AGP Executive Report

Digital Skills Scholarships: OECS has opened applications (Sept 10–20) for the 2026 OECS Advanced Digital Skills Scholarship Programme, delivered by UWI Global Campus under the World Bank-funded Caribbean Digital Transformation Project, with training areas ranging from AI/ML and cybersecurity to cloud, fintech/blockchain, data analytics, UX/UI, and web/mobile app development. AI for Public Finances: In Kingstown, SVG is hosting a regional workshop on “Adapting Public Financial Management for AI: Harnessing Digital-by-Design,” with the IMF and CARTAC, as PM Godwin Friday urges governments to move past “mere digitisation” and use AI to solve real governance problems with stronger data resilience and accountability. Invasive Species Control: SVG authorities are stepping up efforts to eradicate the Giant African Snail, using surveillance and containment measures and urging people moving in and out of affected areas to take precautions. Food Security Skills: Forty-five young Vincentians completed the 2026 Youth in Agriculture Science Internship Programme (YASIP), gaining hands-on placements across 23 host organizations to support the country’s food system. Regional Tech & Governance Watch: A World Bank/IDB/WTO report warns Guyana risks falling behind in digital trade due to gaps in trade commitments, infrastructure, logistics, and integration into digital-trade rules. Mobile Data Costs (Global): A new Broadband Genie study ranks the UK 46th for average mobile broadband cost per 1GB, highlighting how pricing varies widely by market. Maritime Tech Incident (SVG-linked): Finland prosecutors are pursuing a captain and boatswain over an anchor-dragging incident involving a St. Vincent and the Grenadines–registered ship, after damage to undersea cables and a gas pipeline.

AI & Public Finance: St. Vincent and the Grenadines is hosting a regional workshop, “Adapting Public Financial Management for AI: Harnessing Digital-by-Design,” with the IMF and CARTAC, as Prime Minister Godwin Friday urges governments to move past “mere digitisation” and use AI to solve real public finance problems with stronger data systems and accountability. Digital Resilience: Friday also stressed data resilience for small island states, especially when recovering from disasters. Agriculture & Food Security: Forty-five young Vincentians completed the Youth in Agriculture Science Internship Programme (YASIP), gaining hands-on placements across 23 host organizations. Invasive Species Alert: Authorities are stepping up efforts to eradicate the Giant African Snail, using surveillance and containment, and warning people to take precautions when moving in and out of affected areas. Connectivity Costs: A new study ranks the UK 46th for average mobile broadband data cost, highlighting how pricing varies widely by market. Maritime Tech & Liability: Finland is prosecuting a captain and boatswain over an anchor-dragging incident blamed for damaging undersea cables and a gas pipeline, with the ship registered in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Biosecurity Alert: St. Vincent and the Grenadines is stepping up efforts to eradicate the invasive Giant African Snail, using surveillance and targeted collection to stop it spreading beyond affected areas, with officials urging people who travel in and out of infected zones to take precautions. AI & Public Finance: Prime Minister Godwin Friday opened a regional workshop in Kingstown on “Adapting Public Financial Management for AI: Harnessing Digital-by-Design,” stressing that governments should move past “mere digitisation” and use AI to solve real governance problems—especially as SIDS recover from disasters and need stronger data resilience. Regional Tech Governance: The same workshop, co-ordinated with the IMF and CARTAC, brings together public financial management and IT teams from across the Caribbean to map where data is fragmented and where controls and decision-making can be improved. Food Tech & Trials: CARDI is running new carrot variety trials in SVG to revive export potential and cut the food import bill, supported by the EU and implemented with the International Trade Centre. Digital Trade Watch: A World Bank/IDB/WTO report warns countries like Guyana could fall behind in the digital economy unless they strengthen trade commitments, infrastructure, logistics, and alignment with emerging digital-trade rules. Connectivity Costs: A new study ranks the UK 46th for average mobile broadband data cost, highlighting how pricing varies widely across markets. Maritime Tech Incident: Finland is prosecuting a captain and boatswain over an anchor-dragging incident blamed for damaging undersea cables and a gas pipeline, with the ship registered in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

