AGP Executive Report

Climate-smart farming: Farmers in St. Vincent and the Grenadines received ADOPT Caribbean soil-health kits under the Soil Health for Climate-Resilient Agriculture Project, including compost and organic mulch training plus tools like rain gauges, pH and water meters, sticky traps, seeds, and a gasoline-powered chaff cutter/silage machine. Public health leadership: Dr. Eva Jané Llopis has started as PAHO/WHO Representative for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, tasked with strengthening resilient, equitable health systems across the OECS and nearby territories. Digital business push: The Caribbean Development Bank and the Small Business Association of Barbados launched a regional initiative to help at least 150 MSMEs across SVG, Barbados, Dominica, Grenada and St. Lucia boost digital skills, adopt practical solutions, and compete globally—especially supporting women-led and underserved firms. Youth and learning: REACH is inviting 18–24-year-olds in SVG and other member states to a virtual orientation on adolescent health and meaningful youth engagement, with follow-on leadership and training opportunities. Tech in everyday life: A local explainer on the “Vincy” passport highlights strict rules around the embedded security technology and reminds holders that the passport remains state property. Environment: A citizen-science effort helped confirm rare young staghorn coral colonies off Battowia in the Northern Grenadines, offering hope after past climate shocks.

Public Health Leadership: Dr. Eva Jané Llopis has started as PAHO/WHO Representative for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, overseeing technical cooperation for OECS states including St. Vincent and the Grenadines, with a focus on resilient, equitable health systems. Education & Skills: A local op-ed questions whether CPEA pass results are translating into real reading, writing, math, and critical thinking skills for students. Health & Youth Engagement: The REACH Project is rolling out a webinar series on adolescent health and wellbeing, plus a virtual orientation for 18–24-year-olds to join youth leadership and community health activities. Digital Economy for MSMEs: The Caribbean Development Bank and SBA Barbados launched a regional initiative to help at least 150 MSMEs across the Eastern Caribbean adopt digital tools and boost competitiveness, including support for women-led and underserved businesses. Local Tech & Governance: A feature explains how SVG’s “Vincy” passport is state property, detailing strict security and legal rules around the embedded electronic technology. Marine Conservation: A citizen-science dive effort reports rare young staghorn coral colonies off Battowia, offering hope for reef recovery after past climate shocks.

Media & AI Literacy: UNESCO and Caribbean partners ran a SIM workshop in Grenada with online participation from 39 media stakeholders, focusing on journalism ethics, the ethics of AI, media and information literacy, and how media shapes legal, health, culture and the economy. Cybersecurity & Critical Infrastructure: A new Congressional Research Service report says Russian specialist submarines have been used to survey undersea cables and pipelines around British waters, raising hybrid-warfare and sabotage concerns. Public Health Leadership: Dr. Eva Jané Llopis began her PAHO/WHO role for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, aiming to strengthen resilient, equitable health systems across OECS countries including SVG. Marine Conservation: We Are Mayreau confirmed rare staghorn coral colonies off Battowia in the Northern Grenadines, a hopeful sign after past climate shocks. Digital Skills for MSMEs: The CDB and Barbados SBA launched a regional initiative to help at least 150 MSMEs across SVG and neighbours adopt digital solutions and build global competitiveness. Education Tech Reform (Region-wide): Dominica’s WISTLE project will modernise lower-secondary learning with a technology-supported curriculum across four countries, including SVG. Youth Health Engagement: REACH opened registration for a virtual youth orientation (8 Sept) and a webinar series on adolescent mental health and healthy lifestyles. Local Tech & Governance: A feature on the “Vincy” passport explains strict rules and the state-owned nature of the document, including penalties tied to embedded electronic security. Diplomacy & Tech-Linked Investment: SVG reaffirmed its Taiwan ties and discussed investor interest in solar, hotels and marine services, with a planned business delegation.

