AGP Executive Report

LGBTQ+ Rights Watch: A long-running legal fight over Trinidad and Tobago’s colonial-era “buggery law” is back before the Privy Council in London, with activists across the region watching closely as the case could reshape how same-sex laws are treated across the eastern Caribbean. Local Advocacy: In SVG, ERAO SVG’s Jeshua Bardoo marked Pride SVG’s fourth year by urging the new Prime Minister to repeal Criminal Code provisions that criminalise consensual same-sex relations and to add protections against discrimination. Vincentian Achievement: Vincentian-born attorney Karlene J. Rogers-Aberman was sworn into the U.S. Supreme Court Bar in front of all nine justices—an eye-catching milestone for local legal talent. Community & Safety: Police reiterated the strict “no glass bottle” policy for Carnival 2026, warning patrons to comply in designated zones. Culture & Lifestyle: A Vincentian documentary, “Madulu, The Seaman,” sold out screenings in Maryland and is being discussed for ocean-equity education, bringing SVG’s maritime stories to a wider audience. Sports & Youth: OECS athletics wrapped with St. Vincent and the Grenadines finishing 4th overall, while regional beach volleyball and youth basketball camps keep the spotlight on young athletes. Learning & Migration: SVG Association of Toronto announced a July 12 webinar on Canadian immigration pathways for visitors, PR and citizenship.

LGBTQIA+ Rights Watch: England’s Supreme Court will hear a final challenge that could decriminalize gay sex in Trinidad and Tobago, a case that’s been moving for nearly 10 years and could set a wider Caribbean precedent. Local Advocacy: In SVG, ERAO SVG’s Jeshua Bardoo is urging the new Prime Minister to repeal same-sex criminal laws and add protections against discrimination. Vincentian Legal Milestone: Vincentian-born attorney Karlene J. Rogers-Aberman was sworn into the U.S. Supreme Court Bar in front of all nine justices. Community & Learning: SVG Association of Toronto will host a July 12 webinar on Canadian immigration pathways. Culture & Safety: Police reiterate Carnival’s “no glass bottle” policy for 2026. Sports & Youth: SVG is set to be represented at ECVA events in St. Kitts, including U20 beach volleyball and coaching/referee courses. Environment & Education: The BioSleuths Challenge wrapped with a ceremony celebrating citizen science and biodiversity awareness. Arts & Sea Stories: Vincentian film “Madulu, The Seaman” sold out in Maryland and is being discussed for ocean-justice education.

Immigration & Mobility: The St. Vincent and the Grenadines Association of Toronto is set to host a July 12 webinar on Canadian immigration pathways, with a consultant breaking down visitor visas, permanent residency and citizenship options. LGBTQIA+ Rights: ERAO SVG’s Jeshua Bardoo marked Pride SVG’s fourth year by urging the new government to repeal laws criminalising consensual same-sex relations and to add protections against discrimination. Carnival Safety: Police reiterated the “no glass bottle” policy for Carnival 2026, warning patrons to comply in designated no-glass zones. Sports & Youth: At the OECS Athletics Championships, St. Vincent and the Grenadines finished fourth overall, while Vincentian athletes also posted standout results; and SVG is fully represented at ECVA volleyball courses and the U20 beach championships in St. Kitts. Community & Culture: The National Public Library installed solar panels to cut electricity costs, and the Layou community celebrated Carmina Hinds’ 103rd birthday. Regional Tourism: OECS pushed community-based tourism as a growth engine, with training in Saint Lucia aimed at putting local communities at the centre of tourism planning.

