AGP Executive Report

Grenada–Africa Push: Grenada is deepening ties with Africa with visa-free access for Nigerian passport holders (starting July), talks on direct air links, and an investment push aimed at sectors like healthcare, agriculture, real estate and finance. Diplomatic Backlash: Foreign Affairs Minister Joseph Andall defended the policy publicly, calling criticism “self-hatred” and stressing movement of people, goods and services. Community & Culture: The Grenada Tourism Authority, with the 4-H Unit, launched a National Beautification Competition ahead of the Grenada Flower and Garden Festival (8–15 Nov 2026), with registration open until 30 June. Media Freedom: MWAG President Calistra Farrier urged journalists to resist self-censorship amid social media attacks during Media Week. Soca Spotlight: Grenadian soca artist V’ghn scored seven nominations at the Caribbean Music Awards 2026, including Soca Performer of the Year and a collaboration nod. Health & Rights: A Grenada legal commentary highlights that suicide attempts are still criminalised under the Criminal Code, raising concerns for mental health access.

Africa–Grenada diplomacy: Grenada is pushing deeper ties with Africa, with visa-free access for Nigerian passport holders set to start in July, plus talks about possible direct air links within six months—framed by Foreign Affairs Minister Joseph Andall as a move to boost movement of people, goods and services. Local governance & culture tourism: The Grenada Tourism Authority and the 4-H Unit have launched a National Beautification Competition ahead of the inaugural Grenada Flower and Garden Festival (8–15 Nov 2026), with registration open until 30 June and projects ranging from school and roadside upgrades to community gardens. Soca spotlight: Grenadian soca artist V’ghn scored seven nominations at the Caribbean Music Awards 2026, including Soca Performer of the Year and a collaboration nod for “Jab Decisions.” Health & rights debate: A Grenadian commentary argues suicide is still criminalised under Section 233, calling it harmful for people in crisis and urging reform. Regional lifestyle & food: A separate piece highlights how community farmers markets are supporting fresh, locally sourced eating habits and wellness traditions.

Diplomacy & Identity: Foreign Affairs Minister Joseph Andall defended Grenada’s push to deepen ties with Africa, calling out critics of visa policy as rooted in “self-hatred” and arguing the goal is wider movement of people, goods and services. Community & Culture: The Grenada Tourism Authority, with the 4-H Unit, launched a National Beautification Competition ahead of the Grenada Flower and Garden Festival (8–15 Nov 2026), inviting schools and community groups to upgrade public spaces and gardens. Regional Learning: Dominica’s ACT in Mathematics Cohort 2 wrapped up, bringing together teachers from Dominica, Barbados and Grenada with support from UWI Mona and the Commonwealth of Learning. Health & Policy Debate: A Grenadian legal commentary argues suicide is still criminalised under Section 233, raising concerns about stigma and access to help. Arts & Lifestyle: A global feature spotlights underwater sculptures as living reefs and immersive attractions, from Spain’s Museo Atlántico to Mexico’s Silent Evolution. Music Spotlight: Grenadian soca star V’ghn earned seven nominations at the Caribbean Music Awards 2026, including Soca Performer of the Year and a collaboration nod.

Grenada Beautification Push: The Grenada Tourism Authority, with the 4-H Unit and partners, has launched a National Beautification Competition ahead of the inaugural Grenada Flower and Garden Festival (8–15 Nov 2026), with registration open until 30 June and projects ranging from school and roadside upgrades to public and tourism-space improvements. Regional Skills Training: Antigua and Barbuda will host an OECS Services Sector Training Programme (June 29–July 2) aimed at strengthening trade officials’ and policymakers’ knowledge for better services-sector competitiveness. Math Education Boost: Dominica’s secondary educators have completed ACT in Mathematics Cohort 2, bringing teachers from Dominica, Barbados, and Grenada together with UWI Mona and the Commonwealth of Learning to improve classroom math and tech use. Soca Spotlight: Grenadian soca star V’ghn leads with seven nominations at the Caribbean Music Awards 2026, including Soca Performer of the Year and a collaboration nod for “Jab Decisions.” Teacher Pay Pressure: Grenada’s Ministry of Education responds to Grenada Union of Teachers concerns over salary delays, saying teachers remain on the payroll and clarifying missed or partial pay cycles. Animal Health & Politics: Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell backs the Veterinary Division’s decision to put down two diseased horses imported from St Lucia, while a lawsuit and political fallout continue around importer Royan Smith.

