AGP Executive Report

Labour & Jobs Blueprint: The Ministry of Legal Affairs, Labour and Consumer Affairs has officially launched Grenada’s Decent Work Country Programme 2026–2031, signing the framework at the Grenada Trade Centre today (19 May) to guide employment, labour governance, social protection and workplace safety with ILO support. Spice Push: Government says estates and larger farms are next in line for the National Spice Replanting Programme’s second phase, with about EC$500,000 earmarked to help nutmeg growers move beyond pre-Hurricane Beryl output. Politics & Football Crosswinds: In St George South East, pastor Stanford Simon has launched his DPM bid, while the GFA’s Marlon Glean is back in the international spotlight after representing Grenada at Soccerex Europe 2026—just as the wider football politics around elections continues to stir debate. Sports & Youth: Grenada’s 3×3 run in the OECS U23 tournament is in focus after regional results set up semi-final matchups, with the event also framed as a pathway toward CAC Games qualification. Public Health & Safety: Grenada’s wider regional agenda includes a push for digital and health readiness, alongside ongoing efforts to strengthen community resilience.

Domestic Violence Response: UNICEF data puts Caribbean lifetime physical or sexual violence against women at about 45%, and in Grenada the Man to Man Programme is pushing male-to-male intervention—reporting 700+ referrals and a recidivism rate under 10%—with a public lecture set for May 19 on what works with men. Elections Watch: Signs are building that Grenada’s general election could be near, with the Parliamentary Elections Office already recruiting poll-day workers in St. George North East. Football Power Struggle: Roger Duncan’s court challenge tied to disputed GFA elections was dismissed, clearing the way for an unopposed executive—while accusations fly that the move was meant to create confusion. Fisheries Pressure: Grenada’s fisherfolk are sounding alarms over lost fish species and long-running environmental and industry impacts. Regional Spotlight: Across the OECS, St. Kitts and Nevis and Grenada are also in the UNESCO push for cybersecurity and media literacy for older adults.

Public Transport Funding Snub: Grenada’s wider region is watching New Zealand’s Wellington get shut out of NZTA money—$145m in bus and rail projects, from a bus-only harbour quays lane to Waterloo station upgrades, was rejected from the $32.9b land transport plan after council bids failed. Regional Sports Spotlight: In the OECS, the Virgin Islands are hosting the first-ever 3X3 ANOECS U23 tournament, and Grenada is in the mix—VI rebounded after an opening loss to reach the semis, with Grenada set to play St Kitts & Nevis. Digital Skills Push: UNESCO is running SIM Caribbean cybersecurity and media literacy workshops across islands, including Grenada, targeting older adults and youth to fight misinformation and improve safe digital access. Grenada Watch: Signs point to general elections coming soon as electoral officials begin assembling poll-day teams in St George North East, while football politics continue to simmer after court action tied to GFA elections.

Sports Spotlight: The Virgin Islands are through to the semi-finals of the 3X3 ANOECS U23 Basketball Tournament after bouncing back from an opening loss to Grenada, and they’ll now face St Kitts and Nevis in Semi-final 1 today—while Grenada and St Kitts and Nevis set up Semi-final 2, with Dominica and St Lucia playing for 5th place. Grenada Politics: A fresh sign of an election push is emerging as the Parliamentary Elections Office starts recruiting poll-day workers in St George North East, while the wider political heat continues around football governance—Roger Duncan’s court fight against the GFA has been dismissed, clearing the way for an unopposed executive. Digital Safety: UNESCO’s SIM Caribbean cybersecurity and media literacy push for older adults is running across islands, including Grenada, St Kitts and Nevis, and Antigua and Barbuda. Climate Funding: Caribbean countries are also moving to unlock the US$250M loss-and-damage grant pipeline after a regional workshop in Barbados.

GFA Court Fallout: A Grenada football official says banker Roger Duncan’s court bid to block the Grenada Football Association (GFA) elections was dismissed quickly, paving the way for Marlon Glean and his slate to be elected unopposed—while Duncan is accused of “embarrassing” the island and creating confusion on the world stage. Election Signals: Meanwhile, electoral officials are already assembling poll-day staff in St. George North East, a move that insiders read as a sign general elections could be coming within months. Fisheries Under Pressure: Southern Fishermen Association managing director James Nicholas warns Grenada has lost over 30 fish species, blaming past pesticide runoff and mangrove cutting. Regional Skills Push: UNESCO’s SIM Caribbean cybersecurity and media-literacy workshops for older adults ran across St. Kitts and Nevis, Grenada, and Antigua and Barbuda. Diaspora Momentum: Grenada’s two-week Diaspora Homecoming kicks off June 21, mixing culture, business forums, and community events across Grenada, Carriacou, and Petite Martinique.

