AGP Executive Report

Grenada Politics: Grenada’s Parliament has been dissolved, effective Friday Oct. 2, setting up the next general election, with Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell expected to announce the date on Sunday. Farewell to Long-Serving MPs: In a special Thursday sitting, former PM Dr. Keith Mitchell marked 42 years as St George North-West MP, while other veteran lawmakers also used the moment to reflect on decades of public service. Cyber Safety for Voters: As campaigning ramps up, Grenada’s cyber-security team warns people to watch for fake election pages, deep-fakes, and deceptive links. Local Cost Pressure: A Vincentians-focused report highlights how electricity fuel surcharges are still climbing, with diesel costs driving higher bills despite subsidies. Tourism & Lifestyle: Silversands Beach House in Grenada has shifted to an adults-only experience for guests 16 and over. Regional Culture: Across the Caribbean, tributes continue for calypso icon The Mighty Sparrow, with state-assisted funeral plans announced in Trinidad and Tobago.

Grenada Election Countdown: Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell confirmed Parliament will be dissolved on Friday, Oct. 2, with the election date expected Sunday, Oct. 4, urging voters to complete registration by the end of the week. Electoral Readiness: The Parliamentary Elections Office says it is 95% prepared, with training and election supplies already in place. Budget Work Continues: Even with the political timetable shifting, the Ministry of Finance says preparations for the 2027 national budget are on track, with draft submissions already received. Transport Overhaul: Grenada’s transport system is set for major changes over the next three years, including a near-agreed bus fare increase, upgrades to key terminals (including St. George’s in 2027), and new measures to ease traffic congestion. Whaling Talks: Grenada withdrew an A&B whaling bid at the International Whaling Commission and is seeking a scientific review of the commercial ban clause. Local Governance & Community: The Royal Grenada Police Force outlined traffic arrangements for an NDC rally on Oct. 4, and Grenada Co-operative Bank announced Director Lisa Taylor’s demission effective Sept. 30.

Grenada Election Countdown: Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell confirmed Parliament will be dissolved Friday, Oct. 2, ahead of a general election expected to be announced for Oct. 4, urging unregistered voters to complete registration by the end of the week. EU Citizenship Pressure: The European Union has told Eastern Caribbean states that sell “golden passports” to stop by 2028 or risk losing visa-free access, with St. Lucia’s PM Phillip Pierre saying the EU is “adamant” despite talks. Whaling Talks Shift: Grenada withdrew an A&B whaling bid on behalf of Antigua and Barbuda and asked for a scientific review of the commercial ban clause, as the International Whaling Commission postpones voting until Friday. Climate Creativity: CARICOM’s youth climate short story competition saw Dominica’s Sherdina Antoine win for “Weathering Us,” with Trinidad and Tobago’s Priya Ramdeo placing second. Local Culture & Sports: Grenada’s SoundLeap live sound training cohort put skills to work at Sound Fest, while Ariza increased sponsorship of the Waggy T Super Knockout to $20,000. Regional Security: An OAS joint statement urged full deployment and renewed mandate of Haiti’s Gang Repression Force, with Grenada among signatories.

Grenada Election Countdown: Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell confirmed Parliament will be dissolved Friday, Oct. 2, ahead of the general election date announced for Oct. 4, urging unregistered voters to finish registration by the end of the week. Campaign & Civic Prep: The NDC is stepping up with mini-rallies, including a major St. Mark rally Sunday to launch its election campaign and present candidates. Culture & National Pride: Grenada’s Parliament and the wider region are also in mourning after calypso legend Dr. Slinger “Mighty Sparrow” Francisco died at 91; Trinidad and Tobago announced a state-assisted funeral and a national tribute, with condolence books opening across institutions. 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 & Community: Ariza Credit Union increased its sponsorship of the Waggy T Super Knockout to $20,000, backing youth football as the tournament enters its 16th year. Regional Spotlight: An OAS call urges full deployment of Haiti’s Gang Repression Force, with Grenada among the signatories.

