AGP Executive Report

US–Cuba Tensions: Cuba is condemning the U.S. Department of Justice’s “despicable” criminal charges against former President Raúl Castro, escalating a long-running dispute tied to a 1996 shootdown that killed U.S. citizens. Grenada Politics: In St Vincent, former PM Ralph Gonsalves says the NDP government’s Spiritual Baptist Liberation Day Bill controversy echoes an old NDP boycott of parliament “for a trivial reason” in 2002. Regional Diplomacy: CARICOM foreign ministers wrapped a COFCOR meeting in Suriname, with St Kitts and Nevis handing over the chairmanship to Suriname’s foreign minister. Grenada Spotlight: Grenada’s public health push gets a boost via a PAHO-backed datathon, while the Investment Migration Agency appoints Samorna Dowe-Mitchell as Corporate Secretary. Sports & Culture: Haiti’s U-17 World Cup draw puts them in Group D with France, Saudi Arabia, and Uruguay; and Grenada keeps racking up wins, including another RHS Chelsea Flower Show gold.

UN Climate Push: The UN General Assembly overwhelmingly backed a Vanuatu-led resolution endorsing the ICJ’s landmark climate ruling, reinforcing that countries have legal duties under the Paris Agreement. Regional Diplomacy: St Kitts and Nevis’ Denzil Douglas handed over COFCOR chairmanship at CARICOM’s foreign ministers meeting in Suriname, with Suriname set to lead the next stretch. Grenada Foreign Policy & Security: Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell wrapped a two-day Washington visit focused on energy, trade, infrastructure, and security alliances. Public Health Data: Grenada held its first public health Datathon with PAHO to map how health information moves, flag gaps, and push for better planning and population care. Tourism Fight: Caribbean hotels are pushing back against a Booking.com rule that could apply commissions to taxes like VAT/GST, raising costs. Spice Momentum: Grenada is moving into a second phase of spice replanting support, targeting estates and larger farms after Hurricane Beryl. Sports & Culture: Grenada added another RHS Chelsea Flower Show gold—its 19th overall.

Mitchell’s Washington push: Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell has wrapped up a two-day official visit to Washington (18–19 May), lining up talks on energy, trade, investment, infrastructure, and regional security with US officials and lawmakers, including the Department of State, Commerce, and key congressional leaders—aimed at boosting Grenada’s economic ties and resilience. Public health data upgrade: Grenada also moved to strengthen decision-making with a public health Datathon led by the Ministry of Health and PAHO, where teams mapped data flows and flagged gaps in interoperability, data quality, and governance. Tourism fight with Booking.com: Across the region, hotels—including Grenada—are pushing back against a Booking.com tax-and-commission change that could raise costs by applying commissions to VAT/GST pass-through amounts. Spice and standards wins: Grenada scored another RHS Chelsea Flower Show gold (“Isle of Spice”) and continues to back its spice push with new support for estates and large farms, while the Bureau of Standards marked World Metrology Day. Local pressure points: Fisheries leaders say ice supply problems are still hurting fisherfolk, and the week’s coverage also flagged ongoing debate around domestic violence prevention and men’s intervention programmes.

Regional finance goes from plan to practice: UTC says its “regional presence” is now operating reality, shifting from entry to integration across Jamaica and the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union, with its Global Balanced Fund already active across Grenada, St Kitts & Nevis, Dominica and now Antigua and Barbuda joining in early 2026. Tourism cost fight: Caribbean hotels are pushing back against Booking.com’s reported rule to charge commissions on the full booking amount, including VAT/GST—warning it could quietly raise real commission rates and trigger compliance headaches. Grenada spotlight abroad: Grenada keeps stacking wins at RHS Chelsea Flower Show—another Gold Medal, bringing its total to 19 and nine straight years, with “Isle of Spice” showcasing tropical flowers and signature spices. Local pressure points: Fisheries leaders warn ice shortages at the Bridgetown complex are threatening livelihoods, while Grenada’s elections machinery is already recruiting poll-day workers, a sign a general election could be near. Sports and safety: Players are calling for stronger heat protections for World Cup 2026 as extreme temperatures loom.

