AGP Executive Report

Energy Accountability: Vincentians are questioning rising electricity bills, with some reporting increases from under EC$400 to nearly EC$600 a month. A new commentary calls for greater transparency about VINLEC’s finances. Disaster Readiness: Deputy Prime Minister St Clair Leacock says agencies coordinated effectively during the recent floods, but urges a stronger culture of disaster preparedness. Taiwan Partnership: Taiwan pledged US$100,000 for flood recovery as officials highlighted cooperation in technology, agriculture, infrastructure and education. Medical Education: Saint James School of Medicine has redesigned its scholarship pathway so Vincentian students can move from secondary school into medical studies without leaving the country. Digital Resilience: Caribbean officials at CTU ICT Week advanced cooperation on AI, cybersecurity, digital infrastructure and telecommunications resilience. Cybercrime: SVG joined regional training on cross-border investigations, including threats involving AI, cryptocurrency and ransomware. Local Mobility Tech: VincyCar has launched a digital platform for rides, deliveries and connections with local businesses.

Food-Processing Skills: Six Vincentian millers joined a weeklong Kansas State University course, gaining hands-on training in wheat processing, milling equipment and flour quality. Flood Recovery: Taiwan pledged US$100,000 to help communities recover from flooding, as the two countries marked 45 years of diplomatic ties. Digital Services: VincyCar has launched an app in SVG offering rides, deliveries and links to local businesses. Regional Tech Cooperation: SVG joined Caribbean partners at ICT Week in French Guiana to advance AI, cybersecurity and digital infrastructure; Vincentian officials also took part in a regional cybercrime workshop covering cryptocurrency, AI and ransomware. STEM: SVG’s robotics team was among the Caribbean teams placing in the top 25 at the FIRST Global Challenge, focused this year on wildfire response. Medical Education: A redesigned Saint James School of Medicine scholarship pathway will let Vincentian students move from secondary school into an integrated pre-med and medical degree programme without leaving the country.

Caribbean Digital Agenda: CTU ICT Week in French Guiana wrapped up with regional discussions on AI, digital infrastructure, cybersecurity and resilient telecommunications, strengthening links across the English-, French- and Dutch-speaking Caribbean. Taiwan Support: Taiwan pledged US$100,000 for SVG flood recovery and highlighted its technology strengths and cooperation with the country in areas including agriculture, education and public safety. Youth Robotics: Guyana ranked 22nd at the FIRST Global Challenge, with SVG also among the two CARICOM countries in the top 25 at the international robotics competition. Cybersecurity: SVG joined regional partners in training led by Colombian cybercrime specialists, sharing skills to investigate threats including ransomware and cryptocurrency-related crime. Local Mobility: VincyCar has launched a digital platform in SVG connecting riders with drivers and offering delivery services. Clean Energy: A new CDB-backed US$500,000 facility will help women-led businesses in SVG and seven other Caribbean countries develop clean-energy solutions.

Taiwan Partnership: Taiwan pledged US$100,000 for flood recovery in St. Vincent and the Grenadines and highlighted cooperation in agriculture, education and public safety, alongside its strengths in semiconductors, AI and advanced manufacturing. Caribbean Digital Agenda: CTU ICT Week in French Guiana brought regional leaders together to advance AI, digital infrastructure, cybersecurity and telecommunications resilience. Local Tech: VincyCar has launched a digital platform connecting Vincentians with local drivers, delivery services and businesses. STEM: St. Vincent and the Grenadines is among the two CARICOM countries in the FIRST Global Challenge’s top 25, where student teams are building robots for a wildfire-focused competition. Cybersecurity: Vincentian officials joined regional training with Belize, Colombia and other partners to strengthen cross-border cybercrime investigations. Clean Energy: A new CDB facility will support women-led businesses, including in SVG, to develop and commercialise clean-energy innovations.

Caribbean Digital Development: CTU ICT Week 2026 in French Guiana brought regional leaders together to advance digital inclusion, innovation, resilience and cybersecurity. Cybersecurity: St. Vincent and the Grenadines joined Belize, Colombia and other Caribbean partners in training to strengthen cross-border cybercrime investigations, including work on ransomware, cryptocurrency and AI-related threats. Local Transport Tech: VincyCar has launched an app-based platform in SVG for rides and parcel delivery, aiming to connect residents and visitors with local drivers and businesses. Clean Energy Innovation: A Caribbean Development Bank programme will offer eligible women-led businesses in SVG and seven other countries support to develop and commercialise clean-energy ideas, with assistance for research, testing and early-stage ventures.