AI & Public Finance: Prime Minister Godwin Friday opened a regional workshop in Kingstown on “Adapting Public Financial Management for AI: Harnessing Digital-by-Design,” warning governments not to chase “AI hype” or just automate weak systems, but to build resilient, well-governed data foundations—especially after disasters—working with the IMF and CARTAC. Broadband Costs: A new Broadband Genie study ranked the UK 46th for average mobile broadband data cost at about $0.27 per 1GB, highlighting how pricing varies widely by market. Food-Tech & Youth Skills: Forty-five young Vincentians completed the Youth in Agriculture Science Internship Programme (YASIP), gaining hands-on placements across 23 organizations to strengthen local food security. Agriculture Trials: CARDI is testing five carrot varieties in Majorca Mountain to revive SVG’s export legacy and cut import bills, supported by the EU and ITC. Forensics & Crime Fighting: A regional push is expanding forensic capacity across Caribbean labs, including ballistic imaging support for SVG via CARICOM IMPACS, to strengthen cross-border investigations. Crypto & Regulation: SVG’s fintech landscape continues to shift as regulators and firms respond to new rules and licensing moves, while regional coverage notes tighter leveraged-product and virtual-asset oversight trends.

Digital-by-Design for Public Finances: Prime Minister Godwin Friday opened a regional workshop in Kingstown on adapting public financial management for AI, stressing “digital by design” and warning against AI hype or using tech to mask weak governance—especially as SIDS recover from disasters. Data Resilience: Friday also highlighted why stronger data systems are vital for continuity in budgeting and service delivery, with sessions running at the Holiday Inn at Diamond alongside IMF and CARTAC support. Food Security Skills Pipeline: Forty-five Vincentian youth completed the Youth in Agriculture Science Internship Programme (YASIP), gaining placements across 23 host organizations and showcasing top interns through a “Ten for Ten” push to strengthen local food systems. Carrot Trials for Exports: CARDI is testing five carrot varieties on a Majorca Mountain farm to revive SVG’s export legacy, cut import bills, and boost rural profitability, with EU funding via ITC. Crime-Fighting Tech Links: Deputy PM St. Clair Leacock shared lessons from a New York Police Department visit, focusing on community policing, coordinated information, and practical tech partnerships for SVG’s security response.

AI & Public Finance: Prime Minister Godwin Friday opened a regional workshop on “Adapting Public Financial Management for AI: Harnessing Digital-by-Design,” urging Caribbean governments to move past “mere digitisation” and use AI only to solve real governance problems, not chase hype. Regional AI Capacity: The same event brought together finance and IT officials from 19 jurisdictions with IMF’s CARTAC, with a focus on safer, practical ways to modernise fiscal systems. Food Security Skills: Forty-five young Vincentians completed the 2026 Youth in Agriculture Science Internship Programme (YASIP), placed across 23 host organisations, supported by the Zero Hunger Trust Fund and the SVG Conservation Fund. Agriculture Trials: CARDI is running EU-funded carrot variety trials on a local farm to revive SVG’s export legacy and cut the food import bill. Digital Policy Debate: PM Friday also warned against AI hype in public finances, reinforcing that technology must serve governance and accountability. Youth Health Engagement: The REACH project invites 18–24-year-olds across Windward Islands to a virtual orientation on youth leadership in adolescent health. Crime-Fighting Tech: Deputy PM St. Clair Leacock shared lessons from a New York Police Department visit, highlighting community policing and technology partnerships for tackling gun violence. Mobile Data Cost Watch: A new study ranks the UK 46th globally for average mobile broadband data cost, a reminder of how connectivity pricing varies by market.