Hybrid Security: A new Congressional Research Service report says Russian specialist submarines have been used to map critical undersea cables and pipelines around British waters, raising fears of future sabotage. Passport Tech & Governance: SVG immigration officials explain the “Vincy” passport’s strict security rules, including that citizens are only holders of a state-owned document with embedded electronic safeguards. Coral Recovery: A citizen-science dive effort confirmed rare young staghorn coral colonies off Battowia in the Northern Grenadines, offering a hopeful sign after major climate shocks. Youth Health Engagement: The REACH Project opens virtual orientation (8 Sept) and a webinar series on adolescent health, mental wellbeing, nutrition, and parent-teen communication. Digital for MSMEs: The Caribbean Development Bank and Barbados’ Small Business Association launch a regional push to help at least 150 MSMEs in SVG and four other countries adopt digital tools and grow. Disaster Alerts Upgrade: Regional workshops in SVG introduce the Common Alerting Protocol to standardize emergency warnings across TV, radio, websites, social media, and mobile. Tech, Finance & Resilience: A local fintech overview argues digital payments, online services, and digital ID can help SVG keep the economy running after physical disruptions. Taiwan Ties & Investment: Prime Minister Friday and ministers reaffirm support for Taiwan relations while pitching solar, hotels, marine services, and agriculture to Taiwanese investors, with plans for a business delegation.

Marine Conservation: A WAM reconnaissance dive confirmed young staghorn coral colonies off Battowia in the Northern Grenadines, a hopeful sign after earlier local losses from Hurricane Beryl and coral bleaching. Digital Skills for Businesses: The Caribbean Development Bank and the Small Business Association of Barbados launched a regional push to help at least 150 MSMEs across SVG and neighbours assess digital readiness, adopt practical tools, and build resilience for regional and global markets. Weather Warnings That Act: St. Vincent and the Grenadines is among countries training on the Common Alerting Protocol and impact-based warning services, aiming to move from “hazard alerts” to clearer guidance on who is affected and what to do. Youth Health Engagement: The REACH Project is inviting 18–24-year-olds in SVG and other member states to a virtual orientation and later leadership and community health activities. Tech & Finance Focus: A local explainer on fintech in SVG argues digital payments and services can strengthen resilience after disasters. Education Debate: An op-ed challenges whether CPEA pass results reflect real learning skills, from reading and writing to spotting misinformation. Taiwan Ties & Investment: SVG reaffirmed its “unwavering commitment” to Taiwan and outlined plans to blend grants with private investment, while officials court Taiwanese business delegations in areas like solar, hotels, marine services, and agriculture.

Education & Skills: A new op-ed questions whether CPEA pass results are translating into real learning, urging families and schools to focus on reading, reasoning, writing, and practical problem-solving—not just placement. Youth Health Engagement: The REACH Project invites 18–24-year-olds from SVG and other member states to a virtual orientation (8 Sept) and offers pathways like youth leadership and preceptorship training, backed by Global Affairs Canada and OECS partners. Digital Growth for MSMEs: SVG is set to benefit from a CDB-backed initiative supporting at least 150 MSMEs to assess digital maturity, adopt solutions, and build resilience for regional and global markets. Digital Finance in 2026: A local fintech overview frames reliable electronic payments and digital ID as key to keeping the economy running after shocks like La Soufrière and Hurricane Beryl. Disaster Tech Alerts: Regional workshops roll out the Common Alerting Protocol and impact-based warning services so weather alerts trigger clearer actions across TV, radio, websites, social media, and phones. Taiwan Ties Turn Toward Investment: PM Friday’s Taiwan visit highlights private-sector deals and a pledged grant to help capitalise SVG’s proposed National Development Bank, while the government rejects any shift to a “One China” policy. Tech & Sports Finance: BITmarkets publishes a study on how crypto partnerships with elite athletes evolved after 2022, moving beyond sponsorship into NFTs, venture deals, and crypto-converted payments.

