AGP Executive Report

EU Visa Pressure on CBI: The EU has warned Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St. Kitts and Nevis, and St. Lucia that “golden passports” must be phased out by 2028 or visa-free access to Europe will be suspended—prompting leaders to plan a high-level mission to Brussels. Local Politics: A former NNP minister says opposition leader Emmalin Pierre is building “a cabal,” criticizing the party’s Brooklyn town hall delegation and arguing key legal voices were left out. Crime & Security: Police are investigating a Jean Anglais shooting that left one man injured, while an ex-prisoner is calling for a stronger police presence ahead of carnival to deter criminal activity. Justice System: Former AG Jimmy Bristol, KC scores a major legal win after a court ruling says Court of Appeal Justice Eddy Ventose’s appointment was unconstitutional. Cost of Living & Planning: Economists weigh in on Grenada’s cost-of-living challenge and whether government can reduce prices, as the administration validates its Medium-Term Action Plan 2027–2029. Health & Development: The Project Polaris teaching hospital is outlined as a US$250 million, 250-bed climate-resilient upgrade, and CARDI launches a regional agricultural research and innovation symposium. Food Security: EU-funded “Cultivating Futures” names Bagatelle and Soufriere Primary schools as beneficiaries, part of a wider regional push to strengthen food systems.

EU CBI Deadline: The EU has warned five Eastern Caribbean states—including Grenada—to end citizenship-by-investment by June 1, 2028 or face loss of visa-free access, and leaders say they’ll send a high-level mission to Brussels to argue their case. Cost of Living: Economists say Grenada’s price pressures are hard to control because the country imports most of what it consumes, but government can still ease costs by cutting import duties and improving competition. Healthcare Upgrade: A major Project Polaris plan is pushing ahead for a new US$250m, 250-bed climate-resilient teaching hospital in Calivigny, with completion targeted for 2029 and a planned partnership with Mount Sinai. Food Security Push: EU-funded “Cultivating Futures” will support Bagatelle Primary and Soufriere Primary under a regional food security drive led through 4H and the Zero Hunger Trust Fund. Public Safety & Crime: Reports of a Jean Anglais shooting and calls for more police presence ahead of carnival keep security in focus. Regional Solidarity: St Vincent joined CARICOM humanitarian support for Venezuela after the June earthquakes, alongside Grenada and others. Court Update: Former AG Jimmy Bristol scored a major legal win after a court ruling found an appointment to the Court of Appeal unconstitutional.

EU Visa Pressure on CBI: The EU has warned five Eastern Caribbean states—including Grenada—to end citizenship-by-investment by June 1, 2028 or risk losing visa-free access to the bloc, with leaders planning a coordinated high-level mission to Brussels. Health & Accountability: A St George’s General Hospital nurse says some Cuban-recruited doctors are running “a big Cuban racket,” alleging patients are exploited for money, including surgeries charged at thousands of dollars. Crime & Public Safety: Police are investigating a Jean Anglais shooting that left one man injured, while an ex-prisoner is calling for a stronger police presence ahead of carnival to keep criminal elements “uncomfortable.” Court Win for Jimmy Bristol: Former AG Jimmy Bristol scored a major legal victory after a ruling said Court of Appeal Justice Eddy Ventose was unqualified, making the appointment unconstitutional. Food Security Boost: EU-funded “Cultivating Futures” will support the Bagatelle Primary and Soufriere Primary schools, part of a wider regional push for youth-led food security. Energy Transition: Grenada is getting support for a BESS battery storage project at Maurice Bishop International Airport, aimed at stabilizing the grid and expanding renewables. Local Development & Jobs: Government validated its Medium-Term Action Plan 2027–2029, mapping 200 priority actions across sectors. Agriculture Research: CARDI launched its inaugural Agricultural Research and Innovation Symposium to advance climate-resilient, science-driven farming. Community & Funding: The Cuba Solidarity Fund hit $200,000, with efforts now shifting to getting humanitarian supplies to Cuba. Procurement Notices: Grenada Development Bank and World Bank tenders include climate finance communications and multiple CEGEB procurements (office furniture, EV, computers).

Grenada–Kenya Diplomacy: Grenada appointed Kamal Shaileshbhai Shah as Honorary Consul to Kenya, following talks between President William Ruto and PM Dickon Mitchell, with cooperation flagged for trade, tourism, education, climate resilience and the blue economy. Energy Upgrade for Grenada: The Caribbean Development Bank is backing Grenada’s energy transition with financing for a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) at Maurice Bishop International Airport to boost grid stability and renewable integration. World Bank Procurement (CEGEB): Grenada’s Ministry of Climate Resilience, Environment & Renewable Energy issued multiple World Bank-funded Request for Quotations under the Caribbean Efficient and Green-Energy Buildings Project, including office furniture, an electric vehicle, computers and accessories. Local Appointments: Lyndeon George-Bellamy was appointed Chief of Protocol for Grenada effective 1 June 2026. Community Input: A public consultation is set for 25 July on a proposed golf course at Levera, part of the Grenada National Resort development. Regional Food Security Push: The Zero Hunger Trust Fund launched an EU-funded initiative, Cultivating Futures, using 10 schools in St Vincent & the Grenadines, St Lucia, Grenada and Dominica to tackle food security, nutrition, education and climate resilience.