Carnival Safety Reminder: Police have reiterated that the “no glass bottle policy” is in force for Carnival 2026, with designated “no glass bottle zones” and officers asking anyone found with glass to surrender it to help prevent accidents and violence. Football Culture & Reform: FIFA consultants’ findings are pushing SVG football federation changes, including calls for a dedicated grassroots development staff role and restructuring for long-term planning, funding and better programme alignment. Sports Spotlight (SVG on the move): St Vincent and the Grenadines will be fully represented at ECVA events in St Kitts and Nevis, with Vincentian coaches and referees joining courses ahead of the U20 beach volleyball championships. Youth & Community Sport: Bequia’s basketball association says its weekly youth camps are gaining momentum, with visiting Vincentian basketball figures and Prime Minister Godwin Friday encouraging the programme. Local Arts Going Global: Vincentian documentary “Madulu, The Seaman” sold out in Maryland and is sparking ocean equity conversations, while a Blue Economy showcase highlighted Grenadines maritime products. Sustainability at Home: The National Public Library is installing solar panels to cut electricity costs and redirect savings into children’s books and library programmes. Biodiversity Learning: The BioSleuths Challenge wrapped with a ceremony celebrating citizen science and plans to expand it into an annual event. Rastafari Rights (Regional): CARICOM is moving toward a regional committee and consultation to address discrimination and marginalisation faced by Rastafarians, with SVG named among participating member states.

Carnival Safety Reminder: Police in St. Vincent and the Grenadines reiterated that the “no glass bottle” policy is in effect for Carnival 2026, with officers asking people to surrender glass if found in designated “no glass bottle zones,” aiming to prevent accidents and violence during the high-energy season. Community & Culture: Layou marked a heartfelt milestone as Carmina Hinds celebrated her 103rd birthday, with a ministerial visit praising her long service and independence. Sports & Youth: St. Vincent and the Grenadines is fully represented at ECVA events in St. Kitts and Nevis, including beach volleyball courses and U20 beach championships, while Bequia’s youth basketball camps continue to grow with support from Vincentian basketball figures. Regional Tourism & Inclusion: OECS pushed community-based tourism as a growth engine, training tourism officials to help local communities become primary beneficiaries. Football Development Focus: FIFA consultants’ recommendations are driving calls to restructure SVGFF priorities, especially grassroots football development. Arts & Oceans: Vincentian film “Madulu, The Seaman” sold out in Maryland and is sparking ocean equity conversations. Local Sustainability: The National Public Library installed solar panels to cut electricity bills and redirect savings into services, including children’s reading programmes.

Carnival Safety Reminder: Police say the “no glass bottle policy” is in effect for Carnival 2026, urging revelers to comply with “no glass bottle zones” and surrender bottles if found to help prevent accidents and violence. Public Attention & Violence: A commentary warns that social media attention can fuel the violence communities fear by turning gang identities into viral “news,” shifting focus away from safer, smarter choices. Library Goes Solar: The National Public Library and Documentation Centre expects lower electricity bills after installing a solar PV system, freeing funds for more books and programmes. Vincentian Film Spotlight: “Madulu, The Seaman” continues to draw global conversation on ocean equity after selling out in the U.S. and being featured at an ocean justice film festival. Football Reform Push: FIFA consultants’ recommendations are being acted on to reshape SVG football, including stronger grassroots focus and better long-term planning. Rastafari Rights at CARICOM: CARICOM moves toward a regional meeting and committee to address discrimination and marginalisation affecting Rastafarians, including barriers in education and public life. Community-Based Tourism Training: OECS workshops in Saint Lucia strengthen community-based tourism planning, aiming to keep tourism benefits inside local communities. Youth Sports & Development: Bequia’s basketball camps gain international support, while System 3 Sports Academy receives funding for youth tours and matches across nearby islands.