AI & Public Finance: St. Vincent and the Grenadines hosted a regional workshop on “Adapting Public Financial Management for AI: Harnessing Digital by Design,” co-led with the IMF’s CARTAC, where Prime Minister Godwin Friday warned against “AI hype” and urged governments to solve real problems before automating processes. Regional AI Capacity: Delegates from 19 jurisdictions met in Kingstown to map where digital systems can improve controls, data flow, and decision-making—while stressing that technology can’t replace strong institutions. Mobile Internet Costs: A new Broadband Genie study comparing 3,446 SIM-only plans across 234 markets ranked the UK 46th for average mobile broadband cost per 1GB, a reminder that pricing comparisons depend heavily on assumptions like fair-use limits. Food & Exports: CARDI is testing five carrot varieties at a demonstration plot to revive SVG’s export legacy and cut the food import bill, with EU/ITC support. Crime-Fighting Tech & Policing: Deputy PM St. Clair Leacock shared lessons from a New York Police Department visit, focusing on community policing, real-time coordination, and how “institutional capacity” can help SVG tackle gun violence. Youth & Health Engagement: The REACH project invited 18–24-year-olds across SVG and the Windward Islands to join a virtual orientation on youth leadership in adolescent health. Digital Governance for Youth: Nevis is sending representatives to a Commonwealth Parliamentary Association conference on “Strengthening Parliaments in the Digital Age,” including a virtual youth parliament session on AI. Crypto Oversight Watch: A weekly fintech/regulation review notes SVG paused crypto applications while Nigeria proposed tighter rules for leveraged products and crypto-related CFDs. Local Tech/Community Learning: A LEAF-funded business project and an Eisner fellowship for Vincentian scholar Carlene Hunte-Nelson highlight ongoing support for innovation, leadership, and community initiatives.

Public Safety & Tech in Policing: Deputy PM and National Security Minister St. Clair Leacock says his NYPD visit is shaping SVG’s approach to gun violence and homicides, with a focus on community policing, faster information flow, and coordinated responses through regional systems like CARICOM IMPACS. Education & Liberation: Climate resilience expert Andrew Simmons told the Oscar Allen Memorial Emancipation Lecture that education must move beyond certification to build identity, community-centred citizens, and practical knowledge for development. Health & Antibiotic Use: A medical technologist raised alarms on the misuse of antimicrobial medicines, warning that antimicrobial resistance is a major global killer and calling for better public understanding. Agriculture & Capacity Building: FAO began coconut training at the Orange Hill Agriculture Biotechnology Centre, targeting modern production, nursery management, pest and disease control, and value-chain skills. Marine Conservation: A citizen-science coral survey reports encouraging staghorn coral (Acropora cervicornis) regrowth off Battowia in the Northern Grenadines, after past climate shocks. Regional Governance & AI: Nevis representatives joined a Commonwealth Parliamentary Association conference on “Strengthening Parliaments in the Digital Age,” with youth parliamentarians set to discuss AI’s impact. Crypto Regulation Watch: Nigeria proposed new CFD rules that cap leverage and tighten marketing and retail conduct, while SVG paused crypto applications amid broader fintech oversight.

Public Safety Tech: Deputy PM and National Security Minister St. Clair Leacock says his NYPD visit is shaping SVG’s approach to gun violence, with a focus on community policing, real-time information, and partnerships beyond the police. Forensics & Crime-Fighting: A regional push is expanding forensic capacity across the Caribbean, including support for synthetic-drug detection and shared standards that help link cases across borders; SVG received a ballistic imager via CARICOM IMPACS. Youth, AI & Governance: Nevis is taking part in a Commonwealth Parliamentary Association conference on “Strengthening Parliaments in the Digital Age,” while a virtual youth parliament will tackle AI’s implications for the Caribbean. Health & Antibiotic Use: A local medical technologist warns about antimicrobial misuse and antimicrobial resistance, urging better public understanding. Marine Science: Citizen-science reports have confirmed encouraging staghorn coral regrowth off Battowia in the Northern Grenadines. Agriculture Training: FAO coconut training at SVG’s Orange Hill Agriculture Biotechnology Centre targets modern production, nursery management, and pest/disease control. Education Policy Clarity: Senator Lavern King clarifies the SVGCC school-fees controversy, separating abolished exam fees from other charges. Fintech & Crypto Regulation: Nigeria proposes tighter rules for FX/CFD retail trading, including a leverage cap and bans on binary options, while SVG pauses crypto applications and Deriv secures a banking licence.

