AGP Executive Report

US Immigration: A New York federal court struck down the Trump administration’s immigrant visa suspension affecting 75 countries, including Grenada, while the State Department also paused immigrant visa processing worldwide as consular staff undergo public-charge training. Public Safety: Grenada’s Health Minister confirmed two TB patients who escaped the General Hospital isolation unit were apprehended and returned to care, urging anyone with close contact to get screened. Digital Governance: Grenada’s digital push gained momentum at the Caribbean Internet Governance Forum, with officials pointing to new Digital Transformation Agency legislation and the need for laws that keep up with fast-changing tech. Energy & Investment: Grenada highlighted offshore hydrocarbons at IMAGE 2026 in Houston, pitching an inaugural 2027 licensing round. Water & Waste: Grenada will host the 35th Annual CWWA conference on water security and waste management in October. Cost of Living: Government announced six VAT-free shopping days (Aug–Oct 2026) plus continued electricity VAT removal and fuel/LPG price controls. Culture: T&T producers dominated Grenada’s Soca Monarch stage, with Grenada’s Spicemas celebrations continuing.

US Immigration & Courts: A US judge vacated the Trump administration’s immigrant visa ban affecting 75 countries, including Grenada, while the State Department also paused immigrant visa processing worldwide for consular “public charge” training, with rescheduled appointments expected into mid-September. Grenada Digital Governance: Grenada used the Caribbean Internet Governance Forum to push its digital transformation, including recently passed Digital Transformation Agency legislation aimed at better government interoperability and faster rules for new tech. Water & Waste Regional Planning: Grenada will host the 35th Caribbean Water and Wastewater Association conference (Oct 12–16) with Nawasa and the GSWMA, positioning the island as a hub for water security, climate resilience, wastewater and solid waste policy. Energy & Investment Push: Grenada highlighted offshore hydrocarbons at IMAGE 2026 in Houston, pitching a 2027 licensing round for exploration blocks. Cost-of-Living Relief: Government announced six VAT-free shopping days (Aug–Oct 2026) plus continued electricity VAT removal and price controls on fuel and LPG. Public Health: Two TB patients who fled the General Hospital isolation unit were apprehended and returned to care, prompting screening advice for close contacts. Heritage Protection: An interim court injunction paused demolition of the historic Drill Yard site while technical specialists assess options to secure and rehabilitate it.

Digital Transformation & Governance: Grenada is pushing ahead on e-government and connectivity, with officials at the Caribbean Internet Governance Forum stressing the need for laws and regulators to keep pace with new tech, alongside the country’s Digital Transformation Agency legislation. Cost of Living Relief: The government announced six VAT-free shopping days for Aug–Oct 2026 and extended VAT removal on electricity bills, plus continued price controls on fuel and LPG to ease household pressure. Public Health & TB Safety: Two TB patients escaped the General Hospital isolation unit after forcing a gate, but were quickly apprehended and returned to care; the ministry urged anyone with close contact to get screened. Regional Telecom Policy: CTU’s Rodney Taylor says high intra-Caricom roaming charges still persist despite the 2022 St George’s Declaration. Education & Skills: ECCB’s Generative AI and Python Summer Camp is placing youth in real business settings, while TAMCC reports strong CAPE 2026 results. Heritage Protection: An interim court injunction is pausing demolition of Grenada’s historic Drill Yard as an international team assesses options for stabilising and rehabilitating the site. Immigration Pressure on the Region: A US judge struck down Trump’s visa ban affecting Caribbean countries, while the Trump administration also paused immigrant visa processing globally.