World Cup Heat Push: Players are urging FIFA to strengthen temperature protections for World Cup 2026 after warnings of “hazardous heat,” with signatories including Grenada’s own football community. Grenada on the Global Stage: Grenada keeps stacking wins at RHS Chelsea Flower Show—another Gold medal brings its total to 19, with the “Isle of Spice” display spotlighting orchids, spices and island identity. Investment Migration Governance: IMA Grenada has appointed Samorna Dowe-Mitchell as Corporate Secretary, pointing to stronger corporate governance and compliance. Labour Policy Move: Government is set to launch and sign Grenada’s Decent Work Country Programme 2026–2031 on 19 May at the Grenada Trade Centre. Sports Politics Watch: A fresh dispute around the GFA election continues to ripple, with claims of court action aimed at disrupting football governance. Safety & Skills: Grenada’s Bureau of Standards marks World Metrology Day, while regional UNESCO workshops focus on cybersecurity and media literacy for older adults.

World Cup Heat Push: Footballers are urging FIFA to tighten protections for extreme temperatures at Men’s World Cup 2026 after warnings of “hazardous heat,” with Grenada among the signatories. Chelsea Flower Show Glory: Grenada added another RHS Chelsea Flower Show Gold—its 19th overall and ninth straight—through “Isle of Spice,” spotlighting spices and island biodiversity on the global stage. Investment Migration Governance: IMA Grenada appointed Samorna Dowe-Mitchell as Corporate Secretary, citing deep public-sector governance and integrity experience. Standards & Trust: The Grenada Bureau of Standards marked World Metrology Day 2026, stressing accurate measurement as the backbone of fair trade, consumer protection, health, and policy. Labour Policy Launch: The Decent Work Country Programme 2026–2031 is set for official signing on 19 May at the Grenada Trade Centre. Sports & Community: Grenada’s football leadership stays in focus with international engagement, while local sport keeps moving—plus regional 3×3 basketball action in the OECS.

Grenada Politics: A fresh push toward elections is emerging after the Parliamentary Elections Office began recruiting poll-day workers for St George North East, a sign the Dickon Mitchell administration may be moving toward a general election soon. GFA Fallout: Sports politics is still simmering: Roger Duncan’s court challenge to block disputed GFA elections was dismissed, clearing the way for Marlon Glean and his slate to be elected unopposed—though Duncan’s supporters say the fight isn’t over. Labour & Jobs: The Ministry of Legal Affairs, Labour and Consumer Affairs announced the official signing of Grenada’s Decent Work Country Programme 2026–2031 on 19 May. Spice Economy: Government and the Grenada Cooperative Nutmeg Association are rolling out the second phase of the National Spice Replanting Programme with about EC$500,000 to estates and larger farmers. Community & Culture: Diaspora Homecoming is set for 21 June to reconnect Grenadians abroad through events, business forums, and community activities.

Labour & Jobs Blueprint: The Ministry of Legal Affairs, Labour and Consumer Affairs has officially launched Grenada’s Decent Work Country Programme 2026–2031, signing the framework at the Grenada Trade Centre today (19 May) to guide employment, labour governance, social protection and workplace safety with ILO support. Spice Push: Government says estates and larger farms are next in line for the National Spice Replanting Programme’s second phase, with about EC$500,000 earmarked to help nutmeg growers move beyond pre-Hurricane Beryl output. Politics & Football Crosswinds: In St George South East, pastor Stanford Simon has launched his DPM bid, while the GFA’s Marlon Glean is back in the international spotlight after representing Grenada at Soccerex Europe 2026—just as the wider football politics around elections continues to stir debate. Sports & Youth: Grenada’s 3×3 run in the OECS U23 tournament is in focus after regional results set up semi-final matchups, with the event also framed as a pathway toward CAC Games qualification. Public Health & Safety: Grenada’s wider regional agenda includes a push for digital and health readiness, alongside ongoing efforts to strengthen community resilience.

