AGP Executive Report

Cruise Tourism Deal: St. Vincent and the Grenadines signed an MoU with Global Ports Holding (GPH) to enter exclusive talks on a 30-year concession for the Kingstown Cruise Port, with phased investment up to EC$250 million and a first phase of up to EC$75 million aimed at modernising the terminal and boosting shore excursions. Tourism Investment Push: Tourism Minister Dr. Kishore Shallow says the partnership could revitalise the cruise sector, noting cruise visitors average about EC$59 per visit and calling for stronger performance. Sandals Expansion: PM Dr. Godwin Friday reaffirmed Sandals’ US$45M expansion, including 22 Rondoval Villas (due Nov 2026), 20 Hillside Sky Suites, and Beaches St. Vincent expected to start in 2028 with marine-biodiversity protections. Blue Economy & Environment: A new US$6.1M GEF/UNEP project will restore degraded landscapes in SVG’s south corridor using nature-based solutions, while OECS is inviting Blue Economy MSMEs to virtual grant info sessions. Energy & Poverty Focus: PM Friday reiterated renewable energy expansion, and Ambassador Kevin Hope highlighted poverty reduction as a top priority amid debt pressures. Digital Trade Upgrade: Customs launched ASYCUDA World 4.4 to support a paperless Vincy Single Window for Trade (VSwift).

Cruise Tourism Deal: St. Vincent and the Grenadines has signed an MoU with Global Ports Holding (GPH) for a 30-year Kingstown Cruise Port concession, with phased investment of about EC$225m–EC$250m; Phase One targets up to EC$75m for terminal upgrades, better public spaces, and stronger shore excursions, while officials say Vincentians can hold up to 30% ownership via a special purpose vehicle. Tourism Standards Push: Tourism Minister Kishore Shallow says the cruise sector needs revitalisation and higher visitor spend, noting average cruise visitor spend is about EC$59 per visit. Blue Economy Funding Info: OECS invites Blue Economy MSMEs and Blue Economy value chain groups to two virtual information sessions on Window 2 grant opportunities (June 12 and June 26), with grants of US$100,000–US$150,000. Tourism Growth Projects: Sandals confirms a US$45m expansion—22 Rondoval Villas (due Nov 2026), 20 Hillside Sky Suites next, and Beaches St. Vincent expected to start in 2028—plus a new Kids’ Tourism Summer Camp running islandwide in late July and early August. Health Travel Advisory: SVG issues a strict advisory urging residents to avoid non-essential travel to Ebola-risk countries, with enhanced screening and possible quarantine on arrival. Digital Trade Upgrade: Customs launches ASYCUDA World 4.4 to support Vincy Single Window for Trade (VSwift), moving the country toward paperless customs. Local Governance Tension: Opposition alleges political discrimination after 28 public workers were abruptly dismissed, raising concerns over pay and severance.

Cruise Boost for Kingstown: Government has signed an MoU with Global Ports Holding for a 30-year concession and up to EC$250m to modernise the Kingstown Cruise Port, with Phase One up to EC$75m focused on terminal upgrades, better public spaces and stronger shore excursions. Blue Economy Push: On World Oceans Day, OECS leaders framed the ocean as the region’s “anchor of survival,” highlighting UBEC work across fisheries and aquaculture, marine tourism and waste management. Funding for Blue SMEs: OECS invites Blue Economy MSMEs to two virtual info sessions on Window 2 grant opportunities (June 12 and June 26), with value chain grants of US$100,000–US$150,000. Tourism Investment Watch: Tourism Minister Kishore Shallow says the cruise revival could lift infrastructure and expand national tourism products, while noting cruise visitor spend averages about EC$59 per visit. Local Travel & Tourism Events: Hotel and Tourism Association says Restaurant Week 2026 runs June 21–27, and the Tourism Department expands its Kids’ Tourism Summer Camp islandwide in July and August. Health Advisory: St. Vincent and the Grenadines issues a strict travel advisory urging residents to avoid non-essential trips to Ebola high-risk countries, with enhanced screening and possible quarantine on arrival.

