AGP Executive Report

Diplomatic Push: Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell says Grenada-Qatar ties are “very good,” with talks focused on expanding cooperation in education, healthcare, tourism, sports, and broader economic development. Regional Policy & Trade: OECS wrapped up an initiative with UNCTAD/ECLAC to improve evidence-based policymaking for services trade, using TiSSTAT to close data gaps and help governments build stronger export strategies. Cost of Living Relief: Grenada published a preliminary list of businesses for the inaugural VAT-Free weekend (Aug. 28–29), with appeals open to firms not on the list by Aug. 19. Governance Watch: Civic critic John Rullow renewed calls for transparency, branding the Mitchell administration “most corrupt” and pointing to procurement concerns. Public Sector Governance: Government announced Ernst & Young as exclusive executive sponsor for Day One of the 3rd Annual Conference of Directors of Grenada’s Public Sector Entities (Sept. 23–24). Security Update: A regional drug bust in St. Kitts saw authorities intercept the MV C Elizabeth again, seizing cocaine and cannabis concealed in dry coconut cargo.

Cost of Living Relief: Grenada has published a preliminary list of businesses eligible for the inaugural VAT-Free weekend (Aug. 28–29), with appeals open to Aug. 19 for firms not on the list. Diplomacy: Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell met Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani to review cooperation in education, health, and tourism. Public Sector Governance: Grenada’s Ministry of Finance says Ernst & Young will sponsor Day One of the 3rd Annual Conference of Directors of Public Sector Entities (Sept. 23–24), aimed at strengthening accountability across statutory bodies. Public Procurement Debate: Civic advocate John Rullow renewed calls for transparency, alleging the Mitchell administration is “most corrupt,” pointing to procurement concerns. Local Business & Land Dispute: Tyrell Bay Marina again asked for access to a fenced-off section of its boatyard, tied to a long-running mangrove land dispute dating back to a 2013 government lease approval. Regional Sports: Grenada’s U14 boys opened their CFU Boys Under-14 Challenge Series with a 3–2 win over Saint Lucia.

VAT-Free Weekend Prep: Government published a preliminary list of businesses eligible for Grenada’s first VAT-Free Weekend under the Cost of Living Assistance Programme, with the Inland Revenue Division urging businesses not on the list to appeal by 19 August. Public Sector Pay: Government and the public sector union reached an agreement on salary increases for workers. Marina Land Dispute: Tyrell Bay Marina renewed its request for access to a fenced-off section of its boatyard, tied to a long-running legal fight over a 2013 lease of adjoining mangrove land; the marina says the public dispute is harming customers, workers, and the Carriacou community. Diplomatic Engagement: Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell met Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, reviewing cooperation in education, health, and tourism. Regional Child Policy: OECS launched its Regional Child Policy and Strategic Plan 2026–2032 with UNICEF support, promising whole-of-the-child action across member states. Football Governance Fallout: Grenada’s football body reaffirmed support for FIFA President Gianni Infantino as the Scottish FA withdrew support ahead of the 2027 vote, highlighting a widening split in world football. Security Update: A vessel linked to a major 2022 cocaine seizure was searched again in St. Kitts, with cocaine and cannabis reportedly found in coconut cargo.

Diplomacy and Development: Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell met Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani in Doha, reviewing cooperation in education, health and tourism. Regional Policy Push: The OECS unveiled a transformative Regional Child Policy and Strategic Plan 2026–2032 with UNICEF support, stressing a whole-of-the-child approach and action beyond the document. Education Tech Upgrade: OECS SKIP advanced Grenada-hosted software development for a regionally interoperable post-secondary education digital ecosystem, including KTIP, Virtual Campus and EMIS. Cost of Living Relief: Grenada’s VAT-Free Weekend list of eligible businesses is published; the Inland Revenue Division is inviting appeals from firms not on the preliminary list by 19 August. Sports Governance: Grenada’s Football Association backed FIFA President Gianni Infantino after his withdrawal of the FIFA Forward Enterprise proposal, warning against any FIFA process “circumventing” moves. Public Safety: A toddler drowned during a family outing at Boucherie, St. Andrew, despite emergency response efforts.

