AGP Executive Report

Youth Safety & Prevention: The Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force launched the “steps project” to help students resist peer pressure and spot grooming tactics, aiming to prevent harm before it happens. HIV Update: Health officials report a spike in HIV cases, with clusters among young adults (25–29) and older men (60+), urging safer sex and testing—especially with carnival season approaching. Public Health—Gastro Surge: A Ministry warning says gastrointestinal illness is running above expected levels, linked to weaker hand hygiene; authorities are urging families to wash hands often, particularly during mass gatherings. Mental Health Reform: SVG is shifting from long-term institutional care toward community-based mental health services, with plans for destigmatization, decentralization, and deinstitutionalization. Education Leadership: Mavis Findlay-Joseph has been appointed Chief Education Officer, bringing 34 years of experience to guide system priorities. Regional Culture & History: St. Eustatius’ Emancipation Day moves toward community-led education and remembrance, with scholars including SVG-born cultural anthropologist Dr. Artwell Cain. Sports & Talent: Amaia Edwards won three national titles at the Wendell Hercules championships, while SVG’s netball venue debate continues over aging facilities.

HIV & Safer Sex: St. Vincent and the Grenadines health officials report a worrying HIV uptick, with cases clustering among young adults (25–29) and older men (60+), and they’re urging condom use ahead of carnival. Public Health (Gastro): The Ministry also warns of a surge in vomiting-and-diarrhea cases, blaming slipping hand hygiene and urging adults to push better hygiene for children. Mental Health Reform: A new community-based mental health approach is being rolled out, focusing on destigmatization, decentralization to clinics and homes, and reducing long-term institutional stays. Education & Inclusion: Mavis Findlay-Joseph takes over as Chief Education Officer, while 12-year-old Faith Grant becomes the first blind student accepted to Girls’ High School after excelling in CPEA. Regional Culture & Learning: OECS marks 45 years of integration with an “OECS renaissance” call, and the ECCB prepares a free STEM Camp for youth across the Eastern Caribbean. Sports & Youth Pride: Amaia Edwards wins three national titles at the Wendell Hercules Championships, and SVGCC graduates over 900 students under “Tomorrow’s Leaders.”

Medical milestone & education links: Saint Lucia’s Camille Andrew became the first OECS woman to earn an MD in Morocco, graduating with highest honours after seven years of training and research on pediatric inflammatory bowel disease. Regional leadership: Dr. Didacus Jules was reappointed for a fourth term as OECS Director General as Heads of Government backed his push for food sovereignty, digital transformation, healthier communities and education reform. Public service & digital life: St. Vincent and the Grenadines held a Public Service Digital Innovation Forum under UN Public Service Day themes, with plans for faster, more connected government services and a new tax information system coming online next year. Health & Carnival readiness: The Ministry of Health warned of a sharp rise in gastrointestinal cases, urging better hand hygiene ahead of Carnival crowds. Mental health shift: Officials outlined a move toward community-based mental health care, including destigmatization, decentralization and reducing long-term institutional stays. Sports & youth culture: Amaia Edwards swept three national titles at the Wendell Hercules Championships, while women’s rugby in Barbados spotlighted growing female participation. Learning inclusivity: A 12-year-old blind student, Faith Grant, made history by gaining entry to Girls’ High School after excelling in the CPEA with accommodations.

Food Security & Youth Participation: The Zero Hunger Trust Fund validated its Strategic Plan 2026–2030 in Kingstown, bringing together ministries, NGOs, youth and civil society to shape a five-year, “systems” approach to food and nutrition security. Regional Leadership: OECS Heads of Government reappointed Dr. Didacus Jules for a fourth term as Director General, praising his work on food sovereignty, digital transformation, healthier communities and education reform. Education & Inclusion: Mavis Findlay-Joseph assumed the role of Chief Education Officer, while St. Vincent’s 12-year-old Faith Grant made history as the first blind student accepted to Girls’ High School after excelling in the CPEA with accommodations. Public Health: Health officials warned of a surge in gastrointestinal cases ahead of Carnival, urging better hand hygiene to curb vomiting and diarrhea. Mental Health Reform: The Ministry outlined a shift to community-based mental health care, focusing on destigmatization, decentralization and deinstitutionalization. Culture & Sports: SVGCC’s graduation celebrated 961 students, and Amaia Edwards swept three national titles at the Wendell Hercules Championships.

