AGP Executive Report

Energy & Humanitarian Impact: A new report describes the human cost of the U.S. energy blockade against Cuba, citing prolonged blackouts, shortages, and disrupted schools and hospitals as fuel access is restricted. Agriculture & Youth Skills: The first cohort of young farmers completes a 19-week training run, presenting business plans built around modern methods like plant factories, tissue culture, composting, and high-value crops. AI in Farming: The ROOTS Youth in Agriculture Programme is also pushing value-added processing, animal husbandry training, and hands-on learning on how AI and digital tools can support agriculture. Powering Customer Tech: VINLEC held a two-day staff workshop focused on customer engagement, service recovery, and using new technologies to improve service delivery. Local Connectivity for Tourism: SVG unveiled a branded InterCaribbean aircraft, positioning better air access as a boost for destination marketing and local businesses. Workforce Development: Forty-five interns begin a six-week Youth Agriculture Science Internship Programme, gaining practical exposure across crop production, livestock, agri-processing, agri-business, and agricultural research. Public Sector Modernization: The Royal St Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force launched a Human Resource Handbook covering recruitment, training, promotions, wellness, grievances, and IT/social media guidance.

Biotech Funding Reality Check: ASX biotech quarterly reports show “no quarter” in the race to commercialise—Mesoblast logged US$36m Ryoncil revenue in the period (US$115m for the year) while still burning cash, highlighting how hard it is to turn science into sustained profits. Public Service Tech & Data: St. Vincent and the Grenadines is advancing Integrated Health Surveillance Guidelines with PAHO/WHO, aiming for a living online reference to strengthen data collection, early threat detection, and faster cross-sector decisions. Utilities Customer Tech Skills: VINLEC ran a two-day workshop to upgrade customer engagement, communication, service recovery, and use of new technologies as it modernises operations. Regional Connectivity for Tourism: SVG unveiled a branded InterCaribbean aircraft (“Spirit of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines”) to boost destination marketing and make getting here easier. STEM & Food Systems Pipeline: A 3-week STEM summer programme is underway, while 45 youth are starting an agricultural science internship to build practical skills in crops, livestock, agri-processing, research, and agri-business. Local Online Safety: A warning story debunks a viral Facebook “new rule” privacy rumour, stressing that copying a statement won’t override Meta’s Terms.

Calypso & Culture: Chanique Bailey made history by winning the Vincy Mas Calypso Monarch Crown at Independence Park, lifting the Dynamite Calypso Tent’s first crown from North America. Customer Tech & Service: VINLEC ran a two-day CED workshop (21–22 July) to upgrade customer engagement, communication, service recovery, and support new technologies. Local Business Abroad: A Vincentian baker’s “cupcake” breakthrough in Taiwan helped grow Shika’s Treats from a tiny oven challenge into a wider customer base. Tourism Connectivity: SVG and InterCaribbean unveiled a branded aircraft, “Spirit of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines,” positioning reliable air access as a key tourism driver. Youth STEM & Food Systems: The Zero Hunger Trust Fund launched a Youth Agriculture Science Internship Programme, placing 45 interns with host partners for hands-on training across agriculture and research. Public Safety & Data: A PAHO/WHO mission supported development of SVG’s Integrated Health Surveillance Guidelines to strengthen health data collection and early threat detection. Online Privacy Warning: A new reminder circulated that copying a Facebook “don’t use my photos” message won’t override Meta’s Terms of Service.