Domestic Violence Response: UNICEF data puts Caribbean lifetime physical or sexual violence against women at about 45%, and in Grenada the Man to Man Programme is pushing male-to-male intervention—reporting 700+ referrals and a recidivism rate under 10%—with a public lecture set for May 19 on what works with men. Elections Watch: Signs are building that Grenada’s general election could be near, with the Parliamentary Elections Office already recruiting poll-day workers in St. George North East. Football Power Struggle: Roger Duncan’s court challenge tied to disputed GFA elections was dismissed, clearing the way for an unopposed executive—while accusations fly that the move was meant to create confusion. Fisheries Pressure: Grenada’s fisherfolk are sounding alarms over lost fish species and long-running environmental and industry impacts. Regional Spotlight: Across the OECS, St. Kitts and Nevis and Grenada are also in the UNESCO push for cybersecurity and media literacy for older adults.

Public Transport Funding Snub: Grenada’s wider region is watching New Zealand’s Wellington get shut out of NZTA money—$145m in bus and rail projects, from a bus-only harbour quays lane to Waterloo station upgrades, was rejected from the $32.9b land transport plan after council bids failed. Regional Sports Spotlight: In the OECS, the Virgin Islands are hosting the first-ever 3X3 ANOECS U23 tournament, and Grenada is in the mix—VI rebounded after an opening loss to reach the semis, with Grenada set to play St Kitts & Nevis. Digital Skills Push: UNESCO is running SIM Caribbean cybersecurity and media literacy workshops across islands, including Grenada, targeting older adults and youth to fight misinformation and improve safe digital access. Grenada Watch: Signs point to general elections coming soon as electoral officials begin assembling poll-day teams in St George North East, while football politics continue to simmer after court action tied to GFA elections.

Sports Spotlight: The Virgin Islands are through to the semi-finals of the 3X3 ANOECS U23 Basketball Tournament after bouncing back from an opening loss to Grenada, and they’ll now face St Kitts and Nevis in Semi-final 1 today—while Grenada and St Kitts and Nevis set up Semi-final 2, with Dominica and St Lucia playing for 5th place. Grenada Politics: A fresh sign of an election push is emerging as the Parliamentary Elections Office starts recruiting poll-day workers in St George North East, while the wider political heat continues around football governance—Roger Duncan’s court fight against the GFA has been dismissed, clearing the way for an unopposed executive. Digital Safety: UNESCO’s SIM Caribbean cybersecurity and media literacy push for older adults is running across islands, including Grenada, St Kitts and Nevis, and Antigua and Barbuda. Climate Funding: Caribbean countries are also moving to unlock the US$250M loss-and-damage grant pipeline after a regional workshop in Barbados.

GFA Court Fallout: A Grenada football official says banker Roger Duncan’s court bid to block the Grenada Football Association (GFA) elections was dismissed quickly, paving the way for Marlon Glean and his slate to be elected unopposed—while Duncan is accused of “embarrassing” the island and creating confusion on the world stage. Election Signals: Meanwhile, electoral officials are already assembling poll-day staff in St. George North East, a move that insiders read as a sign general elections could be coming within months. Fisheries Under Pressure: Southern Fishermen Association managing director James Nicholas warns Grenada has lost over 30 fish species, blaming past pesticide runoff and mangrove cutting. Regional Skills Push: UNESCO’s SIM Caribbean cybersecurity and media-literacy workshops for older adults ran across St. Kitts and Nevis, Grenada, and Antigua and Barbuda. Diaspora Momentum: Grenada’s two-week Diaspora Homecoming kicks off June 21, mixing culture, business forums, and community events across Grenada, Carriacou, and Petite Martinique.