Cruise Growth: St. Vincent and the Grenadines has signed an MOU with Global Ports Holding (GPH) to take over operations and future development of the Kingstown Cruise Port under a proposed 30-year concession, with phased investment estimated at EC$225m–EC$250m; phase one targets up to EC$75m for terminal upgrades, public/commercial space improvements, and stronger shore excursions, while later phases expand marine/berthing infrastructure and rework parking and transport. Tourism Investment: Prime Minister Dr. Godwin Friday also confirmed Sandals’ US$45m expansion, including 22 Rondoval Villas (due Nov 2026), 20 Hillside Sky Suites, and Beaches St. Vincent expected to start in 2028, adding nearly 400 rooms and prioritizing marine biodiversity and sea turtle habitat protection. Governance & Jobs: Opposition Leader Ralph Gonsalves condemned the NDP government over the abrupt dismissal of 28 public workers tied to the YES program, alleging political discrimination and unpaid benefits. Trade & Travel Readiness: Customs launched ASYCUDA World v4.4 to move toward paperless trade via VSwift, while health authorities issued an Ebola travel advisory and stepped up border screening, quarantine, and isolation for arrivals from high-risk countries. Weather: A weak tropical wave may bring scattered showers over the next few days; no marine or weather advisories are currently in effect.

Tourism Investment: Prime Minister Godwin Friday says Sandals St. Vincent is set to expand with a US$45M boost—22 Rondoval Villas under construction (due Nov 2026), 20 Hillside Sky Suites next, and Beaches St. Vincent planned for 2028—adding nearly 400 rooms and more jobs. Customs & Travel Trade: SVG Customs launches ASYCUDA World 4.4 to move toward paperless trade via VSwift, letting brokers and importers lodge declarations, upload documents, track status, and pay duties online. Local Travel & Visitor Experience: SVG Tourism Authority flags airlift and destination accessibility as priorities, while Hotel & Tourism Association gears up for Restaurant Week 2026 (June 21–27). Family Tourism: The Kids’ Tourism Summer Camp expands islandwide in 2026 with hikes, field trips, arts, and tourism talks across Kingstown, Windward, Leeward, and Bequia. Health Travel Advisory: Health Ministry issues a strict advisory urging residents to avoid non-essential travel to Ebola-risk countries, with enhanced screening and possible quarantine on arrival. Weather for Travelers: A weak tropical wave may bring scattered showers; no advisories are currently in effect. Governance & Tourism Risk: A debate is heating up over sand/aggregate harvesting at Roseau River, with questions about whether state resources benefit a private developer.

Tourism Investment: Sandals St. Vincent has confirmed a US$45M expansion, including 22 Rondoval Villas (under construction, due Nov 2026) plus 20 Hillside Sky Suites, and plans for Beaches St. Vincent from 2028 with marine-biodiversity and sea-turtle habitat protection. Debt & Policy: A new briefing warns SVG debt could reach 144% of GDP by 2031 unless a Growth and Stabilization Plan delivers faster growth and targets a 60% debt-to-GDP ratio by 2035. Customs Modernisation: SVG Customs launched ASYCUDA World 4.4 to move toward paperless trade via Vincy Single Window for Trade (VSwift), enabling online declarations, document uploads, tracking, and duty payments. Travel & Health: SVG issued an Ebola travel advisory, urging nationals to avoid non-essential travel to high-risk countries and expanding screening, quarantine and isolation capacity on arrival. Weather: A weak tropical wave may bring scattered showers; no advisories are in effect. Tourism Calendar: Restaurant Week 2026 is set for June 21–27, with 40+ restaurants already registered. Kids’ Tourism: The Kids’ Tourism Summer Camp returns islandwide in 2026, running July 27–31 and Aug 6–7.