Energy & Skills: VINLEC ran a two-day customer service workshop (21–22 July) for 20 staff, led by CED, focusing on customer engagement, communication, service recovery, and using new technologies to improve service across St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Public Health Tech: With PAHO/WHO support, SVG is advancing Integrated Health Surveillance Guidelines to become a national policy reference and a living online resource for faster public health decisions. Youth & Agriculture: The Zero Hunger Trust Fund launched a six-week Youth Agriculture Science Internship Programme (45 interns, 23 host partners) to bridge classroom learning with hands-on work in crops, livestock, horticulture, agri-processing, agri-business, and agricultural research. Tourism Connectivity: SVG and InterCaribbean unveiled a branded aircraft, “Spirit of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines,” aimed at boosting regional access and destination marketing. Digital Safety: A reminder that a viral Facebook “new rule” copy-paste message won’t actually protect users’ photos or override Meta’s Terms of Service. Regional Data & Planning: Dr. Justine C. Pierre began OECS Data for Decision Making work in SVG on education/training and labour market outcomes, turning census data into usable national and parish profiles, maps, and infographics.

Local Entrepreneurship: A Vincentian baker, Alshika Latham, turned a 2016 Taiwan Christmas market rush—selling nearly 250 cupcakes from a tiny oven—into Shika’s Treats, now serving customers across Taiwan and beyond. Creative Industries: An opinion piece argues SVG needs better programme design for cultural innovation, warning that “talking about culture” often happens in ways that limit participation. Public Sector HR: The Royal St Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force launched a Human Resource Handbook to modernize recruitment, training, promotions, leave, performance management, wellness, grievances, and IT/social media records. Health Data: With PAHO/WHO support, SVG is advancing Integrated Health Surveillance Guidelines to guide how health data is collected, analysed, reported, and used for faster public health decisions. Youth & Skills: The Zero Hunger Trust Fund’s Youth Agriculture Science Internship Programme places 45 interns with host partners for hands-on training across crops, livestock, agri-processing, agri-business, and agricultural research. Tourism Connectivity: SVG and InterCaribbean unveiled a branded aircraft, positioning it as a practical boost for regional travel and destination marketing. Digital Safety: A warning note says a viral Facebook “copy-paste” privacy message won’t protect photos or change Meta’s policies. Environment & Food Systems: A Caribbean-focused commentary questions how pesticide-use headlines can fuel fear without explaining which chemicals, crops, and alternatives are involved.

Police HR Modernisation: The Royal St Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force launched a new Human Resource Handbook to standardise recruitment, training, promotions, leave, performance management, health and wellness, grievances, community policing and IT/social media records. Digital Trade Upgrade: Under the Vincy Single Window for Trade (VSWIFT), the Caribbean Digital Transformation Project began distributing ICT equipment to agencies to support document processing tied to ASYCUDA World 4.4, aiming to speed up electronic licences, permits and certificates. Tourism Connectivity: SVG and InterCaribbean unveiled a branded aircraft, “Spirit of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines,” positioning reliable air access as a boost for destination marketing and local business links. Health Data Planning: With PAHO/WHO support, SVG advanced Integrated Health Surveillance Guidelines to guide how health data is collected, analysed and used for faster public health decisions. Youth & Skills: The Zero Hunger Trust Fund started a six-week Youth Agriculture Science Internship Programme for 45 interns, plus STEM summer training at St. Martins Secondary School. Education Costs: The education ministry moved to end a “mess” of uneven secondary registration fees for Form 1 students. Tech Diplomacy: Taiwan screened “A Chip Odyssey” and highlighted tech cooperation with SVG, while Taiwan also hosted a carbon-credit capacity workshop for diplomatic allies.

