AGP Executive Report

Fuel Subsidy Pressure: PM Godwin Friday told Parliament SVG’s net fuel liability has reached about EC$11.8m under the bonus-malus system used to smooth gasoline and diesel prices. Public Finance Moves: Government says external borrowing since January 2026 was already in train, while it also seeks to authorise a US$20m OFID disaster risk management policy loan and has raised EC$30.04m in local bonds (Apr–Jun) to fund both capital and recurrent needs. Airport Upgrade for Bigger Planes: CDB financing is set to rehabilitate and modernise Canouan Airport, targeting Airbus A320 capability and improved safety and resilience. Tourism Growth Leadership: Shafia London named CEO of the SVG Tourism Authority as the destination prepares for a new cruise era with Global Ports Holding. Entrepreneurship & Global Links: Vincentian entrepreneur Kimya Glasgow represented SVG at World Business Angels Investors Week 2026, highlighting networking for market access and partnerships. Community & Regional Tourism: OECS is pushing community-based tourism as a growth engine, training member states to turn local communities into primary beneficiaries. Energy Savings: The National Public Library is installing solar PV to cut electricity bills and redirect funds to programmes. Local Marine Safety Upgrade: Serenity Dive launched SVG’s first hydrostatic testing facility, ending the need to ship scuba tanks abroad for mandatory certification. Consumer Protection in Banking: ECCB plans an Office for Financial Conduct from September 2026 to strengthen financial consumer protection and complaints handling. Venezuela Relief: SVG pledges US$100,000 to CARICOM-coordinated earthquake response in Venezuela.

Fuel Subsidy Strain: The government says its “bonus-malus” fuel stabilisation has left a net liability of about EC$11.85m to Sol EC and Rubis, as global price swings keep pressuring public finances. Disaster Finance: Parliament also moved to authorise a US$20m OPEC Fund loan for a Disaster Risk Management policy programme, repurposing part of an earlier US$30m plan. Airport Upgrade Push: A CDB-backed Canouan Airport rehabilitation will tackle runway cracking and other damage, aiming to support Airbus A320 landings and boost passenger capacity up to 180. Local Borrowing: SVG raised EC$30.04m in local loans (April–June) via bonds with 6-, 8- and 10-year terms, with part earmarked for capital projects. Tourism Leadership: Shafia London was appointed CEO of the SVG Tourism Authority, taking over July 1 as the country prepares for a new cruise era. Maritime Security: India’s INS Trikand intercepted a piracy attempt on the SVG-flagged MV Golden Arsenal; the 21 crew were reported safe. Regional Tourism Skills: OECS advanced community-based tourism planning with a workshop in Saint Lucia, backed by the EU’s RIGHT programme. Health Watch: Health officials report an uptick in HIV cases, with clusters among young adults (25–29) and older men (60+).

Tourism Leadership: St. Vincent and the Grenadines Tourism Authority appoints Shafia London as CEO, taking over July 1 as the destination pushes stayover growth and prepares for a new cruise era with Global Ports Holdings. Cruise Port Deal Scrutiny: Ralph Gonsalves says the ULP government held detailed talks with Global Ports Holdings before losing office, while the NDP faces questions over the terms and recoupment of a proposed 30-year cruise terminal concession. Energy Costs: New fuel price controls take effect June 29, setting gasolene at $18.31/gallon retail and dieselene at $17.53/gallon, after opposition warnings of potential pump prices nearing $20. Financial Consumer Protection: The ECCB moves to launch an Office for Financial Conduct in September 2026, aimed at banking transparency and a complaints/alternative dispute resolution function. Local Business & Trade Links: Corea & Co. becomes the authorised agent for JP Logistics Solutions, launching UK–SVG specialty cargo, personal effects handling, and door-to-door UK pickup. Marine Safety Upgrade: Serenity Dive launches SVG’s first hydrostatic testing facility at Blue Lagoon Hotel and Marina, cutting the need to ship scuba tanks abroad for safety certification. Public Health: Health authorities report an uptick in HIV cases, with clusters among men 60+ and young adults 25–29, urging safer sex ahead of carnival. Governance & Justice: Defence attorney Grant Connell highlights long delays in serving court documents, while another legal dispute grows over alleged police abuse of power.