Diplomatic Appointments: Panama has appointed Ernesto Méndez Chiari as ambassador to Guyana, as Panama moves toward opening a physical embassy in Georgetown this year. Regional Child Protection: The OECS unveiled its Regional Child Policy and Strategic Plan 2026–2032 with UNICEF support, pushing a whole-of-the-child approach across member states. Education Digital Push: OECS SKIP says it has advanced a regional digital learning ecosystem, including major software development for interoperable post-secondary education platforms. Cost of Living Relief: Grenada published a preliminary list of businesses for the upcoming VAT-Free Weekend under its Cost of Living Assistance Programme, with appeals open until 19 August. Government Overseas Engagement: Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell heads to Spain and then Qatar (Aug 13–19) to discuss areas including Project Polaris, energy cooperation, sports and education, and investment. Judicial Governance Watch: A CCJ dress-code and internal email dispute is drawing governance and trust concerns from a regional legal analyst. Public Safety: A toddler drowned during a family outing in St. Andrew, Grenada. Sports Governance: Grenada’s football body backs FIFA President Gianni Infantino after his withdrawal of a controversial World Cup private-investment plan.

Cost of Living Relief: Grenada’s Ministry of Finance has published a preliminary list of businesses eligible for the upcoming VAT-Free Weekend under the Cost of Living Assistance Programme, with the Inland Revenue Division urging firms not on the list to appeal by 19 August 2026. Regional Child Policy: The OECS Commission, with UNICEF support, has unveiled the OECS Regional Child Policy and Strategic Plan 2026–2032, aiming for a whole-of-the-child approach across member states. Digital Education Push: OECS SKIP says it has advanced the regional digital learning ecosystem after a major software development milestone in Grenada, targeting interoperable post-secondary education platforms. Diplomatic Engagement: Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell is set for an official visit to Qatar (Aug 13–19), with talks on Project Polaris, energy cooperation, sports and education, and multilateral voting coordination. Public Safety: A toddler drowned during a family outing at Boucherie, Simon in St. Andrew, despite emergency response efforts. Sports Governance: Grenada’s Football Association backs FIFA President Gianni Infantino after his withdrawal of the FIFA Forward Enterprise proposal, stressing unity and established FIFA processes. Earthquake Alert: Reports say a strong earthquake hit Spain’s Granada tourist area, prompting emergency measures and warnings of further tremors.

Cost of Living Relief: Grenada’s government has published a preliminary list of businesses for the upcoming VAT-Free Weekend under its Cost of Living Assistance Programme, with the Inland Revenue Division inviting appeals from businesses not on the list by 19 August 2026. Prime Minister’s Overseas Push: Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell will travel to Spain and then make an official visit to Qatar (Aug 13–19), with talks expected to cover funding for Project Polaris, energy cooperation, sports and education, and alignment on multilateral voting positions. Regional Child Protection: The OECS, with UNICEF support, unveiled the OECS Regional Child Policy and Strategic Plan 2026–2032, built on a whole-of-the-child approach and shaped by input from children and families. Digital Education Upgrade: OECS SKIP says it has advanced a regional digital learning ecosystem for post-secondary education, concluding a software development milestone in Grenada (July 27–30) to build interoperable platforms. Football Governance: The Grenada Football Association backed FIFA President Gianni Infantino after he withdrew the FIFA Forward Enterprise proposal, warning against any moves that bypass FIFA’s institutional processes. Public Safety: A toddler died after drowning during a family outing at Boucherie in Simon, St. Andrew, despite emergency response efforts.