Caribbean Culture & Rights: CARICOM is set to convene a regional meeting to tackle long-running discrimination against Rastafarians, with a committee including representatives from Barbados, Jamaica, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and Trinidad and Tobago—aimed at improving access to education, employment, and full public life participation. Local Arts & Community: Vincentian children’s author Gwenette Pearson-Cambridge, rooted in education in Guyana and later St. Vincent, is spotlighted for turning classroom lessons into children’s lore and for urging stronger support for Caribbean literary arts. Sports & Youth Development: Bequia Basketball Association continues its youth camps, welcoming Vincentian basketball figures and noting Prime Minister Godwin Friday’s visit; meanwhile, St. Vincent and the Grenadines is fully represented at ECVA events in St Kitts and Nevis with coaches and athletes across beach volleyball courses and championships. Sustainability & Lifestyle: The National Public Library is installing solar to cut electricity costs and redirect savings into children’s books and programmes, while the documentary “Madulu, The Seaman” draws sold-out audiences in Maryland and sparks ocean-equity conversations. Regional Training & Safety: Eastern Caribbean RSS officers complete prosecution training, and SVG’s Crime Prevention Unit urges carnival-goers to prioritize safety and responsibility.

Children’s Literature & Education: Guyanese-born author Gwenette Pearson-Cambridge, now based in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, credits her teaching roots and Caribbean educators for turning classroom lessons into children’s lore, urging the region’s literary arts to be championed. Biodiversity & Youth Learning: The 2026 BioSleuths Challenge wrapped with a ceremony at the Methodist Church Hall, spotlighting citizen science data collected by students and plans to make the programme an annual biodiversity push. Community Milestone: Layou resident Carmina Hinds marked her 103rd birthday with a visit from Minister Conroy Huggins, celebrating her independence and long service to the community. Regional Justice Training: Eastern Caribbean officers and prosecutors completed an RSS prosecution course aimed at strengthening criminal case handling and fair justice delivery. Local Culture on Screen: Vincentian documentary “Madulu, The Seaman” sold out at an American cinema and is sparking ocean-equity conversations abroad. Sustainable Living: The National Public Library installed solar panels to cut electricity costs and redirect savings into children’s reading and programmes. Sports & Youth Development: Bequia Basketball Association continues youth camps with Vincentian basketball figures and support for future regional representation. Caribbean Rights & Inclusion: CARICOM moves to convene discussions and form a committee to address discrimination and marginalisation faced by Rastafarians across the region. Community Tourism Strategy: OECS workshops in Saint Lucia focus on community-based tourism so locals become primary beneficiaries, linking culture, heritage, entrepreneurship and livelihoods. Football Governance: FIFA consultants’ recommendations for overhauling SVGFF grassroots development and football structure are pushing calls for dedicated staffing and better coordination.

Regional Justice & Training: A cohort of 20 Eastern Caribbean officers and prosecutors has completed an RSS Criminal Practice and Procedure course, mixing online study with face-to-face training to strengthen prosecution skills across member states. Carnival Safety: Station Sergeant Steven Billy urges citizens and visitors to treat safety as a priority during Carnival, as crime-prevention efforts ramp up ahead of the busy season. SVG Football Reform: FIFA consultants’ recommendations are pushing the SVG Football Federation toward structural changes, including a dedicated grassroots development role and better long-term planning. Library Goes Solar: The National Public Library installs a solar PV system to cut electricity bills and redirect savings into reading materials and programmes. Vincentian Film Spotlight: The documentary “Madulu, The Seaman” sold out in Maryland and is sparking global ocean-equity conversations. CARICOM & Rastafarian Rights: CARICOM moves toward a regional meeting and committee to tackle discrimination and improve access to education, jobs, and public life for Rastafarians. Gender & Skills: OECS launches a gender mainstreaming staff training series, building capacity for gender-responsive policy work across the region. Sports Development: Bequia’s basketball youth camps gain momentum with visiting Vincentian basketball figures and support from the Prime Minister.

