AGP Executive Report

Politics & Parliament: PM Dickon Mitchell hits back at the opposition after NNP lawmakers boycotted a joint sitting over an Oil & Gas technical presentation, while the government says the “strangers” issue is covered by precedent. Oil & Gas: The dispute follows the administration’s move to terminate the GPG oil-and-gas agreement, keeping the maritime resources debate front and centre. Roads & Contracts: Mitchell also slams the Nelson Louison-led CCCC-I for long delays on major road works, arguing the company has dragged on for years. Crime: Police are investigating a knife-point robbery at Sunday to Sunday pharmacy in Lance Aux Epines, where the cashier was threatened and cash was taken. Heritage & Tourism: Grenada National Trust pushes for World Heritage status, pointing to forts and underground tunnel systems at sites like Fort Matthew. Public Life: Broadcaster Jerry Romain has died. Health & Safety: Fire crews are probing a blaze at the old NIS headquarters on Melville Street. Sports: Grenada’s chess team is set for the 46th FIDE Chess Olympiad in Uzbekistan.

Climate Resilience Funding: Grenada is among five Caribbean countries getting about US$25 million total under the CABRIC programme, with grants (small, medium and large) aimed at locally led projects tackling coastal erosion, extreme weather and livelihood threats. Regional Cricket Move: The Windward Islands Volcanoes franchise is relocating to Saint Lucia’s Daren Sammy Cricket Ground from October 1, with the MOU running to Nov. 30, 2027—expected to boost local player development. OECS Agriculture Push: OECS and Grenada hosted the Youth and Women in Agriculture Symposium, bringing 150+ participants to turn food-security goals into practical trade and structural commitments. Grenada Finance & Cost of Living: Finance Minister Dennis Cornwall wrapped up a UK visit focused on debt sustainability and climate resilience financing, while Grenada’s VAT-Free Shopping Days were rescheduled to Oct. 2–3. Mental Health Spotlight: Grenada marked World Suicide Prevention Day with reports of 10 suicide cases recorded as of Aug. 31. Education Infrastructure: St Dominic’s RC School Block #5 was officially handed over—rebuilt as a climate-resilient, emergency-shelter-ready facility.

OECS Agriculture Push in Grenada: The OECS Commission and Grenada hosted the second Youth and Women in Agriculture Symposium, bringing together 150+ young farmers, women and stakeholders to turn food-security plans into practical regional commitments, with a focus on reducing dependence on imported food. Digital Skills Scholarships: Applications open Sept. 10 for the OECS Advanced Digital Skills Scholarship Programme (Cohort II), delivered by UWI Global Campus under the World Bank-backed CARDTP, with training areas ranging from AI and cybersecurity to cloud and fintech. Cricket Franchise Move: Windward Islands Volcanoes will relocate to Saint Lucia’s Daren Sammy Cricket Ground for the next three years starting Oct. 1, aiming to strengthen local training pathways. Grenada VAT-Free Dates: Grenada’s VAT-Free Shopping Days have been rescheduled to Oct. 2–3 under the Cost of Living Assistance Programme. Education Upgrade: St Dominic’s RC School Block #5 was officially handed over—rebuilt as a climate-resilient facility and emergency shelter, funded via CDB and the Basic Needs Trust Fund. Inflation Scrutiny & Suicide Crisis: Senator Mondy Andre Lewis is questioning whether Grenada’s inflation figures reflect real household costs, while Grenada marks World Suicide Prevention Day with 10 suicide cases recorded as of Aug. 31. International Spotlight: Grenada’s chess team departs Sept. 12 for the 46th FIDE Chess Olympiad in Uzbekistan.

OECS & Grenada Food Security Push: The OECS Commission and Grenada are urging fresh investment in young people and women to boost food security, cutting reliance on imports as the region tackles rising costs and vulnerability. The call came during the Youth and Women in Agriculture Symposium in St George’s, with more than 150 participants from across the OECS. GPG Investment Dispute: Grenada’s decision to terminate agreements with global petroleum group GPG is now raising questions about possible financial and investment fallout, with a parliamentary update saying the company could seek damages. Digital Skills Scholarships: Applications open Sept. 10 for the OECS Advanced Digital Skills Scholarship Programme, offering advanced training and certifications across areas like AI, cybersecurity, cloud and data analytics for eligible OECS citizens, including Grenada. Tourism Health Benefit: The Grenada Hotel and Tourism Association is running a free PSA screening drive for 100 men aged 40+ across September, via Allied Medical Laboratory clinics, with pre-registration required. Local Football Development: The Grenada Football Association is taking grassroots football into primary schools, linking school programmes to its weekly grassroots pathway and longer-term club and national youth opportunities.

