AGP Executive Report

Public Finance: Prime Minister Dr. Godwin Friday told Parliament that SVG’s current revenue fell to EC$290.1m for April 1–July 31, 2026, down 10.6% from EC$324.38m in the same period last year, with weaker goods-and-services and international trade taxes. Land & Governance: The Chatham Bay, Union Island land sale to AHRA LLC is still sparking fallout, with the opposition demanding full disclosure and arguing the “conservation” rationale is misleading and lacks transparency. Financial Services: Deriv says it has secured a banking license in SVG, aiming to expand its product range and streamline deposits and withdrawals. Education Costs: Senator Lavern King moved to clarify the SVGCC school-fees controversy after students reported a $480 bill despite “no fees” messaging. Agriculture & Trade Readiness: The Ministry of Agriculture is running a National Agriculture and Fisheries Census (March–October 2026) with World Bank funding, and SVG also lifted its 15-year bird import ban. Business Support: The Centre for Enterprise Development (CED) unveiled a US$4.64m, five-year plan to strengthen MSME support and access to finance through 2030. Health Security: SVG became the first OECS member to adopt CARPHA’s regional digital early warning surveillance system under the World Bank-backed OECS health project.

Chatham Bay Land Sale Fallout: Opposition and government are trading barbs over the sale of about 100 acres at Chatham Bay, Union Island, with the PM saying conservation is central and the state can repurchase within two years, while critics demand full disclosure and argue the “conservation” framing is misleading. Education Fees Confusion: Students at SVGCC say “free education” promises are being undermined by a $480 registration fee notice and threats of financial holds, prompting Senator Lavern King to clarify what was actually abolished. Finance & Business Regulation: Deriv secured a banking license in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, signaling expanded product and smoother deposit/withdrawal operations. Agriculture Policy Update: The Ministry of Agriculture lifted the 15-year ban on bird importation, citing improved lab capacity and alignment with international animal health standards. Health Security Upgrade: SVG became the first OECS member to adopt CARPHA’s regional early warning surveillance system (RIEWSS), with rollout timed ahead of major events. Labour Allegations: Canouan Estate faces claims of unpaid wages and poor labour compliance, with the Labour Department reportedly visiting the site. Private Sector Push: The Companies Amendment Bill passed, as PM Friday reiterated support for private sector growth and investment. Regional & Global Context: CARICOM’s third reparations conference is set for Barbados (Sept 17–19), and a UN disability-inclusive employment campaign is rolling out across the Caribbean.

Chatham Bay Land Sale Fallout: St. Vincent’s government says the sale of about 100 acres at Chatham Bay (Union Island) is a conservation deal worth about EC$53m and includes a two-year government buyback option, but the opposition is demanding full disclosure and calling the “conservation” framing misleading. Education Fees Confusion: SVGCC students report a $480 registration-fee demand despite public promises of fee abolition, with Senator Lavern King clarifying the policy split between exam fees and other charges. Digital Health Security: SVG becomes the first OECS member to adopt CARPHA’s Regional Integrated Early Warning Surveillance and Response System (RIEWSS), boosting health threat detection ahead of major events. Business & Investment Climate: The Companies Amendment Bill is passed to support a more investment-friendly environment, while CED unveils a US$4.64m five-year plan to strengthen MSME support and access to finance. Financial Services Expansion: Deriv obtains a banking license in SVG, aiming to expand product capabilities and streamline deposits/withdrawals. Agriculture & Trade Readiness: The bird import ban is lifted after 15 years, citing improved lab capacity and alignment with international animal health standards. Labour & Workplace Risks: Allegations of unpaid wages and toxic work practices at Canouan Estate are escalating, with the Labour Department already visiting the site. Regional Policy & Inclusion: UN launches the HireAbility campaign to break barriers for workers with disabilities across the Caribbean. Tourism Watch: Opposition warns that any renegotiation signals around the JetBlue contract could hurt tourism flows and revenue.