Education & Youth: T A Marryshow Community College says CAPE 2026 prelims show a 94.29% overall pass rate (up from 93.52% in 2025), with 55 Grade Ones across 11 Unit 1 subject areas and several 100% pass subjects. Public Health & Safety: Grenada’s Health Minister confirms two TB patients who escaped the General Hospital isolation unit—Dwight Ross and Kendell Barry—have been apprehended and returned to medical supervision. Digital Government: Grenada’s digital push got a boost as officials at the Caribbean Internet Governance Forum highlighted the need for laws to keep pace with technology, alongside the country’s Digital Transformation Agency legislation. Cost of Living: Government announces six VAT-free shopping days (Aug 28-29, Sept 25-26, Oct 30-31) plus VAT removal on electricity bills through Dec 31 and continued fuel/LPG price controls. Local Governance & Justice: Boat owners in Carriacou say a fence tied to the Tyrell Bay Marina dispute has trapped them for 129 days and they’re seeking a temporary truce despite the wider court fight. Regional Policy Watch: Opposition and health voices are pressing for clearer answers on TB reports, while investment-migration rules remain in flux as IMA Grenada delays Grenada’s residence requirement start pending regional regulator readiness.

Public Health & Safety: Grenada’s Health Minister Philip Telesford says two TB patients who escaped the General Hospital isolation unit—Dwight Ross and Kendell Barry—have been apprehended and returned to medical supervision, after forcing open a secured gate; the ministry urged anyone with close contact to seek free screening. Regional Telecom Policy: Caribbean Telecommunications Union SG Rodney Taylor says high intra-Caricom roaming charges still persist despite the 2022 St George’s Declaration aimed at cutting fees by up to 70% or more. Opposition Pressure on Health Transparency: The NNP is demanding clear, fast, public answers from the Ministry of Health on safeguards for patients, healthcare workers, and first responders amid TB reports. Diplomacy & Consular Expansion: Grenada has opened an Honorary Consulate in Manila, with Catherine Tiu-Tan appointed to deepen economic, political, cultural, and sports ties with the Philippines. Investment Migration Watch: IMA Grenada says the planned residence requirement won’t start on Aug. 31 because key regional steps and the regulator’s operations are not yet in place. Caribbean CBI Debate: Nevis Premier Mark Brantley doubled down that “CBI as we know it is dead,” citing growing hostility toward investment migration schemes.

CBI Crackdown in the Region: Nevis Premier Mark Brantley says “CBI as we know it is dead,” arguing immigration rules are being “weaponised” by major powers and urging Caribbean states to diversify away from investment migration. Grenada’s CBI Update: Grenada’s Investment Migration Agency says the planned residence requirement won’t start on Aug. 31 because key regional conditions and the regulator’s operations are not yet in place. US Visa Ruling Hits Trump Policy: A US judge struck down Trump’s immigrant visa suspension affecting 75 countries, including Grenada, restoring case-by-case processing. Public Health Pressure in Grenada: The opposition New National Party demands transparency after reports of tuberculosis, while the Health Ministry says two TB patients left the General Hospital isolation unit without authorisation and have been apprehended. Agriculture and Exports: St Vincent and the Grenadines’ Agriculture Minister Israel Bruce says live cattle exports to Grenada have been halted as part of a push for a modern abattoir and tougher enforcement. Heritage Protection: An interim court injunction stops Grenada’s NIS Board from demolishing the historic Drill Yard as technical specialists assess preservation options. Diplomacy: Grenada opens an honorary consulate in Manila, expanding its diplomatic footprint in the Philippines. Regional Health Leadership: Dr. Eva Jané Llopis assumes PAHO/WHO representative duties for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean. Culture and Media: Spotify launches “Carnival Sounds Live,” featuring Grenadian soca artist V’ghn, and UNESCO convenes Caribbean media stakeholders on media and information literacy.

