AGP Executive Report

Grenada Energy & Economy: Offshore oil interest is growing as Grenada moves toward the next stage of developing its hydrocarbon potential, with major players watching developments. Electricity Relief Debate: Government’s temporary power-cost measures are offering some relief, but an advisor says they won’t meaningfully boost business competitiveness without sustained cuts and more renewable investment. Public Finance Watch: Parliament is considering 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. Tourism Jobs: The Grenada Tourism Authority is hiring for the 2026–27 cruise season—team leader and customer service representatives—seeking staff who can guide visitors and speak basic Spanish or French. Road & Traffic Updates: Balthazar Bridge will close to vehicles from Sept. 7 until further notice for resilience works, and National Library-area traffic rules apply on Sept. 6. Youth & Agriculture: OECS Young Farmer Award winner Ephraim Elijah Roberts of Dominica was recognised in Grenada for diversified farming that builds resilience.

By-Election Watch: Nominations are now open for the Takapū/Northern Ward by-election in Wellington City Council, following the death of Councillor Tony Randle. Voting will be by postal ballot, with packs expected from 9 November and voting closing at noon on 11 December. Road & Traffic Disruptions: The RGPF says Balthazar Bridge will close to vehicular traffic from Monday, 7 September, to support restoration work under the Grenada Resilience Improvement Project, with diversion routes in place. Separately, National Library area changes run Sunday, 6 September (8:30am–4pm), including no-through-road rules and no parking. Energy Costs Debate: A government electricity relief package is offering some consumer help, but an advisor says it won’t meaningfully boost business competitiveness without sustained cuts and more renewable investment. Tourism Jobs: The Grenada Tourism Authority is hiring for the 2026–2027 cruise season, including a Team Leader and Customer Service Representatives (Spanish or French skills preferred). Public Safety: Grenada County and Lafayette County in Mississippi have enacted burn bans, restricting open flames that can throw embers. UK Police Probe: UK authorities are investigating the death of British national Andrew Frederick in Grenada, after local authorities initially ruled it accidental.

Agriculture & Youth: Dominica farmer Ephraim Elijah Roberts won the OECS Young Farmer Award in Grenada, praised for diversified, resilient farming that includes livestock, root and fruit crops, fast cash crops, and bee production. Road Works: The Royal Grenada Police Force announced Balthazar Bridge will close to vehicles from Monday, 7 September until further notice, with set diversion routes and limits for heavy equipment. Local Traffic: On Sunday, 6 September (8:30am–4pm), traffic rules will be in place around the National Library in St George’s, including no-through access and no-parking zones. Education Services: The Ministry of Education moved temporary in-person services from its Tanteen compound to workspaces in the nearby Ministerial Complex, with key units available weekdays 8am–4pm. Parliament & Recovery: Parliament is considering a large EC$310.9 million 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: Grenada’s first VAT-free weekend (28–29 August) drew big crowds and mixed feedback—some shoppers reported real savings, while others flagged traffic, transport limits, and confusion over qualifying items. Digital Economy: A panel at the Caribbean Internet Governance Forum urged Grenada to turn ICT into export-ready businesses, stressing incubators, mentorship, and building market channels. Health Research: A St George’s University of Medicine study reports ME/CFS patients have much higher odds of irritable bowel syndrome, pointing to a possible shared gut-brain link.

VAT-Free Weekend: Grenada’s first VAT-free shopping push (Aug. 28–29) pulled big crowds and boosted sales for some retailers, but also sparked St George’s and Grand Anse traffic jams and raised questions about whether prices truly fell. Education Access: The Ministry of Education says its temporary in-person services at the Sir Eric Gairy Botanical Gardens compound have moved to workspaces in the nearby Ministerial Complex (8am–4pm weekdays), with key units like Examinations, Student Support, HRD (Scholarships) and Finance. Hurricane Beryl Recovery & Fiscal Watch: Parliament is reviewing a EC$310.9 million supplemental appropriation tied to Hurricane Beryl recovery and new challenges; Carriacou and Petite Martinique Affairs Minister Tevin Andrews rejected calls for a commission of inquiry, saying he has “nothing to hide.” Public Safety: A Grenada man, Deaigo Stokes, was charged with first-degree arson after an estimated $80,000 manufactured home fire. Regional Governance: Nevis is sending leaders to the CPA conference in Jamaica on parliamentary work in the digital age, including a virtual youth parliament session Sept. 3. Health Research: A St George’s University-led review reports ME/CFS patients have far higher odds of irritable bowel syndrome, supporting routine IBS screening in ME/CFS care.

