AGP Executive Report

Customs Modernisation: St. Vincent and the Grenadines launched an upgraded ASYCUDA World system, a key step toward paperless customs and smoother trade through Vincy Single Window for Trade (VSwift). Climate Outlook & Preparedness: NEMO held its 2026 Hurricane/Wet Season Climate Outlook Forum, stressing that forecasts only help when turned into action for early planning and community resilience. Weather Watch: The Meteorological Services issued a 72-hour outlook for a weak tropical wave bringing scattered showers, with haze easing and no current advisories. Early Warning Upgrade: Government is strengthening the Meteorological Services and rolling out impact-based early warning to better predict not just conditions, but impacts for disaster risk management. Ecosystem Restoration Funding: The GEF approved US$6.1 million for watershed action and nature-based ecosystem restoration in St. Vincent’s south corridor, aiming to protect livelihoods and build resilience. Clean-Up & Enforcement: Housing and community partners launched renewed action against illegal dumping, including major clean-ups near Argyle and Akers bypass to restore recreational spaces. Governance & Accountability: A new mining operation at the Wallilabou River has sparked public questions about whether extraction is serving the national interest and what environmental safeguards and compensation are in place.

Customs Digital Shift (VSwift): St. Vincent and the Grenadines Customs and Excise launched an upgraded ASYCUDA World 4.4 system to move toward paperless trade, enabling online declarations, document uploads, tracking, and duty payments—supporting the Vincy Single Window for Trade. Weather Watch: The meteorological service says a weak tropical wave may bring a few scattered showers over the next days, with haze easing and moderate to fresh northeast/east winds; no advisories are in effect. Climate Preparedness: NEMO held its 2026 Hurricane/Wet Season Climate Outlook Forum, stressing that forecasts must be turned into action, with impact-based early warning and decision-ready planning. Disaster Support: CDEMA’s executive director said SVG received about US$1.5 million in disaster management assistance through its membership over recent years. Climate Finance Push: Prime Minister Friday met the Green Climate Fund to expand access to climate money, with priorities including water security, agriculture, sustainable tourism, and the Blue Economy. Ecosystem Restoration Funding: GEF approved a US$6.1 million watershed restoration project for SVG’s south corridor, led by UNEP and executed via BCRC-Caribbean. Community Environment Action: Housing and local authorities joined efforts to clean up areas and crack down on illegal dumping, aiming to restore recreational spaces and protect future tourism value.

Climate Resilience & Early Warning: St. Vincent and the Grenadines is upgrading the SVG Meteorological Services and rolling out an Impact-Based Early Warning system, aiming for more timely, risk-informed forecasts as climate change intensifies. Climate Finance Push: Prime Minister Dr. Godwin Friday met the Green Climate Fund to expand access to climate money, with priorities including water security, agriculture, sustainable tourism, and the Blue Economy. Ecosystem Restoration: The Global Environment Facility approved a US$6.1 million project for watershed action and nature-based restoration in St. Vincent’s south corridor to support resilient lands and livelihoods. Biodiversity in Action: NPRBA, with UK support, is rejuvenating and propagating plant species at the Botanic Gardens to boost climate resilience, education, and visitor experience. Clean-Up & Enforcement: Housing Minister Andrew John and CWSA backed a renewed drive against illegal dumping, clearing waste near the Argyle roadway and Akers bypass to restore recreational and tourism-ready spaces. Reef Protection: Saint Lucia launched a Coral Reef Response System with trained brigades and rapid-response financing to help reefs recover after storms. Fisheries & Clean Energy: The STAR-Fish project is scaling clean energy interventions for Caribbean fisheries, including renewable tech and cold-chain improvements, with SVG among participating countries. Governance Question: Ongoing excavation at the Wallilabou River has sparked renewed calls for transparency over whether public resources are being used to supply a private golf development and what environmental safeguards apply.