Youth & Health: The REACH Project is inviting 18–24-year-olds from Dominica, Grenada, St Lucia and St Vincent and the Grenadines to a virtual orientation on Tuesday, 8 September 2026, with pathways into youth leadership and preceptorship training to strengthen adolescent health across the Caribbean. SME Digital Boost: St Vincent and the Grenadines is among at least 150 MSMEs set to get support under a CDB-backed regional initiative, “Reengineering MSMEs for Growth,” helping firms assess digital maturity, adopt practical tools and build resilience for regional and global markets. Weather Tech for Action: Regional disaster and meteorology stakeholders are rolling out the Common Alerting Protocol (CAP) and impact-based warning services, shifting alerts from “hazard coming” to “what it means and what to do,” with SVG workshops running 17–18 August. Fintech & Resilience: A local explainer links digital finance to recovery after La Soufrière and Hurricane Beryl, arguing that electronic payments, digital IDs and online services can keep the economy running when infrastructure is disrupted. Taiwan Partnership (Tech & Investment): During SVG’s 45th anniversary visit, leaders pushed an economic partnership with Taiwan focused on private investment and technology transfer, including solar, hotels and marine services, while reaffirming commitment to Taiwan and rejecting any move toward a “One China” policy. Education Reform (Tech-Enabled): Dominica’s WISTLE education reform project will modernise lower-secondary learning across the OECS, using technology-supported curricula and TVET, with SVG among participating countries.

Disaster Tech: St. Vincent and the Grenadines is rolling out impact-based weather warning training using the Common Alerting Protocol (CAP), aiming to move from “hazard alerts” to clear guidance on who could be affected and what to do, with workshops running across the region. Digital Economy: The Caribbean Development Bank and the Small Business Association of Barbados launched a CDB-backed initiative to help at least 150 MSMEs across SVG and the wider Eastern Caribbean strengthen digital skills, assess digital maturity, adopt practical tools, and build resilience for regional and global markets. Youth & Health Tech: The REACH Project invites 18–24-year-olds in SVG, Dominica, Grenada, and St. Lucia to a virtual orientation on adolescent health and leadership, with follow-on youth training opportunities. Fintech & Resilience: A local explainer highlights how digital finance and electronic payments can help SVG keep services running after shocks like La Soufrière and hurricanes. Diplomacy-to-Development (Taiwan): Prime Minister Friday’s Taiwan visit continues to shape a push for private investment and technology transfer, while SVG rejects any shift to a “One China” policy. Health Systems: Mackay Memorial Hospital will send a team to support SVG’s hospital Health Information System plans, sharing practical experience from real clinical use.

Digital MSME Boost: The Caribbean Development Bank and the Small Business Association of Barbados launched “Reengineering MSMEs for Growth,” backing at least 150 MSMEs in St. Vincent and the Grenadines plus Barbados, Dominica, Grenada and St. Lucia to assess digital readiness, adopt practical tools, and roll out transformation plans—aimed at stronger competitiveness and wider market reach. Digital Commerce Gap: The same launch highlighted how Caribbean businesses lag North America in digital transactions (about 4–5% vs. ~18–19% in the US), pushing for faster, broader adoption of mobile and online commerce. Disaster Tech for Alerts: Regional meteorological and disaster teams are training on the Common Alerting Protocol and impact-based warning services, shifting warnings from “hazard coming” to “what it means and who is affected,” with St. Vincent and the Grenadines among the first countries in the August schedule. Health Systems Tech: Taiwan’s Mackay Memorial Hospital is sending a team to support St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ hospital work in Arnos Vale, focusing on building a practical Health Information System with real-world input from clinicians. Taiwan Ties, With a Tech Angle: During SVG’s 45th anniversary visit, leaders pitched an economic partnership with technology transfer and private investment, while also reaffirming commitment to Taiwan and rejecting any move toward a “One China” policy.

Taiwan Ties & Investment Push: St. Vincent and the Grenadines marked 45 years of diplomatic relations with Taiwan as PM Godwin Friday framed the partnership as “more than friendship,” while the government rejected any shift toward a “One China” policy and signaled a move to private capital alongside Taiwanese support. Tech & Digital Finance: A CDB-backed initiative will help at least 150 MSMEs across Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, St. Lucia and SVG assess digital readiness and adopt practical digital tools, aiming to boost competitiveness and global market reach. Education Tech Reform (WISTLE): Dominica is set to launch a four-year WISTLE project to modernise lower-secondary learning with a technology-supported curriculum across the Windward Islands, including SVG. Disaster Warning Systems: Regional workshops are rolling out the Common Alerting Protocol and impact-based warning services so weather alerts trigger clearer actions across agencies and channels. Health Systems Upgrade: Mackay Memorial Hospital will send a team to SVG to share experience building a practical Health Information System for the new Arnos Vale hospital. Local Crime-Fighting Tech: Police leadership changes emphasize intelligence-led, forensic-backed action against gun violence.