Tourism & Connectivity: St. Vincent and the Grenadines unveiled a branded InterCaribbean Airways aircraft, “Spirit of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines,” positioning reliable air access as a key boost for destination marketing and local businesses. Digital Trade: The CARDTP/VSWIFT initiative began distributing ICT equipment to agencies to support faster processing of electronic trade documents tied to ASYCUDA World 4.4. Public Health Tech: With PAHO/WHO support, SVG advanced Integrated Health Surveillance Guidelines to strengthen how health data is collected, analysed, reported, and used for faster public health action. Agriculture Skills: Forty-five Vincentians start a six-week Youth Agriculture Science Internship Programme, pairing field training with exposure to crop production, livestock, agri-processing, research, and agri-business. STEM Education: A STEM summer programme is running at St. Martins Secondary School, aiming to build practical science and tech skills. Cyber Safety (Local): A new opinion piece warns that a viral Facebook “privacy rule” message won’t protect users’ photos or change Meta’s policies. Environment & Oceans: A Caribbean-focused explainer raises alarms about chemical fishing and its long-term damage to reefs and marine life. Regional Policy & Data: CARICOM tax officials meet in Guyana for COTA’s “AI-enabled” tax administration conference, while SVG also pushes census data work to turn statistics into planning tools. Taiwan Links (Culture/Tech): A documentary screening, plus a Vincentian cupcake entrepreneur’s success story in Taiwan, highlight tech ties and opportunity-building between SVG and Taiwan.

Marine Safety & Fisheries: A new Caribbean-focused analysis warns that chemical fishing—using bleach, cyanide, fertilizers and other substances—can be hard to detect but causes long-lasting damage to reefs and high-value species like spiny lobster, with Saint Vincent and the Grenadines flagged among places facing heavy exploitation. Digital Trade Modernisation: Under the Vincy Single Window for Trade (VSWIFT), the Caribbean Digital Transformation Project (CARDTP) has started distributing ICT equipment to agencies to support upgraded ASYCUDA World 4.4 processing for electronic trade documents. Tourism Connectivity: SVG and InterCaribbean unveiled a branded aircraft carrying the national flag, positioning it as a boost for regional access and destination marketing. Youth Agriculture & STEM: The Zero Hunger Trust Fund launched a six-week youth agriculture internship for 45 participants, while STEM SVG hosts a three-week summer programme at St. Martins Secondary School. Health Systems: SVG advanced Integrated Health Surveillance Guidelines with PAHO support, aiming for a coordinated, data-driven public health surveillance framework. Education Costs: The education ministry says new secondary registration fee rules target ending a “mess” of uneven charges for Form 1 students. Tech & Diplomacy (Taiwan): Taiwan showcased its semiconductor innovation via “A Chip Odyssey” and is running a carbon-credit cooperation workshop with diplomatic allies.

Aviation & Tourism: St. Vincent and the Grenadines unveiled a branded InterCaribbean Airways aircraft, “Spirit of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines,” positioning the move as a connectivity boost for tourism and local businesses. Digital Trade Modernisation: The Caribbean Digital Transformation Project (CARDTP) has started distributing ICT equipment under the Vincy Single Window for Trade (VSWIFT), supporting document processing tied to ASYCUDA World 4.4 for licenses, permits and certificates. Health Data Systems: SVG is advancing Integrated Health Surveillance Guidelines with PAHO/WHO support, aiming for a living online policy tool to strengthen data collection, analysis and early public health threat detection. STEM & Youth Skills: A 3-week STEM summer programme is running at St. Martins Secondary School, while 45 youth are joining a six-week agricultural internship programme focused on crop, livestock, agri-processing, research and agri-business. Education Costs: The government says new secondary school registration fee rules are meant to end a “mess” of uneven charges for Form 1 students. Regional Tech for Climate Finance: Taiwan hosted a workshop with 11 diplomatic allies to build carbon credit cooperation and capacity for international carbon markets. Privacy Warning: A local reminder warns that copying a Facebook “don’t use my photos” post won’t actually protect users’ privacy or change Meta’s policies. Agriculture & Public Health Debate: An opinion piece reacts to pesticide-use headlines, urging a fuller conversation beyond single statistics.

