AGP Executive Report

Caribbean Tourism & Culture Spotlight: CTO and TEMPO Networks announced a new 20-year partnership to boost Caribbean tourism storytelling through digital, social and broadcast coverage. Public Safety & Youth Protection: Government accepted advanced ballistic and forensic systems via CARICOM IMPACS and the US State Department to strengthen investigations into gun-related crime. Women & Girls in Sport: Hairouna Karate Federation selected Sharen Bennett-Bascombe for WKF’s Guardian Girls Instructor Training in Mexico, aiming to bring certified self-defence and leadership programming to SVG. Sports Leadership & Facilities: Renson Haynes was named new Manager of the National Sports Council, while the government highlighted upgrades to community sporting spaces like the Edinboro hard court, with solar power plans. Health & Community Care: World Pediatrics is running free neurosurgery and cranio-facial missions for children this week. Digital Safety for Kids: Regional cybersecurity experts urged primary students to treat their digital footprint as permanent and manage screen time. Cruise & Blue Economy Moves: SVG signed an MoU with Global Ports Holding for a 30-year Kingstown Cruise Port concession, with major phased investment, plus SVG sent reps to an Island State Ocean Summit in Tokyo. Women’s Health Partnership: Soroptimist SVG and an endometriosis/PCOS group signed an MOU to expand support and education for women and girls. Youth Development: Playaz Youth Academy launched Basketball Summer Camp 2026, mixing sport with mentorship and life skills. Public Service Week: SVG announced Public Service Week activities June 16–23 under a UN theme focused on innovation, participation and inclusion.

Sports & Youth Development: St. Vincent and the Grenadines launched a TAFISA certified leadership course at Frenches House, using sport for community empowerment, while the National Sports Council named Renson Haynes as its new manager and the government pushed upgrades like the Edinboro hard court to keep youth engaged. Women’s Health & Safety: Soroptimist SVG and the SVG Endometriosis/Adenomyosis/PCOS Association signed an MOU to expand support and awareness for women and girls. Digital Life Skills for Kids: Students were reminded that their digital footprint is permanent during a regional cybersecurity session for primary schools. Regional Culture Through Sport: Hairouna Karate Federation selected Sharen Bennett-Bascombe for WKF’s Guardian Girls Instructor Training in Mexico, aiming to bring certified self-defence and leadership training to SVG. Maritime & Environment: World Oceans Day coverage framed the OECS “Blue Economy” as vital to fisheries, tourism, and waste management. Tourism Infrastructure: Government signed an MoU with Global Ports Holding for a 30-year cruise port concession, with phased investment to modernise Kingstown and boost shore excursions. Health Mission: World Pediatrics is running free neurosurgery and cranio-facial surgical missions for children this week.

Health & Women’s Empowerment: Soroptimist International St. Vincent and the Grenadines and the SVG Association of Endometriosis, Adenomyosis and PCOS signed an MOU to expand advocacy, education and trauma-informed support for women and girls. Kids’ Health: World Pediatrics is running free Neurosurgery and Cranio-facial surgical missions in SVG this week, already completing surgeries for local and regional children. Digital Safety for Children: A regional cybersecurity session warned primary students that their digital footprint is permanent and urged safer social media habits. Public Service & Youth Development: SVG will mark Public Service Week (June 16–23) with church services, rallies, internships and recognition events, while Playaz Youth Academy launches a Basketball Summer Camp (July 27–Aug 7) mixing sport, mentorship and life skills. Blue Economy & Oceans: World Oceans Day coverage spotlights OECS ocean protection and Blue Economy priorities—fisheries, marine tourism and waste management. Tourism Infrastructure: Government signed an MoU with Global Ports Holding for a 30-year cruise port concession, with phased investment to modernise Kingstown and improve shore excursions.

