AGP Executive Report

CDB Push for Faster Delivery: Prime Minister Godwin Friday told the CDB’s 56th Annual Meeting in Nassau that the bank must move swiftly from plans to delivery, as the region faces chronically high debt, tighter credit, and worsening climate shocks. Debt & Transparency Debate: Friday warned borrowing members’ fiscal space is shrinking, while local critics also renewed calls for clearer public messaging on cost-of-living measures and “misleading” claims around customs charge removals. GEF Ecosystem Funding: The GEF approved a US$6.1m watershed restoration project for SVG, aimed at nature-based solutions and sustainable land management in the south corridor. Digital Inclusion Contract: SVG signed a EC$1.632m DRIVE project contract under the Universal Service Fund with FLOW for five years of improved connectivity and digital access. Sports Infrastructure Upgrade: India’s Quick Impact Project handover of the Edinboro Hardcourt is set to get solar-powered lighting, boosting youth use and community stewardship. Tourism Deal-Making in New York: Caribbean Week in New York 2026 is drawing tourism leaders to strengthen market share and resilience, while airlines expand nonstop Caribbean routes. Food Security & Resilience: Government advanced its Food Security Crisis Response Plan as drought and supply-chain pressures continue, alongside seed support for backyard gardening. Entrepreneur Wins U.S. Pitch: Petra-Anne Davis won the YLAI Solution Pitch Competition for her Elixirs mobile cocktail bar model, with potential to scale across SVG. Regional Business Justice Training: OECS and the OHADAC–CARO Centre will launch arbitration/ADR training to improve access to economic justice for Eastern Caribbean businesses.

Diplomacy & Development: SVG marked 34 years of ties with Cuba in Havana, with the embassy highlighting Cuba’s training of Vincentians and support in health and infrastructure. Aviation Oversight: The UPP in Dominica urged public disclosure on the long-term financial viability of its airport project, pointing to lessons from SVG’s Argyle experience. Regional Finance Push: PM Godwin Friday pressed the CDB to move from plans to delivery on climate-resilient development, warning borrowing members face high debt (SVG cited above 113% debt-to-GDP) and shrinking concessional finance. Cost-of-Living Debate: Former finance minister Camilo Gonsalves accused the government of misleading “100% removal” messaging on customs charges, arguing the cut is only 5%. Digital Inclusion: A $1.6m DRIVE project contract was signed to expand connectivity and virtual access via FLOW under the Universal Service Fund. Energy & Resilience: India handed over the Edinboro Hardcourt, with solar lighting planned; separately, STAR-Fish ramps up clean energy for Caribbean fisheries. Food Security: Government advances a Food Security Crisis Response Plan, while ZHTF received seed donations to boost backyard gardening. Entrepreneurship Spotlight: Petra-Anne Davis won the YLAI Solution Pitch Competition for her mobile cocktail bar business, Elixirs. Tourism & Markets: Caribbean Week in New York gathered regional tourism leaders as airlines add more nonstop Caribbean routes. Climate Warning: PM Friday urged Vincentians to prepare for the 2026 hurricane season amid drought and funding limits.

CDB Pressure on Debt & Climate: Prime Minister Godwin Friday urged the Caribbean Development Bank to move faster on climate-resilient reforms, warning borrowing members face “chronically high” debt and a shrinking pool of concessional finance, with SVG’s debt-to-GDP cited at 113%. Tax Messaging Backlash: Former Finance Minister Camilo Gonsalves accused the government of “misleading” the public over the “100% removal” of a customs service charge, arguing only 5% is actually removed and the rest is left. Digital Inclusion Deal: A $1.6m DRIVE Project contract was signed under the Universal Service Fund with FLOW for five years of ICT access and resilience support. Food Security Planning: Government advanced its Food Security Crisis Response Plan to shift from repeated emergency recovery to proactive monitoring, amid fertilizer and supply-chain strain. Energy for Fisheries: Canada-funded STAR-Fish is scaling clean energy interventions for Caribbean fisheries, including renewable tech and cold-chain upgrades. Tourism & Connectivity Push: Caribbean Week in New York 2026 gathered regional tourism leaders to strengthen resilience and connectivity, while new U.S. nonstop routes highlight growing demand. Sports Infrastructure: Solar lighting will be installed at the refurbished Edinboro Hardcourt under India’s Quick Impact Projects. Entrepreneur Spotlight: Petra-Anne Davis won the U.S. YLAI Solution Pitch Competition for her Elixirs mobile cocktail bar business.