Mighty Sparrow: Grenada-born calypso icon Slinger “Mighty Sparrow” Francisco died at 91 in New York, prompting tributes across the Caribbean and a promise of an official state-assisted funeral and national tribute in Grenada. Local Culture & Community: The Grenada National Museum received 200+ Joseph Gaylord artifacts, while the Grenada Table Tennis Association held a Players’ Engagement Forum to boost athlete development and governance. Government & Services: The Grenada Transport Commission will close its offices on Thursday, 1 October, and budget preparations continue as parliament is expected to be dissolved Friday, raising questions about timing. Energy & Environment: Grenada’s climate resilience ministry sent a renewable energy learning mission delegation to Morocco to study clean energy policy and projects. Infrastructure & Daily Life: Residents in Telescope, St. Andrew complain about derelict vehicles, while the public is also watching household bond plans and transport/road funding scrutiny. Sports & Tourism: Table tennis, local events, and winter tourism expectations are in focus, alongside regional football results.

Mighty Sparrow Tributes: Grenada-born calypso icon Slinger Francisco, “The Mighty Sparrow,” died at 91 in New York, prompting condolences and heartfelt remembrances across the region, including tributes that called him “our voice” and a cultural compass. Grenada Sports Tourism: The Grenada Tourism Authority is backing a new regional event, the Grenada & Carriacou Open Water Swim (Nov. 19–22), with races and destination experiences aimed at boosting visitor spend beyond peak seasons. Child Month 2026: Grenada will mark October’s Child Month under “My Health, My Safety: Our Responsibility,” with church services, street marches, health walks, and school-focused activities running throughout the month. Education Water Access: The National Education Trust is installing safe drinking water and hydration stations in schools, with eight institutions in Kingston and St. Andrew targeted in the early part of the 2026/27 school year. Regional Notes: West Indies women’s spinner Afy Fletcher urged focus ahead of the final ODI vs Zimbabwe, while Caribbean teams wrapped up the Chess Olympiad with Grenada finishing 173rd.

Grenada Politics: The NDC says it will officially launch its general election campaign on Oct. 4, with Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell also signaling the “conch shell” date and urging voters to register before the deadline. Infrastructure & Finance: Parliament approved an EC$87 million government guarantee for an Antigua and Barbuda Transport Board loan, with EC$67 million for refinancing and EC$20 million for immediate road works—sparking scrutiny over how road funding is handled. Public Services: NET is rolling out safe drinking water and hydration stations in schools, targeting drought-affected institutions, with eight schools in Kingston and St. Andrew set to receive support. Sports Tourism: Grenada is expanding its sports calendar with a Grenada and Carriacou Open Water Swim (Nov. 19–22), pairing races with destination experiences to boost visitor spend. Culture: Grenada-born calypso legend Slinger Francisco, the Mighty Sparrow, died in New York at 91, prompting tributes across the Caribbean, including from regional leaders and Parliament. Local Sport: Grenfin Swim Club retained its championship title at the Lucozade Grenfin Invitational, while St. Kitts and Nevis beat Grenada 3-0 in Nations League action.

Grenada Politics: The ruling NDC says it will officially launch its election campaign on Oct. 4, with Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell expected to blow the “conch shell” and reveal the election date at the same rally. Local Governance & Cost of Living: A debate over a proposed toll on the Simpson Bay Causeway has sparked questions about whether Parliament is weighing motorists’ costs fairly compared with parliamentary travel and other spending. Caribbean Culture: The region is mourning the death of Slinger Francisco, “The Mighty Sparrow,” who died in New York at 91; CARICOM and regional leaders praised him as a Grenada-born calypso icon who gave the Caribbean a voice. Agriculture & Food Security: Grenada’s Veterinary and Livestock Division completed a three-day Carriacou visit to strengthen animal health and support the Limlair Livestock Facility, including training and supplies handovers. Infrastructure: NAWASA begins installing a new 12-inch water main in Woodlands on Sept. 29, with traffic changes expected for about three months. Regional Development: Grenada urged the UN to treat small island states as “laboratories of resilience,” calling for fairer financing and stronger support for Haiti. Sports: St. Kitts and Nevis beat Grenada 3-0 in CONCACAF Nations League action, with Tiquanny Williams scoring a hat trick.