Tourism Leadership: Shafia London has been appointed CEO of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Tourism Authority, taking over July 1 as the destination pushes new air links, hotel investment and cruise growth. Business & Trade Logistics: Corea & Company (1988) becomes the authorised agent for JP Logistics Solutions, launching a UK–SVG specialty cargo and personal effects service with door-to-door UK pickup. Energy Costs: New fuel price controls take effect June 29, setting gasolene at $18.31 per gallon retail and diesel at $17.53, after earlier warnings about prices nearing $20. Finance & Consumer Protection: The ECCB is rolling out an Office for Financial Conduct in September 2026 to strengthen banking transparency and handle consumer complaints. Local Industry Upgrade: Serenity Dive launched SVG’s first hydrostatic testing facility at Blue Lagoon Hotel and Marina, cutting the need to ship scuba cylinders abroad for safety checks. Regional Policy & Inclusion: OECS Commission launched a gender mainstreaming staff training series, while CARICOM plans a regional push to address discrimination faced by Rastafarians. Public Health: Health authorities report an HIV uptick, with cases clustering among young adults (25–29) and older men (60+). Entrepreneurship Spotlight: Vincentian entrepreneur Kimya Glasgow represented SVG at World Business Angels Investors Week 2026, highlighting networking for growth and smart finance links.

Cruise Port Deal Scrutiny: Opposition leader Ralph Gonsalves says his ULP government held detailed talks with Global Ports Holdings before losing office, after a June 10 NDP MOU set a 30-year cruise terminal concession and EC$250m modernization—while he argues the public deal terms lacked key financial details on what government would recoup via head taxes. Financial Consumer Protection: The ECCB is moving ahead with an Office for Financial Conduct, due in September 2026, to strengthen banking transparency, handle complaints, and support alternative dispute resolution. Energy Costs: New fuel price controls take effect June 29, with gasolene retail capped at $18.31/gallon and dieselene at $17.53, following earlier warnings of a potential jump toward $20. Blue Economy & Exports: World Bank-backed UBEC consultations produced plans to modernize fisheries and seafood safety, aiming to help SVG regain EU market access. Logistics for UK-to-SVG Trade: Corea & Company becomes authorized agent for JP Logistics Solutions, launching UK door-to-door personal effects handling and consolidation for Vincentians and businesses. Health & Risk: Health officials report an HIV uptick, with cases clustering among young adults (25–29) and older men (60+), urging condom use ahead of carnival.

ECCB Consumer Protection: The Eastern Caribbean Central Bank is rolling out an Office for Financial Conduct in September 2026 to handle complaints and strengthen financial consumer protection, with oversight of how banks treat customers. Fuel Costs: New fuel price controls take effect June 29, setting gasolene at $18.31 per gallon retail (and $17.55 wholesale), plus updated diesel rates—coming amid political pressure over the energy strategy. Logistics & Trade Links: Corea & Company (1988) becomes the authorised agent for JP Logistics Solutions, launching a UK-to-SVG specialty cargo and personal effects service with door-to-door UK pickup and consolidation. Marine Economy: Stakeholders back new fisheries and seafood safety frameworks under the World Bank’s UBEC project, aiming to modernize inspections and help SVG regain EU seafood market access. Health & Risk: Health officials report an HIV uptick, with cases clustering among young adults (25–29) and older men (60+), urging safer sex ahead of carnival. Governance & Justice: Defence attorney Grant Connell flags long delays in serving court documents, while senator Carlos James signals lawsuits over alleged police abuse. Regional Business Context: OECS leaders set the stage for deeper integration as Dr. Didacus Jules wins a fourth term, and OECS plans a US negotiations advisory team on limited third-country nationals.

Fuel Prices: Gasolene and diesel prices in St. Vincent and the Grenadines take effect June 29, with gasolene retail capped at $18.31 per gallon, after recent warnings of a potential jump toward $20. Logistics & Trade: Corea & Co. (1988) becomes authorised agent for JP Logistics Solutions, launching a UK–SVG cargo and personal effects service with door-to-door UK pickup and consolidation. Health & Risk: SVG reports a rise in HIV cases, clustering among men aged 60+ and young adults 25–29, with officials urging condom use and testing ahead of carnival. Governance & Regional Economy: OECS leaders meet in Antigua as Prime Minister Gaston Browne takes over the OECS Authority chair; the agenda includes economic resilience, food and energy security, and regional integration. Marine Economy: SVG advances fisheries and seafood safety planning under the World Bank’s UBEC project, aiming to modernise inspection systems and improve access to EU seafood markets. Energy/Connectivity: Argyle International Airport announces Executive Air’s new regional air cargo service to support tourism, imported goods access, and farmer export pipelines. Public Accountability: A senator says he will sue the government over alleged police abuse in two cases involving vulnerable citizens, calling for stronger accountability.