Cruise Tourism & Local Ownership: The government has signed an MoU with Global Ports Holding (GPH) for a 30-year concession to modernise Kingstown’s cruise terminal, with phased investment up to EC$250 million and a plan for ordinary Vincentians to own up to 30% of the concession company. Maritime & Climate Focus: SVG also sent a delegation to the Inaugural Island State Ocean Summit in Tokyo, where fisheries officials pushed for climate-resilient, science-based ocean stewardship. Post-Eruption Livelihoods: BRAGSA has begun large-scale volcanic sand harvesting and river maintenance in the Roseau River Valley, aiming to reduce runoff impacts while leaving the Richmond Walibu area undisturbed for local “chichi” and community activities. Education & Gender Equity: A survey of boys’ experiences at school led to a parents’ workshop on gender stereotypes under the Full Potential Programme, tackling unfair treatment and classroom divisions. Digital Lifestyle & Trade: Customs launched an upgraded ASYCUDA World system to move SVG toward paperless customs via VSwift, making trade declarations and payments easier for brokers and businesses. Youth, Sports & Community: Scouting marked a milestone with a new Georgetown troop investiture, while SVG’s Olympic committee launched a TAFISA-certified leadership course using sport for community change. Culture & Learning for Kids: The tourism department expanded its Kids’ Tourism Summer Camp islandwide, bringing culture and heritage learning to children across mainland and Grenadines.

Cruise & Jobs: St. Vincent and the Grenadines has signed an MOU with Global Ports Holding (GPH) for a proposed 30-year concession to run and develop the Kingstown Cruise Port, with phased investment of about EC$225–250 million—starting with up to EC$75 million to modernise the terminal, improve shore excursions, and upgrade surrounding public and commercial spaces. Ocean & Identity: SVG sent Fisheries Minister Conroy Huggins and fisheries officer Kris Isaacs to the inaugural Island State Ocean Summit in Tokyo, pushing climate-resilient, science-based ocean stewardship tied to food security and culture. Education & Inclusion: A survey across 28 primary schools found many boys feel marginalised, leading to a parents-and-caregivers workshop on gender stereotypes under the Full Potential Programme. Digital Trade: Customs launched the upgraded ASYCUDA World v4.4 to move SVG toward paperless customs through VSwift, enabling online declarations and payments. Youth & Culture: The Georgetown Scout Troop was officially enrolled in a milestone investiture ceremony, renewing scouting’s role in leadership and service. Tourism for Kids: The Department of Tourism expanded its Kids’ Tourism Summer Camp islandwide for ages 8–14, with activities in Kingstown, Windward, Leeward, and Bequia.

FAO & Agriculture: Young farmers, agribusiness operators and traders met in Kingstown for a Youth and Gender Inclusion Working Session, sharing the real obstacles they face and shaping practical solutions to help young women and men lead and succeed across agrifood value chains. Public Finance & Resilience: Prime Minister Godwin Friday pushed for a global development finance overhaul at a UN roundtable, arguing “one size fits all” rules are failing SIDS like SVG and calling for concessional access based on multidimensional vulnerability. Debt Warning: Government partners’ briefing flagged a risky debt path—if no action is taken, SVG debt could reach about 144% of GDP—while outlining a Growth and Stabilization Plan aimed at stronger growth and lower poverty. Public Service Week: SVG will run Public Service Week June 17–23 with rallies, internships, awards, public speaking and church services under a theme focused on innovation and global challenges. Health & Youth: World Paediatrics delivered a high-demand scoliosis clinic at Milton Cato Memorial Hospital, assessing 42 children and completing eight surgeries. Education & Inclusion: A survey found many boys feel marginalised at school, leading to a parent-focused workshop on gender stereotypes. Digital Trade: Customs launched ASYCUDA World 4.4 to move SVG toward paperless customs and support VSwift. Sports for Change: The SVG Olympic Committee launched a TAFISA-certified leadership course using sport to build community empowerment. Culture Abroad: Vincentian student Ulrica David was celebrated by the SVG embassy in Taiwan for completing a BSc in Psychology.