Grenada Beautification Push: The Grenada Tourism Authority, with the 4-H Unit and partners, has launched a National Beautification Competition ahead of the inaugural Grenada Flower and Garden Festival (8–15 Nov 2026). Schools, community groups and individuals can register now (deadline 30 June) to upgrade roadside, school and public spaces—aiming for cleaner, greener parishes. Soca Spotlight: Grenadian soca star V’ghn leads with seven Caribbean Music Awards 2026 nominations, including Soca Performer of the Year and a collaboration nod for “Jab Decisions.” Media Freedom: MWAG President Calistra Farrier urged journalists to resist self-censorship amid social media attacks, saying words may hurt, but “our pens have more power.” Education Watch: The Ministry of Education responded to Grenada Union of Teachers concerns over salary delays, saying all teachers are on the payroll and receiving salaries. Sports & Tourism Growth: IHG announced InterContinental Grenada-La Sagesse will open in Nov 2026 with 120 rooms, multiple dining spots, a spa and major event space.

Church & Community: Pride J’ouvert returns June 21 with a Jab-themed celebration built for Black and Caribbean Queer joy, rooted in emancipation and designed as a safe space for 2SLGBTQ+ people and allies. Arts & Theatre: New York Classical Theatre’s outdoor “The Tragedy of Julius Caesar” is drawing audiences through Central Park with an LGBTQ+ lens and park-as-scenery storytelling. Local Culture & Tourism: The Grenada Tourism Authority launches a National Beautification Competition ahead of the inaugural Grenada Flower and Garden Festival (Nov 8–15, 2026), with registration open until June 30. Music Spotlight: Grenadian soca star V’ghn lands seven nominations at the Caribbean Music Awards 2026, including Soca Performer of the Year and a “Jab Decisions” collaboration. Media & Inclusion: MWAG President Calistra Farrier urges journalists to resist self-censorship amid social media attacks, stressing that “words” may hurt, but pens still hold power. Sports & Environment: GNSA and GSWMA recognize schools in the Blaze the Track – Smash the Trash Competition, pushing cleaner sports events through student-led responsibility. Education & Safety: Grenada’s cybersecurity team warns primary students that digital footprints are permanent, urging healthier screen habits. Hospitality Growth: IHG announces InterContinental Grenada-La Sagesse will open in November 2026, bringing new dining, spa, and event space to La Sagesse Bay.

Caribbean Music Awards Buzz: Grenadian soca star V’ghn has landed seven nominations at the Caribbean Music Awards 2026, including Soca Performer of the Year, Soca Collaboration for “Jab Decisions” (with Tera D Governor), and the Soca Impact Award—making him joint second among the most nominated artists. Media Freedom: MWAG president Calistra Farrier urged Grenadian journalists to resist self-censorship amid social media attacks, saying words may hurt, but “our pens have more power.” Local Politics & Justice: Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell backed the Veterinary Division’s decision to put down two diseased horses imported from St Lucia, while importer Royan Smith has filed a lawsuit and officials say a report has been sent to police for possible charges. Church in Transition: Pope Leo XIV accepted Bishop Clyde Harvey’s resignation, with Archbishop Gabriel Malzaire appointed as Apostolic Administrator during the handover. Education & Pay: The Ministry of Education defended its handling of teacher salary delays after the GUT flagged 17 teachers affected between Sept 2025 and April 2026. Public Safety Online: A cybersecurity session warned primary students that their digital footprint is permanent and urged healthier screen-time habits. Tourism & Hospitality: IHG announced InterContinental Grenada-La Sagesse will open in November 2026, bringing 120 rooms, multiple dining spots, a spa, and major event space.