Digital Transport: VincyCar has launched an app for rides and deliveries in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, aiming to connect residents and visitors with local drivers and businesses. Cybersecurity: SVG joined a regional cybercrime training with officials from seven other countries. Colombian specialists shared expertise on threats including ransomware, cryptocurrency-related crime and AI-enabled attacks. Clean Energy: A Caribbean Development Bank initiative will offer technical and financial support to eligible women-led businesses in SVG and seven other countries, helping turn clean-energy ideas into market-ready products and services. Climate-Smart Agriculture: SVG’s fisheries minister joined regional talks in Jamaica focused on food security, agri-business, climate-smart technologies and export growth.

Cybersecurity: St. Vincent and the Grenadines joined a regional cybercrime workshop with Belize, Colombia and other Caribbean partners. Training covered cross-border investigations and threats involving AI, cryptocurrency and ransomware. Digital Mobility: VincyCar has launched on app stores, offering rides and parcel delivery while connecting users with local businesses. Clean Energy Innovation: A Caribbean Development Bank programme will help women-led businesses, including in SVG, develop clean-energy ideas into market-ready products and services. Connectivity: EllaLink has advanced plans for a submarine cable network that could link SVG to regional and international routes; construction still depends on financing and partner agreements, with service targeted for 2029. Digital Wellbeing: Vincentian-born researcher Elsworth Neale has developed MindRenew, a digital platform intended to help churches support people facing emotional and mental wellness challenges.

Cybercrime Cooperation: Belize and Colombia are teaming up with Caribbean partners, including St. Vincent and the Grenadines, to train police and specialists on preventing, investigating and responding to cross-border cybercrime, with a focus on skills for cases involving cryptocurrency, AI and ransomware. Digital Mobility for SVG: VincyCar has launched a new app-based transportation and delivery platform for St. Vincent and the Grenadines, connecting riders with local drivers and adding parcel delivery links for residents and visitors. AI Developer Access: femtoAI opened its developer community, giving builders access to its AI silicon and compression tools aimed at cutting power use and memory needs for new AI-powered products. Clean Energy Support for Women: The Caribbean Development Bank rolled out a US$500,000 initiative via SheTrades to help women-led businesses across the region, including SVG, develop and commercialise clean energy solutions. Regional Connectivity Plan: EllaLink advanced its Caribbean Gateway submarine project toward development, targeting service entry by end-2029 with a route that includes St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Public Policy Research at UWI: UWI will honour former SVG Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves with a new Centre for Public Policy and Governance. Consulate Expands Tech-Linked Opportunities: SVG’s New York Consulate General says it’s broadening beyond passports to connect nationals with universities and business opportunities.

Public Policy & Research: UWI will honour former St Vincent and the Grenadines PM Dr Ralph Gonsalves by setting up a Centre for Public Policy and Governance at Cave Hill, approved by the University Council in April. Diaspora Tech & Education Links: St Vincent and the Grenadines’ New York Consulate is expanding beyond passports to connect nationals with universities, businesses and programmes, including scholarship pathways via partner organisations. Clean Energy for Women Entrepreneurs: The Caribbean Development Bank launched a US$500,000 SheTrades Caribbean Tech It Up Facility (2026–2028) to help women-led businesses across the region—including SVG—turn clean energy ideas into market-ready services. Caribbean Connectivity: EllaLink advanced its Caribbean Gateway into the development phase, targeting service by end-2029 with a submarine fibre route linking Cayenne to Martinique/Guadeloupe and a western segment to Aruba, Curaçao and Bonaire. Mental Health in Policing: The Royal SVG Police Force held a “Protecting Our Protectors” symposium on suicide and mental health, pushing support for officers alongside modern forensic and training upgrades.

Public Policy Research: UWI will honour former St Vincent and the Grenadines PM Dr Ralph Gonsalves by setting up a Centre for Public Policy and Governance at Cave Hill, approved by the University Council in April. Diaspora Tech & Education Links: St Vincent and the Grenadines’ New York Consulate is expanding beyond passports to connect Vincentians with universities, businesses and agencies, including scholarship pathways via Leadership Initiatives and talks with Columbia University. Clean Energy for Women-Led Firms: The Caribbean Development Bank launched a US$500,000 SheTrades Caribbean Tech It Up Facility (2026–2028) to help women-led businesses in SVG and across the region turn clean energy ideas into market-ready services. Caribbean Connectivity: EllaLink formally advanced its Caribbean Gateway into the development phase, aiming for service by end-2029 with a Cayenne–Martinique/Guadeloupe trunk and a western segment to Aruba, Curaçao and Bonaire. Mental Health in Policing: The RSVGPF held a “Protecting Our Protectors” symposium on suicide and mental health, pushing for stronger support systems for officers. Agriculture Innovation: SVG participated in Caribbean Week of Agriculture in Jamaica, with Minister Conroy Huggins highlighting food security, climate-smart technologies and export expansion.