Adults-only tourism: Silversands Beach House in Grenada has switched to an adults-only setup, limiting bookings to guests 16+ at its 28-room Portici Beach property. Community support: Nexa Credit Union donated learning and wellness items—supporting teacher trainees at TAMCC and providing a TV to the Carriacou police station. Regional trade capacity: OECS, backed by the EU, is training services-sector stakeholders across member states to strengthen trade policy and negotiating skills. Animal health push: Grenada’s Veterinary and Livestock Division completed a 3-day Carriacou visit to bolster herd health at the Limlair Livestock Facility, including handing over medicines and supplies. Water works & traffic: NAWASA begins a new 12-inch main between Woodlands Junction and the Sugar Mill Roundabout on Sept. 29, with 1-way traffic and no-entry controls for about three months. Culture in mourning: Grenada and the wider Caribbean are paying tribute to calypso icon Slinger “Mighty Sparrow” Francisco, who died in New York at 91. Sports: Sugar Boyz (St. Kitts and Nevis) opened CONCACAF Nations League play with a win over Bonaire; Grenada sits on zero points ahead of its next match.

Obituary: Mighty Sparrow dies at 91: Grenada-born, Trinidad-raised calypso legend Slinger Francisco—known worldwide as “The Mighty Sparrow”—died peacefully in New York after a brief illness, surrounded by family. His daughter Karen Francisco said he was baptised in the Seventh-day Adventist faith before his passing. Across the region, leaders and artistes paid tribute to a songwriter who turned calypso into sharp social commentary, mixing politics, humour and everyday Caribbean life into hundreds of songs. Regional sports: Nations League update: St. Kitts and Nevis opened their Concacaf Nations League campaign with a 1–0 win, while Grenada and Bonaire were still searching for points. Tourism and jobs: ILO warns on informality: A new ILO study says tourism is vital to Eastern Caribbean economies, but informality and weak labour protections are holding back decent work and productivity—highlighting the need for stronger enforcement, skills support and social protection. Security in Haiti: OAS backs gang force renewal: OAS member states called for the UN to renew Haiti’s Gang Suppression Force mandate and fully fund and deploy it, linking security to credible elections.

Haiti Security: All 32 OAS member states have urged the UN Security Council to renew Haiti’s Gang Suppression Force mandate and back it with full personnel, funding, equipment and logistics for full deployment, stressing Haitian-led solutions. Grenada Politics: Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell says Grenadians will learn the official general election date on Oct. 4, with the conch shell set for St Mark that night. Citizenship by Investment: OECS governments are sending a technical team to Europe to clarify the EU’s stance on CIPs after a call to phase them out by June 1, 2028, tied to possible loss of Schengen visa-free travel. Culture: Grenada-born calypso icon Slinger Francisco—“The Mighty Sparrow”—died in New York at 91, prompting tributes across the Caribbean and official mourning from Grenada’s Ministry of Culture. Sports (Regional): Cuba thrashed Grenada 3-0 in CONCACAF Nations League action, while Barbados beat Saint Lucia 2-0 in League B. Local Football: The Grenada National Stadium Authority denies claims the Queen’s Park pitch wasn’t ready for Concacaf matches, saying promises of a second inspection weren’t met.

Tourism & Investment: CARICOM Private Sector Organization (CPSO) congratulates Sandals Resorts and Adam Stewart after Royal Caribbean announced a landmark deal: Royal will buy a 50% stake in Sandals and Beaches for about US$3 billion, expected to close in early 2027. Festive Season in Grenada: InterContinental Grenada Resort & Spa is set to open in November and has unveiled its inaugural holiday programme, including Grenada- and Caribbean-inspired dining, wellness experiences, family activities and New Year’s Eve celebrations. Elections Watch: Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell says Grenadians will learn the official general election date on 4 October, with political campaigning intensifying ahead of the next polls. Local Transport Updates: Royal Grenada Police Force issued traffic arrangements for the NDC rally at St Paul’s (Sunday, 27 Sept) and separate Nawasa pipeline works on Woodlands Public Road starting 28 Sept for about three months. Sports: Grenada’s Concacaf Nations League campaign continues with Cuba beating Grenada 3-0, while Grenada’s Lucas Akins is listed as in contention for the next matches.