Public Service Week: St. Vincent and the Grenadines will hold Public Service Week June 17–23 under “Fostering Innovation and Global Challenges,” with a rally, internships, awards, public speaking and church services. Health & Youth: World Paediatrics’ high-demand scoliosis clinic at Milton Cato Memorial Hospital assessed 42 children and completed eight paediatric spinal surgeries, with support from local medical staff. Education & Gender: A survey across 28 primary schools found many boys feel marginalised; it fed into a workshop for parents on gender stereotypes under the Full Potential Programme. Sports for Development: The SVG Olympic Committee/Commonwealth Games Association launched a TAFISA-certified leadership course, using sport to build community projects and social cohesion. Digital Life & Trade: Customs launched ASYCUDA World 4.4 to move SVG toward paperless customs and power the Vincy Single Window for Trade (VSwift). Culture & Learning Abroad: The SVG embassy in Taiwan celebrated graduates, including Ulrica David’s BSc in Psychology. Tourism for Kids: The Kids’ Tourism Summer Camp expands islandwide in 2026, bringing tourism education to multiple communities.

Gender & School Fairness: A survey across 28 primary schools found most boys in St. Vincent and the Grenadines feel marginalised, sparking an interactive “Understanding Gender Stereotypes” workshop for parents and caregivers under the Full Potential Programme. Youth & Inclusion Through Sport: The SVG Olympic Committee/Commonwealth Games Association launched a TAFISA-certified leadership course, using sport to build community projects and stronger social cohesion. Scouting Milestone: Georgetown’s new Scout Troop was officially enrolled in a ceremony celebrating youth leadership and service. Digital Trade Upgrade: Customs launched ASYCUDA World 4.4 to move SVG toward paperless customs and support the Vincy Single Window for Trade (VSwift). Climate Resilience Focus: Upgrades to SVG Meteorological Services aim to deliver more timely, risk-informed forecasts as the hurricane season ramps up. Tourism for Kids: The Kids’ Tourism Summer Camp expands islandwide in 2026, bringing tourism education and culture to multiple communities. Education & Empathy: Minister Phillip Jackson urged students to lead with empathy at a leadership conference linked to UNESCO’s ASPnet. Culture & Heritage Abroad: The SVG Cultural Ambassador’s documentary “Madulu, the Seaman” screens in Washington, D.C., connecting Vincentian coastal identity to diaspora audiences.

Paperless Trade: St. Vincent and the Grenadines Customs and Excise launched ASYCUDA World v4.4, paving the way for Vincy Single Window for Trade (VSwift) with online declarations, document uploads, tracking, and duty payments. Sports for Social Change: The SVG Olympic Committee/Commonwealth Games Association rolled out a TAFISA-certified leadership course, using sport to build community projects and stronger local leadership. Youth & Community: A new Scout Troop was enrolled in Georgetown, while the Social Workers Association launched an outreach programme to support early childhood educators for inclusive classrooms. Climate Resilience in Action: Upgrades to SVG Meteorological Services aim to deliver better, risk-informed forecasts, and the National Parks authority is working to propagate climate-resilient plant species at the Botanic Gardens. Culture & Learning: UNESCO is exploring a biosphere reserve designation for SVG, and the Love SVG campaign is receiving project proposals to shape the 2026/27 tourism season. Health & Care: World Paediatrics ran a scoliosis clinic at MCMH, assessing children and completing surgeries.

AI & Culture: A new op-ed warns that AI can “forget” St. Vincent by training on digitised records that don’t fully capture Vincentian folklore, Creole, and local history—urging faster action to protect cultural presence in digital systems. Climate Resilience & Disaster Readiness: Government upgrades to the SVG Meteorological Services aim to deliver more timely, risk-informed forecasts, while CDEMA and UK support focus on strengthening regional disaster management and community preparedness. Youth & Learning: The Social Workers Association launches an outreach programme to support early childhood educators with tools for inclusive classrooms, and the Tourism Department expands its Kids’ Tourism Summer Camp islandwide for ages 8–14. Tourism & Community Pride: The “Love SVG” campaign receives 29 project proposals, ranging from heritage and eco-attractions to access and transport ideas. Education Abroad: SVG’s embassy in Taiwan celebrates student Ulrica David’s BSc graduation, and scholarships for Vincentians to pursue master’s degrees are highlighted. Sports & Community Life: Netball rankings place SVG 18th worldwide, and a leadership course begins for community groups through the SVG Olympic Committee.