GPG Investment Dispute: Grenada’s parliament heard an update on the government’s decision to terminate agreements with global petroleum group GPG, with questions now rising over possible financial fallout and whether the company could pursue damages. Digital Skills Push (OECS): The OECS has opened applications for its 2026 Advanced Digital Skills Scholarship Programme for citizens across member states including Grenada, with AI, cybersecurity, cloud, and app development among the focus areas. Tourism Health Support (GHTA): Grenada’s hotel and tourism sector is offering free PSA prostate screening for 100 men aged 40+ during September, via Allied Medical Laboratory, with pre-registration required. Sports & Youth Pathways: The Grenada Football Association launched a grassroots primary school campaign to feed children into weekly football programmes, while Grenada also heads to the 2026 IMMAF Pan American Championship with two fighters representing the country. Community & Culture: OECS-wide opportunities and local initiatives continue, including recognition for veterans through Quilts of Valor.

Regional Sports: Windward Islands Volcanoes will relocate their professional franchise to Saint Lucia, making the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground their official home from October 1 under a memorandum of understanding. Local Health & Tourism: The Grenada Hotel and Tourism Association (GHTA) is running a free PSA screening programme for 100 men aged 40+ across September, with pre-registration required at Allied Medical Laboratory clinics. Energy & Cost of Living: Grenada marks World EV Day 2026 with a push to “switch electric,” pointing to the country’s vulnerability to fuel price swings and highlighting transport electrification, charging expansion, and updates to the Road Traffic Act. Policy & Diplomacy: OECS leaders, including Grenada, are seeking a high-level EU meeting in Brussels to discuss the future of Citizenship by Investment amid EU moves toward ending visa-free access. Human Rights: A Grenada-linked rights piece highlights concerns around U.S. deportation practices dumping people on Caribbean states, raising questions about how many countries will accept deportees and under what terms. Community & Safety: Brooklyn’s West Indian Day celebrations faced disruption after stabbings and shootings, with officials weighing whether safety concerns could affect future parade plans.

Grenada Politics: Parliament heard updates from the Hydrocarbons Technical Working Group on the status of the hydrocarbon programme and the government’s decision to terminate the Production Sharing Agreement and revoke Global Petroleum Group’s development licence, with the HTWG chair saying GPG failed to meet agreed targets. Hydrocarbons Scrutiny: Opposition leaders challenged the special joint sitting format and argued standing orders were breached as the hydrocarbons report was presented under unusual procedures. World EV Day 2026: Grenada marked World EV Day under “Switching Electric,” pointing to the country’s vulnerability to fuel price swings and highlighting steps like EV rollouts in public institutions and expanding charging infrastructure. Tourism Health: The Grenada Hotel and Tourism Association is running a free PSA screening programme for 100 men aged 40+ across September, with pre-registration required. Climate Funding: Grenada is among five Caribbean countries eligible for CABRIC climate resilience grants, with funding categories ranging from small to large grants. Regional Policing: The Regional Security System marked International Day of Police Cooperation, stressing people-centred policing and trust-building.

Grenada Digital Push: Grenada has passed its Digital Transformation law, giving the Digital Transformation Agency a statutory foundation—now the real test is whether systems actually connect so people don’t have to repeat information to different departments. Public Health Preparedness: Grenada also strengthened its National Respiratory Pathogen Pandemic Preparedness and Response Plan after a PAHO/WHO-supported validation workshop, updating roles, staffing, and operational details. Local Services Update: The Royal Grenada Police Traffic Department office on Young Street in St. George’s will be temporarily closed from 9 September, with services moved to the Galleria Mall sub-office. Community & Culture: A new “Conversations at Sunset” social concept is seeking expressions of interest from employed or retired adults (30–99) looking to meet others through low-pressure outings and discussions. Safety & Weather: Grenada issued heatwave precautions as temperatures stay dangerously high for the next 36 hours. Justice & Accountability: The family of a British man found dead in Grenada in January is urging local police to work with UK investigators after a second autopsy and missing organs were noted.