VAT-Free Weekend: Grenada’s first VAT-free shopping drive (28–29 Aug) pulled big crowds to supermarkets and hardware stores, but also sparked traffic congestion in St George’s and Grand Anse and left shoppers split on whether prices truly fell; retailers cited system and transport hiccups, including a server issue at Foodland that delayed opening. Youth & Skills: The DPM says it’s tackling Grenada’s skilled-worker shortage with a new apprenticeship and trades pipeline aimed at masons, carpenters, plumbers and more, starting in schools and extending to young people already out of the classroom. Education Reform: The Ministry of Education launched the Grenada RISING foundational literacy programme pilot to help children read by age 9, responding to low Minimum Competency Test results. Digital Growth: A Grenada tech panel at the Caribbean Internet Governance Forum argued the country can build export-ready ICT businesses through incubators, mentorship and real-market pilots. OECS Agriculture: OECS leaders urged governments to offer crown lands on transparent, bank-collateral terms so young farmers can invest for the long term. Police Training: The RGPF marked its Recruit Class 2026 passing out ceremony, stressing integrity and public service as new officers begin duty.

VAT-free weekend: Grenada’s first VAT-free shopping days (28–29 August) boosted activity for some retailers, but shoppers and businesses reported headaches with traffic, transport, pricing, and figuring out which items qualified. Education reform: The Ministry of Education rolled out the “Grenada RISING – Foundational Learning Programme” to tackle weak literacy outcomes, aiming to ensure children can read and understand by age 9. Digital economy: A Grenada panel at the Caribbean Internet Governance Forum argued the country can grow tech exports and jobs by backing real problem-solvers with incubators, mentorship, and market access. Renewable energy planning: Grenada’s World Bank-backed renewable energy push is moving ahead with requests for consultants for data analysis (living conditions report) and for engineering and environmental work tied to transmission and solar projects. Regional inclusion push: The UN launched the HireAbility Campaign to break barriers and expand decent work for people with disabilities across the Caribbean. Police probe: UK authorities are investigating the death of a British man in Grenada after a private post-mortem ruled it homicide.

Police Probe: UK’s Met Police has launched an investigation into the death of British man Andrew Donald Frederick, 47, in Grenada after a private post-mortem ruled it a homicide; Grenada had initially said the death was accidental and the body was repatriated, while senior coroner Lydia Brown suspended inquest steps pending the Met probe and said diplomatic discussions are ongoing. Education & Literacy: Grenada’s Ministry of Education has begun the pilot rollout of “Grenada RISING — Foundational Learning Programme” to boost reading by age 9, with teacher coaching and family support after recent Minimum Competency Test results showed two-thirds of students missing basic literacy targets. Agriculture & Land Access: OECS Director General Dr. Didacus Jules urged governments to provide crown lands to young farmers on transparent, bank-collateral-friendly terms, stressing inclusion for people with disabilities and practical training in agribusiness and climate-smart farming. Renewables Planning: Grenada issued a request for expressions of interest for an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment for dual circuit transmission lines, substations and solar PV at Pearls under a World Bank-backed resilient renewable energy facility. Regional Jobs Inclusion: A UN campaign, “HireAbility,” is pushing Caribbean employers to break barriers and expand decent work for people with disabilities, building on a Grenada youth advocate’s idea.

Disability & Jobs: The UN has launched its HireAbility Campaign across the English- and Dutch-speaking Caribbean, urging employers to break barriers and sign on to disability-inclusive hiring. Education: Grenada’s Ministry of Education has started the pilot rollout of “Grenada RISING — Foundational Learning Programme” to boost literacy by age 9, with teacher coaching and family support. Public Service: The Royal Grenada Police Force marked the successful graduation of Recruit Class 2026 at its 49th Passing Out Ceremony, with new officers challenged to serve with integrity and compassion. Government Updates: Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell expressed condolences and wished swift recovery to St Kitts and Nevis PM Dr Terrance Drew, who is hospitalised. Energy Procurement: Grenada issued an expression of interest for consulting services to carry out an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment for dual circuit transmission lines, substations and solar PV under a World Bank-backed renewable energy facility. Health & Safety: Police in the UK are investigating the death of a British man in Grenada after a private post-mortem found homicide. Regional Diplomacy: Kalinago leaders visited St Kitts to expand indigenous economic opportunities and advance plans for a permanent Kalinago Craft Centre.