Education & Liberation: Vincentian climate resilience expert Andrew Simmons told the Oscar Allen Memorial Emancipation Lecture that education must empower people for real development, not just certification, tying “literature and freedom” to community-centred citizenship. Public Safety Tech & Training: Deputy PM and National Security Minister St. Clair Leacock said his NYPD visit is shaping SVG’s approach to gun violence, focusing on community policing, faster intelligence, and partnerships through CARICOM IMPACS. Health & Antibiotic Use: A medical technologist raised concerns on NBC’s Face to Face about antimicrobial misuse and antimicrobial resistance, urging better public understanding of antibiotic dangers. Youth & AI Governance: Nevis is taking part in the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association conference in Jamaica on “Strengthening Parliaments in the Digital Age,” with a virtual youth parliament on AI. Local Crypto/Fintech Oversight: A weekly fintech review notes Nigeria’s proposed CFD rules (including leverage limits and a ban on binary options) and that SVG paused crypto applications while Deriv secured a banking licence. Marine Conservation: A citizen-science coral survey reported encouraging staghorn coral regrowth off Battowia in the Northern Grenadines. Agriculture Skills: FAO began coconut training at the Orange Hill Agriculture Biotechnology Centre to update production, nursery, and pest management practices.

Local Finance & Tech Policy: A weekly review flags regulatory moves across the region, noting Nigeria’s proposed tighter CFD rules (including a leverage cap and a ban on binary options) and that SVG has paused crypto applications while Deriv secures a banking licence in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Public Health & Tech in Care: A medical technologist raises alarms over antimicrobial misuse in SVG, warning that antibiotic abuse fuels antimicrobial resistance. Education & Youth Tech Skills: The REACH Project invites SVG and Windward Island youth (18–24) to a virtual orientation on Sept. 8, focused on leadership and adolescent health advocacy. Marine Science: Citizen-science reporting helped confirm rare young staghorn coral colonies off Battowia in the Northern Grenadines, offering hope after past climate shocks. Community & Learning: FAO runs coconut training at SVG’s Orange Hill Agriculture Biotechnology Centre, targeting modern production, nursery management, and pest/disease control to revitalize the sector. Governance in the Digital Age: Nevis representatives attend a Commonwealth Parliamentary Association conference in Jamaica on “Strengthening Parliaments in the Digital Age,” with youth parliamentarians set to discuss AI’s implications. Controversy Watch: In Grenada, pollster Justine Pierre’s latest survey faces scrutiny after a data validation section reportedly appears empty.

Fintech & Trading Regulation: Nigeria’s SEC proposed a first dedicated CFD/FX framework, banning binary options and capping leverage at 1:2 for crypto-linked CFDs, plus new rules on how brokers market leveraged products on social media. Local Crypto Oversight: SVG paused crypto application activity as regulators tighten the fintech lane. Banking Milestone: Deriv secured a banking licence in SVG, signaling more formal financial services growth. Youth & Health Tech: The REACH Project invited 18–24-year-olds across SVG and Windward Islands to a virtual orientation on youth leadership in adolescent health. Digital Governance: Nevis representatives joined a Commonwealth Parliamentary Association conference in Jamaica on “Strengthening Parliaments in the Digital Age,” including a youth parliament session focused on AI. Science & Environment: Citizen-science efforts helped confirm rare young staghorn coral colonies off Battowia in the Northern Grenadines. Public Health: A local technologist raised concerns about antimicrobial misuse and antibiotic resistance. Renewables Funding Call: IRENA opened a regional call for renewable energy project proposals across the Caribbean, with possible support via its financing platforms.

Youth Health & Leadership: The REACH Project is inviting young people (18–24) across St. Vincent and the Windward Islands to a virtual orientation on Sept. 8, aiming to build leadership and advocacy skills to improve adolescent and youth health. Digital Governance & AI for Youth: Nevis is taking part in the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association conference in Jamaica under “Strengthening Parliaments in the Digital Age,” with a focus on keeping parliamentary decorum as technology grows; Nevis youth reps will also join a virtual youth parliament on AI. Coral Conservation: A citizen-science coral survey has confirmed encouraging staghorn coral growth off Battowia, a hopeful sign after past local losses from climate shocks. Antimicrobial Use Warnings: A medical technologist is urging better public understanding of antimicrobial misuse in SVG, highlighting antimicrobial resistance as a major health threat. Renewables Funding Call: IRENA is inviting renewable project proposals across the Caribbean and Central America for potential support via its financing platforms. Agriculture Training: FAO has started coconut training at SVG’s Orange Hill Agriculture Biotechnology Centre to refresh production, nursery, and pest-management skills.