Regional Leadership: Dr. Didacus Jules has been reappointed for a fourth term as OECS Director General, with Heads of Government praising his work on food sovereignty, digital transformation, healthier communities and education reform. Education & Inclusion: St. Vincent’s 12-year-old Faith Grant made history by becoming the first blind student accepted to Girls’ High School after excelling in the CPEA, with exam accommodations helping her place among the top performers. Community Safety: Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force wrapped up Crime Prevention Week with a public exhibition at Police Headquarters, urging vigilance ahead of Carnival. Health Watch: The Ministry of Health reports a sharp rise in gastrointestinal cases, blaming weaker hand hygiene and urging families to step up sanitation before Carnival crowds. Mental Health Shift: St. Vincent and the Grenadines is moving toward community-based mental health care, focusing on destigmatization, decentralization and deinstitutionalization. Tourism & Culture: SVG’s Tourism Authority is seeing momentum in 2026 arrivals, and a new “Go Grenadines Passport” campaign is set to boost domestic travel in August.

OECS Leadership: Dr. Didacus Jules has been reappointed for a fourth term as Director General, with OECS Heads of Government praising his work on food sovereignty, digital transformation, healthier communities and education. Digital Public Services: During Public Service Week, a forum on “Digital Public Service” highlighted plans to make government services faster and more accessible, including a new tax information system expected to go live next year. Education & Inclusion: St. Vincent and the Grenadines Community College graduated 961 students, while 12-year-old Faith Grant made history as the first blind student admitted to Girls’ High School after a top CPEA performance. Health & Community Care: The health ministry warned of a surge in gastro cases ahead of Carnival, and announced a major mental health shift toward community-based treatment. Tourism & Culture: The SVG Tourism Authority welcomed new CEO Shafia London and shared momentum from Q1 2026 visitor growth, alongside a “Go Grenadines Passport” push for domestic travel. Sports: Amaia Edwards swept three national titles, and commentary called for better netball facilities at the Kingstown Netball Centre. Regional Spotlight: OECS marked 45 years of integration as leaders met in Antigua, with a renewed push for an “OECS renaissance.”

Education & Inclusion: Faith Grant, a 12-year-old blind student from Fair Hall Government School, has made history by becoming the first blind student accepted to St. Vincent’s Girls’ High School after excelling in the CPEA (19th among girls, 43rd overall), with accommodations like questions read aloud and tactile diagram support. Regional STEM & Learning: The ECCB will launch a free 2026 STEM Camp (ages 14–18) across ECCU member states, aiming to turn youth into tech creators using AI, Python, and design thinking. Tourism with a Local Focus: SVG’s Tourism Authority has appointed Shafia London as incoming CEO, promising results-driven growth and better visitor experiences, while the “Go Grenadines Passport” campaign pushes domestic travel in August. Culture & Community Memory: St. Eustatius is reimagining Emancipation Day with education-led programming that highlights resistance and community dialogue. Food & Health Advocacy: A regional campaign targets ultra-processed food and drink marketing around schools, including SVG. Regional Leadership: OECS marks 45 years of integration as chairmanship shifts to Gaston Browne, with priorities spanning trade, connectivity, climate resilience, and food security. Public Safety: A shooting in Lowmans (Leeward) left one dead and two injured; police investigations continue.

Education & Inclusion: Faith Grant, a 12-year-old blind student from Fair Hall Government School, made history by placing 19th among girls in the CPEA and earning entry to Girls’ High School—supported during the exam with read-aloud questions and tactile diagram tracing. Regional STEM & Learning: The ECCB will launch a free 2026 STEM Camp (July 6) for ages 14–18 across ECCU territories, aiming to turn youth into tech creators using skills like Python and design thinking. Culture & Heritage: St. Eustatius is reshaping Emancipation Day into a community-led programme focused on history, education, and dialogue, with scholars including Vincentian cultural anthropologist Dr. Artwell Cain. Tourism & Lifestyle: SVGTA unveiled the “Go Grenadines Passport” to boost domestic travel in August, while Miss Shafia London was appointed incoming CEO with a results-driven, nationally inclusive tourism mandate. Food & Health Advocacy: A regional campaign targets ultra-processed food and drink marketing around schools, including St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Safety & Community: Police continue investigations after a shooting in Lowmans, where one man died and two others were injured. OECS Spotlight: OECS leaders opened their 78th Authority meeting in Antigua, with chairmanship shifting to Gaston Browne and a push for an “OECS renaissance.”