Climate & Resilience: St. Vincent and the Grenadines is upgrading its meteorological services to deliver more timely, risk-informed forecasts, while CDEMA and regional partners push stronger disaster management and community readiness. Nature & Heritage: The National Parks, Rivers and Beaches Authority is rolling out a Botanic Gardens project to rejuvenate and propagate plant species, with new signage and education to help visitors and students—and to build climate resilience in the gardens. Youth & Inclusion: The Social Workers Association launched an outreach programme to empower early childhood educators for inclusive classrooms, and the SVGOC is running a Certified Leadership Course for community groups using sports as a tool for cohesion. Education & Culture Abroad: The SVG embassy in Taiwan celebrated psychology graduate Ulrica David, and Vincentian students are set to gain more higher-education scholarship opportunities in Taiwan. Tourism for Families: The Department of Tourism expands its Kids’ Tourism Summer Camp islandwide in 2026, bringing tourism, culture and heritage learning to multiple communities. Sports & Community Spaces: India handed over the Edinboro hard court, with plans for improvements like solar lighting for youth use. Opinion & Digital Identity: A local commentary warns that AI could make small nations like SVG “invisible” unless Vincentian stories and culture are properly preserved online.

Governance & Trust: Transparency International’s 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index puts Haiti at the bottom of the Caribbean table, while Barbados, The Bahamas and St. Vincent and the Grenadines stay among the region’s stronger performers. Sports & Youth: Jamaica’s Sabrina Dockery broke the 11-second barrier at the Lone Star Grand Prix, while St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ youth and sports ecosystem keeps moving with new leadership at the National Sports Council and community-focused training. Climate Resilience: The SVG government is upgrading Meteorological Services to deliver more timely, risk-informed forecasts, as CDEMA and regional partners push stronger disaster management. Education & Inclusion: The Social Workers Association launches an outreach programme to support early childhood educators and inclusive classrooms, and St. Vincent Grammar School joins UNESCO’s ASPnet network. Culture & Identity: UNESCO is exploring a St. Vincent biosphere reserve, and a new “Love SVG” tourism campaign is collecting community project proposals. Health & Community Support: World Paediatrics clinics and surgeries continue at MCMH, backed by Tropical Shipping donations. Diaspora & Diplomacy: SVG embassies in Taiwan and Cuba mark student milestones and 34 years of ties.

Youth & Peace: A regional youth peace walk in Port-of-Spain comes amid protests after a police-involved shooting, with organisers stressing unity and non-reactive civic action. Education & Inclusion: The Social Workers Association launches an outreach programme to empower early childhood educators for inclusive classrooms, with workshops starting June 6. Climate Resilience: SVG upgrades its Meteorological Services to deliver more timely, risk-informed forecasts, while CDEMA strengthens national disaster management capabilities through regional cooperation. Culture & Heritage: UNESCO is exploring St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ designation as a Biosphere reserve, and the Conservation Fund rolls out a Gender Smart Facility project to build climate awareness among young people. Tourism for Kids & Communities: The Kids’ Tourism Summer Camp expands islandwide in 2026, and the “Love SVG” campaign receives 29 project proposals for heritage, eco-attractions, and community-led tourism improvements. Vincentian Abroad & Diplomacy: The SVG embassy in Taiwan celebrates psychology graduate Ulrica David, and SVG marks 34 years of ties with Cuba. Sports & Youth Development: India hands over the Edinboro hard court, and a leadership course trains community groups to turn local needs into funded projects. Arts on the Move: Akley Olton’s documentary “Madulu the Seaman” screens in Washington, D.C., spotlighting Vincentian coastal identity.