Grenada Schools Reopening: The Ministry of Education says schools will reopen for students on Monday, 31 August 2026, after noting a public notice from the Grenada Union of Teachers that raised uncertainty about the start of the 2026–2027 academic year. Water Supply Update: Nawasa has temporarily decommissioned Baillies Bacolet Well #2 due to saltwater intrusion, cutting supply by about 110,000 gallons per day and prompting nightly water interruptions in parts of St George and St David. UK Probe Into Grenada Death: UK authorities say the Met Police are investigating the death of British national Andrew Donald Frederick, 47, after a private post-mortem found homicide; an inquest was suspended pending the police investigation. Caribbean Weather Watch: Heat advisories remain in effect in the wider region as September opens with very hot conditions and high heat index values. Regional Sports: St Vincent and the Grenadines’ Under-12 tennis team made its COTECC Sub Region-4 debut in Trinidad and Tobago, with Grenada among the participating countries. Tourism/Business: Eppley has acquired NorthWest Premium Financing, expanding its Caribbean presence, including operations in Trinidad & Tobago and Grenada.

School Reopening Clash: Grenada’s Ministry of Education says schools will reopen for students on Monday, 31 August 2026, after noting a public notice from the Grenada Union of Teachers that suggested the academic year begins 1 September. Water Supply Pressure: Nawasa has temporarily decommissioned Baillies Bacolet Well #2 due to saltwater intrusion, cutting supply by about 110,000 gallons per day and triggering nightly water interruptions in parts of St George and St David. CARICOM Biodiversity Talks: CARICOM has started national consultations on a Draft CARICOM Biodiversity Strategy and its funding and implementation plan, with Grenada’s climate resilience ministry stressing biodiversity’s link to sustainable development. Regional Diplomacy Watch: UNGA 2026’s agenda is expected to be shaped by ongoing wars and funding pressures, with attention on US President Donald Trump’s approach to Iran and the UN. Local Safety & Justice: A woman was charged after 78 lbs of cannabis were seized at Maurice Bishop International Airport, with her next court appearance set for 3 September.

School Reopening Clarified: Grenada’s Ministry of Education says schools officially reopen for students on Monday, 31 August 2026, after concerns raised by the Grenada Union of Teachers about the academic calendar. TB and Public Safety Pressure: Fresh criticism is growing over the handling of tuberculosis after-hours escapes from the General Hospital, with calls for stronger legislation and questions aimed at the Chief Medical Officer, Dr Shawn Charles. Heritage Fight for Drill Yard: The Grenada National Trust is pushing to protect the historic Drill Yard from demolition tied to the National Insurance Scheme, with international heritage support expected to bolster the case. Regional Biodiversity Talks: CARICOM has begun national consultations in Grenada on a Draft CARICOM Biodiversity Strategy and a Resource Mobilisation and Implementation Strategy, linking biodiversity to climate resilience and sustainable development. Immigration Update (US): New US visa and Green Card rules take effect from September 2026, including changes for student/visitor admissions and public charge inadmissibility. Caribbean Travel & Culture: Notting Hill Carnival continues in London, with Caribbean-linked performers and events drawing attention to lesser-known island destinations.

Grenada School Reopening: The Ministry of Education says schools officially reopen for students on Monday, 31 August 2026, after concerns raised by the Grenada Union of Teachers about the start date. CARICOM Biodiversity Talks: CARICOM has begun national consultations in Grenada on the Draft CARICOM Biodiversity Strategy and a Resource Mobilisation and Implementation Strategy, with stakeholders from environment, finance, tourism, agriculture and fisheries. TB and Public Safety Pressure: After two TB patients escaped from the General Hospital isolation unit, officials say they’re seeking legal help to address gaps in legislation and prevent further incidents. Heritage Under Threat: The National Trust is getting international support to fight the Drill Yard demolition, with an international heritage expert due in Grenada to back the case. Airport Drug Bust: A U.S. citizen was charged with trafficking after 78 lbs of cannabis were seized at Maurice Bishop International Airport, with her next court appearance set for Thursday, 3 September. Regional Health Watch: The Ministry of Health is urging vigilance as dengue cases rise. Diplomatic Move: Grenada has opened an Honorary Consulate in Manila, strengthening its diplomatic foothold in the Philippines.