CARICOM Reparations: Barbados will host the Third CARICOM Regional Conference on Reparations (Sept 17–19) to push practical steps for the revised CARICOM Ten-Point Plan after UN Resolution A/RES/80/250. Trade & Health Security: St. Vincent and the Grenadines becomes the first OECS member to adopt CARPHA’s Regional Integrated Early Warning Surveillance and Response System, strengthening early detection ahead of major events. Education Costs: SVGCC school-fee confusion is back in focus as officials clarify what’s been abolished versus what students still owe, after complaints about a $480 bill. Agriculture & Biosecurity: SVG lifts its 15-year bird import ban, citing improved lab capacity and alignment with international animal health standards. Tourism & Aviation: Opposition and government trade blows over JetBlue contract renegotiation signals and claims of unpaid revenue guarantees—an issue with direct implications for arrivals and hotel demand. Business Law: Parliament passes the Companies Amendment Bill as PM Friday pushes a more investment-friendly environment. Land Deal Fallout: The Chatham Bay sale debate continues, with PM Friday insisting “conservation” and a two-year government repurchase option, while critics call it mismanagement. Labour Watch: Canouan Estate faces allegations of unpaid wages and labour-rule breaches, with the Labour Department already visiting the site. Blue Economy: EU-funded Bequia Fish Market rebuild gets underway, positioned as a climate-resilient boost for fisheries and the “blue economy.” Regional Inclusion: UN launches the HireAbility Campaign to expand disability-inclusive employment across the Caribbean, with local business pledges highlighted. Crypto Promotion: Changelly runs a $20,000 XAUT giveaway campaign with Tether support.

Chatham Bay Land Sale Fallout: Opposition and government trade blows over the sale of about 100 acres at Chatham Bay, with PM Friday insisting it’s tied to conservation and includes a two-year government buyback option, while critics call the deal “misleading” and question the valuation and motives. Education Fees Controversy: Despite claims of free education, SVGCC is again demanding registration fees, leaving students facing holds and financial pressure after promised fee abolition. Private Sector & Company Law: PM Friday says the Companies Amendment Bill is meant to make SVG more investment-friendly, while government messaging pushes “enabling environment” reforms to support private sector growth. Health Security Upgrade: SVG becomes the first OECS member to adopt CARPHA’s Regional Integrated Early Warning Surveillance and Response System, strengthening outbreak readiness ahead of major events. Labour Allegations at Canouan Estate: Workers allege unpaid wages and worsening industrial relations, prompting calls for a government investigation after a Labour Department site visit. Tourism & JetBlue Tension: Renewed political sparring over JetBlue contract renegotiation signals fears of reduced airlift and tourism revenue. Agriculture & Skills: FAO coconut training and broader value-chain sessions aim to revitalize crops and improve market readiness. Regional Inclusion Push: UN launches HireAbility to expand disability-inclusive hiring across the Caribbean, with employer pledges highlighted.

Disability & Jobs: The UN launched its HireAbility Campaign across the English- and Dutch-speaking Caribbean, urging employers to remove barriers and expand decent work for people with disabilities, with businesses signing a Disability Inclusive Employer Pledge. Health Security & Digital Systems: St. Vincent and the Grenadines became the first OECS member to adopt CARPHA’s Regional Integrated Early Warning Surveillance and Response System (RIEWSS), supported by the World Bank-backed OECS Regional Health Project—timed for Carnival and major events. Private Sector Rules: Parliament passed the Companies Amendment Bill, with PM Godwin Friday and Senator Chelsea Alexander framing it as part of a push to create a more investment-friendly business environment. Chatham Bay Land Sale Fallout: The government backed the sale of about 100 acres at Chatham Bay (EC$54m) as pro-conservation and pro-fiscal relief, while opposition figures warned it could damage SVG’s tourism and reputation and trigger international scrutiny over corporate transparency reforms. Tourism Finance Tensions: Opposition claims JetBlue-related payments are being misrepresented, while tourism contract renegotiation signals are criticized as risky for visitor arrivals. Agriculture & Value Chains: FAO began coconut training in SVG to modernize production and revive the sector, alongside broader soursop/coconut/passion fruit value-chain training. Blue Economy Investment: EU-funded Bequia Fish Market rebuild work is underway, positioned as a climate-resilient boost to fisheries and the “blue economy.” Education Costs: Students report registration fee returns at SVG Community College despite earlier abolition promises, highlighting a gap between policy and implementation.