Diaspora Push: Grenada’s Diaspora Homecoming 2026 is set to run for two weeks starting June 21, with arrival events, church services, and a June 23 welcome reception hosted by Foreign Affairs Trade and Export Development Minister Joseph Andall—then a packed mix of culture, business forums, concerts, excursions, and community get-togethers across Grenada, Carriacou, and Petite Martinique. Digital Skills for Seniors: In St. Kitts, UNESCO’s SIM Caribbean cybersecurity and media-literacy workshops for older adults and youth are underway, with officials stressing safer online navigation as banking, health access, and civic life move online. Regional Climate Funding: Caribbean countries are moving closer to accessing the US$250M loss-and-damage grant facility after a CDB/FRLD workshop in Barbados, with a June 15 submission deadline. Tourism Policy Tension: Hotel groups across the region are pushing back on Booking.com commission proposals, warning the change could raise costs for an already strained sector. Sports Spotlight: Ireland plays Grenada today, with free streaming via RTÉ Player, while Jamaica’s full-bore shooters return from Antigua with bronze momentum.

Basketball Push: Saint Lucia’s Basketball Federation has named a four-player U23 3×3 team for the ANOCES Under-23 tournament in Tortola (May 16–17), aiming to qualify for the Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games—qualification is the “main objective” and the window closes in June. Climate Finance Prep: Caribbean countries are moving closer to accessing the US$250M loss-and-damage grant facility after a CDB/FRLD workshop in Barbados trained national focal points for submissions due June 15. Health Upgrade: Saint Lucia says a new rapid PCR testing system is now operational, delivering multi-disease results in under two hours to speed outbreak response. Grenada Spotlight: Grenada’s General Hospital has received official recognition for its 2024 Baby-Friendly accreditation, confirming full compliance with the initiative’s 10 steps for breastfeeding support. Tourism Pressure: Regional hoteliers are pushing back against Booking.com’s proposed commission changes, warning it could raise costs across the sector.

Climate Finance Push: Caribbean governments are moving closer to accessing the US$250M loss-and-damage grant, after a two-day Barbados workshop by the Caribbean Development Bank and the Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage helped 15 eligible countries—including Grenada—build “bankable” funding pipelines ahead of a June 15 submission deadline. Fisheries Fix in Motion: In Barbados, fisherfolk say they’re seeing progress after ice shortages at the Bridgetown Fisheries Complex sparked complaints, with the environment minister visiting and promising short- and long-term measures. Grenada Health Milestone: Grenada General Hospital has received official recognition for its 2024 Baby-Friendly Hospital accreditation, confirming full compliance with the initiative’s breastfeeding steps. Sports & Talent: In football, Grenada’s GFA has started its second term with a push on coaching education and referee development via KNVB engagement. Regional Watch: CARICOM observers say The Bahamas election reflected the will of the people, with polling largely orderly.

Grenada Health System Leadership: Grenada is recruiting an Interim CEO for the Grenada Hospital System, aiming to steady operations, strengthen institutions, modernise services, and prepare for possible future governance changes—an urgent move as the system heads into reform. Regional Elections Watch: CARICOM election observers say The Bahamas’ recent vote was peaceful and orderly, with polling staff and materials generally arriving on time—useful context as the region keeps tightening its electoral readiness. Climate Finance Push: Caribbean states are lining up for a US$250M loss-and-damage grant window after a Bridgetown workshop, with applications due June 15—more money, but only if countries can turn plans into bankable projects. Water Stress Reality Check: Even as rains arrive, drought-linked supply cuts are hitting parts of the Eastern Caribbean and Trinidad, with rationing and emergency water transport reported. Baby-Friendly Hospital Win: Grenada General Hospital has received official recognition for its 2024 Baby-Friendly accreditation, confirming full compliance with breastfeeding support steps.