Digital Trade Upgrade: St. Vincent and the Grenadines Customs and Excise has launched ASYCUDA World v4.4, paving the way for the Vincy Single Window for Trade (VSwift) to make customs declarations, document uploads, tracking, and online duty payments faster and more accessible for brokers and businesses. Public Health & Travel: The Health Ministry has issued a strict advisory urging residents to avoid non-essential travel to Ebola high-risk countries, while strengthening border screening, quarantine, and isolation for arrivals. Weather Watch: A weak tropical wave is expected to bring a few scattered showers over the next days, with no current weather or marine warnings, plus a possible swell rise by Thursday night. Tourism Calendar: Restaurant Week 2026 runs June 21–27 with 40+ restaurants already registered, and the Tourism Department is expanding its Kids’ Tourism Summer Camp islandwide for ages 8–14. Climate Finance Push: PM Dr. Godwin Friday met the Green Climate Fund to expand access to climate funding, with a major focus on water security and sustainable tourism. Governance & Trust: Transparency International’s 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index ranks Haiti lowest in the Caribbean, while St. Vincent and the Grenadines remains among the region’s stronger performers.

Paperless Trade: St. Vincent and the Grenadines Customs launched the upgraded ASYCUDA World v4.4 to move the country toward fully paperless customs and support the Vincy Single Window for Trade (VSwift), letting brokers and importers lodge declarations, upload documents, track status and pay duties online. Travel Safety: The Health Ministry issued a strict advisory urging residents to avoid non-essential travel to Ebola-risk countries, while boosting border screening and quarantine/isolation capacity for arrivals. Weather Watch: A weak tropical wave is expected to bring a few scattered showers over the next days, with no current weather or marine warnings; haze may return as Saharan dust thins. Tourism Boost: Restaurant Week 2026 runs June 21–27 with 40+ restaurants signed up, and the Tourism Department expands its Kids’ Tourism Summer Camp islandwide in July and August. Climate Finance: PM Friday met the Green Climate Fund to expand access to climate money, with a major water security initiative in preparation. Sports & Connectivity: SVGTA says airlift and destination accessibility are top priorities, while the country’s role in regional sports continues to grow.

Customs & Trade Tech: St. Vincent and the Grenadines Customs and Excise has launched ASYCUDA World v4.4 to move the country toward paperless customs and power the Vincy Single Window for Trade (VSwift), letting brokers and importers lodge declarations, upload documents, track status, and pay duties online. Tourism & Food: Restaurant Week 2026 is set for June 21–27 with 40+ restaurants already signed up, aiming to boost culinary tourism nationwide. Tourism & Youth: The Tourism Department’s Kids’ Tourism Summer Camp expands islandwide in 2026 (ages 8–14) with sessions across Kingstown, Windward, Leeward and Bequia. Health & Travel Advisory: The Health Ministry has issued a strict advisory urging residents to avoid non-essential travel to Ebola-risk countries, while strengthening border screening, quarantine and isolation. Weather Watch: A weak tropical wave may bring scattered showers over the next few days; no advisories are currently in effect. Climate Finance: PM Dr. Godwin Friday met the Green Climate Fund to expand access to climate money, with water security and sustainable tourism among priorities.

Ebola Preparedness: St. Vincent and the Grenadines issued a strict travel advisory urging nationals and residents to avoid non-essential trips to Ebola-risk countries, while health officials step up border screening, quarantine and isolation capacity for arrivals. Tourism Boost: Restaurant Week 2026 is set for June 21–27, with 40+ restaurants already signed up to spotlight local food and drinks. Kids’ Tourism Camp: The Tourism Department is expanding its Kids’ Tourism Summer Camp islandwide in 2026, with sessions in Kingstown, Windward, Leeward and Bequia. Climate Finance Push: PM Godwin Friday met the Green Climate Fund to expand access to climate money, with a major water security initiative and priorities including sustainable tourism and the Blue Economy. Tourism Operations: The SVG Tourism Authority says airlift and destination accessibility are top priorities as it works to strengthen routes, frequency and visibility. Nature Restoration: GEF approved a US$6.1m ecosystem restoration project for St. Vincent’s south corridor. Governance & Access: Housing Minister Andrew John and CWSA renewed efforts against illegal dumping, aiming to restore key community and recreational spaces. Culture & Carnival: Vincy Mas preparations are in full swing, with events like “Roman Rhythm” and renewed focus on traditional cultural elements.