Tourism & Aviation: Opposition leader Ralph Gonsalves warned that any government move to renegotiate the JetBlue contract could shrink the airline’s schedule and hit hotels, taxis and visitor numbers, while he also rejected claims of a US$10m JetBlue debt as false. Land Sales & Public Finance: The Chatham Bay, Union Island land sale remains a political flashpoint: the PM says the deal protects biodiversity and includes a two-year government repurchase option, while the opposition calls it “absolute misbehavior” and warns of reputational damage. Business Climate Law Reform: Parliament passed the Companies Amendment Bill, with PM Friday and Senator Chelsea Alexander pitching it as more investment-friendly; Gonsalves counters that it could weaken corporate transparency and raise risks with global financial watchdogs. SME Support: The Centre for Enterprise Development (CED) unveiled a US$4.64m, five-year strategy (2026–2030) to strengthen MSME support, access to finance and partnerships. Agribusiness & Food Security: FAO launched coconut training to modernize production and management, while additional value-chain training covered soursop, coconut and passion fruit. EU-Funded Fisheries: Work began on the Bequia Fish Market rebuild (EC$3.2m EU grant) to support the “blue economy.” Immigration Policy Watch: The US ended a January pause on immigrant visa issuance for nationals of 75 countries after a court order. Digital Health: SVG became the first OECS member state to adopt the regional digital early warning surveillance and response system (RIEWSS). VAT-Free Shopping: Local retailers reported a positive public response to VAT-Free Shopping Day. Workforce & Skills: Sandals leaders completed a hospitality leadership programme with a capstone project phase in SVG. Leadership & Governance: PM Friday said the government has no outstanding payments to energy product distributors (bonus/malus period). Education: National tuition scholarships for 2026/27 fell to 2,466, down by more than 500 from the prior year.

Companies Amendment Bill & Private Sector Push: Prime Minister Godwin Friday says the passed Companies Amendment Bill is meant to create an enabling environment for private sector growth and investment, while Senator Chelsea Alexander welcomed the reforms as more business-friendly. Chatham Bay Sale Fallout: The government insists the Chatham Bay land sale (100 acres) is conservation-linked and includes a two-year option to repurchase at the same price; NDP backs the deal as debt relief, while opposition warns it could trigger international scrutiny and reputational damage. Fiscal Pressure & Deficit Update: SVG’s mid-year central government deficit narrowed to EC$57.78m (Apr–Jul 2026) from EC$125.23m, helped by EC$52.7m from the Chatham Bay transaction, even as current revenue fell 10.6%. Cost-of-Living Relief Extended: Cabinet approved a 90-day extension of the economic relief package, keeping major fuel tax reductions and electricity support. Aviation Liability: Tourism Minister Kishore Shallow told Parliament SVG owes JetBlue over EC$10m under an agreement from the previous administration. Digital Health Security: SVG became the first OECS member to adopt the regional digital health warning system (RIEWSS), with training and port surveillance upgrades ahead of major gatherings. Blue Economy Investment: EU-funded EC$3.2m Bequia fish market rebuild launched, backed by a local contractor, targeting completion by mid-2027. Agriculture Skills Boost: FAO began coconut training at Orange Hill to modernize production and management, with additional value-chain sessions for soursop, coconut and passion fruit. Business Support Roadmap: CED unveiled a five-year strategic plan to strengthen services for entrepreneurs and align programmes with private sector needs.