Health & Public Safety: Grenada’s TB crisis is back in the spotlight after two patients escaped from the General Hospital isolation unit, renewing calls for stronger laws to prevent communicable-disease patients from mingling with the public and criminalize breaches. Justice & Accountability: A custody dispute involving a U.S.-born mother and a German father is being handled by Grenada’s High Court, while separate concerns over the Royal Grenada Police Force investigation into Andrew Frederick’s death are set to be tested in a London coroner’s inquest. Heritage Under Threat: The Grenada National Trust is pushing to save the Drill Yard as the National Insurance Scheme moves toward demolition; international heritage support is arriving to assess the site and back the court fight. Regional Policy: CARICOM has begun national consultations on a Draft CARICOM Biodiversity Strategy, with Grenada’s climate resilience and biodiversity links highlighted. Local Life: The Central Statistical Office will temporarily adjust operations for maintenance, with services available online and by email. Sports: Anderson Peters remains in the spotlight as javelin rankings tighten ahead of major Diamond League finals.

Tourism & Accountability: Grenada’s regional politics hit a nerve as questions mount over whether Minister Kishore Shallow was fully truthful in Parliament about Delta Air Lines ending its Atlanta–Argyle nonstop service, with critics pointing to schedule and demand details that don’t match “network-wide reduction” claims. Public Health & TB Security: A debate over the Chief Medical Officer’s performance flared after two TB patients escaped the General Hospital, raising fresh calls for stronger legislation and clearer rules to prevent communicable-disease patients from leaving treatment. Courts & Child Custody: A Grenada high court judge heard a custody dispute involving a U.S.-born mother accused of abducting a child from Germany, with the Child Protection Authority working alongside international partners and arrest warrants. Heritage Under Threat: The National Trust is getting international support to protect the Drill Yard, as UNESCO-linked heritage experts assess the site and push back against demolition plans tied to the National Insurance Scheme. Education: Grenada’s 2026–2027 school year begins Monday, Aug. 31, with commentary on how the internet has reshaped childhood learning and social life. Regional Policy: CARICOM consultations are underway in Grenada on the Draft CARICOM Biodiversity Strategy and how to finance and implement it. Health Advisory: The Ministry of Health urged vigilance amid an increase in dengue cases. Sports Spotlight: Grenada’s Anderson Peters and Sri Lanka’s Rumesh Pathirage stood out in Zurich’s javelin, while local interest also continues around Diamond League qualification and upcoming finals.

Renewables Push: IRENA is inviting renewable energy project proposals across Central America and the Caribbean, including Grenada, for possible support via its Climate Investment Platform and Energy Transition Accelerator Financing. Regional Biodiversity Planning: CARICOM has begun national consultations in Grenada to advance endorsement of the Draft CARICOM Biodiversity Strategy and its Resource Mobilisation and Implementation Strategy. Local Government Ops: Grenada’s Central Statistical Office says it will temporarily change office operations on Aug. 28 and Aug. 31 for maintenance, with services available online and by email. Agriculture & Youth: The OECS Youth and Women in Agriculture Symposium is set for Sept. 1 at Radisson Grenada Beach Resort, focusing on climate-smart farming, agribusiness skills, and access to finance and markets. Sports Spotlight: Grenada’s Anderson Peters took second in the Zurich Diamond League men’s javelin with 86.93m, as Rumesh Pathirage won with 92.07m. Cruise Rescue: Passengers aboard Carnival Conquest witnessed the rescue of a sailor stranded at sea near Grenada after a distress relay.

Cruise Rescue Near Grenada: Carnival Conquest rescued a lone sailor from a disabled vessel near the island of Grenada after a distress relay, bringing him aboard and keeping him in the ship’s care as the cruise continued to St. George’s. Local Data & Services: Grenada’s Central Statistical Office says its operations will shift temporarily at the Old NIS Building (Aug. 28 and 31) for maintenance, with services available online and by email. Agriculture & Youth: Grenada will host the OECS Youth and Women in Agriculture Symposium on Sept. 1 at the Radisson Grenada Beach Resort, with training on climate-smart farming, agribusiness skills, and access to finance. Water & Waste Planning: Grenada is set to host the 35th CWWA Conference (Oct. 12–16) to drive regional action on water security, wastewater, and solid waste management. Sports Spotlight: Anderson Peters of Grenada finished second in the Zurich Diamond League javelin, while Keshorn Walcott placed fourth.