AGP Executive Report

Early Learning: Sacred Heart Catholic Pre-Primary School has opened in Tivoli, St Andrew, giving La Poterie’s relocated preschool a permanent home. The EC$1.9 million project includes classrooms, furnishings and playground equipment. Community Tourism: Grenada’s tourism authority plans to introduce Pure Experiences in mid-October, promoting locally run tours across Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique—from heritage and food to nature and crafts. Youth Sport: A new St Andrew grassroots football programme will give young players regular weekend matches and a clearer path from training to clubs and national teams. Carriacou Culture: Corn Fest returns to Hillsborough Botanical Gardens on October 25, celebrating the island’s corn traditions, dishes and crafts. Caribbean Music: Tributes continue to honour the Mighty Sparrow, born in Grenada, whose calypso storytelling shaped Caribbean music for generations.**

Local Tourism: Grenada’s Pure Experiences programme is due to launch in mid-October, promoting locally run tours across Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique—from heritage and food experiences to nature, wellness and community activities. Carriacou Culture: Corn Fest returns to Hillsborough Botanical Gardens on October 25, celebrating the island’s staple crop with traditional favourites such as coo-coo, corn bread and paime. Education: Republic Bank has donated interactive boards and classroom equipment to St John’s Christian Secondary School, supporting digital learning across its classrooms and Food and Nutrition lab. Skills & Opportunity: Educators and disability-group representatives are training in bamboo weaving, exploring how the local craft could create income opportunities. Cultural Legacy: As the Caribbean mourns the Mighty Sparrow, tributes recall the calypso legend’s Grenada birth and his lasting influence on the region’s music and storytelling. Community Health: St George’s University’s Women in Medicine group will offer free breast health education, examinations and basic checks at St Patrick’s Anglican School on October 24.

Caribbean Culture: Grenadian soca artist Tallpree was among eight creatives and community leaders honoured at the Caribbean Cultural Diplomats Experience in Brooklyn, celebrating the region’s heritage and influence. Mighty Sparrow’s Legacy: As the calypso legend’s body returned to Trinidad for a state-assisted farewell, tributes recalled his Grenadian birth and the songs that carried Caribbean stories worldwide. Local Tourism: Grenada’s Tourism Authority plans to launch Pure Experiences in mid-October, promoting locally run cultural, culinary, nature and community tours across Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique. Craft and Opportunity: Educators and disability groups are learning bamboo weaving through a China-Grenada agriculture project, with the craft presented as a potential source of income. Youth and Sport: More than 100 primary schools are set to take part in the GFA–Beacon Insurance football competition, expanding opportunities for boys and girls across the islands. Community Health: St George’s University’s Women in Medicine will offer free breast health education, examinations and blood pressure checks at Sauteurs’ St Patrick’s Anglican School on October 24.

Local Experiences: The Grenada Tourism Authority plans to launch Pure Experiences in mid-October, promoting locally run tours across Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique, from food and heritage to nature and community activities. Young Talent: More than 100 schools are set to take part in the GFA–Beacon primary football competition, with boys’ and girls’ games expected to begin October 14. Sparrow’s Legacy: As the Mighty Sparrow’s body returned to Trinidad for a state-assisted farewell, tributes renewed attention to his Grenadian roots: he was born in Grand Roy, St John, before moving to Trinidad as a child. Community Health: St George’s University’s Women in Medicine group will offer free breast health education, examinations and blood pressure checks at St Patrick’s Anglican School in Sauteurs on October 24. Youth and the Sea: Grenadian students can enter FCCA essay and poster competitions exploring what makes the islands distinctive and how young people can protect the ocean.