EU-Funded Infrastructure: The EC$3.285m Bequia Fish Market rebuild has been launched, with the EU grant framed as a climate-resilient boost to the “blue economy,” and a target to finish in 7–8 months for a mid-2027 opening. Public Finance & Business Climate: The government is defending its pro-investment push amid sharp criticism over the Chatham Bay land sale, while Parliament also heard that April–July 2026 revenue fell 10.6% and the deficit narrowed to EC$57.78m—helped by EC$52.7m from the sale. Corporate/Financial Services Debate: Opposition warns the Companies Amendment Bill could trigger global scrutiny and damage SVG’s financial reputation, while the government argues the reforms will ease doing-business burdens. Tourism & Aviation Costs: Tourism Minister Kishore Shallow says SVG owes JetBlue over EC$10m from an inherited agreement, as Delta prepares to end its Atlanta–Argyle route in September. Skills & Enterprise Support: CED is rolling out a new five-year strategic plan to strengthen support for entrepreneurs, and a CED business programme has graduated 12 entrepreneurs with follow-on coaching and start-up grants. VAT-Free Shopping Day: Local retailers report a positive public response to VAT-Free Shopping Day, with discounts extending beyond back-to-school items. Security & Trade Facilitation: WCO’s Project BOLT wrapped up, strengthening Caribbean customs enforcement against illicit weapons and narcotics. Education Funding: National tuition scholarships for 2026/27 drop to 2,466, down more than 500 from the prior year’s peak. Agriculture Resilience: IICA delivered soil-health agricultural kits to farmers under a climate-resilient agriculture project.

Chatham Bay Land Sale Clash: Opposition and government trade blows over the sale of about 100 acres at Chatham Bay, Union Island for about EC$54m, with NDP backing the deal as biodiversity-protecting and debt-reducing, while Ralph Gonsalves calls it “absolute misbehavior,” arguing the earlier EC$700,000 figure reflects compensation from a forfeiture case. Fiscal Snapshot: Parliament hears the central government deficit narrowed to EC$57.78m (Apr 1–Jul 31, 2026) from EC$125.23m a year earlier, driven by a non-recurrent EC$52.7m land-sale capital injection, even as current revenue fell 10.6%. Corporate Law & Finance Risk: Gonsalves warns Companies Amendment reforms could trigger international scrutiny and threaten SVG’s standing with global financial watchdogs. Cost-of-Living Relief Extended: Government extends its 90-day relief package, keeping major fuel tax cuts and electricity support measures. Aviation & Tourism Costs: SVG is said to owe JetBlue over EC$10m from an inherited agreement; Delta ends Atlanta–Argyle non-stop service in Sept. Business Support & Skills: CED rolls out a new five-year growth strategy and runs business development programmes for new entrepreneurs. Energy & Climate Funding: IRENA invites renewable project proposals across the region for potential financing support. Education & Community: Sandy Bay residents help choose a permanent site for a new secondary school; farmers receive soil-health kits via IICA.

Tourism & Aviation: SVG’s tourism push stays active as St Kitts wraps the 2026 ASTA Caribbean Showcase, with regional ministers including SVG’s Dr Kishore Shallow in the mix; at the same time, JetBlue’s importance is back in focus after Parliament disclosures that SVG owes the US airline over EC$10m from an inherited deal, while Delta exits its Atlanta–Argyle non-stop route in September, citing weak demand and high operating costs. Public Finance: The government reports a mid-year deficit narrowing to EC$57.78m (down from EC$125.23m) helped by a Chatham Bay land sale, but current revenue fell 10.6% amid lower trade-tax receipts and reporting delays. Cost of Living & Energy: Cabinet extends the 90-day relief package, keeping major fuel tax cuts and electricity support for Vinlec. Corporate Law & Risk: Opposition warns the Companies Amendment Bill could trigger global financial scrutiny and blacklist risk, arguing it weakens anti-money laundering and transparency rules. Land, Debt & Governance: NDP backs the Chatham Bay sale (about 100 acres for EC$54m) to ease debt, while housing officials say the ministry inherited over $15m in arrears. Business Development & Skills: CED’s business programme backs 12 entrepreneurs with training and grants; ECCB’s Generative AI/Python camp expands youth digital skills with real business projects. Agriculture & Food Security: FAO begins a coconut and soursop training mission, and farmers receive soil-health support kits.