Crime & Public Safety: Acting Assistant Commissioner of Police Brenton Smith takes charge of crime-fighting in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, promising a more coordinated, intelligence-led and forensic-backed push against gun violence and serious offences. Digital Economy: Senior Minister Kerrie Symmonds warns Caribbean digital commerce is lagging, with only 4–5% of transactions online versus about 18–19% in the US, urging faster digital transformation for MSMEs. Digital Finance & Resilience: A look at SVG’s fintech role in 2026 highlights how reliable electronic payments, online services and digital ID can keep the economy moving after disasters. Education Tech Reform: Dominica’s WISTLE project will modernise lower-secondary education across the Windward Islands, including SVG, using a technology-supported curriculum. Health Outreach: REACH launches a webinar series on adolescent health and wellbeing, covering mental health, nutrition, stigma reduction and parent-teen communication. Disaster Alerts Upgrade: Regional workshops in SVG will train stakeholders on the Common Alerting Protocol and impact-based warning services to move from “hazard” alerts to clearer “what it means and what to do” guidance. Taiwan Partnership (Tech & Investment): Prime Minister Godwin Friday and officials reaffirm ties with Taiwan while pitching private-sector investment, technology transfer and health systems cooperation, including a Mackay Memorial Hospital team focused on practical health information systems for SVG. Scholarships: Flow SVG awards five new scholarships, expanding its long-running education support programme.

Intangible Heritage & Education: UNESCO brought 40+ Caribbean partners together for a July online workshop on safeguarding living heritage in both formal and informal learning, highlighting Creole, Anansi, Carnival, boat building, music, dance, food and festivals, with a push for better documentation and youth involvement. Education Reform with Tech: Dominica is set to launch the four-year WISTLE project (Aug 21) to modernise lower-secondary learning across Dominica, Grenada, St. Lucia and SVG using a technology-supported, more inclusive curriculum, with about 3,000 students expected to benefit yearly. Adolescent Health Webinars: SVG’s REACH project rolled out a webinar series for teens and parents on mental health, nutrition, teen brain, stigma reduction and parent-teen communication, with interactive Q&As. Disaster Tech for Warnings: Regional disaster and meteorology stakeholders are training on the Common Alerting Protocol and impact-based warnings, aiming to move from “hazard coming” to “what it means and what to do,” with SVG workshops running Aug 17–18. Taiwan Partnership Turns Economic: During a Taiwan visit marking 45 years of ties, PM Godwin Friday and officials pushed private investment and tech transfer (solar, hotels, marine services), while Taiwan pledged grants to help capitalise SVG’s proposed National Development Bank and fund community programmes. Health Systems Upgrade: Mackay Memorial Hospital is sending a team to SVG to share its Health Information System know-how as the Arnos Vale hospital project progresses. AI & Youth Tech Diplomacy: Taiwan’s youth ambassador programme will include UAV operators visiting SVG and other allies, blending people-to-people exchanges with drone tech. Scholarships: Flow SVG awarded five new students scholarships, extending its 42-year programme supporting secondary education and community development.

Education & Tech: Dominica’s four-year WISTLE Education Reform Project is set to roll out a technology-supported lower-secondary curriculum across Windward Islands partners, including St. Vincent and the Grenadines, with about 3,000 students expected to benefit each year. Public Health: SVG-linked REACH has launched a webinar series for adolescents and parents, covering mental health, nutrition, teen brain topics, and stigma reduction with live Q&A. Disaster Readiness: Regional workshops are training agencies to use the Common Alerting Protocol and impact-based warning services, shifting from “hazard alerts” to warnings that explain who could be affected and what to do. Taiwan Partnership & Investment: Prime Minister Godwin Friday says Taiwan has pledged grants to help capitalise SVG’s national development bank and fund social programmes, while investor interest is driving plans for Taiwanese business delegations in solar, hotels, marine services, and agriculture. Health Systems (Digital): Mackay Memorial Hospital is sending a team to support the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital partnership, focusing on building a practical Health Information System for SVG. AI Buildathon: Future Caribbean’s agentic AI buildathon has moved into the build phase with 450+ participants developing deployable solutions for areas like disaster management, health, finance, and climate resilience.