Ebola Screening Advisory: St. Vincent and the Grenadines has issued a strict travel advisory urging nationals and residents to avoid non-essential trips to Ebola-risk countries, while strengthening border surveillance and requiring enhanced screening, quarantine and isolation on arrival if needed. Tourism Events & Access: The SVG Tourism Authority says airlift and destination accessibility are top priorities, while the Hotel and Tourism Association gears up for Restaurant Week 2026 (June 21–27) with 40+ restaurants already registered. Kids’ Tourism Summer Camp: The Department of Tourism is expanding its Kids’ Tourism Summer Camp islandwide in 2026, with sessions in Kingstown, Windward, Leeward and Bequia. Climate Finance Push: PM Dr. Godwin Friday met the Green Climate Fund to expand SVG’s access to climate financing, with a major focus on a water security initiative plus support for sustainable tourism and the Blue Economy. Local Environment & Health: NPRBA is using UK support to rejuvenate and propagate plant species at the Botanic Gardens, and World Paediatrics ran a scoliosis clinic at MCMH with 42 children assessed and eight surgeries completed. Governance & Accountability: Transparency International’s 2025 CPI highlights Haiti at the bottom of the Caribbean table, while SVG is among the region’s stronger performers.

Ebola Preparedness: St. Vincent and the Grenadines issued a strict travel advisory, urging nationals and residents to avoid non-essential trips to Ebola-risk countries, while strengthening border screening plus quarantine and isolation on arrival. Tourism Boost: Restaurant Week 2026 is set for June 21–27, with 40+ local restaurants already registered and organisers promising a bigger programme to draw culinary visitors. Climate Finance Push: PM Dr. Godwin Friday met Green Climate Fund officials to expand SVG’s access to climate funding, with a major focus on a water security initiative plus support for agriculture, sustainable tourism and the Blue Economy. Kids’ Tourism Camp: The Tourism Department is expanding its Kids’ Tourism Summer Camp islandwide in 2026, running July 27–31 in multiple zones and adding Bequia sessions in August. Tourism Operations Focus: The SVG Tourism Authority says airlift and destination accessibility are top priorities, alongside improving route connectivity and destination visibility. Undersea Cable Case: Finland has wrapped up its probe into damage to two Baltic telecom cables, with four suspects linked to the SVG-flagged cargo vessel Fitburg now referred to prosecutors.

Ebola Screening Advisory: St. Vincent and the Grenadines has issued a strict travel warning for nationals and residents, urging them to avoid non-essential trips to Ebola-risk countries, while boosting border surveillance and putting arrivals from targeted nations through enhanced screening plus quarantine/isolation if needed. Tourism Events & Access: Restaurant Week 2026 is set for June 21–27 with 40+ restaurants already signed up, and the SVG Tourism Authority says airlift and destination accessibility are top priorities to strengthen routes, frequency, and visibility. Kids’ Tourism Summer Camp: The Department of Tourism is expanding its Kids’ Tourism Summer Camp islandwide for ages 8–14, with sessions running July 27–31 in mainland zones and August 6–7 in Bequia. Climate Finance Push: PM Dr. Godwin Friday met the Green Climate Fund to expand access to climate financing, with a major water security initiative in preparation and focus also on sustainable tourism and the Blue Economy. Local Environment & Parks: The NPRBA is rolling out a 12-month Botanic Gardens project to replant and train staff for climate-resilient propagation, while a GEF-backed US$6.1m ecosystem restoration plan targets watershed recovery in the south corridor. Undersea Cable Probe: Finland has wrapped up its investigation into damage to two telecom cables in the Baltic, with four suspects referred to prosecutors after travel bans remain in place. Sports Tourism Link: SVGTA says it has partnered with MAVCOM SVG to boost tournament operations, and Vincentian chef Kamal Hoyte is collaborating with Airbnb on FIFA 2026 dining experiences.