Chatham Bay Land Deal & Fiscal Turnaround: The NDP backs the sale of about 100 acres at Chatham Bay, Union Island, for roughly EC$54 million, saying proceeds are helping cut the central government deficit (April 1–July 31, 2026 deficit: EC$57.78m vs EC$125.23m in 2025). Parliamentary Fight Over Companies Amendment Bill: Opposition Leader Ralph Gonsalves warns the bill could trigger international scrutiny and damage SVG’s standing with global financial watchdogs, while PM Godwin Friday argues it will modernize rules and unlock private investment. Revenue Pressure: Government figures show current revenue fell 10.6% (April–July), with the drop linked partly to customs reporting delays after a secured system upgrade. Cost-of-Living Relief Extended: Cabinet approved a 90-day extension of the May relief package, keeping major fuel and electricity-related tax reductions. Aviation & Tourism Costs: Tourism Minister Kishore Shallow says SVG owes JetBlue over EC$10m from an inherited agreement, while Delta ends its Atlanta–Argyle non-stop service in September. VAT-Free Shopping Day: Local retailers report mixed-to-positive public response to the VAT-free promotion. Education & Community Projects: Sandy Bay residents are consulted on the permanent home for the new Sandy Bay Secondary School (CDB-funded EC$73m project). Agriculture Support: IICA delivered soil-health agricultural kits to farmers under a climate-resilient agriculture push. Digital Skills Boost: ECCB’s Generative AI and Python Summer Camp expands with real business projects, supported by Taiwan. Regional Business & Trade Signals: IRENA invites renewable energy project proposals across Central America and the Caribbean, including SVG. Governance & Public Service: Housing Ministry says it inherited more than EC$15m in arrears, slowing early operations.

VAT-Free Shopping Day: Local retailers say shoppers responded positively, with C.K. Greaves and Laynes reporting encouraging sales momentum while Massy Stores said footfall was lighter than expected. Energy Costs & Relief: Prime Minister Friday told Parliament the government has no outstanding payments to energy product distributors under the bonus/malus system for May 1–July 31, 2026, as the 90-day cost-of-living relief package is extended with continued fuel and electricity-related tax reductions. Public Finance Watch: SVG’s mid-year central government deficit narrowed sharply to $57.78M (Apr–Jul 2026) from $125.23M a year earlier, helped by a non-recurrent $52.7M Chatham Bay land sale, though current revenue fell 10.6% amid trade-tax and reporting delays. Aviation & Tourism: Tourism Minister Shallow disclosed SVG owes JetBlue over EC$10M from an inherited agreement, while Delta ends its Atlanta–Argyle non-stop route in September—both raising questions about route viability and government contracting. Business & Skills: CED’s six-week business programme graduates will get support to register and start, including a US$2,000 grant, and ECCB’s Generative AI/Python camp expands into real business projects across the Eastern Caribbean. Agriculture & Fisheries: IICA delivered soil-health kits for climate-resilient farming, FAO launched coconut and soursop training, and Bequia’s fish market rehabilitation (EU-funded) broke ground for EC$3.2M. Governance & Legal Risk: Housing Minister Andrew John says his ministry inherited $15M in arrears, while liquidators in the Classic Car Fund/Classic Investment Fund scandal are preparing to escalate the dispute to the Caribbean Court of Justice. Education Infrastructure: Residents in Sandy Bay are being consulted on the permanent site and offerings for the new secondary school under a CDB-funded EC$73M school improvement project.