Diaspora Push: Grenada’s Diaspora Homecoming 2026 is set to run for two weeks starting June 21, with arrival events, church services, and a June 23 welcome reception hosted by Foreign Affairs Trade and Export Development Minister Joseph Andall—then a packed mix of culture, business forums, concerts, excursions, and community get-togethers across Grenada, Carriacou, and Petite Martinique. Digital Skills for Seniors: In St. Kitts, UNESCO’s SIM Caribbean cybersecurity and media-literacy workshops for older adults and youth are underway, with officials stressing safer online navigation as banking, health access, and civic life move online. Regional Climate Funding: Caribbean countries are moving closer to accessing the US$250M loss-and-damage grant facility after a CDB/FRLD workshop in Barbados, with a June 15 submission deadline. Tourism Policy Tension: Hotel groups across the region are pushing back on Booking.com commission proposals, warning the change could raise costs for an already strained sector. Sports Spotlight: Ireland plays Grenada today, with free streaming via RTÉ Player, while Jamaica’s full-bore shooters return from Antigua with bronze momentum.

Basketball Push: Saint Lucia’s Basketball Federation has named a four-player U23 3×3 team for the ANOCES Under-23 tournament in Tortola (May 16–17), aiming to qualify for the Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games—qualification is the “main objective” and the window closes in June. Climate Finance Prep: Caribbean countries are moving closer to accessing the US$250M loss-and-damage grant facility after a CDB/FRLD workshop in Barbados trained national focal points for submissions due June 15. Health Upgrade: Saint Lucia says a new rapid PCR testing system is now operational, delivering multi-disease results in under two hours to speed outbreak response. Grenada Spotlight: Grenada’s General Hospital has received official recognition for its 2024 Baby-Friendly accreditation, confirming full compliance with the initiative’s 10 steps for breastfeeding support. Tourism Pressure: Regional hoteliers are pushing back against Booking.com’s proposed commission changes, warning it could raise costs across the sector.

Climate Finance Push: Caribbean governments are moving closer to accessing the US$250M loss-and-damage grant, after a two-day Barbados workshop by the Caribbean Development Bank and the Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage helped 15 eligible countries—including Grenada—build “bankable” funding pipelines ahead of a June 15 submission deadline. Fisheries Fix in Motion: In Barbados, fisherfolk say they’re seeing progress after ice shortages at the Bridgetown Fisheries Complex sparked complaints, with the environment minister visiting and promising short- and long-term measures. Grenada Health Milestone: Grenada General Hospital has received official recognition for its 2024 Baby-Friendly Hospital accreditation, confirming full compliance with the initiative’s breastfeeding steps. Sports & Talent: In football, Grenada’s GFA has started its second term with a push on coaching education and referee development via KNVB engagement. Regional Watch: CARICOM observers say The Bahamas election reflected the will of the people, with polling largely orderly.

Grenada Health System Leadership: Grenada is recruiting an Interim CEO for the Grenada Hospital System, aiming to steady operations, strengthen institutions, modernise services, and prepare for possible future governance changes—an urgent move as the system heads into reform. Regional Elections Watch: CARICOM election observers say The Bahamas’ recent vote was peaceful and orderly, with polling staff and materials generally arriving on time—useful context as the region keeps tightening its electoral readiness. Climate Finance Push: Caribbean states are lining up for a US$250M loss-and-damage grant window after a Bridgetown workshop, with applications due June 15—more money, but only if countries can turn plans into bankable projects. Water Stress Reality Check: Even as rains arrive, drought-linked supply cuts are hitting parts of the Eastern Caribbean and Trinidad, with rationing and emergency water transport reported. Baby-Friendly Hospital Win: Grenada General Hospital has received official recognition for its 2024 Baby-Friendly accreditation, confirming full compliance with breastfeeding support steps.

War Powers Showdown: The Trump administration says hostilities with Iran are “terminated” under a ceasefire letter to Congress, but the War Powers clock and a continuing naval blockade keep the legal fight alive as lawmakers press for accountability. Cuba Energy Crisis: Cuba has run out of diesel and fuel oil reserves, with blackouts now stretching past 20 hours a day and protests growing as sanctions squeeze replacement supplies. ICJ Pressure on the Region: In the Guyana–Venezuela border dispute, Venezuela rejects ICJ jurisdiction and pushes negotiation—while T&T and the wider CARICOM diplomatic community watch the fallout. Grenada Health Milestone: Grenada General Hospital received official recognition for its Baby-Friendly Hospital accreditation, confirming full implementation of the initiative’s 10 steps. CARICOM Trade Prep: CARICOM’s Secretariat is consulting member states—including Grenada—on readiness for deeper trade liberalisation. Grenada Jobs & Reform: Government is recruiting an interim CEO for the Grenada Hospital System as health-sector transformation moves into a new phase. Tourism Signals: St Kitts and Nevis is moving toward home-porting cruises from November 2027, a model Grenada will be watching closely.

Water Stress, Even With Rain: The wet season has arrived, but parts of the wider Caribbean are still rationing—Trinidad and Tobago’s WASA says low river levels have cut output at major treatment plants, while St Vincent is using alternating day/night water schedules and the Grenadines are ferrying emergency water as drought pressure lingers. Grenada Health System: Grenada General Hospital has received official recognition for its 2024 Baby-Friendly Hospital accreditation, confirming full compliance with the BFHI Ten Steps. Grenada Politics, Football: The High Court dismissed Team Duncan’s bid to pause the 2026 GFA elections, leaving the football administration to move forward after the court said disruption risks outweighed the injunction request. Regional Trade Prep: CARICOM is holding readiness talks for future trade liberalisation, with Grenada and other states scheduled for consultations later this month. Caribbean Tourism Push: St Kitts and Nevis is moving into home-porting cruise bookings for November 2027, promising longer stays and more local spending.