Royal Caribbean–Sandals deal: Royal Caribbean says it will buy a 50% stake in Sandals Resorts and Beaches, a US$3 billion move that gives it ownership across Sandals’ 20 Caribbean properties and aims to let travellers book full “land and sea” holidays through one brand. Grenada election clock: Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell told supporters the “conch shell” for the official election date will be blown on 4 October, though voting won’t necessarily happen that day. Traffic and works: Police issued St Paul’s (St George) rally road changes for Sunday 27 Sept, and separate Woodlands/Sugar Mill pipeline works one-way and no-entry rules starting Monday 28 Sept for about three months. Budget and governance: Budget Alert 6.3 commentary highlights Grenada’s 2026 deficit financing, while a separate review urges closer scrutiny of government finances and the supplementary budget. Regional security: OAS member states, including Grenada, call for the UN Security Council to renew Haiti’s Gang Suppression Force mandate and back it with personnel and funding. Health access: World Contraception Day coverage pushes for better contraceptive access as a way to reduce unintended pregnancy. Football: Grenada’s Concacaf Nations League campaign continues after Cuba’s 3-0 win over Grenada.

Traffic & Utilities: The Royal Grenada Police Force says one-way traffic and no-entry controls will be in place on Woodlands Public Road for Nawasa pipeline works starting Monday, 28 September, with changes possible as work progresses for about three months. Water Disruption: Grenada’s Water Department reports another overnight water main break, hitting areas including Perry Road, the UMMC area, Sweethome Road and south of Stonebridge; a boil-water notice remains in effect. Labour Action: NAWASA workers have resumed picketing over outstanding payments and an unresolved collective bargaining dispute. Housing Move: The Housing Authority of Grenada is relocating to the IBH Tower, Woodlands, St George, effective 5 October; the Sandino Office closes 28 September to 2 October. Health & Community: Grenada marks World Pharmacists Day with a recorded message from the Pharmacy Council chairman, while FoodHub Grenada continues its school reading programme. Diplomacy & Elections: Grenada and Nepal establish diplomatic relations effective 14 September, and the Parliamentary Elections Office announces a 100% waiver of CET and VAT on qualifying promotional and informational materials for registered parties and independents. Regional Spotlight: Royal Caribbean’s planned US$3 billion, 50% stake in Sandals and Beaches is framed as a major Caribbean tourism shift, with closing expected early 2027.

Housing & Services: The Housing Authority of Grenada says it’s relocating to the IBH Tower in Woodlands, St George, effective 5 Oct 2026, with the Sandino office closing 28 Sept–2 Oct. Water Disruption: Grenada’s Water Department reports another overnight main break, hitting areas including Perry Road, the UMMC area and Sweethome Road, with a boil-water notice still in effect. Public Sector Tension: NAWASA workers have resumed picketing over unpaid payments and an unresolved collective bargaining dispute. Elections & Political Costs: The Parliamentary Elections Office says parties and independents get a 100% waiver on CET and VAT for qualifying promotional and informational materials. Regional Health: CARPHA and PAHO convened Caribbean surveillance and lab professionals in Trinidad to strengthen respiratory virus detection and response, with Grenada among participating countries. Diplomacy: Grenada and Nepal have formally established diplomatic relations effective 14 Sept 2026. Tourism Business: Royal Caribbean’s planned US$3bn, 50% stake in Sandals is framed as a major growth boost for the region’s all-inclusive sector, with potential “cruise-and-stay” implications. Sports (Grenada): Grenada’s Lucas Akins is in line for Concacaf Nations League action against Cuba, with further fixtures listed for late September and early October.

Tourism & Business: Royal Caribbean Group has agreed to buy a 50% stake in Sandals and Beaches Resorts in a deal valued at about US$3 billion, with Sandals executive Adam Stewart calling it a new growth era and a boost for cruise-and-stay links across the Caribbean. Local Politics: “General PP” Adam Stewart’s former Road March figure Fabian Wayne Aird has endorsed DPM MP Peter David ahead of his Town of St. George bid. Diplomacy: Grenada and Nepal have formally established diplomatic relations effective Sept. 14, with a joint communiqué signed in New York. Elections & Tax: The Parliamentary Elections Office says the government granted a 100% waiver of CET and VAT on qualifying promotional and informational imports for registered parties and independents. Infrastructure & Energy: A Grenada tender seeks preparatory civil works and water-supply equipment for geothermal slim-hole drilling at two sites, with bids due Nov. 6. Public Services: Water service was interrupted again after an overnight main break, with a boil-water notice still in effect. Regional/UN: India-CARICOM foreign ministers met on UNGA sidelines, discussing trade, climate resilience, digital governance and UN reforms.