FIFA Fallout in Focus: The Grenada Football Association has backed FIFA President Gianni Infantino after his decision to scrap the FIFA Forward Enterprise plan, calling it a “swift action” to preserve unity and warning it won’t support moves that bypass FIFA’s processes. Regional Football Politics: Infantino’s wider coalition is still shifting, with some federations publicly defending him even as others question his leadership after the World Cup private-investment controversy. PM’s Qatar Trip: Grenada’s Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell is set to lead an overseas mission to Spain and then make an official visit to Qatar (Aug 13–19), with talks expected to cover funding for Project Polaris, energy cooperation, sports and education, and alignment on voting positions in multilateral bodies. Development Watch: The CDB and World Bank have agreed actions to strengthen implementation of Grenada’s development programme after a joint portfolio review of 11 active projects, including geothermal drilling, water supply, education, climate-smart agriculture, and health. OECS Child Policy: The OECS unveiled a regional child policy and strategic plan for 2026–2032, aiming to protect and support children across the Eastern Caribbean with a “whole-of-the-child” approach. Tragedy in St. Andrew: A toddler died after drowning during a family outing at Boucherie in Simon, St. Andrew, despite emergency response and attempts to revive him.

FIFA Leadership Fallout: Gianni Infantino’s World Cup share-sell plan is off the table, but the fight over trust is still raging. Concacaf, UEFA and the AFC accused FIFA leadership of “deception,” while Qatar and Lebanon (AFC members) and other Arab-backed statements reiterate support for Infantino. Regional Justice & Governance: Political scientist Prof. Hamid Ghany says a CCJ dress-code and leaked email dispute is eroding confidence and needs a resolution to protect public trust in the court. Grenada Development Oversight: The CDB and World Bank wrapped a joint portfolio review of 11 active Grenada projects, agreeing follow-up actions to strengthen implementation across areas like water, health, education, coastal protection, renewable energy and agriculture. Prime Minister’s Diplomacy: PM Dickon Mitchell heads to Spain then visits Qatar (Aug 13–19) to push cooperation on energy, sports and education, plus multilateral voting coordination. OECS Child Policy: OECS unveiled a 2026–2032 regional child policy and strategic plan, stressing practical improvements in children’s everyday safety and support. Sports & Culture: Grenada’s Boxing Association is recognized by World Boxing as an endorsed member, while Sen. Quinc Britton congratulated winners of Grenada’s 2026 Traditional Mas competition.

Development Delivery Push: The CDB and World Bank wrapped up a joint portfolio review of 11 active Grenada projects and agreed follow-up actions to strengthen implementation, spanning geothermal drilling, water supply, education, climate-smart agriculture, health, renewable energy and monitoring. Cabinet-Level Oversight: The review mission included senior officials from both institutions and Grenada ministries, ending with a meeting with Cabinet ministers, with the goal of turning stronger project management into tangible results and resilience. PM’s Overseas Engagements: Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell heads to Spain then Qatar (Aug. 13–19), with talks on Project Polaris, energy cooperation, sports and education, multilateral voting coordination, and private-sector investment. Culture & Governance: Parliamentary Secretary Quinc Britton congratulated winners of the 2026 Traditional Mas Competition, urging bands to pass the tradition to young people. Football Governance Signal: The Grenada Football Association welcomed FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s withdrawal of the FIFA Forward Enterprise initiative, citing unity, due process and transparency. Digital Policy Caution: A Grenada AI commentary argues every public-sector AI pilot should include a “sunset test” so experiments don’t quietly become permanent. Safety in Focus: A Spicemas reflection highlights how large public events create real safety risks, calling for stronger prevention beyond individual responsibility.