Digital Government: Grenada has formally moved ahead with its digital transformation, with the Digital Transformation Agency Act (No. 10 of 2026) giving the Digital Transformation Agency a statutory foundation—aimed at better connecting government systems so people don’t have to repeat information. Public Health Preparedness: Grenada also strengthened its readiness for future respiratory pathogen pandemics after a two-and-a-half-day national validation workshop, updating its National Respiratory Pathogen Pandemic Preparedness and Response Plan with current laws, staffing and operational roles. Energy/Contracts: Legislators received full insight into the government’s decision to terminate agreements with GPG, as the issue continues to draw political attention. Infrastructure Funding Debate: PM Dickon Mitchell defended a Design-Finance-Build road model tied to an EC$310.9 million supplementary appropriation, with EC$161 million earmarked for DFB arrangements—while opposition questioned impacts on local procurement. Sports/Regional Spotlight: Grenada’s former world and Olympic champion K. Green is mentioned in Jamaica’s athletics podium sweep in Rovereto, keeping regional athletes in the spotlight. Local Opportunities: St. George’s University signed an MoU with UAE education provider Taaleem to create medical admissions pathways and scholarship opportunities for eligible students. Community Life: A new concept, “Conversations at Sunset,” is gauging interest from employed, self-employed or retired adults (30+) across Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique for a different kind of social experience.

Arson Charge in Grenada: A Grenada man, Deaigo Stokes, was arrested and charged with first-degree arson after a manufactured home fire on Hebron Church Road around 6:30 a.m. Aug. 31. Investigators estimated about EC$80,000 in damage. Stokes’ bond was set at EC$10,000, with the Tie Plant Volunteer Fire Department and the Grenada County Sheriff’s Department assisting the Mississippi Office of the State Fire Marshal. Heatwave Safety: Grenada issued a public advisory as the heatwave hit its 10th day, with extreme temperatures recorded at Point Salines. The Grenada Meteorological Service urged residents to take precautions as the advisory is expected to last about 36 hours. Road Funding Debate: Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell defended a Design-Finance-Build model tied to an EC$161 million supplementary appropriation for road projects, saying it’s needed to move major works forward while local capacity is limited. Grenada Business Watch: Renegade Rum Distillery in northeastern Grenada is up for sale, with details highlighting its modern plant, spare capacity, and cane traceability from nearby farms. Judicial Appointments: OECS Chief Justice Margaret Price Findlay announced new High Court judge transfers affecting Grenada and other OECS territories, with changes taking effect in September 2026.

Grenada Politics: NNP says it will boycott a joint sitting of Parliament, protesting parliamentary procedural issues. Roads & Finance: PM Dickon Mitchell defended a new Design-Finance-Build model as Parliament debates an EC$310.9m supplementary appropriation, with EC$161m earmarked for road contracts. Public Works & Jobs: Grenada Clean and Healthy Ocean Project put out an RFP for communications and stakeholder engagement, while FoodHub Grenada advertised contract marketing roles and a multi-skilled carpenter vacancy. Digital Push: Island Innovators is set to host a Gold Economy Digital & Tech leadership assembly on 10 September to advance Grenada’s digital transformation agenda. Regional Mobility: St Vincent and the Grenadines passport ranking placed it 48th globally with 73.2% visa-free access, a reminder of how travel access shapes tourism prospects across the OECS. Weather Watch: Grenada marked a 10th day of heatwave, with advisories urging residents to take precautions as hot conditions continue. Sports: Grenada’s Anderson Peters finished fourth at the Diamond League final in Brussels as Sri Lanka’s Rumesh Tharanga Pathirage made history by winning the title.

Grenada Finance: The Government of Grenada will auction EC$20 million in 91-day Treasury Bills on 8 September, with bidding from 9am–noon and a 3.5% maximum rate. Digital Transformation: Island Innovators says it will help turn Grenada’s digital transformation plans into action at a 10 September leadership assembly in St George, bringing together ICT leaders, investors and policymakers. Regional Mobility: St Vincent and the Grenadines’ passport is ranked 48th globally, with 73.2% visa-free access, while Delta has ended the only nonstop US connection to St Vincent permanently. Public Safety Training: Fifteen Royal Grenada Police Force officers are set to travel to China for a two-week traffic management course, funded by the Chinese Ministry of Public Security. Sports (Grenada in focus): Grenada’s Anderson Peters finished fourth at the Diamond League Final in Brussels as Sri Lanka’s Rumesh Pathirage made history by winning the javelin title. Human Rights Watch: A Grenada–US deportation arrangement is drawing human rights concerns, with critics warning about risks for transferred people.