VAT-Free Shopping Day: Local retailers say shoppers responded positively, with discounts on back-to-school items and store-wide promos helping sales momentum. Energy Costs & Payments: The PM told Parliament the government has no outstanding payments to energy product distributors under the bonus/malus system for May 1–July 31, 2026. Tourism & Aviation Debt: Tourism Minister Kishore Shallow disclosed SVG owes JetBlue more than EC$10 million, tied to an agreement from the previous administration, while Delta also ended its Atlanta–Argyle non-stop route. Fiscal Update: SVG narrowed its mid-year central government deficit to $57.78M (Apr–Jul 2026) from $125.23M a year earlier, helped by a non-recurrent Chatham Bay land sale injection, though current revenue fell. Cost-of-Living Relief: Cabinet extended the 90-day economic relief package, keeping major fuel and electricity-related tax reductions. Business & Jobs Support: CED’s business programme graduates are set to receive registration help and US$2,000 start-up grants, while ECCB’s Generative AI/Python camp expands digital skills for youth. Agriculture & Fisheries: FAO launched coconut and soursop training, IICA delivered soil-health kits, and Bequia’s fish market rehabilitation broke ground with EU funding. Governance & Regulation: PM Friday and Opposition Leader Gonsalves clashed over sweeping company law reforms, with debate focused on easing regulation versus alleged “giveaway” effects. Security & Crime Response: National Security Minister St. Clair Leacock shared takeaways from a NYPD visit as SVG looks to modernize approaches to gun violence. Media & Community: Searchlight’s print run ends after 31 years, and Sandy Bay residents are being consulted on the permanent home for a new secondary school.

Disaster Preparedness: Jamaica’s CAP workshop with WMO/CMO partners focused on strengthening multi-hazard early warning systems and trusted alerting across the region. Education & Community Planning: Sandy Bay residents are being consulted on the permanent home and curriculum direction for the new Sandy Bay Secondary School under a CDB-funded EC$73m School Improvement Project. Cost of Living Relief: SVG extends its 90-day economic relief package for another three months, keeping fuel and electricity-related tax reductions in place to cushion households and transport and agriculture. Public Finance Watch: SVG’s central government deficit narrowed to $57.78m (Apr–Jul 2026) from $125.23m a year earlier, helped by a $52.7m non-recurrent Chatham Bay land sale, while current revenue fell 10.6%. Aviation & Tourism Signals: SVG is in talks with two new international airlines, while Delta ends its Atlanta–Argyle route in Sept 2026; JetBlue debt to SVG tops EC$10m, disclosed in Parliament. Agriculture & Fisheries Support: FAO launches a coconut and soursop training mission; IICA distributes soil-health agricultural kits; and Bequia’s EU-funded fish market rehabilitation (EC$3.2m) breaks ground. Business Development: CED’s CDB-backed strategic plan project closes, and 12 entrepreneurs complete a business start-up programme with grants and ongoing coaching. Media & Business Climate: Searchlight prepares to end print after 31 years, reflecting wider Caribbean pressures on advertising and operating costs. Immigration Policy Impact: A US court struck down the immigrant visa ban affecting 75 countries, including several Caribbean states—an issue with direct diaspora and business travel implications.

JetBlue Debt & Fiscal Pressure: Tourism Minister Kishore Shallow told Parliament the Unity Labour Party administration left the government owing JetBlue over EC$10m, a liability the NDP inherited, while the finance ministry also reported a revenue decrease for April–July and an overall deficit of EC$57.78m. Financial Sector Accountability: Liquidators in the Classic Car Fund/Classic Investment Fund scandal are reportedly preparing to escalate the dispute to the Caribbean Court of Justice, pushing for court action over alleged fraud and regulatory failures. SME & Business Support: CED’s Church-funded business development programme has graduated 12 entrepreneurs, with registration help and a US$2,000 grant each, while a CDB-backed CED strategic plan closing ceremony is set to reshape private-sector support. Agriculture & Food Security: IICA delivered soil-health agricultural kits to SVG farmers under a climate-resilient project, and FAO launched a coconut and soursop training mission. Fisheries Infrastructure: EU/OECS BioSPACE funding is driving the EC$3.2m Bequia fish market rehabilitation. Labour & Cost of Living Signals: New data highlights how minimum wages translate into purchasing power globally, useful context for local wage discussions. US Visa Policy Ripple: A US court struck down Trump’s immigrant visa ban affecting 75 countries, including several Caribbean states, with implications for families and cross-border business planning. Diplomacy for Development: Taiwan and SVG are in talks on funding a national development bank and social projects, but nothing is finalized yet. Data for Policy: Government is preparing the 2026 Survey of Living Conditions and Household Budgetary Survey, with enumerator training starting Aug. 31.