Food Security Push: The Zero Hunger Trust Fund launched “Cultivating Futures – Empowering Youths for a Food Secure Region Project,” an 18-month EU-funded effort using 10 regional schools in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, St. Lucia, Grenada and Dominica to tackle food security, nutrition, education and climate resilience. Regional Tax Talks: CARICOM tax administrators and revenue experts meet in Georgetown, Guyana (27–31 July) to discuss “Future-Ready CARICOM Tax Administration,” with a focus on smart, data-driven and AI-enabled revenue systems. Grenada Diplomacy: Grenada appointed Kamal Shaileshbhai Shah as Honorary Consul to Kenya, following Africa–CARICOM talks, aiming to boost trade, fintech, climate action, tourism and agriculture ties. Maritime Dispute: Grenada’s MV Pathfinder interception by SVG’s coastguard has sparked legal questions over jurisdiction and “innocent passage,” with a Grenadian attorney writing to Grenada’s foreign affairs minister. OECS Support for Blue Economy SMEs: The OECS Commission extended MSME matching grants (Window 2) deadline to Friday, July 24, backing value-chain groups across Grenada, St. Lucia and St Vincent and the Grenadines. Tourism Staffing: Grenada Tourism Authority named Meryem Bennouna as UK sales director to strengthen the UK market push.

Diplomatic Boost: Grenada has appointed Kamal Shaileshbhai Shah as Honorary Consul to Kenya, aiming to deepen ties in trade, tourism, fintech, climate action and agriculture. Regional Maritime Tension: A Grenada-registered vessel, MV Pathfinder, was intercepted by St Vincent and the Grenadines’ coastguard, and Grenadian attorney Anslem Clouden is raising legal concerns over jurisdiction and “innocent passage.” OECS Support for Blue Economy SMEs: The OECS Commission extended the deadline for Window 2 of its regional MSME matching grants programme to Friday, July 24, giving eligible blue economy businesses more time to apply. Tourism Jobs & Growth: Grenada’s Tourism Authority appointed Meryem Bennouna as UK sales director, as the destination pushes harder in the UK market. Climate Watch: CariCOF warns El Niño-linked heat and drought risks, plus a continued risk of flooding during the 2026 wet season. Sports & Youth: The OECS PEARL Grade 2 assessment saw the Virgin Islands top results, while Grenada’s U15 girls squad was named for an invitational in Nassau.

Eastern Caribbean Justice: Grenada’s High Court has quashed Saint Lucian Justice Eddy Ventose’s appointment to the ECSC Court of Appeal, ruling the Judicial and Legal Services Commission failed to verify the required 15 years of legal practice. OECS & EU Pressure on CBI: OECS leaders say they’re building a unified strategy to respond to the EU’s demand that Citizenship by Investment/Citizenship by Investment Programme passports be phased out by 2028, warning visa privileges could be curtailed. Regional Security Pact: CARICOM IMPACS and the U.S. Homeland Security signed a Memorandum of Cooperation to strengthen biometric data sharing and background checks tied to regional security and CBI risk management. Food & Climate Resilience: CARDI launched its first Agricultural Research and Innovation Symposium in Grenada, while OECS delegates also studied sargassum management in Martinique and Guadeloupe. Grenada Energy Push: The Caribbean Development Bank backed Grenada’s battery storage push at Maurice Bishop International Airport to improve grid stability and support the energy transition. Tourism & Education: Grenada Tourism Authority appointed a new UK sales director, and the OECS Grade 2 reading and math results showed strong performance across the region.

Visa Relief for Grenada: Spain has added Grenada to a list of nine CARICOM countries whose citizens can enter Spain visa-free for short stays (up to 90 days in any 180-day period), joining Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, The Bahamas, Dominica, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, Trinidad and Tobago, and St Vincent and the Grenadines—while Jamaica, Guyana, Suriname, Belize and Haiti are left out. EU Push on Golden Passports: The EU is pressing OECS states to shut down citizenship-by-investment “golden passports,” warning of lost visa-free access, as small islands insist they will not comply. Grenada in Regional Security Talks: CARICOM IMPACS and the U.S. Homeland Security Department signed a Memorandum of Cooperation to expand biometric data sharing, including support for OECS citizenship checks. Energy Upgrade for Grenada: The Caribbean Development Bank is backing a utility-scale Battery Energy Storage System at Maurice Bishop International Airport, with grants and loans from partners including the UK, EU and Canada. Humanitarian Solidarity: CARICOM delivered 88 containers of earthquake relief to Venezuela, with Grenada among the contributing states. Culture & Community: Grenada marked CARICOM’s 53rd anniversary in London, and the Caribbean Exchange discussed the Grenada Ifa Festival (July 24–31).

