AGP Executive Report

Grenada Election Date: Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell has confirmed Grenada’s general election for November 5, 2026, with Parliament dissolved Oct. 2 and nomination day set for Oct. 15; voter registration closed Oct. 2 and a special polling day for police is Nov. 2. Election Integrity Push: A coalition of civil society groups is urging the Supervisor of Elections to urgently review candidate eligibility, statutory declarations, and vetting procedures ahead of the vote. Campaign and Debate: Mitchell says the ruling NDC is pressing ahead with campaign events and has accepted an invitation for a televised national debate. CARIFTA Sports: Triathlon Grenada named its team for the CARIFTA Triathlon, Aquathlon and Mixed Team Relay Championships in Bermuda (Oct. 22–26), aiming to build on last year’s medal haul. Football Notes: Grenada’s Nations League campaign continues after a 3-2 comeback win over Bonaire, with the team set to play remaining matches in Trinidad due to concerns about the home ground. Calypso Legacy: Tributes continue for Slinger “Mighty Sparrow” Francisco, including memorial events in New York and regional condolences.

Grenada Election Countdown: Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell has confirmed a general election for November 5, 2026, after Parliament was dissolved on October 2; the Writ was received at 3:45 pm that day, voter registration closed, and Nomination Day is set for October 15 with a special polling day for police on November 2. Campaign Tensions: The ruling NDC says it’s moving ahead after a leaked schedule sparked an investigation, while the opposition NNP is preparing to challenge the government in all 15 seats. Local Governance & Infrastructure: In Carriacou and Petite Martinique, the G-CREWS water assets at Princess Royal Hospital grounds were commissioned, boosting water storage and resilience for the sister islands. Maritime Order: Grenada’s Fisheries Division issued a directive to remove unauthorised private moorings in areas including Whisper Cove, Woburn Bay, Clarke’s Court Bay, and Saga Bay. Sports: Grenada’s national team earned a 3-2 comeback win over Bonaire in CONCACAF Nations League action, keeping their Group C hopes alive.

Grenada Elections: Grenada’s Parliament has been dissolved effective Oct. 2, clearing the way for a general election expected on Nov. 5, with candidate nominations due Oct. 15 and voter registration officially closing once the writ was received at 3:45 pm on Oct. 2. Campaign Tensions: In St Andrew South-east, a verbal clash outside the electoral office highlights a heated race as supporters trade accusations over voter registration. Water Security for Carriacou: G-CREWS water assets were commissioned at Princess Royal Hospital grounds, adding two 100,000-imperial-gallon storage tanks to strengthen water resilience for Carriacou and Petite Martinique. Marine Enforcement: Grenada’s Fisheries Division has ordered removal of unauthorised private moorings in Woburn, Whisper Cove, and Saga Bay areas, citing navigation and public access concerns. Connectivity Boost: EllaLink launched its Caribbean Gateway initiative, moving from design to committed investment for a route linking French Guiana to Martinique/Guadeloupe and serving Aruba, Curaçao and Bonaire, targeting service by end-2029. Sports: Grenada’s national coach Stern John earned his first win with a 3-2 comeback over Bonaire, keeping the team alive in Nations League B Group C.

Grenada Election Countdown: Grenada’s Parliament has been dissolved, clearing the way for a general election on Nov. 5, with Oct. 15 set for candidate nominations after the Writ was received on Oct. 2; voters are urged to check the electoral roll before registration closes. Political Tensions: As campaigning ramps up, the NDC and NNP trade barbs, including a reported clash in St Andrew South-east involving voter registration efforts. Carriacou Water Security: A major milestone for climate resilience—G-CREWS water assets—was commissioned at Princess Royal Hospital grounds, adding large storage tanks and health-related water upgrades for Carriacou and Petite Martinique. Marine Enforcement: Grenada’s Fisheries Division has ordered the removal of unauthorised private moorings in areas including Woburn Bay, Clarke’s Court Bay, Whisper Cove, and Saga Bay. Football Update: Trinidadian coach Stern John earned his first win with Grenada, while the Sugar Boyz continue their Nations League push.

Grenada Election Countdown: Grenada’s Parliament was dissolved Friday, clearing the way for a general election, with the Writ received at 3:45 pm and voter registration officially closing until after polling. Carriacou Water Security: G-CREWS water assets were commissioned at Princess Royal Hospital grounds, adding two 100,000-imperial-gallon storage tanks and upgrades to strengthen water and health services for Carriacou and Petite Martinique. Sports—Nations League: Grenada earned a 3-2 comeback win over Bonaire under coach Stern John, keeping its Group C hopes alive, though home-ground concerns mean upcoming matches are set in Trinidad. Tourism & Culture: Caribbean Airlines announced a weekly direct Toronto–Tobago flight starting Oct. 25, while Grenada’s wider region continues to mark the legacy of calypso icon Mighty Sparrow. Marine Enforcement: Fisheries issued a fresh directive to remove unauthorised private moorings in parts of Woburn Bay, Clarke’s Court Bay, Whisper Cove and Saga Bay.

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.