Cost-of-Living Relief: Prime Minister Godwin Friday rolled out a 90-day emergency package and fiscal repair measures to cushion rising fuel and food prices, with the government citing a debt-to-GDP ratio of 113% and warning of higher costs without intervention. Food Security & Agriculture: SVG is advancing a Food Security Crisis Response Plan to move from repeated emergency recovery to proactive monitoring, as drought and supply disruptions strain inputs and farm output. Digital Inclusion & Connectivity: A $1.6m DRIVE Project contract was signed under the Universal Service Fund, with FLOW set to deliver 5 years of improved access and resilience-focused digital services. Clean Energy for Fisheries: The Canada-funded STAR-Fish project is scaling clean energy interventions for Caribbean fisheries, including cold-chain upgrades and support for low-carbon certification business models across participating countries including SVG. Economic Justice & Dispute Resolution: OECS and the OHADAC Regional Arbitration Centre will launch arbitration and ADR training in June to strengthen access to economic justice for businesses and investors. Tourism & Markets: Prime Minister Friday is in The Bahamas for CDB’s 56th Annual Meeting, while Caribbean tourism leaders convene in New York for Caribbean Week 2026 to push connectivity and resilience. Entrepreneurship Spotlight: Petra-Anne Davis won the 2026 YLAI Solution Pitch Competition for Elixirs, a mobile cocktail bar business with plans to scale across SVG. Transport Innovation: Vincy Uber owner Steve Tyril is developing a ticketing and tracking system to streamline public transport payments via authorized agents. Regional Partnerships: SVG marked 34 years of diplomatic ties with Cuba, and Taiwan credentials were presented by SVG’s ambassador Kenton Chance, with a focus on smart agriculture and sustainable tourism.

Regional Finance & Debt: Prime Minister Godwin Friday leads SVG’s delegation to the CDB’s 56th Annual Meeting in The Bahamas, focusing on resilience, debt sustainability, climate resilience and energy transition. Tourism & Connectivity: Caribbean Week in New York 2026 draws tourism ministers and leaders, while new U.S. nonstop routes (including United’s Newark–St. Croix service) signal faster access that could boost visitor flows for the wider region. Digital Inclusion: SVG signed a EC$1.6m DRIVE Project contract under the Universal Service Fund with FLOW to expand digital, resilience, inclusion and virtual access over five years. Business & Trade Rules: OECS and OHADAC–CARO will launch training on arbitration and ADR (10 June) to strengthen access to economic justice for businesses and investors. Entrepreneurship Spotlight: Petra-Anne Davis won the 2026 YLAI Solution Pitch Competition for her Elixirs mobile cocktail bar concept, with potential to scale across SVG. Food Security & Agriculture: Government advances its Food Security Crisis Response Plan as drought and supply constraints bite; ZHTF also received vegetable/seed donations to support backyard gardening. Cost-of-Living Relief: SVG announced emergency measures to cushion fuel, electricity, LPG and shipping costs, including removing customs charges and taxes on key inputs. Climate Risk Alert: The 2026 hurricane season begins amid drought and high uncertainty, with leaders urging Vincentians to prepare now.