Local Tourism: The Grenada Tourism Authority plans to launch Pure Experiences in mid-October, promoting locally run tours across Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique, from food and heritage to nature and community activities. Calypso Legacy: Mighty Sparrow’s body has returned to Trinidad ahead of a state-assisted funeral. Born in Grand Roy, Grenada, the calypso icon was remembered in tributes for carrying Caribbean stories to the world. Youth Sport: More than 100 schools are set to take part in the GFA–Beacon Insurance primary school football competition, starting October 14 and including boys’ and girls’ teams across the tri-island state. Community Health: A free breast clinic at St Patrick’s Anglican School in Sauteurs on October 24 will offer breast health education, examinations and blood-pressure checks. Civic Life: Grenada’s general election is set for November 5; NNP leader Emmalin Pierre has challenged Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell to a national debate.

Cultural Legacy: Grenada-born calypso legend Mighty Sparrow’s body has returned to Trinidad and Tobago ahead of a state-assisted funeral. Tributes continue to honour the artist whose songs carried Caribbean stories around the world. Election Watch: Grenada votes on November 5. Opposition leader Emmalin Pierre has challenged Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell to a national debate, promising a clean campaign focused on policies. Community Health: A free breast health clinic will offer education, examinations and blood pressure checks at St Patrick’s Anglican School in Sauteurs on October 24. Youth Sport: The GFA–Beacon Insurance primary school football competition starts October 14, with 54 boys’ teams and 51 girls’ teams expected to take part across Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique.

Regional Scholarships: SVG’s Kaia Kydd joins the Pearl Allison Lake Scholarship Fund, while Rayshawn Charles secures his second-year renewal—supporting students with annual help for school costs. Justice & Training: Correctional officers across 10 Caribbean countries, including Grenada, complete regional training under a EU/UNDP justice partnership aimed at safer custody and better rehabilitation. Sports & Youth: The Grenada Football Association and Beacon Insurance launch a 2026 primary school football competition with 105 schools set to take part, giving boys and girls structured grassroots play. Elections Watch: Grenada’s general election is set for Nov 5, with nomination day on Oct 15 and a police polling day on Nov 2, as parties ramp up campaigning and debate. Culture & Community: Tributes continue for calypso icon Mighty Sparrow, with calls for his legacy to be honoured across the Caribbean and beyond, including remembrance events in New York. Health in Schools: St Patrick’s Anglican School in Sauteurs hosts a free breast clinic focused on awareness, early detection, and screening info. Clean Ocean Planning: TNC seeks a GIS consultant for Grenada’s Clean and Healthy Ocean project to map wastewater and stormwater outfalls.

Hill District nightlife boost: Frank Terry and other locals are welcoming the new Citizens Live venue at Wylie, now hosting major acts and promising more entertainment options for the community. Breast health access: Women in Medicine at St George’s University is running a free breast clinic at St Patrick’s Anglican School in Sauteurs (Oct 24), offering education, exams, blood pressure checks, and screening info. Grassroots football for kids: The Grenada Football Association and Beacon Insurance are launching a national primary school football competition (54 boys’ teams, 51 girls’ teams) starting Oct 14, expanding structured play across Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique. Elections in focus: Grenada’s general election is set for Nov 5, with nomination day on Oct 15 and a police polling day on Nov 2; opposition leader Emmalin Pierre is pushing for a national debate with PM Dickon Mitchell. Culture in mourning: Tributes continue for Grenada-born calypso icon Slinger “Mighty Sparrow” Francisco, including calls for his remains to pass through Grenada and memorial services across the Caribbean diaspora. Clean ocean planning: TNC has issued an RFP for a GIS consultant to map wastewater and stormwater outfalls under Grenada’s Clean and Healthy Ocean project.