Youth Health & Leadership: The REACH Project is inviting young people (18–24) across St. Vincent and the Windward Islands to a virtual orientation on Sept. 8, aiming to build leadership and advocacy skills to improve adolescent and youth health. Parliament in the Digital Age: Nevis is taking part in the 48th Commonwealth Parliamentary Association conference in Jamaica, with a focus on keeping parliamentary decorum while using new technology; Nevis also plans to send youth delegates to a virtual AI-themed youth parliament. Antimicrobial Use Worries: A local medical technologist is urging better public understanding of antimicrobial medicines and warning against misuse that can drive antimicrobial resistance. Coral Conservation Win: A citizen-science coral survey reports young staghorn coral colonies thriving off Battowia in the Northern Grenadines, offering hope after past local die-offs. Renewables Funding Call: IRENA is inviting renewable energy project proposals across the Caribbean, including SVG, for possible support via its climate and financing platforms. Early Warning Systems: Regional work continues to strengthen multi-hazard early warning systems using the Common Alerting Protocol, with training and coordination efforts. Coconut Sector Training: FAO-backed coconut training at SVG’s Orange Hill Agriculture Biotechnology Centre is updating production, nursery, and pest-management skills to help revitalize the industry. Education & Exams: CXC released May–June 2026 results regionwide, with CAPE pass rates reported at 93.52% and CSEC at 72.18%, while SVG’s ministry awaits its own statistical report.

Digital Governance: Nevis is taking part in the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association conference in Jamaica under “Strengthening Parliaments in the Digital Age,” with Assembly President Michelle Slack-Clarke presenting on keeping parliamentary decorum as legislatures adopt new tech, while Nevis youth parliamentarians join a virtual session focused on AI and Caribbean youth leadership. Public Health: A local medical technologist is urging better understanding of antimicrobial misuse in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, warning that antibiotic abuse fuels antimicrobial resistance. Marine Science: A citizen-science coral survey reports rare young staghorn coral colonies thriving off Battowia in the Northern Grenadines, a hopeful sign after past climate shocks. Renewables & Resilience: IRENA is calling for renewable energy project proposals across Central America and the Caribbean, and regional early-warning work continues to push more connected, people-centred disaster alerts. Agriculture Tech: FAO coconut training is updating SVG’s coconut production and nursery management skills, while an ADOPT Caribbean soil-health project delivered climate-smart farming kits to local beneficiaries. Education & Skills: CXC results show strong CAPE performance alongside lower CSEC pass rates, and a CPEA Success Hub boot camp is helping Grade 5–6 students build confidence ahead of exams.

Coral Recovery Hope: Citizen-science dive reports have confirmed young staghorn coral thriving off Battowia in the Northern Grenadines, a rare bright spot after Hurricane Beryl and the 2023–2024 bleaching that left the species “functionally extinct” locally. Public Health: A medical technologist raised alarms on antimicrobial misuse in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, warning that antibiotic abuse fuels antimicrobial resistance. Education & Skills: ECCB’s Generative AI and Python Summer Camp is expanding with real business projects, while CPEA Success Hub’s Boot Camp helped Grade 5–6 students build confidence ahead of exams. Agriculture Training: FAO launched a coconut and soursop capacity-building mission, training farmers and technicians on modern production, nursery management, and pest control. Digital Services: SVG’s New York consulate is piloting a web-based passport application step to reduce trips and paperwork for people in the diaspora. Regional Tech & Governance: Nevis leaders joined a CPA conference on strengthening parliaments in the digital age, with a youth parliament theme focused on AI. Media Industry Shift: Searchlight will publish its final print edition and pause digital editions on Sept. 25 after 31 years.