Labour & unions: As Labour Day (June 19) nears, Grenada spotlights Doodnath Maharaj, a former General Secretary of the Oilfields Workers Trade Union, whose long work helped shape the trade union movement. Church & community: Suspended Roman Catholic priest Fr. Gerard Paul says Bishop Clyde Harvey’s retirement won’t end his stand-off with the clergy, while Pope Leo XIV’s acceptance of Harvey’s resignation also brings an Apostolic Administrator to lead the diocese during transition. Local justice & health: Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell backs the Veterinary Division’s decision to put down two disease-positive horses imported from St Lucia, and the importer Royan Smith has filed a lawsuit after the State moves toward possible criminal charges. Politics behind the scenes: Reports claim the horse case is tied to a wider NDC vs NNP power struggle, with allegations about political connections and “smuggling” without proper permits. Media freedom: MWAG President Calistra Farrier urges journalists to resist self-censorship amid online attacks. Education & pay: The Ministry of Education responds to GUT concerns over teacher salary delays, saying teachers remain on payroll and clarifying missed or partial pay cycles. Children online safety: A regional session warns primary students that digital footprints are permanent and should be managed responsibly. Transport & travel rules: Government advances a Passenger Information and Passenger Name Record Bill (2026) and updates public transport support for bus operators. Culture & music: Grenadian soca V’ghn earns Caribbean Music Awards nominations as the region’s music scene gears up for another big season.

Public Transport Support: Grenada says it’s investing over EC$1.7 million (2025–2026) to help bus operators with fuel and maintenance costs while protecting commuters from fare hikes, including a fuel tax rebate and a western bus passenger relief initiative, with more support approved like a 50% concession on tyres and parts. Education & Teachers: The Ministry of Education responds to Grenada Union of Teachers concerns over delayed pay, saying all teachers are on the payroll and clarifying missed or partial payments in specific cycles. Health & Learning: St. George’s University (SGU) will hold a special commencement ceremony in Gaborone on June 27 as part of its 50th anniversary, honouring over 130 Botswana physicians trained at the school. Security & Travel Data: Government advances the Advance Passenger Information and Passenger Name Record Bill, 2026, to set rules for collecting and protecting passenger data for air and sea travel. Culture & Music: IHG announces InterContinental Grenada-La Sagesse opening in November 2026, while Grenadian soca V’ghn earns Caribbean Music Awards nominations alongside regional stars. Faith & Community: Pope Leo XIV accepts Bishop Clyde Harvey’s resignation; Archbishop Gabriel Malzaire becomes Apostolic Administrator during the transition. Environment & Youth: GNSA and GSWMA recognise schools in the Blaze the Track – Smash the Trash competition, pushing cleaner sports events and better waste habits.

Xenophobia in the Region: A Caribbean chronicler calls out how “foreigners” labels are used inside CARICOM even as migrants demand respect, spotlighting investor Rayneau Gadjadhar and the eyebrow-raising backlash he faces. Grenada Transport Support: The government says it invested over EC$1.7m (2025–2026) to help bus operators with fuel and keep fares affordable, with more support like a 50% tyre and parts concession approved. Education Pay Tensions: The Ministry of Education responds to the Grenada Union of Teachers over delayed salary payments, saying teachers are on the payroll and clarifying missed/partial pay cycles. Children & Digital Safety: A cybersecurity expert warns primary students their digital footprint is permanent and urges healthier screen habits. Church Leadership Transition: Pope Leo XIV accepts Bishop Clyde Harvey’s resignation; Archbishop Gabriel Malzaire becomes Apostolic Administrator during the search for a successor. Tourism & Hospitality: IHG announces InterContinental Grenada-La Sagesse opening in November 2026, bringing 120 rooms, multiple dining options, and major event space. Trade Mission: Grenada hosts a Canada–India Trade and Investment Mission (10–14 June) targeting sectors from education and tech to tourism and manufacturing. Animal Health Enforcement: Grenada moves toward legal action after illegal importation of two disease-positive horses, with new port procedures and a public education push. OECS Oceans Focus: OECS marks World Oceans Day with a Blue Economy message linking fisheries, tourism, and waste management to survival and identity.