Grenada Election Watch: Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell has confirmed general elections for November 5, 2026, with Nomination Day set for October 15 and a special polling day for police officers on November 2; the announcement follows Parliament’s dissolution on October 2 and a reported leak of election details now under investigation. Calypso & Community: The Caribbean is mourning Slinger “Mighty Sparrow” Francisco, with major tributes in New York including a three-hour memorial at Linden Seventh-day Adventist Church in Queens, where officials and clergy praised his role in carrying Caribbean stories through music. Regional Culture Spotlight: Trinidad and Tobago has announced Calypso History Month will run in Sparrow’s memory, alongside plans for an official state-assisted funeral and national tribute. Travel Rules Update: The US has introduced a visa bond for eligible B1/B2 applicants from 50 countries, with bond amounts up to US$20,000 decided at interview—India is not on the list, while Bangladesh, Bhutan and Nepal are. Local Life & Safety: The Royal Grenada Police Force outlined traffic arrangements for an NDC rally at Alston George Park, Victoria, St Mark, effective from 4 pm to midnight.

Grenada Election Watch: Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell has confirmed Grenadians will vote on November 5, after a leaked Government Gazette circulated nomination and election dates; he says an investigation is underway. Caribbean Music & Identity: The world is mourning Slinger “The Mighty Sparrow” Francisco, the Grenada-born calypso legend who died in New York at 91, with major tributes and plans for a state-assisted send-off in Trinidad and Tobago. Culture in the Diaspora: St. Paul’s Church in Flatbush, Brooklyn held a successful homecoming celebration, blending faith, history and community remembrance. Youth & Skills: Grenada’s SoundLeap live sound training cohort put their learning to work at Sound Fest, with the next programme set for April 2027. Community Support: Reach Within highlights ongoing trauma-healing and transitional support for children and young adults in Grenada’s care system. Global Travel Policy: The US visa bond rule for some nationalities (up to $20,000) is making headlines, with guidance stressing applicants should only pay after consular instructions.

Grenada Elections: Grenada will hold general elections on Nov 5, with Oct 15 set for candidate nominations, as Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell prepares to formally announce the date. Calypso Legacy: Trinidad and Tobago is set to honour Grenada-born calypso icon Slinger “Mighty Sparrow” Francisco with an official state-assisted funeral and a month-long Calypso History tribute, while tributes continue across the region. Local Culture & Skills: SoundLeap’s first cohort of 16 students put live sound training into practice at Sound Fest, with the next programme slated for April 2027. Community Support: Reach Within, a Grenadian charity, is expanding trauma-healing and transitional support for children and youth in care, including mentoring, counselling, and skills-building. Youth & Learning: A Grenada school literacy push is underway, with students pausing lessons to pick up books as educators tackle foundational reading concerns. Traffic & Politics: The Royal Grenada Police Force outlines road closures and one-way traffic for an NDC rally at Alston George Park on Oct 4.

Grenada Elections: Grenada will hold general elections on Nov 5, with candidate nominations due Oct 15, after Parliament was dissolved and voter registration deadlines were highlighted by Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell. Calypso & Culture: Trinidad and Tobago announced an official state-assisted funeral for Grenada-born calypso icon Slinger “Mighty Sparrow” Francisco, with Calypso History Month and national tributes planned. Local Talent & Skills: SoundLeap students (the first cohort) put their live sound training into practice at Sound Fest, with the next programme set for April 2027. Community & Care: Reach Within continues trauma-healing and transitional support for Grenada’s children and teens in care, including skills-building like crochet and hydroponic farming. Lifestyle & Health: Onvida Health welcomed Dr. Brandon West, while a breast cancer survivor story spotlights prevention and early screening. Road & Events: Police issued traffic arrangements for an NDC rally at Alston George Park in St Mark on Oct 4.

Caribbean Culture: Trinidad and Tobago will hold an official state-assisted funeral for Grenada-born calypso icon Dr. Slinger “Mighty Sparrow” Francisco, with a committee working with his family and Calypso History Month dedicated to his memory. Regional Tributes: The University of Trinidad and Tobago and other Caribbean voices are mourning Sparrow’s legacy, while stories also highlight his ties to Grenada and Trinidad, including family and music-industry connections. Grenada Community & Learning: Grenada’s Reach Within charity continues trauma-healing and skills support for young people in care, including new entrepreneur training like crochet and hydroponic farming. Youth & Skills: SoundLeap’s first cohort of 16 students put live sound engineering training into practice at Sound Fest, with the next programme set for April 2027. Local Notices: The Royal Grenada Police Force issued traffic arrangements for the NDC Rally at Alston George Park on Sunday, 4 October. Lifestyle & Health: A Grenadian breast cancer survivor shares a prevention and early screening message as awareness focus returns. Travel & Migration (Regional Interest): The US visa bond plan for B1/B2 travellers is rolling out for 50 countries, while Grenada readers may also be watching shifting residency and citizenship-by-investment rules across Europe.