Healthy Food in Schools: The Healthy Caribbean Coalition launched “Make it Make Sense,” pushing for the removal of ultra-processed food and drink marketing from schools across the region, including St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Food Security Planning: The Zero Hunger Trust Fund validated its 2026–2030 Strategic Plan, shifting toward a more integrated “systems” approach to hunger amid climate risks, rising prices, import dependence, and youth vulnerability. Education & Inclusion: 12-year-old Faith Grant made history as the first blind student admitted to Girls’ High School after excelling in the CPEA with accommodations like read-aloud questions and tactile diagram support. Local Learning Milestone: Draádon A. Ackie topped the 2026 CPEA with 98.2%, as results show a modest national improvement. Tourism with a Local Focus: The SVG Tourism Authority unveiled the “Go Grenadines Passport” to boost domestic travel in August, while a new CEO, Shafia London, promised a results-driven, nationally inclusive tourism push. Regional Culture & Leadership: OECS marked 45 years of integration and called for an “OECS renaissance” as Gaston Browne assumed chairmanship, with priorities spanning resilience, security, and cooperation in education and health. Community Safety: A shooting in Lowmans, Leeward left one dead and two injured, with police investigating.

Education & Inclusion: Faith Grant, a 12-year-old blind student from Fair Hall Government School, made history by earning a place at Girls’ High School after excelling in the CPEA with 19th among girls and 43rd overall, supported by exam accommodations like having questions read aloud and tracing diagrams by hand. Community & Youth Development: The St. Vincent and the Grenadines Community College held its 2026 graduation for 961 students, with a Vincentian scholar urging graduates to lead with resilience and compassion. Tourism & Lifestyle: The SVG Tourism Authority named Shafia London as incoming CEO, promising a results-driven, nationally inclusive push as Q1 2026 tourism grew and the “Go Grenadines Passport” campaign targets domestic travel in August. Culture & Carnival: The Carnival Development Corporation is drafting a policy to limit AI use in Vincymas music after detecting AI-generated songs, stressing that AI should refine—not replace—human creativity. Public Safety: A shooting in Lowmans (Great House) left one man dead and two others injured; police are investigating. Regional Culture & Policy: OECS leaders opened their 78th Authority meeting in Antigua, with chairmanship shifting from Godwin Friday to Gaston Browne, focusing on trade, connectivity, resilience, and cooperation.

Vincy Mas & Culture Policy: The Carnival Development Corporation is drafting rules to limit AI use in Vincymas music after AI-generated songs were spotted in this year’s releases, with CDC chair Ricardo Adams stressing AI can “refine” but must not replace artists’ creative “juice.” Carnival Safety & Unity: Officials rolled out tighter security for Vincy Mas 2026, including a strict no-glass-bottles policy and a zero-tolerance stance on violence, while culture leaders urged Vincentians to unite as “one Vincy” and back local artists. Tourism Push (Grenadines): SVGTA launched the “Go Grenadines Passport,” a $100 voucher plan aimed at boosting domestic travel in August, with locals using it for island packages like Bequia and Canouan. New Tourism Leadership: Shafia London was appointed CEO of the SVG Tourism Authority, promising a results-driven, inclusive approach to grow stay-over arrivals and exceed visitor expectations. Education Spotlight: Faith Grant, a blind student, made history by securing a place at Girls’ High School after standout CPEA results, highlighting inclusive testing support. Regional Governance: OECS leaders met in Antigua for the 78th Authority meeting, with chairmanship shifting to Gaston Browne and priorities ranging from climate resilience to freedom of movement.

OECS Leadership & Regional Policy: OECS leaders met in Antigua as chairmanship shifted from SVG’s Dr Godwin Friday to Gaston Browne, with talks on economic development, climate resilience, security, food/energy security, freedom of movement, and cooperation in health, education and digital transformation. Tourism Strategy & Jobs: SVGTA named Shafia London as incoming CEO, promising results over rhetoric and a “national engine” approach; the authority also reported strong Q1 2026 tourism growth (196,513 visitors) and a pivot toward targeted, high-value visitors. Grenadines Travel Boost: The “Go Grenadines Passport” launches to drive domestic travel in August, with vouchers usable across participating islands and tourism-approved experiences. Education & Inclusion: Faith Grant, a blind student, made history by earning a place at Girls’ High School after excelling in CPEA with special exam accommodations. Vincy Mas Culture & Safety: CDC is drafting limits on AI use in carnival music (“AI cannot become your creative juice”), while security plans push unity and enforce strict no-glass rules and a zero-tolerance stance on violence for “The Great Escape” season. Community College Milestone: SVG Community College graduation will award certificates to 961 students, with Dr Andrea Veira as featured speaker.