Grenada–Canada–India Business: Grenada is hosting a high-level Canada–India Trade and Investment Mission (10–14 June) to open doors in education, science/tech, pharmacology, tourism, manufacturing and services. Public Transport Support: The government says it’s investing over EC$1.7 million (2025–2026) to help bus operators with fuel and maintenance while protecting commuters from fare hikes, plus a planned 50% concession on key maintenance items. Education Pay Tensions: The Ministry of Education responds to Grenada Union of Teachers concerns over teacher salary delays, saying all teachers are on the payroll and clarifying missed or partial pay cycles. Child Safety Online: Grenada’s cybersecurity team coordinator warns primary students that digital footprints are permanent and urges healthier screen-time habits. Church Transition: The Roman Catholic Bishop Clyde Harvey’s eight-year tenure ends as Pope Leo XIV accepts his resignation, with an Apostolic Administrator appointed for the transition. Tourism & Lifestyle: IHG announces InterContinental Grenada-La Sagesse opening in November 2026, bringing 120 rooms, multiple dining options, a spa, and major event space. Culture & Music: Caribbean Music Awards nominations highlight Grenadian soca talent V’ghn alongside regional stars. Environment & Oceans: OECS marks World Oceans Day with a push for a Blue Economy focused on fisheries, coastal tourism and waste management.

Child Health Advocacy: A regional push called “Make it Make Sense for Our Future / Hope for the Future 3.0” is engaging kids, parents, educators and health workers on how unhealthy food and beverage marketing affects school food choices, with activities running across Barbados, Grenada, Jamaica, St. Kitts and Nevis, and Trinidad and Tobago. Education & Pay: The Grenada Union of Teachers says 17 teachers were owed salaries between Sept 2025 and April 2026, while the Ministry of Education insists all teachers are on the payroll and clarifies missed or partial pay cycles. Travel & Data Rules: Government advances the Advance Passenger Information and Passenger Name Record Bill, 2026, to set a framework for collecting and protecting passenger data across air and sea travel. Church Transition: Pope Leo XIV accepts Bishop Clyde Harvey’s resignation; Archbishop Gabriel Malzaire of Saint Lucia becomes Apostolic Administrator during the search for a new bishop. Culture & Creativity: GOCA announces Grenadian creatives heading to Annecy for animation, and a new exhibition explores dancehall and reggaeton’s impact on art and identity. Environment & Community: GNSA and GSWMA celebrate Blaze the Track – Smash the Trash winners, rewarding schools for cleaner sports events. Tourism Growth: IHG confirms InterContinental Grenada-La Sagesse opening in Nov 2026.

Education & Health: St. Georges University (SGU) will hold a special Medicine School commencement ceremony in Gaborone on 27 June, with Grenada’s Health Minister Dr. Stephen Modise delivering the keynote as part of SGU’s 50th anniversary celebrations. Teacher Pay Pressure: The Ministry of Education says teachers remain on payroll and are being paid, after the Grenada Union of Teachers (GUT) raised concerns about long-running salary delays affecting 17 educators between Sept 2025 and April 2026. Privacy & Travel Rules: Government advances the Advance Passenger Information and Passenger Name Record Bill, 2026, to set a legal framework for collecting and protecting passenger data across air and sea travel. Regional Education Legacy: OECS PEARL launches a “Legacy” communications campaign to carry education reforms forward after the project phase ends on 30 June 2026. Culture & Youth Lifestyle: A first-of-its-kind exhibition at the MCA explores how dancehall and reggaeton shaped art, identity, and social movements. Environment & Community: GNSA and GSWMA celebrate winners of the “Blaze the Track – Smash the Trash” school competition, pushing cleaner sports events. Tourism Watch: IHG announces InterContinental Grenada-La Sagesse opening in November 2026, bringing new rooms, dining, spa and event space.