Cost-of-Living Relief: Prime Minister Godwin Friday says SVG’s debt-to-GDP is now 113% (projected 145% by 2031) and unveiled a 90-day emergency package, including fuel and electricity support, to cushion households and businesses from imported price shocks. Digital Inclusion & Connectivity: A EC$1.632m DRIVE Project contract was signed under the Universal Service Fund, with FLOW set to deliver 5 years of improved ICT access and resilience. Food Security Push: Government is advancing its Food Security Crisis Response Plan to move from repeated emergency recovery to proactive monitoring and preparedness, while ZHTF received seed donations to boost backyard gardening and small-scale production. Agribusiness Capacity: IICA ran a workshop to close gaps in food safety, marketing, and business management so local operators can compete and expand into export markets. Blue Economy & MSMEs: OECS launched Window 2 of the Regional MSME Matching Grants Programme for fisheries, coastal tourism, and waste management value-chain groups, offering US$100k–US$150k. Climate Risk & Preparedness: The 2026 hurricane season begins amid drought and uncertainty, with Friday urging Vincentians to prepare now as rainfall declines and dry spells intensify. Trade & Services Modernization: SVG is set to modernize trade services via a VSWIFT electronic platform, supporting smoother commerce and payments. Regional Justice for Business: OHADAC and OECS will launch arbitration and ADR training in June to strengthen dispute resolution for investors and firms across the Eastern Caribbean. Entrepreneurship Spotlight: Petra-Anne Davis won the 2026 YLAI Solution Pitch Competition for her mobile cocktail bar business, Elixirs, with potential to scale across SVG.

Digital Connectivity: FLOW wins a five-year contract under the Universal Service Fund to deliver the $1.632m DRIVE project, aiming to expand ICT access and resilience across St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Climate & Youth Resilience: The SVG Conservation Fund launches the Gender Smart Facility project at Grenadine House to build climate resilience and environmental awareness among young people. Cost-of-Living Relief: Prime Minister Godwin Friday rolls out a 90-day emergency package, including removing customs charges on LPG and diesel-related electricity costs, plus broader tax cuts to cushion fuel and food price shocks. Food Security Push: ZHTF receives three barrels of vegetable, herb and flower seeds from Canada-based Still Kickin’ Charity to boost backyard gardening and small-scale production. Blue Economy & Marine Investment: Local entrepreneur Storm Gonsalves seeks international partnerships after attending the Miami Boat Show, pitching growth in docking, charters, servicing and storage. OECS MSME Funding: OECS opens Window 2 of the Regional MSME Matching Grants Programme for Blue Economy value chain groups in fisheries, coastal tourism and waste management. Tourism & Markets: Caribbean Week in New York 2026 draws strong regional tourism minister participation, with SVG among the confirmed delegations. Regional Finance & Governance: SVG’s NIS CEO Stewart Haynes departs after nine years of reforms and record results, as he moves to lead the Eastern Caribbean Securities Exchange. Entrepreneur Spotlight: U.S.-backed YLAI Solution Pitch winner Petra-Anne Davis (Elixirs) aims to scale her mobile cocktail bar business nationwide.

Cost-of-Living Relief: Prime Minister Godwin Friday rolled out a 90-day emergency package to cushion imported inflation, including fuel and electricity measures, freight reforms, and steps to slow food-price pressure. Fuel & Cooking Gas Cuts: Government removed customs service charges on LPG (100% for 90 days) and is also cutting charges on diesel used for electricity generation, aiming to stabilize household bills. Debt & Fiscal Repair: Friday said SVG’s debt-to-GDP is now 113% (projected 145% by 2031) and disclosed a $200m bank overdraft beyond the statutory limit, alongside promised corrective action. Food Security Planning: SVG advanced its Food Security Crisis Response Plan to move from repeated emergency recovery to proactive monitoring and preparedness. Trade Modernization: VSWIFT (Vincy Single Window for Trade) is being rolled out to let businesses handle licenses and permits through one connected electronic system, improving speed and transparency. Blue Economy & Marine Investment: A local entrepreneur pursued partnerships at the Miami Boat Show to grow marine services and dockage-related opportunities. Regional MSME Funding: OECS launched a second call for Window 2 of its Regional MSME Matching Grants Programme for fisheries, coastal tourism and waste management value-chain groups. Tourism & Skills Pipeline: Sandals hosted a hospitality training programme for TVET students, while SVG’s tourism momentum debate continues amid broader regional engagement. Diplomacy for Business Links: SVG marked 34 years of ties with Cuba and welcomed a new ambassador to Taiwan, with renewed focus on cooperation in smart agriculture and sustainable tourism.

