring the programme to SVG.

Vincy Mas 2026: Nouvelle Vie has ended its partnership with Uptown Party and is going solo with “RISE Vincy Mas Wednesday” on July 1 at Victoria Park, Kingstown, promising a full night of music and culture with acts including Patrice Roberts and The A Team Band, plus more surprise performers. Child protection in schools: The RSVGPF Sexual Offences Unit launches its S.T.E.P.S. Child Protection Programme for Grade Six students on June 24–25, focusing on safeguarding and education as kids head into secondary school. Early childhood education: OECS PEARL Programme graduates were celebrated at UWI Global Campus, marking completion of training to strengthen early childhood education across the region. Carnival safety: Police held a Carnival duties briefing ahead of Vincy Mas 2026, stressing crowd management, traffic control, emergency response, and public cooperation. Youth, sport & leadership: Hairouna Karate Federation selects Sharen Bennett-Bascombe for WKF Guardian Girls Instructor training in Mexico, while the Olympic Committee launches a TAFISA certified leadership course and the National Sports Council appoints Renson Haynes as manager.

Tourism & Culture: A new travel push urges visitors to “skip the crowds” by exploring lesser-known Caribbean islands, backing local guides and small businesses for more authentic experiences. Local Governance & Environment: MP Kishore Shallow says the Roseau River sand and aggregate harvesting project is a “golden opportunity” to fix long-neglected roads, bridges and jobs—while critics worry about environmental impacts. Youth & Education: The Rotary Club of St. Vincent marked its 25th George Phillips Excellence Awards, spotlighting top Fourth Form students from 27 secondary schools for academics, discipline, leadership and balanced school life. Sports for Social Change: Hairouna Karate Federation’s Sharen Bennett-Bascombe heads to the WKF Guardian Girls Instructor Training in Mexico, bringing an empowerment-focused programme home for women and girls. Health & Community: World Pediatrics is running free neurosurgery and cranio-facial missions this week, already completing surgeries for local and regional children. Women’s Health: Soroptimist SVG and the SVG Endometriosis/Adenomyosis/PCOS Association signed an MOU to expand support and awareness for women and girls. Public Service Week: Government announces Public Service Week activities from June 16–23, with events aimed at innovation, participation and inclusion. Regional Development: St. Vincent and the Grenadines signed an MoU with Global Ports Holding for a 30-year cruise port concession, targeting major upgrades to Kingstown and future Grenadines facilities.