Public Health & Safety: Grenada’s opposition New National Party is demanding transparent answers after reports of tuberculosis cases, as the Ministry of Health confirmed two TB patients left the General Hospital Isolation Unit without authorisation, forced open a gate, and were later apprehended and returned to care. Agriculture & Trade: Agriculture Minister Israel Bruce says the government has effectively halted live cattle and livestock exports to Grenada, linking the move to local supply concerns, enforcement against livestock theft, and a broader push for a modern abattoir and meat-quality standards. Immigration & Law: A US federal judge struck down Trump’s nationality-based immigrant visa suspension affecting 75 countries, including Grenada, restoring case-by-case processing; Caribbean immigration advocates welcomed the ruling. Grenada Diplomacy: Grenada opened an Honorary Consulate in Manila, with Catherine Tiu-Tan appointed to support consular services and deepen economic, political, cultural, and sports ties. Media & Governance: UNESCO and Grenada convened Caribbean media stakeholders on journalism ethics, AI and media literacy, and how digitalisation is shaping government information services. Regional Politics: A commentary argues Caribbean unity efforts have long been derailed by mistrust and political bargaining.

Grenada Diplomacy: Grenada has opened an Honorary Consulate in Manila, with Catherine Tiu-Tan appointed after receiving an exequatur, aiming to deepen economic, political, cultural and sports ties with the Philippines. Visa Scrutiny: Canada is tightening visa application checks for Grenada and four other OECS/CBI states, focusing on document accuracy, identity verification and the credibility of travel plans rather than announcing a new ban. US Court Impact on Grenadians: A US federal judge struck down Trump’s policy suspending immigrant visa processing for nationals of 75 countries, including Grenada, restoring case-by-case adjudication. Regional Health Leadership: Dr. Eva Jané Llopis has assumed the PAHO/WHO representative role for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean Countries, working with governments to strengthen health systems. Governance & Standards: CXC’s CTEC debate continues as CXC leadership insists the modular framework does not lower standards. Local Governance Training: Grenada certified 34 corporate secretaries through a Caribbean Governance Training Institute programme, pushing stronger accountability and compliance.

Diplomacy & Trade: Grenada has opened an Honorary Consulate in Manila, with Catherine Tiu-Tan appointed after receiving an exequatur from Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., aiming to deepen consular services and boost economic, political, cultural and sports cooperation. US Courts & Immigration: Caribbean immigration advocates welcomed a Manhattan federal judge’s ruling striking down Trump’s indefinite immigrant visa suspension affecting nationals of 75 countries, calling the policy “patently unlawful” and beyond the State Department’s authority. Regional Politics & CBI: Nevis Premier Mark Brantley warned that “CBI as we know it is dead,” urging Caribbean leaders to diversify and reduce dependence on citizenship-by-investment amid EU pressure and rising geopolitical coercion. Governance & Local Justice: Grenada’s Tyrrel Bay Marina dispute continues to draw attention after a Privy Council ownership ruling, with reports of a fence restricting boat owners and renewed calls for state intervention. Local Government & Infrastructure: Mt Hartman byroad in St George will close temporarily for five weeks starting 24 August for road upgrade works. Business & Development: A CDB-backed digital transformation initiative will support at least 150 MSMEs across Grenada and other islands to improve competitiveness and resilience. Culture: V’ghn (Grenada) was selected for Spotify’s 2026 Carnival Sounds campaign, spotlighting Caribbean soca globally.

US Immigration & Grenada Links: A federal judge in Manhattan struck down Trump’s immigrant-visa suspension for 75 countries, calling it “patently unlawful” and beyond the State Department’s authority—an outcome that directly affects Grenada among the listed nations. Caribbean Governance & Business: The Caribbean Development Bank and Barbados’ Small Business Association launched a regional digital transformation push for MSMEs, including Grenada, aiming to boost competitiveness and resilience. Grenada Public Administration: Grenada’s Junior Minister for Tourism Ella-Rose Charles has started a mentorship programme ahead of the Caribbean Tourism Organisation’s youth congress in Guyana. Infrastructure: A temporary closure of the Mt Hartman byroad in St George begins Monday, 24 August, for about five weeks of road upgrade works. Sports & Regional Politics: FIFA president Gianni Infantino angered Concacaf nations after appearing at a CFU meeting in the Dominican Republic despite a request to skip it, as UEFA also pressures FIFA over leadership and governance. Culture & Media: Grenadian soca star V’ghn was selected for Spotify’s 2026 Carnival Sounds campaign, and Spotify launched Carnival Sounds Live featuring Caribbean artists. Local Legal/Port Fallout: A Privy Council-linked Tyrrel Bay Marina dispute continues to draw attention, while a separate port incident alleges a customs agent stole five windows from a container.