AI & Jobs: A new piece argues SVG’s economy could be reshaped by agentic AI—systems that do multi-step work—while raising real concerns about what happens to jobs when machines start acting more independently. Regional Tax Tech: CARICOM’s COTA conference in Guyana (27 July) puts “smart, data-driven and AI-enabled” tax administration on the agenda, with sessions on analytics, compliance, and taxpayer services. Trade Digitalization: CARDTP has started distributing ICT gear under the Vincy Single Window for Trade (VSWIFT), upgrading document processing tied to ASYCUDA World 4.4 for licenses, permits, and certificates. Health Data Systems: SVG is advancing Integrated Health Surveillance Guidelines with PAHO support, aiming for a living national framework to collect, analyze, and use health data faster. Tourism Connectivity: SVG and InterCaribbean unveiled a branded aircraft carrying the national flag, positioning it as a boost for regional access and destination marketing. STEM & Youth Skills: A 3-week STEM summer programme is underway, while 45 youth begin a six-week agriculture internship focused on hands-on training and agri-research. Education Costs: The education ministry says new secondary registration fee rules are meant to end a “mess” of uneven charges for Form 1 students.

Regional Tax Tech: CARICOM tax chiefs are meeting in Guyana for the 27th COTA General Assembly and Technical Conference, with a theme focused on “smart, data-driven and AI-enabled” tax administration—showing how analytics and automation are moving into revenue systems across the Caribbean. Tourism Connectivity: St. Vincent and the Grenadines and InterCaribbean unveiled a branded aircraft, “Spirit of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines,” positioning the move as a practical boost for regional travel and destination marketing. Public Health Data Systems: SVG is advancing Integrated Health Surveillance Guidelines with PAHO support, aiming for a coordinated, online-ready framework to detect and respond to health threats faster. Trade Digitisation: CARDTP has started distributing ICT equipment under the Vincy Single Window for Trade (VSWIFT), upgrading document processing for trade permits and licences tied to ASYCUDA World. Youth + Solar Skills: The Zero Hunger Trust Fund launched a six-week agriculture science internship for 45 young Vincentians, while Canada-backed Scout programming is training at-risk youth in solar technology and business for green-economy jobs. Education Costs: A new secondary school registration-fee policy targets confusing, uneven charges for Form 1 students—aimed at ending a “mess” of fees parents struggle to understand. Online Privacy Warning: A reminder that copying a viral Facebook “privacy rule” message won’t override Meta’s Terms of Service or protect photos.

Public Health & Data: St. Vincent and the Grenadines is moving ahead with Integrated Health Surveillance Guidelines, backed by PAHO/WHO, to strengthen how health data is collected, analysed, reported and used for faster public health action. Tourism Tech & Connectivity: SVG and InterCaribbean unveiled a branded aircraft carrying the national flag, positioning the move as a boost for regional access and destination marketing. Youth Agriculture Skills: The Zero Hunger Trust Fund launched a Youth Agriculture Science Internship Programme placing 45 interns with 23 host partners for hands-on training across farming, agri-processing, research and agri-business. Trade Digitalisation: CARDTP started distributing ICT equipment for the Vincy Single Window for Trade (VSWIFT), supporting document processing tied to ASYCUDA World 4.4 for licenses, permits and certificates. STEM Education: NBC’s special report highlights a 3-week STEM summer programme running July 13–31 at St. Martins Secondary School. Online Privacy Warning: A Facebook privacy rumour claiming a “new rule” can be blocked by copying a statement is misleading; users still agree to Meta’s Terms and Privacy Policy when they sign up. Agriculture & Safety Debate: A local commentary challenges fear-driven reactions to a pesticide-use statistic, urging deeper discussion on pesticide types, crops and alternatives rather than blaming farmers based on one number.

