Caribbean Week in New York 2026: Tourism ministers and industry leaders from across the region, including St. Vincent and the Grenadines, are meeting in Manhattan at the InterContinental New York Times Square to push connectivity, resilience and a unified Caribbean tourism push. Vincy Carnival build-up: The Carnival Development Corporation says Vincy Mas is in full swing, with the Soca monarch registration deadline extended and community “Roman Rhythm” events heading to Barrouallie, while organizers work to revive traditional cultural highlights like the Cultural Parade and the local Monkey Band. Tourism skills pipeline: Sandals St. Vincent launched a student hospitality etiquette and service excellence programme, training about 80 students with practical food, beverage and service standards. Air access boost: United Airlines plans a new nonstop Newark–St. Croix route starting Oct. 31, adding another direct gateway for Caribbean travel. Blue economy focus: OECS launched the second call for proposals for Window 2 of the Regional MSME Matching Grants Programme, targeting fisheries, coastal tourism and waste management value chain groups. Local culture abroad: Vincentian journalist Kenton Chance presented credentials as ambassador to Taiwan, strengthening ties that include smart agriculture, healthcare and sustainable tourism. Community tourism support: Fisheries Minister Conroy Huggins used Fisherman’s Day to announce a queen conch hatchery and reef restoration steps as conch and lobster landings decline.