Regional Food Security Launch: The Zero Hunger Trust Fund will host tomorrow’s official launch of “Cultivating Futures” in Grenada, St Vincent and the Grenadines, St Lucia and Dominica, using 10 regional schools as a key entry point, funded by the EU under EU-CaN and running for 18 months. Energy Transition Boost: The Caribbean Development Bank is backing Grenada’s electricity stability push with financing for a utility-scale Battery Energy Storage System at Maurice Bishop International Airport, supported by grants and loans from partners including the UK, EU and Canada, with World Bank support for grid upgrades. Border Security Pact: CARICOM IMPACS and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security signed a Memorandum of Cooperation to enable biometric data sharing, aiming to strengthen border security, immigration vetting and reduce fraud risks tied to Citizenship by Investment programmes, with Grenada among participating states. Travel Update for Grenada: Spain has added Grenada to a visa-free list for short stays, allowing eligible ordinary passport holders up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Community Grants: The Sandals Foundation opened applications for its 2027 grant programme, offering up to US$80,000 for Caribbean community projects across education, health, environment and disaster preparedness.

Visa Rules for Grenada Travelers: Spain has named 9 CARICOM countries for visa-free entry for short stays, including Grenada—Jamaica, Guyana, Suriname, Belize and Haiti are not on the list. Border Security Pact: The U.S. and CARICOM signed a biometric data-sharing agreement to strengthen border checks and immigration vetting, with Grenada among participating states. Grenada Economy Watch: Grenada’s Q2 outlook shows “two speeds” — fiscal targets are on track, but households feel pressure from imported energy spikes, including fuel and cooking gas increases. Airports & Jobs: The Grenada Airports Authority appointed Trinidadian Delison Charles as General Manager, and issued an RFP for an employee transportation service for Maurice Bishop International Airport. Public Data Planning: Grenada is moving ahead with OECS Data for Decision Making work, including hiring enumerators for household budget/survey living conditions and a feasibility study for a register-based census. Regional Policy Pressure: OECS leaders face EU demands to phase out Citizenship by Investment programmes by 2028, raising fears of wider economic fallout. Sports: Jamal Britt won the men’s 110 hurdles at the Ed Murphey Classic and clinched the USATF Tour title; Grenada’s wider region also saw CARIFTA chess results and AmeriCup pre-qualifier standings.

Border Security Pact: The US and CARICOM signed a landmark Biometric Data-Sharing Memorandum of Cooperation under IMPACS, creating a framework for automated sharing of fingerprints and facial scans to strengthen border security, immigration vetting, and identification of security risks across participating states including Grenada. Regional Travel & CBI Pressure: As EU demands phase-out of Citizenship by Investment programmes by 2028, OECS leaders agreed to a coordinated diplomatic push to Brussels, while Antigua and Barbuda’s PM Browne said his government will not destabilise its country to meet US third-country national demands. Grenada Aviation Leadership: Grenada Airports Authority appointed Trinidadian Dellison Charles as General Manager, effective 13 July 2026, bringing 15+ years of aviation and logistics leadership. ECCB Banknotes: New Eastern Caribbean banknotes were unveiled across the currency union, replacing Queen Elizabeth II with regional icons and national heroes. Sports & Talent: Grenada-linked coverage also highlights regional athletics and basketball momentum, including personal bests by Jamaican athletes and St Vincent finishing third in FIBA AmeriCup 2029 Caribbean Pre-Qualifiers.

OECS Airline Push: Antigua and Barbuda PM Gaston Browne renewed calls for an OECS airline, saying regional travellers are still stuck in hours-long delays and missed meetings when flights fail to connect properly. CBI Under EU Pressure: Eastern Caribbean leaders met in Roseau to respond to the EU’s demand to phase out Citizenship by Investment programmes, agreeing on a united diplomatic push to Brussels and stressing reforms, security and transparency. U.S.-CARICOM Border Tech Deal: The U.S. DHS and CARICOM’s IMPACS signed a landmark biometric data-sharing arrangement to strengthen border security and immigration vetting across participating states, with a focus on screening risks tied to CBI. Grenada Airport Leadership: Grenada Airports Authority appointed Dellison Charles as General Manager effective 13 July 2026, tasking him with driving operational and service improvements. Grenada’s Pension Payroll Automation: Metarelic People announced automated pension fund administration for Grenada’s public sector payroll, designed to handle enrolment, deductions, remittances and adjustments. Grenada OECS Data Project: Grenada’s OECS Data for Decision Making project is seeking enumerators for a Household Budget Survey and a consultant to study moving toward a register-based population and housing census. Regional Sports: Grenada’s presence in the AmeriCup Pre-Qualifiers ended without wins, while regional leaders and athletes also featured in track and beach volleyball coverage.