Climate Resilience & Early Warning: St. Vincent and the Grenadines is upgrading SVG Meteorological Services and rolling out an Impact-Based Early Warning system to better forecast not just weather, but impacts—aimed at reducing disaster risk. Climate Finance Push: Prime Minister Dr. Godwin Friday met the Green Climate Fund to expand access to climate money, with a major focus on a water security initiative plus support for agriculture, sustainable tourism, and the Blue Economy. Ecosystem Restoration Funding: The GEF approved US$6.1 million for watershed action to restore ecosystems in St. Vincent’s south corridor, using nature-based solutions to protect livelihoods and strengthen resilience. Biodiversity in Action: The National Parks, Rivers and Beaches Authority (with UK support) is rejuvenating and propagating plant species in the Botanic Gardens, targeting climate-stressed losses and improving education for visitors. Clean-Up & Enforcement: Housing Minister Andrew John and partners launched a renewed drive against illegal dumping, cleaning up the old Argyle roadway and Akers bypass and pushing for more community stewardship. Water & Waste in Communities: A housing initiative is also improving living conditions for vulnerable families with new prefabricated homes, while a separate joint effort tackles illegal dumping to restore recreational spaces. Coastal & Reef Protection (Regional): Saint Lucia launched a Coral Reef Response System with trained brigades and rapid-response financing to help reefs recover after storms. Fisheries & Clean Energy: The STAR-Fish project is scaling clean energy interventions for Caribbean fisheries, including cold storage and low-carbon certification support—now including SVG. Governance Watch: Questions are being raised over a Wallilabou River sand-and-aggregate operation, with concerns about whether public resources are being used for a private developer and what environmental safeguards apply.

Climate Resilience & Early Warning: St. Vincent and the Grenadines is upgrading SVG Meteorological Services and rolling out an Impact-Based Early Warning system to better forecast not just weather, but impacts—aimed at reducing disaster risk as climate change intensifies. Climate Finance Push: Prime Minister Godwin Friday met the Green Climate Fund to expand access to climate money, with a major water security initiative in preparation, alongside priorities for agriculture, sustainable tourism, and the Blue Economy. Ecosystem Restoration Funding: The Global Environment Facility approved a US$6.1 million project for watershed action and ecosystem restoration in St. Vincent’s south corridor, using nature-based solutions to support resilience and livelihoods. Biodiversity in the Gardens: The National Parks, Rivers and Beaches Authority, with British High Commission support, is propagating and replanting species in the Botanic Gardens to boost plant resilience after extreme heat and weather stress. Clean-Up & Enforcement: Housing Minister Andrew John and CWSA joined a renewed drive against illegal dumping, clearing waste along the old Argyle roadway and Akers bypass to restore community and tourism-friendly spaces. Tourism With a Green Lens: The “Love SVG” campaign received 29 proposals, including eco-attractions and heritage projects, as the country targets 100 transformational initiatives for the 2026/27 season. Fisheries Clean Energy: The STAR-Fish project is ramping up clean energy interventions for Caribbean fisheries, including cold-chain upgrades and low-carbon certification support—covering SVG among other countries.

Climate resilience upgrades: St. Vincent and the Grenadines is strengthening its meteorological services, with an upgraded system and an Impact-Based Early Warning approach aimed at forecasting not just weather, but real-world impacts for disaster risk management. Climate finance push: Prime Minister Godwin Friday met the Green Climate Fund to expand access to climate money, with a major water security initiative in preparation plus priorities for agriculture, sustainable tourism, and the Blue Economy. Ecosystem restoration funding: The GEF approved a US$6.1 million project for watershed action and nature-based restoration in the south corridor, led by UNEP and executed through regional capacity partners. Biodiversity and public education: The National Parks, Rivers and Beaches Authority, with UK support, is launching a 12-month Botanic Gardens project to replant, train staff in propagation, and boost climate-ready resilience in plant life. Illegal dumping crackdown: Housing Minister Andrew John and CWSA joined clean-up efforts in South Windward, targeting illegal waste dumping and restoring areas near key road corridors. Clean energy for fisheries: The STAR-Fish project is scaling low-carbon interventions for Caribbean fisheries, including renewable energy and cold-chain improvements, with SVG among participating countries.

Climate Resilience (SVG): St. Vincent and the Grenadines is upgrading its Meteorological Services to deliver more sustained, timely, risk-informed forecasts, alongside a new Impact-Based Early Warning system that focuses on the effects of severe weather—not just conditions. Climate Finance (SVG): Prime Minister Godwin Friday met the Green Climate Fund to expand access to climate money, with a major water security initiative and priorities spanning agriculture, sustainable tourism, and the Blue Economy. Ecosystem Restoration (GEF): The GEF approved US$6.1 million for “Watershed Action for Restoring Ecosystems in the South Corridor of St. Vincent,” led by UNEP and executed through BCRC-Caribbean, targeting degraded lands and climate-resilient livelihoods. Biodiversity & Parks: NPRBA, with British High Commission support, is running a 12-month Botanic Gardens project to replant and train staff in propagation, boosting plant resilience after heat and weather stress. Clean-up & Waste Enforcement (South Windward): Housing Minister Andrew John and CWSA-backed partners removed illegally dumped waste near Argyle and the Akers bypass, aiming to restore recreational, tourism-friendly spaces. Youth & Environment: The SVG Conservation Fund launched its Gender Smart Facility to strengthen climate resilience and environmental awareness among young people. Regional Reef Protection: Saint Lucia launched a Coral Reef Response System using trained brigades, rapid response, and reef insurance financing to speed recovery after storms.