Fuel Prices: St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ new fuel schedule takes effect June 29, setting gasolene at $18.31/gal (retail) and $17.55/gal (wholesale), with dieselene at $17.53/gal (retail) and $16.87/gal (wholesale). Logistics & Trade: Corea & Co. (1988) becomes authorised agent for JP Logistics Solutions, launching a UK–SVG cargo pipeline focused on personal effects, door-to-door UK pickup, and consolidation for returning nationals and businesses. Health (HIV): Health authorities report an uptick in HIV cases, with clusters among young adults (25–29) and older men (60+), alongside guidance to protect with condoms ahead of carnival. Governance & Justice: Senator Carlos James says he will sue the government over alleged police abuse in two cases involving Kenton Harris and Louis Mercury, citing abuse of power and seeking accountability. Regional Policy: OECS leaders at the 78th meeting in Antigua handed chairmanship to Gaston Browne and backed priorities spanning economic resilience, food/energy security, digital transformation, and regional security. Food Security Planning: The Zero Hunger Trust Fund validated its 2026–2030 strategic plan with stakeholders, shaping a full food-systems approach and six strategic pillars. Marine Economy: SVG advances fisheries and seafood safety frameworks under the World Bank’s UBEC project, aiming to modernize inspections and regain EU market access. Air Cargo: Argyle International Airport announces Executive Air’s new regional cargo service to boost tourism supply chains and help farmers export. Tourism Leadership: Shafia London is named CEO of the SVG Tourism Authority, starting July 1.

Fuel Costs: New pump prices take effect June 29, with gasolene capped at EC$18.31/gal retail (EC$17.55 wholesale) and diesel at EC$17.53/gal (EC$16.87 wholesale), after months of political warnings about rising energy costs. Public Health: Health officials report an uptick in HIV in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, with cases clustering among men 60+ and young adults 25–29, while urging condom use ahead of carnival. Governance & Justice: Senator Carlos James says he will sue the government over alleged police abuse in two cases, including a mentally ill man and a hospital shooting incident. Regional Policy: OECS leaders agreed to form a broad advisory team to guide negotiations with the US on accepting a limited number of non-criminal third-country nationals and refugees. Trade & Logistics: Corea & Company (1988) becomes authorized agent for UK-based JP Logistics Solutions, offering specialty cargo and personal effects handling into SVG. Food Systems: Zero Hunger Trust Fund validates its Strategic Plan 2026–2030, shifting toward a systems approach to tackle food and nutrition security. Sports & Business Visibility: SVG’s men’s basketball team is set for the FIBA AmeriCup 2029 Caribbean pre-qualifiers in Guyana, with training in Trinidad due to facility standards.

Caribbean Banking Ownership: Scotiabank is buying the remaining 28.22% of Scotia Group Jamaica it doesn’t own, paying about J$54 billion (roughly US$340m) and delisting the 137-year-old firm—raising fresh questions about who controls regional banking and how local markets stay plugged into global finance. Fuel Costs: Gasoline and diesel prices in St. Vincent and the Grenadines move into effect June 29, with gasolene capped at EC$18.31/gal retail (dieselene at EC$17.53 and low sulphur at EC$17.40), after political warnings of pump prices nearing $20. Blue Economy & Exports: World Bank-backed UBEC consultations produced new fisheries and seafood safety plans aimed at strengthening regulation and helping SVG regain EU seafood market access. Agro-processing Push: A CED forum brought agro-processors and financiers together to scale processing, cut the import bill (over EC$200m annually in processed goods), and grow rural jobs. Tourism Leadership: SVG Tourism Authority appoints Shafia London as CEO (effective July 1), signaling a renewed push to market and manage the destination. Regional Policy & Migration: OECS leaders agreed to form an advisory team to negotiate with the US over accepting a limited number of non-criminal third-country nationals and refugees—balancing security, costs, and sovereignty. Public Health: Health authorities report an HIV uptick, with cases clustering among men 60+ and young adults 25–29, ahead of carnival risk periods. Logistics for Trade: Corea & Company becomes authorized agent for UK-based JP Logistics Solutions, offering specialty cargo and personal effects handling to connect Vincentians and businesses to the UK.