Carnival Culture & Safety: As Carnival fever ramps up, Station Sergeant Steven Billy urged citizens and visitors to treat safety as a top priority, with Crime Prevention Week’s exhibition pushing practical tips to reduce offences during the busy season. Local Arts on the World Stage: Vincentian documentary Madulu, The Seaman sold out at AFI Silver Theatre in Maryland and is now sparking ocean-equity conversations, with a Blue Economy showcase highlighting Grenadine maritime products and crafts. Library Lifestyle Upgrade: The National Public Library is installing solar PV to cut electricity costs, freeing money for more reading materials—especially for children—and expanded programmes. Football Futures: FIFA consultants’ recommendations are driving calls for structural change at the SVG Football Federation, including a dedicated grassroots development role and stronger long-term planning. Youth Sports Momentum (Bequia): The Bequia Basketball Association highlighted progress from weekly youth camps, with Vincentian basketball figures supporting the programme and Prime Minister Godwin Friday visiting. Regional Rights & Identity: CARICOM is moving toward a regional meeting and committee work to address discrimination and marginalisation faced by Rastafarians, including barriers in education, employment, and public life. Health Reminder: The Ministry of Health issued a safe-sex warning amid rising HIV cases, urging people not to assume status and to get tested.

Carnival safety push: Police Station Sergeant Steven Billy urged citizens and visitors to make safety a top priority as 2026 Carnival ramps up, warning that offences often rise during the festivities and calling for a “culture of safety and responsibility.” Library goes solar: The National Public Library installed a solar PV system to cut electricity costs, freeing money for more reading materials and children’s programmes. Film spotlights the sea: Vincentian documentary Madulu, The Seaman sold out in Maryland and is sparking ocean-equity conversations after festival selection. Football reform talks: FIFA consultants’ recommendations are driving calls for changes at the SVG Football Federation, including stronger grassroots focus and better long-term planning. Tourism leadership: Shafia London was named CEO of the SVG Tourism Authority, tasked with steering growth as the destination prepares for cruise expansion. Regional rights focus: CARICOM plans a meeting and committee work on Rastafarian rights, responding to ongoing discrimination in education, jobs, and public life. HIV safe-sex reminder: The Ministry of Health issued an urgent safe-sex warning amid rising HIV cases, targeting key age groups. Youth sport momentum (Bequia): Bequia Basketball Association highlighted progress from weekly youth camps, with visiting Vincentian basketball figures and PM Godwin Friday attending.

Carnival Safety Push: Police Station Sergeant Steven Billy is urging Vincentians and visitors to treat safety as a top priority during VincyMas, as Crime Prevention Week’s exhibition promotes practical ways to reduce offences. Solar for the Library: The National Public Library and Documentation Centre is installing a solar PV system to cut electricity costs, freeing money for more reading materials and children’s programmes. Film & Ocean Culture: Vincentian documentary Madulu, The Seaman sold out in Maryland and is sparking global talks on ocean equity and representational justice. Football Federation Overhaul: FIFA consultants’ recommendations are driving fresh calls for SVGFF restructuring, including a dedicated grassroots development role and stronger planning and funding coordination. Youth Sports Support: SAMPASA Inc. backed System 3 Sports Academy with funds for an inter-island tour, backing young players’ development through sport and life skills. Regional Rights Agenda: CARICOM is moving toward a meeting and committee work on Rastafarian rights, after leaders flagged ongoing barriers in education, employment, and public life. Tourism Leadership Change: Shafia London has been appointed CEO of the SVG Tourism Authority, taking over July 1 as the country leans into growth in arrivals and cruise tourism. Agriculture Modernisation: FAO is funding a $1.3M project to boost data-driven farming and coastal risk management, including agriculture drones and geospatial datasets.

Rastafarian Rights Push: CARICOM leaders have agreed to set up a regional committee to tackle discrimination and marginalisation faced by Rastafarians, including barriers in education, employment and public life, with St. Vincent and the Grenadines among the participating states. Community Tourism Skills: OECS officials met in Saint Lucia to train member states on community-based tourism planning, stressing that local communities should be the “architects and beneficiaries” of tourism, supported by EU funding. Gender Equality Training: The OECS Commission launched a three-part gender mainstreaming staff training series to help embed gender-responsive planning across programmes. Tourism Leadership Change: St. Vincent and the Grenadines Tourism Authority named Shafia London as CEO, aiming to steer the destination through a fast-changing tourism era. Health Alert: SVG’s Ministry of Health issued a safe-sex warning as HIV cases rise, with new clusters among women 25–29 and older men 60+. Education Spotlight: A new Chief Education Officer, Marvis Findlay-Joseph, shared her vision for the sector, while educator Adriana King continued her public dispute over withheld allowances. Media Milestone: NBC Radio marked 40 years as a corporation, celebrating “the sound of the nation.”