Climate Resilience Upgrade: St. Vincent and the Grenadines is strengthening its Meteorological Services with upgraded systems to deliver sustained, timely, risk-informed forecasts, with Acting Prime Minister St. Clair Leacock stressing that climate change is hitting multiple sectors. Early Warning Focus: A new Impact-Based Forecast Project will shift from just predicting weather to anticipating real-world effects of major events, supporting disaster risk management. Climate Finance Push: Prime Minister Godwin Friday met the Green Climate Fund to expand access to climate money, with priorities including water security, agriculture, sustainable tourism, and the Blue Economy, plus a readiness programme to speed up project preparation. Ecosystem Restoration Funding: The GEF approved US$6.1 million for watershed restoration in St. Vincent’s south corridor, using nature-based solutions led by UNEP to restore degraded lands and support livelihoods. Illegal Dumping Crackdown: Housing Minister Andrew John and the CWSA launched a joint clean-up and enforcement push in South Windward, targeting waste dumped along the Argyle roadway and Akers bypass. Biodiversity in the Gardens: NPRBA, with UK support, is running a 12-month project to propagate and rejuvenate plant species in the Botanic Gardens, aiming to boost resilience to extreme heat and weather. Youth & Clean Energy: The SVG Conservation Fund launched its Gender Smart Facility to build climate awareness among young people, while India’s Edinboro Hardcourt handover includes plans for solar-powered lighting. Hurricane Season Reminder: Prime Minister Friday urged Vincentians to act now as drought persists and the 2026 hurricane season begins, warning of compounding natural hazards and limited recovery funding.

Hurricane Readiness: Prime Minister Godwin Friday urged Vincentians to “act now” as the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season begins, warning of prolonged drought, shrinking rainfall, and limited disaster recovery funding—while stressing that global warming is already changing local risk. Climate Finance Push: Friday also pressed the Caribbean Development Bank to move faster on climate-resilient development and debt sustainability, as St. Vincent and the Grenadines seeks more access to climate funds and readiness support. Ecosystem Restoration Funding: The Global Environment Facility approved a US$6.1 million watershed restoration project for St. Vincent, aiming to restore degraded lands and boost climate resilience and livelihoods. Water Security Plan: A Green Climate Fund meeting in Nassau focused on expanding SVG’s access to climate financing, including a comprehensive water security initiative plus priorities for agriculture, sustainable tourism, and the blue economy. Biodiversity in Action: The National Parks, Rivers and Beaches Authority is using UK support to rejuvenate and propagate plant species at the Botanic Gardens, with training and replanting to help plants withstand extreme heat. Anti-Dumping Enforcement: Housing Minister Andrew John and CWSA partners cleaned up illegal dumping hotspots near Argyle and the Akers bypass, with plans to restore recreational, tourism-friendly spaces. Food Security on the Ground: SVG is advancing its Food Security Crisis Response Plan to shift from repeated emergency recovery to proactive preparation, while the Zero Hunger Trust Fund received seed donations to support backyard gardening and small-scale production. Youth & Clean Energy: The SVG Conservation Fund launched its Gender Smart Facility to build climate awareness among young people, and India’s Edinboro Hardcourt handover includes solar-powered lighting for community use.

Climate Finance Push: Prime Minister Godwin Friday met the Green Climate Fund in Nassau, urging faster access to climate money and debt relief while advancing a water security initiative plus climate-linked priorities like agriculture, sustainable tourism and the blue economy. GEF Ecosystem Restoration: The Global Environment Facility approved a US$6.1 million project to restore watersheds and degraded lands in St. Vincent’s south corridor, led by UNEP with BCRC-Caribbean support. Hurricane Season Warning: Friday urged Vincentians to “act now” for the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season as drought persists and rainfall has dropped sharply, warning global warming is driving longer dry spells. Youth Climate & Biodiversity: The SVG Conservation Fund launched its Gender Smart Facility to build climate resilience and environmental awareness among young people. Clean Energy for Fisheries: CRFM’s STAR-Fish project is scaling clean energy for Caribbean fisheries, including renewable cold-chain support and low-carbon certification pathways—covering St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Food Security Planning: SVG is advancing its Food Security Crisis Response Plan to shift from repeated emergency recovery to better preparation, amid fertilizer and supply-chain strain. Tourism in New York: Caribbean Week in New York 2026 brought regional tourism leaders together under “One Caribbean: Infinite Experiences,” as the sector pivots toward more authentic and regenerative travel.

