AGP Executive Report

World Oceans Day / Blue Economy: OECS leaders used World Oceans Day to push a shift toward a resilient Blue Economy, warning that marine pollution, habitat loss and overfishing—made worse by climate change—are straining fisheries, coastal tourism and waste systems. Blue Economy Funding: OECS is inviting Blue Economy value-chain groups to two virtual info sessions for Window 2 of the Regional MSME Matching Grants Programme (June 12 and June 26), with grants of US$100,000–US$150,000 for fisheries, marine tourism and waste management in Grenada, St. Lucia and St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Cruise Port Deal (SVG): St. Vincent and the Grenadines signed an MoU with Global Ports Holding for a 30-year concession to modernise Kingstown Cruise Terminal, with phased investment up to EC$250 million and up to 30% local ownership via a special purpose vehicle. Climate Resilience / Forecasting (SVG): NEMO’s climate outlook forum stressed turning forecasts into action, while SVG Meteorological Services is upgrading for impact-based early warning. Customs & Trade (SVG): Customs launched an upgraded ASYCUDA system to support a paperless, faster trade process through VSwift. Volcanic Sand Harvesting (North Leeward): BRAGSA continues large-scale sand extraction from Roseau River Valley to manage post-La Soufrière deposits, with ongoing public questions about impacts and who benefits. Tourism Expansion (SVG): Sandals announced a US$45M expansion, including new villas and suites, with plans to protect marine biodiversity, reef ecosystems and sea turtle habitats at Mount Wynne.

Blue Economy & Oceans Policy: On World Oceans Day, the OECS is pushing a “reimagining” of ocean futures through sustainable stewardship, with focus areas in fisheries/aquaculture, marine tourism, and waste management under the UBEC Blue Economy programme. Cruise Port Modernisation: Government signed an MoU with Global Ports Holding for a 30-year concession and up to EC$250m to modernise Kingstown Cruise Terminal and expand cruise infrastructure, with Vincentians offered up to 30% ownership via a special purpose vehicle. International Ocean Advocacy: St. Vincent and the Grenadines sent a delegation to the Island State Ocean Summit in Tokyo, urging global action to halt marine pollution and habitat loss driven by climate change. Climate Resilience & Early Warning: NEMO held a 2026 climate outlook forum, while Meteorological Services is upgrading forecasting and rolling out impact-based early warning to turn forecasts into action. Sand Harvesting Scrutiny: BRAGSA is extracting volcanic sand/aggregate from North Leeward’s Roseau River Valley to manage post-2021 deposits, but questions are being raised about whether the operation benefits a private developer. Trade & Customs Digital Shift: Customs launched an upgraded ASYCUDA World system as the base for a paperless Vincy Single Window for Trade (VSwift). Tourism Expansion with Marine Safeguards: Sandals announced a US$45m expansion, including new villas and suites, with planned Beaches St. Vincent work expected to start in 2028 and prioritise reef and sea turtle habitat protection.

Cruise Port Upgrade: St. Vincent and the Grenadines signed an MOU with Global Ports Holding (GPH) to run and develop the Kingstown Cruise Port under a proposed 30-year concession, with an expected EC$225–250 million investment; phase one targets up to EC$75 million for terminal modernization, better shore-excursion spaces, and upgrades to marine and berthing infrastructure. Ocean & Climate Diplomacy: A Vincentian delegation attended the Inaugural Island State Ocean Summit in Tokyo, pushing for science-based ocean stewardship amid warming and marine pollution. Development Finance Reform: PM Godwin Friday urged UN and partners to overhaul “one size fits all” global finance, backing a Multidimensional Vulnerability Index to unlock affordable climate and disaster funding for small islands. Customs Goes Paperless: Customs launched the upgraded ASYCUDA World 4.4 system as the base for Vincy Single Window for Trade (VSwift), aiming for safer, smarter, faster trade and online duty payments. Volcanic Sand Scramble: BRAGSA is harvesting volcanic sand and aggregate from the Roseau River Valley to manage La Soufrière runoff, while critics question whether the operation benefits a private developer and what environmental safeguards and compensation are in place. Weather Watch & Preparedness: NEMO held the 2026 Hurricane/Wet Season Climate Outlook Forum, and the Met Office reported a weak tropical wave may bring scattered showers, with no current advisories.

Agriculture & Inclusion: FAO and SVG’s Ministry of Agriculture held a Youth and Gender Inclusion working session in Kingstown, bringing 23 stakeholders to flag barriers and propose practical ways to expand young women and men’s roles across agrifood value chains. Climate Finance & Resilience Planning: PM Godwin Friday used the UN Development Partners roundtable to push for a global finance overhaul for small island states, backing the Multidimensional Vulnerability Index for concessional funding, while UN Resident Coordinator Simon Springett urged partners to shift from isolated projects to connected systems for resilience. Customs Modernisation: The Customs Department launched the upgraded ASYCUDA World 4.4 system, laying groundwork for paperless customs and linking to VSwift to speed trade documents and online duty payments. Weather Watch: A weak tropical wave may bring a few scattered showers over the next days; no advisories are in effect, with moderate to fresh breezes and slight-to-moderate seas. Tourism & Marine Protection: Sandals announced a US$45M expansion, including Rondoval Villas and later Beaches St. Vincent, with planners prioritizing marine biodiversity, reef ecosystems, and sea turtle habitats. Sand Mining Scrutiny: Residents and commentators raised concerns about sand and aggregate extraction at North Leeward, questioning whether public resources are being used for private benefit and what environmental safeguards apply. Biodiversity in Focus: NPRBA, with British High Commission support, is rejuvenating and propagating plant species at the Botanic Gardens to improve education and strengthen climate resilience.

Tourism & Marine Protection: Prime Minister Godwin Friday says Sandals St. Vincent is investing US$45M to expand tourism, adding nearly 400 rooms through Rondoval Villas (22 under construction, due Nov 2026) and Hillside Sky Suites, with Beaches St. Vincent planned for 2028—while planners prioritize protection of local marine biodiversity, reef ecosystems, and sea turtle habitats at Mount Wynne. Trade Modernisation: Customs launched the upgraded ASYCUDA World 4.4 system, paving the way for a paperless customs setup and linking into Vincy Single Window for Trade (VSwift) to help businesses lodge documents and pay duties online. Climate Resilience & Early Warning: NEMO held its 2026 Hurricane/Wet Season Climate Outlook Forum, stressing that forecasts must translate into action; meanwhile Meteorological Services is strengthening forecasting with upgrades and an impact-based early warning approach. Ecosystem Restoration Funding: GEF approved US$6.1M for watershed action using nature-based solutions to restore ecosystems in St. Vincent’s south corridor. Waste & Clean-Up: Housing Minister Andrew John and CWSA backed renewed community clean-ups and tougher action against illegal dumping near key recreation areas. Weather Watch: A weak tropical wave may bring scattered showers over the next few days, with no current advisories.

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.