Regional Border Security: The US and CARICOM’s IMPACS signed a landmark multilateral biometric data-sharing arrangement in Washington, creating a framework for automated exchanges to screen and vet people seen as immigration or security risks, with a stated focus on Eastern Caribbean citizenship-by-investment links. CBI and EU Pressure: Eastern Caribbean heads of government met in Dominica to review the EU’s revised visa suspension mechanism tied to citizenship-by-investment programmes, stressing that CBI revenues fund climate resilience, healthcare and infrastructure while pointing to regional reforms and due diligence efforts. Visa-Free Travel Lists: Germany published its 2026 visa-free list for 62 countries outside the EU/Schengen (up to 90 days), and the list includes Grenada, Dominica, Saint Lucia and St Kitts and Nevis. Grenada in the Spotlight: Grenada is also named on Turkey’s 2026 eVisa eligibility list of 48 countries, alongside other Caribbean states. Sports—Caribbean Youth: St Kitts and Nevis launched the ECVA U20 Beach Volleyball Championship in Frigate Bay, while regional basketball and athletics coverage continues to highlight Caribbean talent.

Citizenship by Investment talks: Eastern Caribbean heads of government met in Roseau to respond to the EU’s revised visa-suspension mechanism tied to CBI programmes, with Grenada’s PM Dickon Mitchell among the leaders discussing how any transition could affect funding for climate resilience, healthcare and infrastructure, while stressing reforms like the Eastern Caribbean CBI Regulatory Authority and due diligence. Regional security: The US Department of Homeland Security signed a landmark biometric data-sharing partnership with CARICOM’s IMPACS, aimed at strengthening border security and immigration vetting across participating Caribbean states. Grenada infrastructure oversight: A local commentary flags growing public frustration over delayed public works and inconsistent procurement and contract management, calling for stronger supervision and proper financing of accepted standards. Sports—AmeriCup: Guyana’s AmeriCup qualifying hopes ended after a loss to Antigua and Barbuda, despite earlier wins, while regional CBI and security developments continue to dominate policy headlines. Culture—Mighty Sparrow: Tributes continue for Grenada-born calypso legend The Mighty Sparrow as he marks his 91st birthday.

ECCB Leadership: Dominica’s Dr. Irving McIntyre has taken over as chair of the ECCB Monetary Council, pledging to protect the financial well-being of the ECCU’s 650,000-plus people across the currency union, including Grenada. CARICOM Diplomacy: CARICOM heads in Saint Lucia say they did not collectively tackle Citizenship by Investment during their meeting, while leaders push ahead with a regional plan to engage the EU in Brussels over CBI and visa-free travel rules. Regional Policy on Kids Online: CARICOM agreed to move toward common rules for children’s access to social media, with Guyana leading work on legislation and Grenada overseeing guidelines for a regional policy framework. Border Security Deal: The US DHS signed a landmark Memorandum of Cooperation with CARICOM IMPACS to enable biometric data sharing for border security and immigration vetting, with Grenada among participating states. Local Politics: The NDC is inviting citizens to help shape its next election manifesto, but critics are calling for a transparent report card on what the government delivered first. Sports & Culture: St. Kitts Grill Fest goes regional on July 18 with grill masters from Grenada and other islands competing, and Grenada-born calypsonian The Mighty Sparrow marked his 91st birthday.

CARICOM Border Security: The US Department of Homeland Security signed a landmark Memorandum of Cooperation with CARICOM IMPACS to enable biometric data sharing for border security and immigration vetting, with Grenada among the participating states. CBI Pressure on the Region: Eastern Caribbean leaders met in Dominica and agreed to coordinate their response to the EU’s revised visa suspension push, including a high-level mission to Brussels; CARICOM also says CBI wasn’t collectively discussed at its recent heads meeting. Grenada Election Politics: The NNP opposition leader Emmalin Pierre leads a Grenada diaspora town hall delegation in New York, while St Mark’s seat is seeing a shake-up with Caris DeGannes entering the NDC race. Local Governance & Infrastructure Oversight: A Grenada-focused report argues public infrastructure projects are suffering from weak management and inconsistent procurement enforcement, calling for stronger oversight. Regional Sports: Grenada’s group rivals in the FIBA AmeriCup pre-qualifiers continue to battle in Guyana, with results shaping qualification hopes. Business & Trade: The Grenada Chamber of Industry and Commerce joins the ICC World Chambers Federation, aiming to boost international trade support for local firms.