GEF Funding Boost: The Global Environment Facility has approved a US$6.1 million project to restore watersheds and degraded lands in St. Vincent’s south corridor, using nature-based solutions to support climate resilience and local livelihoods, led by UNEP with BCRC-Caribbean execution. Youth Climate Awareness: The SVG Conservation Fund launched the Gender Smart Facility project to strengthen climate resilience and environmental awareness among young people, backed through the CORE programme with Global Affairs Canada and KfW support. Clean Energy for Fisheries: The STAR-Fish project is scaling up clean energy interventions for Caribbean fisheries, including St. Vincent and the Grenadines, with plans for renewable energy, better cold-chain storage, and low-carbon certification support. Drought and Hurricane Readiness: Prime Minister Friday urged Vincentians to prepare for the 2026 hurricane season as drought persists, warning that global warming is already reshaping rainfall and disaster risk. Food Security Planning: Government is advancing its Food Security Crisis Response Plan to move from repeated emergency recovery toward ongoing monitoring and earlier action to protect local production. Community Green Upgrade: India’s Quick Impact Project handover includes solar-powered lighting for the refurbished Edinboro Hardcourt, with community stewardship emphasized.

Hurricane Season Warning: Prime Minister Godwin Friday urged Vincentians to “act now” as the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season begins, citing prolonged drought, shrinking rainfall, and the added pressure of global warming. Climate Resilience & Youth: The SVG Conservation Fund launched its Gender Smart Facility project to boost climate resilience and environmental awareness among young people, with youth-focused stewardship at the centre. Food Security Push: St. Vincent and the Grenadines is advancing its Food Security Crisis Response Plan to move from repeated emergency recovery toward proactive preparation, while the Zero Hunger Trust Fund received seed donations to support backyard gardening and small-scale production. Clean Energy for Fisheries: The STAR-Fish project is ramping up clean energy interventions for Caribbean fisheries and aquaculture, including cold storage and low-carbon certification support—covering SVG among other countries. Sports & Solar Upgrade: India’s High Commissioner handed over the refurbished Edinboro Hardcourt, with plans to install solar-powered lighting to improve safe community use. Tourism Ideas: The Love SVG campaign collected 29 project proposals, ranging from heritage and eco-attractions to transport and access improvements. Regional Finance Pressure: Friday also pressed the Caribbean Development Bank to move faster on climate-resilient development and reforms amid “chronically high” debt and worsening climate shocks. Biodiversity & Awareness: The SVG Conservation Fund’s GSF launch ties into broader efforts to strengthen environmental awareness and conservation action.

Climate Finance Push: Prime Minister Godwin Friday urged the Caribbean Development Bank to move “swiftly” on reforms, warning that high debt and shrinking concessional funding are limiting climate-resilient development in borrowing member countries, with SVG’s debt-to-GDP cited above 113%. Renewables for Communities: SVG’s refurbished Edinboro Hardcourt is set to get solar-powered lighting, part of India’s Quick Impact Projects, with officials stressing community stewardship. Youth Climate Awareness: The SVG Conservation Fund launched its Gender Smart Facility project to boost climate resilience and environmental awareness among young people, partnering with the Ministry of Education and Marion House. Food Security Seeds: The Zero Hunger Trust Fund received three barrels of vegetable, herb and flower seeds from Canada-based Still Kickin’ Charity to support backyard gardening and local production. Hurricane Season Warning: Friday called on Vincentians to “act now” as the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season begins, pointing to prolonged drought, limited recovery funding, and global warming impacts. Fisheries Clean Energy: CRFM’s STAR-Fish project is scaling clean energy interventions for Caribbean fisheries, including cold storage and low-carbon certification support, with SVG among participating countries. Marine Resource Pressure: Fisheries Minister Conroy Huggins flagged declines in conch and lobster landings and announced a queen conch hatchery and reef restoration efforts. Blue Economy Grants: OECS launched the second call for proposals under its Regional MSME Matching Grants Programme for value chain groups in fisheries, coastal tourism and waste management.