Electricity costs in focus: In St. Vincent and the Grenadines, VINLEC’s fuel surcharge is still climbing—fuel is about 76% of monthly costs, and higher diesel use is pushing bills up again after brief relief. Travel rules update: The US has rolled out a visa bond programme for 50 countries—India is not on the list, but eligible travellers from covered nations may be asked to deposit up to US$20,000 during a B1/B2 visa interview. Regional migration policy: Belize is proposing investor residency and seasonal worker pathways to tackle labour shortages, including temporary work permits for agriculture, construction and hospitality. Caribbean culture in mourning: Trinidad and Tobago’s Calypso History Month opens with plans for a state-assisted funeral for Grenada-born calypso icon Slinger “The Mighty Sparrow” Francisco, with tributes and condolence books across the country. Grenada youth & skills: SoundLeap’s first cohort of 16 students put live sound training into practice at Sound Fest, with the next programme set for April 2027. Community support: Republic Bank staff volunteered at St Peter’s RC Church Soup Kitchen in Gouyave and donated a washing machine to help the ministry keep serving meals. Sports tourism: Grenada is expanding sports tourism with a Carriacou open water swim, adding more options for visitors and athletes.

Calypso & Culture: Grenada-born calypso icon Slinger Francisco, “The Mighty Sparrow,” died at 91 on Sept. 27 in New York, prompting tributes across the Caribbean and beyond, including messages highlighting his sharp social commentary, storytelling, and how his music carried Caribbean identity worldwide. Diaspora Music Legacy: Dr. Suzanne Straker Greenidge-Hewitt spoke on how Brooklyn’s Straker’s Records helped preserve Sparrow’s recorded history, noting the family’s personal connection and the poignancy of their deaths one month apart. Youth & Community (Grenada): St. Martin De Porres RC school is pausing lessons twice weekly for reading support as educators push practical ways to lift literacy in Grenada. Skills & Jobs (Grenada): SoundLeap’s first cohort of 16 students put live sound training into practice at Sound Fest, with the next programme set for April 2027. Local Giving: Republic Bank staff volunteered at St Peter’s RC Church Soup Kitchen in Gouyave and donated a washing machine to support daily meal service. Sports Tourism: Carriacou’s open water swim plans and the King Ocean International Grenada Drags brought regional attention to Grenada’s growing sports calendar. Policy Watch: Citizenship-by-investment uncertainty grows as the EU orders Caribbean CBI programmes to be scrapped by 2028, with knock-on effects for Nigerians seeking EU access.

International Day of Older Persons: Grenada joins global calls for healthier, supported ageing as the UN highlights the gap between life expectancy and healthy life expectancy. Calypso & Culture: Tributes continue for Grenada-born calypso icon Slinger “Mighty Sparrow” Francisco, who died at 91, with stories recalling how calypso carried Caribbean wit, history, and social truth. Local Community & Youth Skills: SoundLeap’s first cohort of 16 students put live sound training into practice at Sound Fest, with the next programme set for April 2027. Sports Tourism: Grenada is expanding its calendar with the Grenada & Carriacou Open Water Swim (Nov 19–22, 2026), blending races with tours and underwater experiences. Child Month 2026: October’s Child Month runs 1–31 under “My Health, My Safety: Our Responsibility,” featuring church services, marches, health walks, and school activities. Education & Water Access: The National Education Trust is installing safe drinking water and hydration stations in schools, prioritising drought-affected institutions.