Development Oversight: The Caribbean Development Bank and the World Bank wrapped a joint portfolio review in Grenada, agreeing follow-up actions to strengthen delivery on 11 active projects across coastal protection, water, health, education, agriculture, renewable energy and monitoring—ending with a meeting involving Cabinet ministers. Digital Governance: A Grenada AI commentary argues the government’s push for AI tools should include a “sunset test” so pilots don’t quietly become permanent, with clear targets and review dates before scaling. Air Connectivity: Carriacou’s Herbert A. Blaize Airport cleared a major hurdle toward 24-hour operations after a successful night landing flight test, with the Airports Authority preparing applications to ECCAA for licences and certifications. Regional Mobility Policy: The U.S. made its visa bond program permanent, with Grenada among the Caribbean countries currently affected—raising concerns for tourism and business travel. Public Safety: The Royal Grenada Police Force says breathalyzer checks will run throughout Carnival to curb impaired driving. EU Passport Pressure: A report highlights EU pressure on Caribbean citizenship-by-investment programmes, warning reforms may be required by 2028 to protect visa-free access. Education Resilience: OECS support helped strengthen Atkinson Primary School in Dominica’s Kalinago Territory with drainage works, hurricane-ready doors, and emergency power and communications. Culture & Sports: Nexa Credit Union congratulated its steel orchestras after Panorama success, while Grenada’s Calypso Monarch contest ended in a historic tie for first between Sour Serpent and Lil Jelo.

US Military Spending & Iran: SIPRI says the US spent $21 trillion on its military (2001–2024), while Iran’s budget is estimated far lower—yet Iran’s air defenses and underground infrastructure help it resist a “stand-off” US approach. Digital Governance: A Grenada AI push is moving fast, but a commentator argues every public-sector AI pilot needs a “sunset test” with clear review dates and measurable results. US Visa Policy: The US made its visa bond program permanent, adding Grenada among four Caribbean countries where some B-1/B-2 applicants may be required to post bonds before visas. UK Citizenship English Exemptions: New UK guidance lists nationalities exempt from proving English for settlement/citizenship, including Grenada. Carriacou Airport Upgrade: A successful night landing flight test at Herbert A. Blaize Airport moves the sister isle closer to scheduled 24-hour operations. Spicemas Safety: Police are reminding motorists to expect breathalyzer checks during Carnival to curb impaired driving. Local Culture & Community: Nexa Credit Union celebrates major Panorama wins, while Grenada’s Calypso Monarch competition ends in a historic tie. Health & Education: Allshores awards its inaugural $20,000 postgraduate scholarship to Grenada-based medical student Shani Tucker.

AI Governance: A Grenada digital policy push is moving fast, but a commentator argues every public-sector AI pilot should pass a “sunset test” with clear goals, baselines, and a set review date so pilots don’t quietly become permanent. U.S. Travel Rules: The U.S. made its visa bond program permanent, affecting Grenada along with Antigua and Barbuda, Cuba, and Dominica, with consular officers able to require a bond for certain B-1/B-2 applicants. UK Citizenship English Exemptions: New UK guidance lists 19 nationalities exempt from proving English for settlement or citizenship, including Grenada—meaning applicants from the listed countries may not need an English qualification. Carriacou Air Connectivity: The Herbert A. Blaize Airport completed a successful night-landing readiness test, with the Grenada Airports Authority preparing applications for official scheduled night operations. Regional Policy & Law: CCJ President Winston Anderson urged nuclear-armed states to adopt no first use of nuclear weapons, framing it as a legal step to reduce catastrophe risk. Spicemas & Community: Grenada’s carnival scene saw new soca monarchs crowned (Groovy: Sabrina Francis; Power: Rio “Snakey” St Paul) and police plan breathalyzer checks during Carnival season. Education & Scholarships: Allshores awarded its inaugural $20,000 postgraduate scholarship to Grenadian medical student Shani Tucker, backing her path to cardiology.