Climate & Resilience: The Government is upgrading the SVG Meteorological Services to deliver more timely, risk-informed climate products, with Acting PM St. Clair Leacock stressing adaptation as a national priority. Education & Inclusion: The Social Workers Association launched an outreach programme, “Empowering Teachers for Inclusive Classrooms,” supporting early childhood educators with tools for safe, inclusive learning; the next workshop is set for June 6. Youth & Culture Tourism: The Department of Tourism expands its Kids’ Tourism Summer Camp islandwide for ages 8–14, with sessions across Kingstown, Windward, Leeward and Bequia. Disaster Management: CDEMA’s Executive Director met Acting PM Leacock and partners including the Red Cross to discuss resilience priorities and strengthening regional readiness. Environment & Heritage: NPRBA, with UK support, is running a 12-month Botanic Gardens project to rejuvenate and propagate plant species, improve signage and education, and boost climate resilience. Sports & Community Development: The SVG Olympic Committee begins a Certified Leadership Course for community groups and the Paralympics movement, using sports as a tool for cohesion and local action. International Ties: UNESCO is exploring St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ designation as a Biosphere reserve, while India handed over the Edinboro hard court under its Quick Impact programme. Health & Care: World Paediatrics received a Tropical Shipping donation to support advanced paediatric services, and a scoliosis clinic at MCMH led to eight surgeries. Church & Community: Pope Leo XIV sent condolences over the death of Swiss Cardinal Paul Emil Tscherrig, reflecting on his service as a papal representative. Culture Spotlight: Vincentian filmmaker Akley Olton’s “Madulu, The Seaman” screens in Washington, D.C., bringing Vincentian stories and local artisan producers to an international audience.

Climate & Resilience: The Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines is upgrading the SVG Meteorological Services to deliver more timely, risk-informed weather products, with Acting Prime Minister St. Clair Leacock stressing climate change’s impact across sectors. Inclusive Education: The Social Workers Association launched an outreach programme with Thrive Ability Inclusive Services and Vinsave under “Empowering Teachers for Inclusive Classrooms,” supporting early childhood educators ahead of a June 6 workshop. Youth & Tourism Learning: The Department of Tourism expands its Kids’ Tourism Summer Camp islandwide for ages 8–14, with daily sessions from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. across Kingstown, Windward, Leeward and Bequia. Disaster Management Boost: CDEMA’s Elizabeth Riley met SVG leaders to discuss resilience priorities and strengthening regional readiness and response. Nature & Education in Parks: NPRBA, with British High Commission support, is rolling out a 12-month Botanic Gardens project to propagate plant species and improve visitor learning through upgraded signage and training. Community Health Support: Tropical Shipping donated EC$3,260 to World Paediatrics to help fund advanced paediatric services for children across SVG and the wider Caribbean. Culture & Heritage: UNESCO says SVG remains a priority and is exploring a UNESCO Biosphere reserve designation, with education and heritage preservation highlighted by officials.

Disaster Preparedness & Resilience: CDEMA’s Elizabeth Riley met Acting Prime Minister St. Clair Leacock, police, and the Red Cross to push stronger national and community readiness across the region. Climate & Nature in Focus: The National Parks Authority is using UK support to rejuvenate and propagate plants at the Botanic Gardens, with new signage and training aimed at climate-resilient growth. Community Health & Care: Tropical Shipping donated EC$3,260 to World Paediatrics to help fund advanced children’s medical services, while World Paediatrics ran a scoliosis clinic at MCMH with surgeries following. Sports for Development: The SVG Olympic Committee launched a Certified Leadership Course for community groups, using sport to build local projects and social cohesion. Culture & Heritage: Indian Arrival Day celebrations marked 165 years since the first East Indian indentured labourers, with calls to preserve heritage and honour Indo-Vincentian contributions. Food & Tourism Buzz: Vincentian chef Kamal Hoyte is partnering with Airbnb on FIFA 2026 dining experiences, bringing fine dining into shared, inclusive moments. Education & Global Links: UNESCO says SVG remains a priority and is exploring a Biosphere reserve designation, while more higher-education scholarship opportunities are opening for Vincentians in Taiwan. Public Life & Accountability: A commentary on public office and corruption echoes a wider push for honesty in governance.