Tourism & Hospitality: IHG has announced the November 2026 opening of InterContinental Grenada-La Sagesse, bringing 120 rooms, multiple dining spots, a spa, Kids Club and major event space to La Sagesse Bay. Blue Economy & Oceans: World Oceans Day coverage spotlights OECS priorities under the Blue Economy push—fisheries, marine tourism and waste management—framing the ocean as Grenada’s survival and identity. Cyber & Youth Safety: A regional session for primary students warns that digital footprints are permanent, urging kids to manage screen time and think before they post. Environment & Community Concerns: An ESIA consultant defending Roseau sand harvesting says the biggest risk is damage to fisheries, while residents question consultation and biodiversity baseline gaps. Education & Teachers: The Grenada Union of Teachers accuses the education ministry of downplaying delays in teachers’ pay, with some cases stretching months. Religion: Pope Leo XIV has accepted Bishop Clyde Harvey’s resignation as Bishop of St. George’s, with an apostolic administrator appointed during the transition. Culture & Creativity: GOCA says three Grenadian animation creatives will represent Grenada at Annecy and MIFA Market, backed by its Animation Accelerator. Health & Wellbeing: Grenada is reported to be launching a National Suicide Prevention Hotline, alongside broader calls for stronger mental health support. Diaspora & Travel: Grenada Diaspora Homecoming 2026 runs June 21–July 5, with cultural events and business forums across the islands.

New Hotel Opening: IHG has announced InterContinental Grenada–La Sagesse will open in November 2026 on the southeast coast, bringing 120 rooms, multiple dining spots, a spa, Kids Club, and major event space. Digital Safety for Kids: Grenada’s Cybersecurity Incident Response Team warned primary students that their digital footprint is permanent and urged smart screen-time habits. Environment & Local Livelihoods: A consultant defending Roseau sand harvesting says the biggest risk is damage to fisheries, while admitting gaps in biodiversity baseline work. World Oceans Day (OECS): OECS leaders pushed a “Blue Economy” approach focused on fisheries, marine tourism, and waste management to protect island seas. Culture & Faith: Pope Leo XIV accepted Bishop Clyde Harvey’s resignation, with an apostolic administrator appointed during the transition. Teachers’ Pay Pressure: The Grenada Union of Teachers accuses the education ministry of downplaying long delays, with some educators waiting up to eight months. Mental Health Call: A new piece highlights Grenada’s men’s suicide crisis and the urgent need to close the gap in mental health support. Diaspora & Travel: Grenada Diaspora Homecoming 2026 runs June 21–July 5 with cultural and business events across the islands, plus added flights. Creative Growth: GOCA says three Grenadian animation creatives will attend Annecy and MIFA, aiming to connect local talent to global markets. Sports & Lifestyle: FRO Fest 2026 returns to St. Kitts and Nevis on June 20, celebrating natural beauty, fashion, culture, and Caribbean-owned businesses. Community Notice: RGPF warns against unlawful masquerading that disrupts residents, damages property, and creates safety risks.

Grenada Diaspora Homecoming 2026: The two-week return runs June 21 to July 5 across Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique, with cultural festivals, heritage tours, family days, community projects and business/networking forums—plus extra flights from major markets. Soca & Caribbean music buzz: The 2026 Caribbean Music Awards nominations are out, with Grenadian soca star V’ghn earning seven nods alongside Lady Lava, Ayetian and Machel Montano. Catholic Church update: Pope Leo XIV has accepted Bishop Clyde Harvey’s resignation as Bishop of St. George’s, with Archbishops Gabriel Malzaire stepping in as Apostolic Administrator during the transition. Education & teachers’ pay: The Grenada Union of Teachers says some educators are still facing months-long payment delays, accusing the Ministry of Education of downplaying the problem. Culture on the global stage: GOCA says three Grenadian creatives will head to Annecy and MIFA to represent Grenada in animation. Community & safety: The Royal Grenada Police Force warns against unlawful masquerading that disrupts residents and damages property. Blue economy inspiration: Students took part in “Explore the Blue – Marine Pathways” at Port Louis Marina, using glass-bottom boats to learn marine careers.