Diamond League Glory: Sri Lanka’s Rumesh Tharanga Pathirage made history in Brussels, becoming the first Sri Lankan to win the men’s Diamond League final in javelin with an 89.04m throw, edging Poland’s Dawid Wegner (87.47m) and finishing ahead of Trinidad and Tobago’s Keshorn Walcott (83.99m); Grenada’s Anderson Peters placed fourth (83.70m). Grenada-Police Training: Fifteen Royal Grenada Police Force officers are set to travel to China for a two-week Traffic Management Course in September, funded by the Chinese Ministry of Public Security. Grenada-US Deportation Deal: A Grenada–US agreement on transferring “skilled” and “non-criminal” third-country deportees is raising human rights concerns, with critics pointing to gaps in local refugee protections and procedures. Local Politics Under Fire: Canadian-based pollster Justine Pierre’s latest Grenada survey is under scrutiny after Dr. Ezra Matthias questioned missing content in a “Data Validation Note,” prompting Pierre to respond sharply. Justice Case in Focus: The death of British national Andrew Frederick in Grenada is back in the spotlight as UK Scotland Yard investigates after reports of missing organs and family demands for a fuller probe. Tourism Hiring: The Grenada Tourism Authority is recruiting temporary cruise-season roles, including a Team Leader and Customer Service Representatives, for October 2026–2027.

US-Grenada & regional security: A new report warns the US is ramping up military activity across Latin America under the Americas Counter-Cartel Coalition, with strikes on suspected trafficking routes and deeper ties to regional militaries—raising fears of a return to coercive policies and instability. Grenada-US deportation deal: Grenada’s agreement to temporarily accept “skilled” and “non-criminal” deportees from the US is drawing human-rights concerns, especially over how cases would be handled given Grenada’s lack of dedicated refugee-status procedures. Local policing training: Fifteen Royal Grenada Police Force officers are set to travel to China for a two-week Traffic Management Course, funded by the Chinese Ministry of Public Security. Justice case in focus: The death of British national Andrew Frederick remains under scrutiny as Scotland Yard investigates after reports that key organs were missing from his body; his family is threatening legal action. Politics & polling dispute: Controversial Canadian-based pollster Justine Pierre is facing renewed criticism after Dr Ezra Matthias questioned a “Data Validation Note” section in Pierre’s latest Grenada survey, with Pierre firing back. Sports (Grenada connection): In Brussels, Grenada’s Anderson Peters finished fourth in the Diamond League javelin final won by Sri Lanka’s Rumesh Tharanga Pathirage; Peters threw 83.70m. Tourism jobs: The Grenada Tourism Authority is advertising temporary cruise-season roles for a Team Leader and Customer Service Representatives for 2026–27.

Sports Spotlight: Sri Lanka’s Rumesh Pathirage made Diamond League history in Brussels, winning the men’s javelin with an 89.04m throw. Grenada in Focus: Trinidad and Tobago’s Keshorn Walcott took bronze with 83.99m, while Grenada’s Anderson Peters finished fourth at 83.70m. Police Training Abroad: Fifteen Royal Grenada Police Force officers are set to travel to China for a two-week Traffic Management Course in September, funded by the Chinese Ministry of Public Security. Public Safety & Traffic: The RGPF announced Balthazar Bridge will close to vehicles from Monday, 7 September, with detours for motorists, plus temporary National Library road changes on Sunday, 6 September. Human Rights & Immigration: A Grenada–US deportation arrangement is drawing human rights concerns, with critics warning about risks tied to third-country transfers. Local Justice Row: The family of Andrew Frederick is pushing for fuller Scotland Yard involvement after claims that key organs were removed from his body following an exhumation in Grenada. Politics Under Fire: Controversial pollster Justine Pierre’s latest Grenada survey is under scrutiny after criticisms from Dr Ezra Matthias, leading to a public back-and-forth.

Grenada Energy & Economy: Offshore oil interest is growing as Grenada moves toward the next stage of developing its hydrocarbon potential, with major players watching developments. Electricity Relief Debate: Government’s temporary power-cost measures are offering some relief, but an advisor says they won’t meaningfully boost business competitiveness without sustained cuts and more renewable investment. Public Finance Watch: Parliament is considering a large EC$310.9m supplemental appropriation tied to Hurricane Beryl recovery and new budget challenges, with Carriacou and Petite Martinique Affairs Minister Tevin Andrews pushing back on calls for a commission of inquiry. Tourism Jobs: The Grenada Tourism Authority is hiring for the 2026–27 cruise season—team leader and customer service representatives—seeking staff who can guide visitors and speak basic Spanish or French. Road & Traffic Updates: Balthazar Bridge will close to vehicles from Sept. 7 until further notice for resilience works, and National Library-area traffic rules apply on Sept. 6. Youth & Agriculture: OECS Young Farmer Award winner Ephraim Elijah Roberts of Dominica was recognised in Grenada for diversified farming that builds resilience.