Ebola Travel Advisory: St. Vincent and the Grenadines issued a strict warning to residents and nationals to avoid non-essential travel to Ebola-risk countries, while Health Ministry teams step up border surveillance, screening, and quarantine/isolation capacity for arrivals from places including the DRC, Uganda, Angola, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, Zambia, Somalia, and the Republic of Congo. Tourism Calendar Boost: The Hotel and Tourism Association says Restaurant Week 2026 is set for June 21–27 with 40+ restaurants already registered, aiming to lift culinary tourism nationwide. Kids’ Tourism Camp Goes Islandwide: The Tourism Department expanded its Kids’ Tourism Summer Camp for ages 8–14 across multiple zones in July and August, with daily sessions from 9am–3pm. Climate Finance Push: PM Godwin Friday met the Green Climate Fund to expand access to climate money, with a major water security initiative and priorities including agriculture, sustainable tourism, and the Blue Economy. Destination Access Focus: The SVG Tourism Authority named airlift and destination accessibility as top priorities, stressing better connectivity, route talks, and destination visibility. Nature & Parks Upgrade: NPRBA, with UK support, is rolling out a 12-month Botanic Gardens project to restore and propagate plant species and improve visitor education and signage. Sports Tourism Link: SVGTA announced a partnership with MAVCOM SVG to strengthen tournament operations and support youth development. Missing Person Update: Search for 10-year-old Caldon Robeiro ended with his body found along the Gorse coastline after a weekend disappearance at sea.

Restaurant Week 2026: The St Vincent and the Grenadines Hotel and Tourism Association says plans are well underway for the June 21–27 event, with 40+ restaurants already signed up to spotlight local food and drinks nationwide. Climate Finance for Tourism & Water: Prime Minister Godwin Friday met Green Climate Fund director Kristin Lang in Nassau to push for more access to climate funding, with priorities including water security, sustainable tourism and the Blue Economy, plus stronger project readiness support. Tourism Authority Focus: The SVG Tourism Authority is zeroing in on airlift and destination accessibility to improve connectivity, route frequency and visitor arrivals, alongside campaigns like “I Love SVG” and “Go Grenadines.” Parks & Gardens Resilience: NPRBA, with British High Commission support, is rolling out a 12-month Botanic Gardens project to propagate plant species, upgrade visitor education and strengthen climate resilience. Health Care Spotlight: World Paediatrics ran a high-demand scoliosis clinic at MCMH in May, assessing 42 children and completing eight paediatric spinal surgeries. Community Clean-Up: Housing Minister Andrew John and partners are tackling illegal dumping around old Argyle Road and the Akers bypass, aiming to restore recreational spaces and boost enforcement. Sports Tourism Link: SVGTA and MAVCOM SVG have partnered to improve tournament operations, including a new printer to handle high-volume admin during busy events. Global Travel Angle: Caribbean Week in New York 2026 is underway (June 1–5), bringing regional tourism leaders together under “One Caribbean: Infinite Experiences.”

Tourism Diplomacy in New York: Caribbean tourism ministers and officials, including St. Vincent and the Grenadines, are meeting at Caribbean Week in New York 2026 (June 1–5) under “One Caribbean: Infinite Experiences,” aiming to strengthen connectivity and market share as regional stayovers keep rebounding. Love SVG Push: The Tourism Ministry has received 29 proposals for its “Love SVG” campaign, with ideas spanning heritage, eco-attractions, access and transport, and community-led initiatives—now moving into a review phase. Climate Funding Boost: The GEF approved a US$6.1 million watershed restoration project for St. Vincent to support nature-based solutions, sustainable land management, and ecosystem resilience. Sports Tourism Admin Upgrade: SVGTA partnered with MAVCOM SVG to improve tournament operations, including a printer upgrade to streamline high-volume event paperwork. Sandals Uncertainty: Opposition leaders say SVG has been pushed “back of the queue” after delays to the Sandals/Beaches investment, warning of knock-on effects for jobs and local tourism spend. Hospitality Workforce: Sandals’ Student Hospitality Etiquette and Service Excellence Programme is being highlighted as a youth skills and workforce-readiness boost for the tourism sector. Local Culture & Carnival: Vincy Mas preparations are in full swing, with CDC work underway on events, cultural preservation, and the return of the Cultural Parade.