Grenada Politics & Governance: Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell says the Congress administration has terminated Grenada’s offshore oil-and-gas deal with Russia-linked Global Petroleum Group (GPG), citing missed work, no credible development plan, and failure to submit required monthly expenditure reports. Legal & Courts: Former Attorney-General Jimmy Bristol, KC, scores a major win after a Court of Appeal judge was stepped down as unconstitutional, creating a vacancy in the Court of Appeal. Citizenship-by-Investment Oversight: Grenada passes a CBI amendment bill to strengthen transparency and oversight, placing the new Eastern Caribbean Citizenship by Investment Regulatory Authority (ECCIRA) at the center of regional regulation as the EU presses for reforms. Local Infrastructure: Carriacou’s Herbert A. Blaize Airport moves closer to 24-hour operations after a successful night-landing flight test, with licensing steps now underway. Public Safety (Carnival): The Royal Grenada Police Force reminds motorists to expect breathalyzer checks and to avoid impaired driving during Carnival. Regional Policy Pressure: The EU’s push to phase out CBI schemes by 2028 threatens visa-free Schengen access for several Eastern Caribbean states, with Grenada named among those affected. Caribbean Context: A wider debate continues over tougher U.S. immigration and visa rules impacting the region, including Grenada. Culture & Society: Grenada’s Spicemas continues with new soca monarchs crowned and ongoing community debate around major projects like the Drill Yard demolition and the Levera Golf Course consultation.

U.S. Diplomacy Shake-Up: The State Department says it will close five overseas missions, including the U.S. embassy in St. George’s, Grenada, as part of a cost-cutting restructuring that also hits Douala, Nagoya, Medan, and Winnipeg. CBI Under EU Pressure: Grenada has passed the Citizenship by Investment (Amendment) Bill to boost oversight and regional cooperation via ECCIRA, as the EU pushes Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St. Kitts and Nevis, and St. Lucia to reform or risk losing Schengen visa-free access by June 2028. Oil & Gas Fallout: Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell says the Congress administration terminated the Russian-backed Global Petroleum Group (GPG) energy contract, citing missed work, missing monthly expenditure reports, and lack of verifiable funds. Local Governance & Safety: The Royal Grenada Police Force warns motorists about breathalyzer checks and impaired driving enforcement during Carnival. Infrastructure for Carriacou: A successful night-landing test at Carriacou’s Herbert A. Blaize Airport moves the sister isle closer to 24-hour operations. Spicemas Culture: Bacchanal Friday crowned Sabrina Francis (Groovy Soca) and Rio “Snakey” St Paul (Power Soca) as new monarchs. Legal/Heritage: The Drill Yard demolition fight continues as Grenada’s National Trust seeks an interim injunction, with international support backing preservation efforts.

Oil & Gas Oversight: Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell says his Congress administration terminated the Russian-backed Global Petroleum Group (GPG) contract, citing missed work, no proper development plan, and failure to submit monthly expenditure reports. CBI Reform: Grenada passed the Citizenship by Investment (Amendment) Bill to boost transparency and oversight, placing the new Eastern Caribbean Citizenship by Investment Regulatory Authority (ECCIRA) at the center of regional regulation ahead of EU pressure. Courts & Governance: Former AG Jimmy Bristol KC scored a major legal win as a Court of Appeal appointment was ruled unconstitutional, creating a vacancy and raising questions about judicial appointments. Local Infrastructure: Carriacou’s Herbert A. Blaize Airport completed a successful night-landing readiness test, with licensing steps now underway to move toward 24-hour operations. Spicemas & Public Safety: Police will conduct breathalyzer checks during Carnival, while Bacchanal Friday crowned Sabrina Francis (Groovy) and Rio “Snakey” St Paul (Power). Community & Heritage: Grenada Land Actors challenged the Levera Golf Course ESIA process, and the Drill Yard demolition fight has drawn international support for an interim injunction. Regional Mobility: The U.S. State Department plans to close its St. George’s mission as part of a wider diplomatic cost-cutting push. Fisheries Costs: Fishermen in the region warn limited ice capacity and rising upfront costs (ice, bait, insurance, diesel) could hit the November season. People & Culture: Allshores awarded its inaugural $20,000 postgraduate scholarship to Grenada medical student Shani Tucker.