Cost-of-Living Relief: PM Godwin Friday rolled out a 90-day emergency package to cushion imported inflation, with tax and charge cuts aimed at fuel, electricity and cooking gas, plus freight and food-price pressure controls as the debt-to-GDP ratio hits 113% and is projected to rise if unchecked. Fuel & LPG Measures: Government removed customs service charges on LPG (and other fuel-related relief), while electricity support includes matching discounts via VINLEC to blunt rising utility costs for households and small businesses. Tourism Momentum Questioned: A new debate is emerging over whether tourism has lost momentum under the NDP government after years of airport-driven optimism, hotel pipeline talk, and incentive schemes like the Hotel Aid Act. Trade Modernization: Vincy Single Window for Trade (VSWIFT) is being rolled out to connect 19 departments and streamline licenses, permits and trade documents—positioned as a faster, more transparent ease-of-doing-business push with UNCTAD support. Blue Economy & MSMEs: OECS launched the second call for proposals under the Regional MSME Matching Grants Programme (Window 2) for value chain groups in fisheries, coastal tourism and waste management, while fisheries policy moves include a queen conch hatchery and reef restoration plans. Entrepreneurship & Skills: UWI Global Campus recognized students completing short courses in areas like digital marketing and business IT, and a Vincentian entrepreneur won the YLAI solution pitch competition for scaling a mobile cocktail bar concept. Diplomacy & Investment Links: SVG marked 34 years of ties with Cuba and welcomed new ambassadors/credentials to Taiwan, with Taiwan highlighting smart agriculture, healthcare and sustainable tourism cooperation.

Cost-of-living relief: Prime Minister Godwin Friday rolled out a 90-day emergency package to cushion rising global fuel, electricity, cooking gas and freight costs, including tax and customs relief aimed at slowing pass-through to household food bills and directing savings to consumers. Energy & household prices: Government removed the customs service charge on LPG (100%) and signalled possible VAT waivers on cement if prices jump, while also cutting charges on diesel used for electricity generation. Public finance pressure: Friday said SVG’s debt-to-GDP is now 113% (projected higher if unchecked) and referenced a discovered $200m bank overdraft, promising a “course correction” for fiscal discipline. Trade modernisation: Vincy Single Window for Trade (VSWIFT) is being rolled out to let businesses process licences and permits through one connected system across government agencies, aiming to cut delays and improve transparency. Regional business support: OECS launched the second call for Window 2 of the Regional MSME Matching Grants Programme for Blue Economy value chain groups (fisheries, coastal tourism, waste management). Entrepreneurship spotlight: U.S. Embassy-backed YLAI Solution Pitch winner Petra-Anne Davis (Elixirs) will scale a mobile cocktail bar model across SVG. Diplomacy with economic angles: SVG’s new Taiwan envoy Kenton Chance presented credentials, highlighting smart agriculture, healthcare and sustainable tourism cooperation. Blue economy & jobs: Fisheries Minister Conroy Huggins announced a queen conch hatchery and nursery unit in Union Island amid declining conch and lobster landings.

Cost-of-Living Relief: Prime Minister Godwin Friday unveiled a 90-day emergency package to cushion rising fuel, electricity, cooking gas and freight costs, including tax cuts and weekly monitoring by the National Cost of Living Task Force to ensure savings reach consumers. Fuel & LPG Measures: Government removed the customs service charge on LPG (100% for 90 days) and rolled back freight rates to January levels, aiming to stabilize household budgets and cooking gas prices. Debt & Fiscal Course Correction: Friday said SVG’s debt-to-GDP is now 113% (projected to 145% by 2031) and flagged a “course correction” after discovering a $200m bank overdraft beyond the statutory limit. Trade Modernization: VSWIFT (Vincy Single Window for Trade) is being rolled out to let businesses process licenses, permits and trade documents through one connected electronic system across government agencies. Blue Economy Support: OECS launched the second call for proposals under the Regional MSME Matching Grants Programme (Window 2) for value chain groups in fisheries, coastal tourism and waste management. Fisheries Policy: Fisheries Minister Conroy Huggins announced a queen conch recovery initiative, including a hatchery and nursery unit in Union Island, as conch and lobster landings decline. Entrepreneurship Spotlight: U.S.-backed YLAI Solution Pitch winner Petra-Anne Davis (Elixirs) will expand her mobile cocktail bar model across SVG. Diplomatic & Investment Links: SVG marked 34 years of diplomatic ties with Cuba, while Kenton Chance presented credentials in Taiwan, positioning the relationship for smarter agriculture, healthcare and tourism cooperation. Regional Governance: OECS leaders pushed tech innovation to combat climate risks, framing digital transformation as a resilience tool for the region.