COP17 Land & Drought Talks: Delegates opened COP17 Bureau work in Ulaanbaatar, with Saint Vincent and the Grenadines among newly elected vice-presidents, focusing on land degradation, drought resilience, and science-and-technology cooperation. Taiwan Investment Push: Prime Minister Godwin Friday says Taiwanese business leaders are preparing a visit to SVG after strong interest in solar, hotels, marine services, and agriculture, while Taipei pledges grants to help capitalise SVG’s proposed national development bank and fund community programmes. Diplomacy, But With a Business Turn: SVG formally rejects any shift toward a “One China” policy as relations with Taiwan move toward private capital, technology transfer, and reduced government borrowing. Health Tech Partnership: Mackay Memorial Hospital will send a team to support Milton Cato Memorial Hospital, with a focus on building a practical health information system for SVG. Disaster Warning Tech: Regional workshops are rolling out the Common Alerting Protocol and impact-based forecasting so warnings can trigger clear actions across TV, radio, websites, social media, and phones. Education & Digital Skills: SVGCC opens 2026 admissions info sessions, while local digital-skills programmes keep training young people in practical tech use. AI for the Region: Over 450 builders from 39 countries join an agentic AI buildathon targeting real-world Caribbean deployments.

Disaster Tech: St. Vincent and the Grenadines is set to roll out the Common Alerting Protocol (CAP) and impact-based warning training with regional partners, aiming to move from “hazard alerts” to warnings that spell out who could be affected and what people should do, with workshops running 17–18 August. Taiwan Ties & Investment: Prime Minister Godwin Friday and Foreign Minister Dwight Fitzgerald Bramble used SVG’s 45th anniversary visit to Taiwan to push a shift toward economic partnership, technology transfer, and diaspora-led national development, pitching investors on trade frameworks, incentives, and priority sectors. Health Systems Upgrade: Mackay Memorial Hospital is sending a team to SVG to help strengthen the Health Information System for the new Arnos Vale hospital, sharing practical experience from its long-running partnership with Milton Cato Memorial Hospital. Education & Skills: Flow SVG awarded five new scholarships as part of its 42-year programme, while local commentary and reporting spotlight the need for stronger learning outcomes and a “human verification” habit for AI-assisted work. Youth & Innovation: Future Caribbean’s agentic AI buildathon has drawn 450+ builders across 39 countries, targeting real-world deployments across areas like disaster management, healthcare, and climate resilience.

Disaster Tech: St. Vincent and the Grenadines is joining a regional push to make weather warnings actionable, with workshops rolling out the Common Alerting Protocol (CAP) and Impact-Based Forecasting and Warning Services (IBFWS) so alerts can be shared consistently across TV, radio, websites, social media and phones. Digital Skills: A local commentary argues SVG’s AI and digital-skills push should include a “human verification habit” so students and entrepreneurs check sources, spot errors, and stay accountable. Education & Access: SVG Community College (SVGCC) announces 2026 admissions info sessions and advising, with online application windows for DASGS and DTVE and CGCE’s CAPPS intake. Health Systems: Mackay Memorial Hospital will send a team to SVG to support the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital partnership, focusing on building a practical Health Information System. Taiwan Partnership (Tech + Investment): During Taiwan’s 45-year SVG ties, Prime Minister Friday pitches an economic partnership built on enterprise investment and technology transfer, while Taiwan’s ICDF marks 30 years with a book highlighting digital transformation and smart healthcare support for SVG. STEM Youth: Taiwan’s youth ambassadorship program will include drone operators visiting SVG and other allies to promote people-to-people exchanges. Scholarships: Flow SVG awards five new students scholarships, extending its long-running programme supporting secondary education.