Tourism & Connectivity: St. Vincent and the Grenadines unveiled a branded InterCaribbean aircraft, “Spirit of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines,” positioning the national-flag plane as a boost for regional access and destination marketing. Youth Agriculture & Research Skills: The Zero Hunger Trust Fund launched a six-week Youth Agriculture Science Internship Programme placing 45 Vincentians with 23 host partners for hands-on training across crop, livestock, horticulture, agri-processing, agri-business and agricultural research. Digital Trade Modernization: CARDTP began distributing ICT equipment under the Vincy Single Window for Trade (VSWIFT) to support document processing tied to ASYCUDA World 4.4, improving how licenses, permits and certificates are handled. Public Health Data Systems: With PAHO support, SVG advanced Integrated Health Surveillance Guidelines to strengthen coordinated collection, analysis and use of health data for faster public health decisions. Education Costs: The education ministry moved to end a “mess” of uneven secondary school registration fees for Form 1 students after finding wide disparities in charges. Cyber Privacy Warning: A Facebook privacy rumour claiming a copied statement can stop Meta photo use was flagged as misleading—users still must follow platform Terms of Service.

Tourism & Connectivity: SVG unveiled a branded InterCaribbean Airways aircraft—“Spirit of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines”—as a visible push for regional access and destination marketing. Youth STEM & Skills: A 45-person Youth Agriculture Science Internship Programme is placing interns across 23 host partners for hands-on training in farming, agri-processing, agri-business and agricultural research. Public Health Tech: With PAHO support, SVG is advancing Integrated Health Surveillance Guidelines to strengthen how health data is collected, analysed and used for faster public health action. Digital Trade Modernisation: CARDTP has started distributing ICT equipment under the Vincy Single Window for Trade (VSWIFT) to speed electronic licences, permits and certificates via upgraded ASYCUDA World. Education Costs: The government says registration-related fees for Form 1 students entering secondary school will be removed to end confusing, uneven charges. Online Safety: A new report warns that a viral Facebook “privacy” post won’t actually protect users’ photos or stop Meta’s policies.

STEM & Youth Skills: NBC SVG highlights a 3-week STEM intensive summer programme (July 13–31) at St. Martins Secondary School, aiming to build practical science and tech capability. Health Data Modernisation: SVG, with PAHO/WHO support, is advancing Integrated Health Surveillance Guidelines to create a living national policy for collecting, analysing, reporting and using health data for faster public health decisions. Digital Trade Upgrade: CARDTP has started distributing ICT equipment under the Vincy Single Window for Trade (VSWIFT), supporting document processing tied to ASYCUDA World 4.4 for electronic licences, permits and certificates. Education Cost Relief: The government says registration-related fees for Form 1 students entering secondary school will be removed, after reviews found a “mess” of uneven and unclear charges. Tech Diplomacy & Semiconductors: Taiwan’s embassy screened “A Chip Odyssey” in SVG, linking the partnership to smart agriculture, smart healthcare and digital transformation. Carbon Markets Cooperation: Taiwan hosted allied officials for a carbon credit workshop to build capacity for participation in international carbon markets. Green Economy Pathways: Canada’s High Commission funds the Scout Association’s “SunRise Leaders” project with solar training and supervised installation experience for at-risk youth. Privacy Warning: A new reminder circulates that a Facebook “privacy post” won’t legally stop Meta from using photos, despite the viral copy-paste claim.

Education Cost Relief: St. Vincent and the Grenadines is removing registration-related fees for Form 1 students entering public and government-assisted private secondary schools, after the Education Ministry found a “mess” of uneven charges across schools. Trade Digitisation: The Vincy Single Window for Trade (VSWIFT) is getting a boost as CARDTP distributes ICT equipment to agencies to better process electronic licences, permits and certificates tied to ASYCUDA World. Green Skills for Youth: Canada is funding the Scout Association’s “SunRise Leaders” programme with solar technology training, mentorship and a supervised installation project for at-risk youth. Data for Smarter Planning: Dr. Justine C. Pierre is leading World Bank-supported census work to turn education and labour-market data into accessible maps, profiles and infographics for government decisions. Tech Diplomacy: Taiwan hosted a screening of “A Chip Odyssey” highlighting semiconductor innovation and ongoing SVG cooperation in smart agriculture and digital health. Regional Climate Finance: Taiwan’s allies met in Taipei to build capacity for carbon credits and participation in international carbon markets.