Rastafarian Rights at CARICOM: CARICOM is set to convene a regional meeting to tackle discrimination and marginalisation faced by Rastafarians, with leaders noting barriers in education, employment and public life. A committee is planned with representatives from Barbados, Jamaica, St Kitts and Nevis, St Vincent and the Grenadines, and Trinidad and Tobago to push rights protections at both regional and international levels. Gender Equality Training (OECS): The OECS Commission launched a three-part Gender Mainstreaming staff training series to help embed gender-responsive planning across programmes, including practical case work and a Gender Marker simulation. HIV Safe-Sex Push in SVG: The Ministry of Health issued an urgent safe-sex warning during VincyMas, citing rising HIV cases—especially among women aged 25–29 and men 60+—and stressing that HIV can’t be seen by appearance. Education Leadership & Culture: SVG welcomed a new Chief Education Officer, Marvis Findlay-Joseph, sharing a vision to restore joy in learning, while Bequia’s youth basketball camps continue to grow with local mentors and visiting Vincentian figures. Tourism Leadership Change: Shafia London was appointed CEO of the St Vincent and the Grenadines Tourism Authority, tasked with steering the destination’s next growth phase. Sports & Community: CARICOM and regional partners also backed inclusive sailing initiatives, bringing para and inclusive competition opportunities to the wider Caribbean.

Gender Equality Training: The OECS Commission has launched a three-part Gender Mainstreaming Staff Training Series to help staff apply gender-responsive planning across programmes, using case studies and a Gender Marker simulation. Regional Leadership: Dr. Didacus Jules has been reappointed for a fourth term as OECS Director General, with leaders praising his work on food sovereignty, digital transformation, healthier communities and education reform. Rastafarian Rights: CARICOM will convene a regional meeting and set up a committee (including St. Vincent and the Grenadines) to tackle discrimination and marginalisation affecting Rastafarians, focusing on access to education, jobs and public life. Education & Community Life: Adriana King is publicly disputing the Ministry of Education over withheld end-of-year allowances, while the new Chief Education Officer, Mavis Findlay-Joseph, shares her vision for the sector. Health & Lifestyle: The Ministry of Health warns of rising HIV cases in SVG, urging safe sex—especially as VincyMas approaches—after new infections cluster among women 25–29 and men 60+. Youth Sports: Bequia Basketball Association says its weekly youth camps are gaining momentum, with local mentors and national-level pathways for young players.

Rastafarian Rights at CARICOM: CARICOM will hold a special regional meeting to tackle discrimination and marginalisation faced by Rastafarians, with a committee set to include Barbados, Jamaica, St Kitts and Nevis, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and Trinidad and Tobago. Education Under Scrutiny: Social activist Adriana King is publicly challenging the Ministry of Education over withheld end-of-year allowances, calling the situation unlawful and “lawless.” New Education Leadership: Marvis Findlay-Joseph has taken over as Chief Education Officer, sharing her vision to reignite joy in learning and drive change across the system. HIV & Safe Sex Push: The Ministry of Health warns of rising HIV cases, especially among women 25–29 and men 60+, urging testing and safer sex during the VincyMas period. Youth Sports in Bequia: The Bequia Basketball Association says its weekly youth camps are gaining momentum, with Prime Minister Dr. Godwin Friday visiting the latest session. Youth Protection Initiative: Police launch the “steps project” to help students resist peer pressure and grooming by adult predators. Regional Culture & Integration: OECS leaders reappoint Dr. Didacus Jules for a fourth term, backing continued work on food sovereignty, digital transformation, and education reform.