Grenada in the spotlight for culture: Soca star V’ghn was picked for Spotify’s 2026 Carnival Sounds campaign, with UK billboards and a live series performance. US immigration policy hit: A Manhattan judge struck down the Trump administration’s blanket immigrant visa suspension for 75 countries, including Grenada, calling it “patently unlawful” and beyond the State Department’s authority. Caribbean economy numbers: ECLAC projects Caribbean growth at 5.6% in 2026, but warns it drops to 1.1% without Guyana, highlighting the region’s widening economic gap. FIFA/football politics spill into the region: Gianni Infantino attended a CFU event in the Dominican Republic despite a Concacaf request to skip it, angering Caribbean football leaders amid FIFA governance controversy. Local governance and compliance: Grenada continues efforts to strengthen oversight, including a CCSec certification push for corporate secretaries tied to public entities and boards. Tourism youth pipeline: Junior Tourism Minister Ella-Rose Charles starts a mentorship programme ahead of a regional youth congress in Guyana. Infrastructure update: A temporary road closure is set for Mt Hartman byroad (St George) for major upgrade works.

FIFA Governance Clash: Gianni Infantino attended a Caribbean Football Union meeting in the Dominican Republic despite a Concacaf president’s request to skip it, angering Caribbean leaders and feeding calls for a leadership rethink after FIFA’s “Forward Enterprise” controversy. Grenada’s Visa Pressure: A U.S. judge struck down Trump’s immigrant visa freeze for 75 countries, but Grenadians are still facing a separate U.S. “visa bond” requirement that critics say functions like a wealth test for families. Tyrrel Bay Marina Fallout: Grenada’s Privy Council ruling is again driving pressure over the Tyrrel Bay Marina dispute in Carriacou, with claims that a fence and earlier government leasing decisions have left boat owners stuck. Port Theft Case: Customs and Port Authority staff are reeling after an agent allegedly stole five windows from a container at the port, prompting resignations and fresh scrutiny of controls. Child Custody Court Fight: A Grenada high court judge is handling a custody dispute tied to alleged child abduction and international arrest warrants involving a U.S.-born mother and a German father. Local Governance & Infrastructure: Grenada is moving on road works with a five-week closure of the Mt Hartman byroad in St George, while the government also continues efforts to strengthen public governance through corporate secretary training and tourism youth mentorship. Regional Business Push: A CDB-backed initiative will support at least 150 MSMEs across Grenada and other islands to boost digital skills and competitiveness.

Tourism & Youth: Grenada’s Junior Minister for Tourism Ella-Rose Charles has kicked off a mentorship programme ahead of the Caribbean Tourism Organisation’s Regional Tourism Youth Congress in Guyana (5–8 Oct 2026). Public Governance: 34 professionals across Grenada have completed the Chartered Corporate Secretary Programme, with the Ministry of Finance urging stronger documentation, reporting, compliance and ethical governance. Infrastructure: A temporary closure of the Mt Hartman byroad in St George starts Monday, 24 Aug 2026 for five weeks of road upgrade works, with motorists directed to detours. Business & Digital Growth: Grenada is set to benefit from a CDB-backed regional initiative to help at least 150 MSMEs across the OECS adopt digital tools and build resilience, with inclusion for women-led and underserved firms. Health Law Reform: Grenada is drafting new hospital legislation to modernise governance and enable statutorisation of public hospitals, targeting Parliament in the October sitting. Regional Spotlight: Grenada’s V’ghn has been selected to represent soca in Spotify’s 2026 Carnival Sounds campaign, boosting the island’s visibility in the UK.