Cost-of-Living Relief: Prime Minister Godwin Friday says SVG’s debt-to-GDP is 113% and unveiled a 90-day emergency package to cushion fuel, electricity, cooking gas and freight shocks, including removing the customs service charge on LPG (and rolling back freight to January levels) and cutting taxes/charges tied to power generation to keep bills down. Fiscal Repair: Friday also flagged a $200m bank overdraft found after taking office and promised a “course correction” to restore fiscal discipline and confidence. Trade Modernization: Government rolled out Vincy Single Window for Trade (VSWIFT), linking 19 departments and trade stakeholders to speed up licenses, permits and certificates and improve transparency. CBI Governance: Friday reiterated that any citizenship-by-investment plan later this year will be structurally separated from politicians, tightly regulated, and run as a financing mechanism with parliamentary accountability. Blue Economy & MSMEs: OECS launched Window 2 of the Regional MSME Matching Grants Programme for Blue Economy value chain groups (fisheries, coastal tourism, waste management), offering USD 100k–150k grants. Regional Diplomacy & Investment Links: SVG marked 34 years of diplomatic ties with Cuba, while iWitness News founder Kenton Chance presented credentials as ambassador to Taiwan, aiming to attract investment. Transport Innovation: Vincy Uber owner Steve Tyril is developing a tracking and ticketing system for public transport, using authorized agents to sell and print tickets.

Cost-of-living relief: Prime Minister Godwin Friday says SVG’s debt-to-GDP is 113% (projected 145% by 2031) and rolled out a 90-day emergency package to cushion fuel, electricity, LPG and freight shocks, including removing the customs service charge on LPG and cutting/waiving key import charges to slow pass-through to household prices. Trade modernization: Government launched Vincy Single Window for Trade (VSWIFT) to let businesses apply for licenses, permits and certificates through one connected online system across multiple agencies—aimed at faster processing and easier doing business. Blue economy funding: OECS opened the second call for Window 2 of the Regional MSME Matching Grants Programme, backing value chain groups in fisheries, coastal tourism and waste management with USD 100,000–150,000 grants. Regional cooperation: SVG is sending a delegation to the Caribbean Postal Union conference in the Bahamas, with talks focused on digital transformation, logistics, resilience and trade facilitation. Tourism workforce: Education Minister Laverne King praised Sandals’ Student Hospitality Etiquette and Service Excellence programme as practical training for youth entering the tourism sector. Food security push: Still Kickin’ charity donated vegetable, herb and flower seeds to support backyard gardening and local production via the Zero Hunger Trust Fund. Marine resources: Fisheries Minister Conroy Huggins flagged declines in conch and lobster landings and announced a queen conch hatchery and nursery unit in Union Island. Diplomatic ties: SVG and Cuba marked 34 years of diplomatic relations with a flag-raising ceremony.