Football Governance: The Grenada Football Association has kicked off its second term with President Marlon Glean, moving fast into international talks—this time with the Royal Netherlands Football Association (KNVB)—with a clear early focus on coaching education and referee development. Courtroom Fallout: The High Court has already dismissed Team Duncan’s bid to pause the GFA elections, leaving the association’s leadership transition to proceed. Regional Trade Watch: CARICOM’s Secretariat is running readiness consultations on future trade liberalisation, with sessions scheduled next in Trinidad and Tobago and Grenada. Health System Hiring: Grenada’s government has advertised for an Interim Chief Executive Officer for the Grenada Hospital System, signaling a push for operational stabilisation and longer-term health system transformation. ECCB Finance Pivot: The ECCB has suspended DCash 2.0 development, pointing to a shift away from “retail” digital currency plans toward more practical payment and market depth priorities. Remembering Linda Straker: Grenada’s media community is mourning Linda Straker, honored even during illness with a People’s Choice award for digital reporting.

CARICOM Trade Talks: CARICOM’s Secretariat is pressing ahead with consultations on Member States’ readiness for future trade liberalisation, with sessions already held in some countries and more planned in Grenada (24–28 May)—a sign the region’s tariff debate is moving from theory to implementation. Grenada Football: In a key local legal turn, Grenada’s High Court has dismissed Team Duncan’s bid for an injunction tied to the GFA elections, leaving the football administration fight to play out within the existing process. Tourism & Youth: Grenada’s tourism ministry has named a new Junior Minister for Tourism after the National Tourism Youth Congress, putting youth leadership front and centre for the sector. Regional Health Watch: CARPHA is also keeping attention on the wider Caribbean health picture after a hantavirus cluster linked to a cruise vessel, with public briefings continuing as cases are tracked.

Church & Diplomacy: Swiss Cardinal Emil Paul Tscherrig, a longtime Vatican diplomat and former apostolic nuncio to Trinidad and Tobago and Grenada, has died at 79, with Pope Leo sending condolences and praising his “love for the Church.” Regional Politics: CARICOM leaders held a five-hour caucus over the Secretary-General impasse, while Bermuda’s push for full membership is now sparking “mixed messaging” claims from the Free Democratic Movement. Health Watch: CARPHA says a hantavirus cluster linked to the MV Hondius has produced nine cases and three deaths as of May 11, with international contact tracing underway. Grenada Angle: Grenada’s Minister of Tourism Adrian Thomas is in China seeking investment and tourism gains, and MP Ron Redhead is set to take over ICT responsibility from June 1. Local Governance & Economy: Grenada’s agriculture ministry is training officers on drones after buying nine more systems, aiming to modernise farming and protect crops and livestock.

CARICOM Secretary-General standoff: CARICOM leaders held a five-hour caucus on the reappointment of T&T’s concerns over Secretary General Dr Carla Bar­nett, but they refused to redo the February process and there was no vote—T&T was represented only by ministry officials while the PM and foreign minister were in Parliament. Regional food security push: The EU-funded “Cultivating Futures” project has officially started in SVG, with Dominica, Grenada and Saint Lucia also in the 18-month rollout—aimed at boosting school feeding through ecological school gardens and youth-led, climate-smart learning. Grenada football court fight: Grenada’s High Court dismissed Team Duncan’s bid for an interim injunction to halt the GFA elections, with the judge citing the advanced stage of the process and the risk of disruption. Grenada tech in farming: Grenada’s agriculture ministry began training officers on drones after buying nine UAVs for EC$200,000, part of a wider push to modernise farming and protect crops. ICT leadership change: Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell named MP Ron Redhead to take over ICT responsibility from 1 June, announced alongside an International Girls in ICT Day–AI challenge.

GFA Court Setback: Grenada’s High Court has dismissed Team Duncan’s bid for an interim injunction to halt the May 9 GFA elections, with Justice Ria Bailey saying the timing and potential disruption outweighed the case—though she noted the concerns weren’t frivolous. ICT Leadership Shift: Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell says MP Ron Redhead will take over ICT responsibility from 1 June, announced alongside the International Girls in ICT Day–AI Innovation Challenge. Tourism Youth Win: Ella-Rose Charles, 14, has been named Grenada’s Junior Minister for Tourism after winning the National Tourism Youth Congress 2026. Regional Investment Focus: Saint Lucia is hosting the Caribbean Investment Summit, keeping Citizenship by Investment and regulatory change front and centre. Visa Watch: India’s passport ranking update shows visa access fluctuating with global policy recalibrations, not a sudden collapse—India sits tied at 78th in the latest standings. Beach Access Fight: A recurring dispute over public beach access resurfaced at Levera, where boulders and fires were removed after police intervention.