Hospital Governance: Grenada is moving to modernise public hospital oversight, with new hospital legislation drafted after a Hospital Statutorisation Transition Team found the 1998 Hospitals Authority Act no longer fits current governance, staffing and data protection needs, targeting Parliament in October and possible full implementation in the first half of 2027. Public Procurement Clash: The Democratic People’s Movement says government road projects using a “design, build and finance” approach have “completely ignored” Grenada’s procurement laws, arguing costs and financing details are not being made public. Tourism Youth Leadership: Junior Minister for Tourism Ella-Rose Charles has started a mentorship programme at the Ministry of Tourism, the Creative Economy and Culture ahead of representing Grenada at the Caribbean Tourism Organisation’s Regional Tourism Youth Congress in Guyana in October. Digital Economy Push: A CDB-backed initiative launched across Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, Saint Lucia and St Vincent & the Grenadines will support at least 150 MSMEs to adopt digital tools and build resilience, with inclusion for women-led and underserved businesses. Regional Security Training: Grenada is among 21 countries sending elite troops to Paraguay for Fuerzas Comando 2026, focused on special operations and cooperation against threats like organised crime and terrorism. Culture & Representation: Grenadian soca star V’ghn has been selected by Spotify to represent soca in its 2026 Carnival Sounds campaign, boosting Caribbean music visibility in the UK.

Hospital Governance: Grenada is drafting new hospital legislation to modernise public hospital governance, with Phase 1 targeting Parliament in October and a possible full rollout in the first half of 2027, after the Hospital Statutorisation Transition Team found the 1998 Hospitals Authority Act no longer fits current financial, data protection, and staff-transition needs. Procurement & Roads: The Democratic People’s Movement says government “completely ignored” Grenada’s procurement laws by using a design-build-finance approach for major road projects, arguing costs and financing details aren’t publicly clear. Agriculture Policy: Minister Israel Bruce says live animal exports to Grenada may be discontinued, while discussions continue on a modern abattoir in St. Vincent and strengthening enforcement of the Predial Larceny Act. Regional Security: Grenada is among 21 countries set to participate in Fuerzas Comando 2026 in Paraguay, a special-operations competition focused on cooperation against organised crime, terrorism, and internal crises. Digital & Trade: Grenada is calling for inclusive, responsible use of digitalisation and AI for land management and drought resilience, while a CDB-backed initiative aims to boost digital capabilities for MSMEs across Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, St. Lucia and St. Vincent. Culture & Youth: Grenada’s V’ghn was named Spotify’s soca representative for the 2026 Carnival Sounds campaign, and Grenada also sent youth delegates to the Commonwealth Youth Parliament in Sydney.

Agriculture & Security: Grenada’s Ministry of Agriculture is considering ending live animal exports, with Minister Israel Bruce saying a proposal to Cabinet would support a modern abattoir and that talks are underway with National Security to strengthen enforcement under the Predial Larceny Act. Health Governance: Grenada is drafting new hospital legislation to modernise public hospital governance, with Phase 1 targeting Parliament in October and a possible implementation window in the first half of 2027. Procurement & Roads: The Democratic People’s Movement says government “completely ignored” procurement laws by using a design-build-finance approach for major road projects without proper public cost and financing details. Regional Environment: Grenada will host OECS living marine resources ministers for a 24th meeting on 3–4 September, aiming to push cooperation and expand the Blue Economy. International Ties: PM Dickon Mitchell says relations with Qatar are “very good,” highlighting cooperation in education, healthcare, tourism, sports and economic development. Culture & Sports: V’ghn named Spotify’s 2026 Carnival Sounds soca representative, while Grenada’s GAA leadership heads toward an elective general meeting on 22 August.