Fuel Prices: Gasolene and diesel pump prices in St. Vincent and the Grenadines move up effective June 29, with gasolene retail set at $18.31 per gallon and dieselene at $17.53, after months of political warnings about the energy strategy. Health & Risk: Health authorities report a spike in HIV cases, clustering among young adults (25–29) and older men (60+), with officials urging condom use ahead of carnival. Police Accountability: Senator Carlos James says he has served notices of lawsuits over alleged police brutality, including claims involving a mentally ill man beaten after a viral video and another case tied to a hospital shooting. Blue Economy & Exports: SVG advances fisheries and seafood safety planning under the World Bank’s UBEC project, aiming to modernize inspection systems and regain EU market access. Tourism & Jobs: The SVG Tourism Authority appoints Shafia London as CEO effective July 1, signaling a push to strengthen and market the destination. Regional Policy: OECS leaders agree to form an advisory team to guide negotiations with the US on accepting a limited number of non-criminal third-country nationals and refugees. Trade & Logistics: Corea & Company becomes the authorized agent for UK-to-SVG specialty cargo and personal effects services via JP Logistics Solutions. Finance & Inclusion: SVG’s co-operative league leads a 22-member delegation to the CCCU convention in Barbados, focusing on governance, technology, cybersecurity, and member development. Food Security Planning: The Zero Hunger Trust Fund validates its Strategic Plan 2026–2030 after a stakeholder workshop, shifting toward a systems approach to food and nutrition security. Regional Connectivity: St. Vincent’s Argyle International Airport announces Executive Air’s new regional cargo service to support farmers and tourism supply chains.

Canada–CARICOM Partnership: Foreign ministers renewed cooperation with a results-focused action plan on competitive economies, climate action and regional security, with clear timelines and financing. OECS Leadership & Integration: Dr. Didacus Jules secured a fourth term as OECS Director General as leaders pushed an “OECS renaissance” on trade, connectivity and resilience. US Migration Talks: OECS agreed to a broad advisory team to guide negotiations with the US over accepting a limited number of non-criminal third-country nationals and refugees—an issue tied to sovereignty, safety and economic capacity. Food Security Planning: Zero Hunger Trust Fund validated its Strategic Plan 2026–2030 after a June 18 stakeholder workshop, shifting toward a systems approach to tackle climate risk, import dependence and rising food prices. Marine & Agro Growth: SVG advanced fisheries and seafood safety frameworks under the UBEC project to help regain EU market access, while agro-processors met at a CED forum to scale processing and cut the EC$200m+ food import bill. Tourism & Aviation: SVG Tourism Authority named Shafia London as CEO (July 1) amid public debate on the appointment process, and Argyle International Airport launched Executive Air’s new regional cargo service to boost exports for farmers and tourism supply chains. Finance & Inclusion: SVG Co-operative League led a 22-member delegation to the CCCU convention in Barbados, focusing on governance, technology, cybersecurity and financial inclusion. Regional Tech Skills: ECCB announced a free 2026 STEM Camp starting July 6 for ECCU youth, linking digital transformation to job-ready skills.

OECS–US Migration Talks: St. Vincent and the Grenadines says OECS leaders have agreed to set up a broad, high-level advisory team to guide negotiations with the United States over a request to accept a limited number of non-criminal third-country nationals and refugees, with Prime Minister Dr. Godwin Friday stressing the implications for security, the cost of living, scarce resources and sovereignty. OECS Leadership: Dr. Didacus Jules has been reappointed for a fourth term as OECS Director General as leaders reaffirmed confidence in the integration agenda. Marine Economy: SVG has advanced fisheries and seafood safety planning under the World Bank-funded UBEC project, aiming to modernize inspection systems and help regain EU seafood market access. Agro-Processing Push: Stakeholders met at a CED forum to tackle gaps between agro-processors and key backers, with the sector framed as central to growth and reducing the food import bill. Tourism & Jobs: SVG Tourism Authority named Shafia London as CEO, while a separate statement disputes claims she was “handpicked,” citing a local recruitment process. Trade Logistics: Argyle International Airport announced Executive Air’s new regional cargo service to support tourism supply chains and help farmers export. Regional Finance & Inclusion: SVG’s Co-operative League led a 22-member delegation to the CCCU convention, focusing on governance, technology, cybersecurity and member development. Food Security Strategy: The Zero Hunger Trust Fund validated its 2026–2030 strategic plan, shifting toward a more integrated systems approach to hunger and nutrition.