Vincy Mas 2026 Security & Unity: Carnival Development Corporation and police leaders are rolling out fresh safety rules for “The Great Escape,” including a strict no-glass policy and a hard line against “6ixx and 7even” violence, while Culture Minister Kaschaka Cupid and CDC chair Ricardo Adams urge Vincentians to rally as “one people” and keep the festival rooted in culture, not just expensive fetes. AI in Carnival Music: CDC says it has spotted AI-generated songs in this year’s releases and is drafting limits on how much AI artistes can use—“AI cannot become your creative juice.” Tourism Push: The SVG Tourism Authority’s incoming CEO, Shafia London, promises a results-driven, inclusive tourism plan that benefits communities across the islands. Education Milestone: Faith Grant, a blind student from Fair Hall Government School, secures a historic place at Girls’ High School after standout CPEA results, highlighting inclusive testing support. Regional Focus (OECS): Prime Minister Friday heads to the 78th OECS Authority meeting in Antigua as chairmanship shifts to Gaston Browne, with priorities including climate resilience, security, and freedom of movement.

OECS Regional Focus: Prime Minister Dr. Roosevelt Skerrit is in Antigua for the 78th OECS Authority Meeting (June 21–22), where leaders will set direction on climate resilience, economic development, food and energy security, regional security, and deeper integration—while Grenada’s Gaston Browne takes over the chairmanship from SVG’s Godwin Friday. CPEA & Inclusion: Vincentian student Faith Grant, born blind, has secured a historic place at Girls’ High School after standout CPEA results, with calls for stronger corporate and community support for inclusive education. Top Performers in Schools: Draádon Ackie tops SVG’s 2026 CPEA with 98.20%, as multiple ties fill the top 10—highlighting a strong year for primary achievement. Vincy Mas Culture & Rules: As Vincy Mas 2026 nears, the CDC is drafting limits on AI in carnival music (“AI cannot become your creative juice”), while police and security leaders push for unity and an incident-free festival with strict no-glass and anti-violence messaging. Tourism Pressure: Local voices continue debating mass tourism’s impact on SVG’s future, as officials warn infrastructure and sustainability must keep up with rising visitor numbers. Border Modernisation: Plans are underway to digitise Grenadines immigration checks to strengthen border protection and speed up data capture.

OECS Leadership in Antigua: Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit is in Antigua and Barbuda for the 78th OECS Authority meeting, where leaders will focus on regional integration, climate resilience, security, food and energy security, and freedom of movement; the chairmanship is set to pass from SVG’s Dr. Godwin Friday to Antigua’s Gaston Browne, with Finance Minister Irving McIntyre acting while Friday is away. CPEA Breakthrough: Faith Grant, a blind student from Fair Hall Government School, has secured a historic place at Girls’ High School after standout CPEA results, highlighting how inclusive testing support can unlock achievement. Top of the Class: Draádon Ackie of Richland Park SDA topped SVG’s 2026 CPEA with 98.20%, with multiple ties in the top 10—another strong spotlight on local primary education. Vincy Mas Culture + Tech: The CDC is drafting a policy to limit AI use in Vincymas music after AI-generated songs were detected, with leaders stressing that AI should “refine,” not replace, human creativity. Carnival Safety: Police and security officials are rolling out stricter Vincy Mas protocols, including a no-glass-bottle rule and tougher action against violence tied to “6ixx and 7even.” Tourism Pressure Point: A local commentary warns that mass tourism could strain SVG’s infrastructure and damage beaches, arguing for a more careful approach to visitor growth. Sports & Community: System 3 FC were crowned inaugural VSPL champions, while local swim coaches completed sprint training to build coaching capacity.

Vincy Mas Culture & Safety: The Carnival Development Corporation is drafting a policy to limit AI use in Vincymas music after AI-generated songs were detected, with CDC chair Ricardo Adams stressing AI “cannot become your creative juice.” Police and security leaders also rolled out plans for the “safest carnival,” including a strict no-glass-bottle rule in Kingstown and a hard line against “6ixx and 7even” violence. Education & Inclusion: Former MP Camillo Gonsalves hailed blind student Faith Grant’s historic CPEA success, while Draádon Ackie of Richland Park SDA topped the 2026 CPEA with 98.20% and multiple ties in the top 10. Public Service & Work Culture: PM Godwin Friday urged public servants to improve service and productivity, acknowledging many are working in “substandard” conditions. Regional & Community Life: ECCB named Phillip John as the 2026 ECCB–Thomas De La Rue Scholar; World Pediatrics is wrapping a speech therapy mission that reached 100 children, with more visits planned from September. Sports & Leisure: VI and Jamaica meet in the Nation’s Cup today, and local swim coaches completed sprint training to build coaching capacity.