Climate & Disaster Preparedness: Prime Minister Dr. Godwin Friday urged Vincentians to “act now” for the 2026 hurricane season, warning of prolonged drought, shrinking rainfall, and the need to adapt as global warming reshapes risk. Youth Climate Awareness: The SVG Conservation Fund launched its Gender Smart Facility (GSF) Project to boost climate resilience and environmental awareness among young people, partnering with the Ministry of Education and Marion House. Clean Energy for Fisheries: The Canada-funded STAR-Fish project is scaling clean energy interventions for Caribbean fisheries, including renewable cold storage and support for low-carbon certification, with SVG among participating countries. Food Security Push: St. Vincent and the Grenadines is advancing its Food Security Crisis Response Plan to move from repeated emergency recovery toward proactive preparation, amid warnings like limited fertilizer supplies. Seeds for Backyard Gardening: The Zero Hunger Trust Fund received three barrels of vegetable, herb and flower seeds from Canada-based Still Kickin’ Charity to support household food security and small-scale production. Marine Life Under Pressure: Fisheries Minister Conroy Huggins used Fisherman’s Day to flag declines in conch and lobster landings and announced a queen conch recovery initiative plus reef restoration efforts. Regional Blue Economy Funding: OECS launched a second call for proposals (Window 2) for MSME matching grants for value chain groups in fisheries, coastal tourism and waste management across Grenada, St. Lucia and SVG. Health Misinformation Denied: The Ministry of Health dismissed WhatsApp rumors about Hantavirus in SVG, saying there are no suspected or confirmed cases and urging people to rely on official updates.

Hurricane Season Prep: Prime Minister Godwin Friday urged Vincentians to “act now” as the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season begins, warning of prolonged drought, shrinking rainfall, and the added pressure of global warming on disaster recovery. Food Security Push: St. Vincent and the Grenadines is advancing its Food Security Crisis Response Plan to move from emergency recovery to proactive preparation, amid warnings like limited fertilizer supplies. Seeds for Backyard Farming: The Zero Hunger Trust Fund received three barrels of vegetable, herb and flower seeds from Canada-based Still Kickin’ Charity to boost household food security and small-scale production. Blue Economy & Fisheries: Fisheries Minister Conroy Huggins flagged declining conch and lobster landings and announced a queen conch hatchery and reef restoration efforts to protect marine resources. Climate Resilience for Youth: The SVG Conservation Fund launched its Gender Smart Facility Project to strengthen climate resilience and environmental awareness among young people. Health Misinformation Denied: The Ministry of Health dismissed WhatsApp rumors of Hantavirus cases, saying there are no suspected or confirmed cases and urging residents to rely on official updates. Regional Tourism Spotlight: Caribbean Week in New York 2026 opened with record attendance of tourism leaders, including SVG’s delegation, as the region seeks stronger connectivity and resilience. Youth Sports Support: Tropical Shipping donated EC$2,989 to the Black Sands Swim Squad for a developmental swim meet, citing support for youth and the environment. Arbitration Training Launch: OHADAC–CARO training programmes are set to launch in June to strengthen access to arbitration and ADR across the Eastern Caribbean, including SVG. Blue Economy Grants Call: OECS launched the second call for proposals under the Regional MSME Matching Grants Programme (Window 2) for value chain groups in fisheries, coastal tourism and waste management.

Hurricane Season Warning: Prime Minister Godwin Friday urged Vincentians to “act now” as the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season begins, pointing to prolonged drought, shrinking rainfall, and global warming that will demand adaptation and mitigation. Extreme Heat & Drought Safety: The SVG Red Cross warned of extreme heat, Saharan dust, and ongoing drought, urging hydration, sun avoidance, mask use for breathing issues, and water conservation. Food Security Push: St. Vincent and the Grenadines is advancing its Food Security Crisis Response Plan to move from emergency recovery to proactive preparation, amid warnings like limited fertilizer supplies. Seeds for Backyard Farming: The Zero Hunger Trust Fund received three barrels of vegetable, herb, and flower seeds from Canada-based Still Kickin’ Charity to support household food security and small-scale production. Blue Economy & Fisheries: The fisheries minister announced steps including a queen conch hatchery and reef restoration as conch and lobster landings decline, signaling pressure on marine resources. Climate Resilience via Tech: OECS leaders in Kingstown highlighted digital transformation as a tool for climate resilience, including smart tourism and early warning systems. Youth & Nature Skills: SVG Conservation Fund launched its Gender Smart Facility project to build climate resilience and environmental awareness among young people. Community & Training: OECS and CARO Centre will officially launch OHADAC–CARO training programmes on arbitration and ADR, supporting a more secure legal environment for regional business.