Cost-of-living relief: Prime Minister Godwin Friday unveiled a 90-day emergency package to cushion imported inflation, including removing the customs service charge on LPG (100% for cooking gas) and rolling back freight rates to January 2026 levels, with weekly monitoring by the National Cost of Living Task Force. Public finances: Friday also said SVG’s debt-to-GDP ratio has risen to 113% and that a $200m bank overdraft was uncovered, prompting a “course correction” to restore fiscal discipline. Trade facilitation: Government is rolling out VSWIFT, a single electronic trade window linking 19 departments and customs brokers to speed up licenses, permits and certificates, with UNCTAD support. Blue economy & MSMEs: OECS launched the second call for Window 2 of the Regional MSME Matching Grants Programme, backing value chain groups in fisheries, coastal tourism and waste management with grants of $100,000–$150,000. Regional leadership & social protection: SVG is set to chair OECS social protection technical work, as governments push stronger safety nets across the Eastern Caribbean. Climate risk: A central bank policy note warns climate adaptation must better include local communities, especially those reliant on fisheries and agriculture. Diplomacy & business ties: SVG marked 34 years of relations with Cuba with a flag-raising ceremony, while UNCTAD signals support for stronger diaspora investment frameworks. Fisheries: Fisheries Minister announced a conch hatchery and nursery unit in Union Island amid declining conch and lobster landings. Hospitality jobs: Christopher Eastmond was appointed general manager at Hodges Bay Resort & Spa, overseeing renovations and a new dining concept.

Cost-of-living relief: Prime Minister Godwin Friday unveiled a sweeping 90-day emergency package to cushion Vincentians and businesses from rising global fuel, electricity, freight and commodity prices, with weekly monitoring by the National Cost of Living Task Force to ensure savings reach consumers. Fuel and LPG support: Government measures include temporary tax reductions on fuel imports and a full removal of the Customs Service Charge on LPG cooking gas for 90 days, aimed at stabilizing “dinner table” costs. Trade facilitation upgrade: St. Vincent and the Grenadines is rolling out VSWIFT, a Vincy Single Window for Trade that links 19 departments and trade stakeholders into one electronic system to speed licensing, permits and certificates, with UNCTAD support. Debt and fiscal course correction: Friday says a “course correction” is underway after discovering the country’s debt burden is worse than previously disclosed, with debt-to-GDP now cited around 113% and projected to rise. Blue economy and fisheries: Fisheries Minister Conroy Huggins flagged declining conch and lobster landings and announced a queen conch hatchery and nursery unit in Union Island alongside reef restoration efforts. Regional social protection leadership: SVG is set to lead OECS social protection reform, with the World Bank commending progress on strengthening regional protection systems. Diplomacy and health cooperation: SVG marked 34 years of diplomatic relations with Cuba, while PAHO/WHO and OECS-PPS convene a regional workshop in Saint Lucia to improve access to safe medicines and health technologies. Business and skills: The chamber highlights AI workforce opportunities as DeVry expands its AI-focused Bridge to Brilliance programme across the Caribbean.

Cost-of-living relief: Prime Minister Godwin Friday unveiled tax cuts, freight reforms, and targeted agricultural support to slow the pass-through of global fuel and shipping costs into SVG food prices. Trade modernization: Government rolled out VSWIFT, a Vincy Single Window for Trade, linking 19 departments and trade stakeholders to process licenses, permits and certificates faster and more transparently, with UNCTAD support. Public finance “course correction”: Friday also said debt is worse than previously disclosed, with the administration moving to restore fiscal discipline to keep costs “not intolerable.” Fisheries/blue economy: Fisheries Minister Conroy Huggins flagged declines in conch and lobster landings and announced a queen conch hatchery and nursery unit in Union Island plus reef restoration efforts. Agriculture/jobs: A new Agricultural Productivity Recovery and Young Farmers Training Project launches with training for 75 young farmers and smart farming support, while the Agriculture Minister pushes “food sovereignty” to cut import dependence. Regional social protection leadership: SVG is set to chair OECS social protection technical work, as the World Bank commended progress on strengthening regional safety nets. Diaspora investment push: UNCTAD signaled support for a more structured framework to mobilize Vincentian diaspora trade and investment. Digital skills for business: The chamber and DeVry University highlighted AI workforce training opportunities for Caribbean industries. Health access workshop: PAHO/WHO and OECS-PPS will convene a regional workshop to improve access to safe medicines and health technologies. Postal sector update: SVG’s Postal Corporation is in Nassau for the CPU conference focused on digital transformation, logistics, resilience and trade facilitation. Culture and earnings: Calypsonians say they’re still the only major Vincymas stakeholders without guaranteed payment, even as other groups receive assured fees.