Tourism Leadership: Shafia London was appointed CEO of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Tourism Authority, with Minister Kishore Shallow saying London had been the top candidate in an earlier recruitment process before it was “circumvented,” while former CEO Annette Mark also issued a public “record straight” on her own appointment process. Digital & Disaster Readiness: Grenada co-hosted an Eastern Caribbean Cell Broadcast Emergency Warning System validation workshop with St. Vincent and the Grenadines among participants, supported by the ITU and World Bank, aimed at stronger public safety alerts. OECS Regional Policy: OECS leaders agreed to set up a high-level advisory team to guide negotiations with the US over accepting a limited number of non-criminal third-country deportees/refugees, with Prime Minister Godwin Friday stressing economic, safety and sovereignty implications. Agro-Processing & Food Security: An agro-processing stakeholders forum (CED) pushed to scale the sector as a growth pillar and a way to cut the EC$200m+ annual food import bill. Finance & Credit Unions: The SVG Co-operative League led a 22-member delegation to the CCCU convention in Barbados, focusing on governance, technology, inclusion and cybersecurity. Trade & Logistics: St. Vincent’s Argyle International Airport announced Executive Air’s new regional cargo service to support tourism supply chains and help farmers export. STEM & Skills: ECCB’s free STEM Camp is set for July 6 for ages 14–18 across ECCU territories, including SVG, as part of digital transformation efforts.

Tourism & Aviation: Argyle International Airport says Executive Air has launched a new regional cargo service aimed at boosting trade, helping tourism/hospitality get imports faster, and creating export routes for local farmers. Tourism Leadership: SVGTA appointed Shafia T.T. London as CEO effective July 1, with a results-first mandate to grow stay-over arrivals and lift visitor experience; the minister also says a prior recruitment process was “circumvented,” sparking public debate. Domestic Tourism Push: The “Go Grenadines Passport” campaign rolls out to drive local travel in August, with $100 vouchers redeemable across participating Grenadines operators. Regional Finance & Inclusion: The SVG Co-operative League led a 22-member delegation to the CCCU convention in Barbados, focusing on governance, technology, cybersecurity, and financial inclusion. STEM for Youth: ECCB will run a free 2026 STEM Camp starting July 6 for ages 14–18 across ECCU territories, tied to digital transformation. Food Security Planning: ZHTF validated its 2026–2030 strategic plan, shifting toward a more integrated systems approach to hunger, climate risk, and rising food prices. OECS-US Migration Talks: OECS agreed to set up a high-level advisory team to guide negotiations with the US on accepting limited non-criminal third-country deportees/refugees. Agriculture Skills: Training on NFT hydroponics and a peanut yield/distribution session support climate-smart production and value-chain alliances. Security & Trade Capacity: WCO Project BOLT delivered customs and border enforcement training to strengthen anti-illicit trafficking capacity.

Tourism & Jobs: SVG Tourism Authority has named Shafia London as CEO effective 1 July on a three-year contract, with a results-first mandate to grow arrivals and lift visitor experience; the appointment also sparked public debate over whether the earlier recruitment process was “circumvented” and whether London was “hand-picked.” Domestic Tourism Push: The “Go Grenadines” campaign launches to boost local travel in August, anchored by a $100 “Go Grenadines Passport” voucher for participating Grenadines operators. Trade & Logistics: Argyle International Airport announced Executive Air’s new regional cargo service, aimed at strengthening tourism supply chains and helping farmers export produce. Regional Finance: The SVG Co-operative League led a 22-member delegation to the CCCU convention in Barbados, focusing on governance, technology, inclusion, cybersecurity and resilience. Digital Skills: ECCB will host a free 2026 STEM Camp (July 6, four weeks) for ages 14–18 across ECCU territories, including SVG. Food Security: ZHTF validated its 2026–2030 strategic plan, shifting toward a systems approach to tackle climate risk, import dependence, rising food prices and youth vulnerability. OECS Policy: OECS leaders agreed to set up a high-level advisory team to guide negotiations with the US on accepting limited non-criminal third-country deportees/refugees. Agribusiness Training: SVG advanced peanut production and hydroponics know-how through CARDI-linked sessions and NFT hydroponics training.