Consular Tech & Opportunity Link: St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ New York Consulate is expanding beyond passports and documents to connect Vincentians with universities, businesses and agencies for education and career opportunities, with Consul General Roland “Patel” Matthews highlighting scholarship pathways and new talks with institutions like Columbia. Regional Food Systems & Climate Tech: Fisheries Minister Conroy Huggins represented SVG at Caribbean Week of Agriculture in Jamaica, focusing on food security, agri-business, climate-smart technologies and export expansion, and took part in CRFM ministerial discussions. Clean Energy for Women Entrepreneurs: The Caribbean Development Bank launched a US$500,000 SheTrades Caribbean Tech It Up Facility (2026–2028) to back women-led businesses across the region—including SVG—with technical help and funding to commercialise clean energy innovations. Digital Mental Wellness in Churches: Vincentian pastor Elsworth Neale says his second doctorate helped shape MindRenew, a faith-informed digital platform for churches supporting emotional and mental wellness. Caribbean Connectivity Push: EllaLink advanced its Caribbean Gateway into the development phase, targeting service by end-2029 with a carrier-neutral submarine route linking Cayenne to Martinique/Guadeloupe and a western segment for Aruba, Curaçao and Bonaire. Youth, Creativity & Financing: SVG youth leader Omarian Dennie urged better access to financial tools and monetisation tech for creative professionals, after representing SVG at a regional youth panel on the “Orange Economy.”

Consular Tech & Jobs: St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ New York Consulate is expanding beyond passports to act as a bridge to universities, businesses and agencies—aiming to unlock education and scholarship pathways for Vincentians in the US and at home. Clean Energy for Women Entrepreneurs: The Caribbean Development Bank launched a US$500,000 SheTrades Caribbean Tech It Up Facility (2026–2028) to help women-led firms across the region, including SVG, turn clean energy ideas into market-ready products, with technical support and financing. Caribbean Gateway Connectivity: EllaLink says its Caribbean Gateway initiative has moved into the development phase, planning a carrier-neutral submarine cable linking Cayenne to Martinique/Guadeloupe and a western segment to Aruba, Curaçao and Bonaire, targeting service by end-2029. Agriculture Innovation: SVG’s Minister of Fisheries Conroy Huggins represented the country at Caribbean Week of Agriculture in Jamaica, focused on food security, agri-business, climate-smart tech and export expansion. Mental Health in Policing: The Royal SVG Police Force held a “Protecting Our Protectors” symposium on suicide and mental health, pushing support for officers alongside forensic and crime-scene capability upgrades. Youth & Skills: SVG youth leader Omarian Dennie highlighted barriers creative professionals face in accessing financing and financial tech, calling for better tools and training to grow the “orange economy.”

Fisheries & Food Systems: Minister of Fisheries Conroy Huggins represented St. Vincent and the Grenadines at the 20th Caribbean Week of Agriculture in Jamaica, focusing on food security, agri-business, climate-smart technologies and export expansion, and also took part in CRFM fisheries ministerial talks. Clean Energy for Women Entrepreneurs: The Caribbean Development Bank launched a US$500,000 SheTrades Caribbean Tech It Up Facility (2026–2028) to help women-led businesses across the region—including SVG—turn clean energy ideas into market-ready products and services. Digital Mental Wellness for Churches: Vincentian pastor Elsworth Neale, after earning a second doctorate, highlighted MindRenew, a faith-informed digital platform linking pastoral care with structured mental wellness support. Caribbean Connectivity Upgrade: EllaLink advanced its Caribbean Gateway into the development phase, moving from design toward committed investment for a submarine fibre route targeting service by end-2029. Police Tech & Mental Health: The RSVGPF rolled out new crime-fighting technology plans, including local ballistics testing, and also held a symposium on suicide and mental health for officers. Agriculture Youth Spotlight: St. Vincent Girls’ High School won the CARICOM “I Am Agriculture” youth video competition, reinforcing youth-led innovation in food security.

Caribbean Agriculture & Fisheries: Minister of Fisheries Conroy Huggins represented St. Vincent and the Grenadines at the 20th Caribbean Week of Agriculture in Jamaica, focusing on food security, agri-business, climate-smart technologies and export expansion, and also took part in CRFM ministerial talks. Clean Energy for Women Entrepreneurs: The Caribbean Development Bank launched a US$500,000 SheTrades Caribbean Tech It Up Facility (2026–2028) to help women-led businesses across the region—including SVG—with technical assistance and funding to turn clean energy ideas into commercial products and services. Connectivity Boost: EllaLink formally advanced its Caribbean Gateway into the development phase, moving toward an open, carrier-neutral submarine cable linking Cayenne to Martinique/Guadeloupe and a western segment to Aruba, Curaçao and Bonaire, targeting service by end-2029. Youth, Creativity & Finance: SVG youth leader Omarian Dennie represented the country at a regional youth panel on the “Orange Economy,” urging better access to regional financial technology and monetisation tools for creative professionals. Public Safety Tech Upgrade: The RSVGPF announced new crime-fighting investments, including local ballistics testing to speed up ballistic comparisons, plus regional expert support and intensified patrols. Mental Health in Policing: The force held a symposium on suicide and mental health for officers, stressing wellbeing as key to decision-making and service quality. Agriculture Education Wins: St. Vincent Girls’ High School won the CARICOM “I Am Agriculture” youth video competition, highlighting food security and school-led gardening plans.

Caribbean Agriculture Week (Jamaica): Fisheries Minister Conroy Huggins represented St. Vincent and the Grenadines at the 20th Caribbean Week of Agriculture, focusing on food security, agri-business, climate-smart technologies and export expansion, and also took part in CRFM ministerial talks. Clean energy for women-led firms: The Caribbean Development Bank launched a US$500,000 SheTrades Caribbean Tech It Up Facility (2026–2028) to back women-led businesses across the region, including SVG, with technical help and funding to commercialise clean energy ideas. Caribbean connectivity push: EllaLink advanced its Caribbean Gateway into the development phase, targeting service by end-2029, with an open, carrier-neutral submarine route linking Cayenne to Martinique/Guadeloupe and a western leg to Aruba, Curaçao and Bonaire, with further interconnections for islands including SVG. Youth, creativity and finance: SVG youth leader Omarian Dennie represented the country at a regional youth panel on the “Orange Economy,” urging better business skills and access to financial tools for creative professionals. Police mental health and public safety tech: The RSVGPF held a suicide and mental health symposium for officers, while separate updates point to new crime-fighting upgrades, including local ballistics testing to speed up investigations. Agriculture education wins: St. Vincent Girls’ High School won CARICOM’s “I Am Agriculture” youth video competition, highlighting food security and school-led gardening plans.

Caribbean Agriculture Week: St. Vincent and the Grenadines is represented in Jamaica at the 20th Caribbean Week of Agriculture, with Fisheries Minister Conroy Huggins pushing food security, agri-business, climate-smart technologies and export expansion, and taking part in CRFM ministerial talks. Clean Energy for Women: The Caribbean Development Bank launched a US$500,000 initiative via SheTrades Caribbean Hub to back women-led businesses across the region, including SVG, with technical help and funding to commercialise clean energy ideas (2026–2028). Connectivity Upgrade: EllaLink formally advanced its Caribbean Gateway into the development phase, aiming for service by end-2029, with a route linking Cayenne to Martinique/Guadeloupe and a western segment for Aruba, Curaçao and Bonaire, with SVG included via interconnection. Youth, Creativity & Finance: SVG youth leader Omarian Dennie represented the country at a regional youth panel on the “Orange Economy,” calling for better business skills and access to financial tools for creatives. Mental Health in Policing: The RSVGPF held a “Protecting Our Protectors” symposium on suicide and mental health for officers, stressing wellbeing as key to public safety. Public Safety Tech & Crime Response: Police announced upgrades including local ballistics testing to speed firearm investigations, plus intensified patrols amid rising violence. Sports: Afi Lucas and Gabrielle Benn topped SVG’s Tennis Fest 2026, with Lucas winning major open titles and Benn sweeping multiple women’s categories. Health Milestone: PAHO recognised five Americas countries/territories for disease elimination achievements, including Brazil, Chile, El Salvador, The Bahamas and Turks and Caicos.