AGP Executive Report

Mighty Sparrow’s Legacy: Grenada-born calypso legend Slinger “Mighty Sparrow” Francisco was laid to rest in Trinidad after a cultural farewell filled with music and tributes. Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley urged schools to teach his work, including “Slave,” so young people can learn from its message and his impact on Caribbean culture. Grenadian Art Milestone: Artist Shervone Neckles-Ortiz’s Salt of the Earth, Daughter of the Soil has become the first Grenadian work added to the OAS Art Museum of the Americas’ permanent collection. The piece honours women who sustain families and preserve ancestral knowledge through handmade paper, family mementos and Grenadian spices. Caribbean Heritage: A plaque honouring 2,500 Caribbean prisoners of war taken to Britain in 1796 has gone missing from Portchester Castle, days after its unveiling. The memorial commemorated people from Grenada, St Lucia and St Vincent and the Grenadines.

Election Watch: The NNP has launched its “Better Grenada” campaign ahead of the November 5 vote, promising lower corporate taxes, free transport for students who need help, and expanded night and weekend bus services. Grenadian Art: Shervone Neckles-Ortiz’s Salt of the Earth, Daughter of the Soil has become the first Grenadian work in the OAS Art Museum of the Americas’ permanent collection. Its handmade panels honour Grenadian women, family memory and ancestral traditions. Calypso Legacy: Grenada-born Mighty Sparrow was farewelled in Trinidad with music, steelpan and traditional mas. Trinidad and Tobago will rename the Queen’s Park Savannah grandstand in his honour, while Barbados’ Mia Mottley called for his song “Slave” to be taught in Caribbean schools. Caribbean Heritage: A plaque commemorating 2,500 African-Caribbean prisoners taken to Britain in 1796 was stolen days after its unveiling at Portchester Castle, prompting anger among descendants and heritage groups.

Calypso Legacy: Grenada-born Mighty Sparrow was given a celebratory farewell in Trinidad and Tobago, where the Queen’s Park Savannah grandstand will be renamed in his honour. Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley also called for his song “Slave” to be included in the CXC curriculum, keeping his music and its lessons on Caribbean history alive for young people. Caribbean Heritage: A plaque honouring about 2,500 African-Caribbean prisoners taken to Britain in 1796 has been stolen from Portchester Castle. The group included people captured during conflicts involving Grenada, St Vincent and St Lucia. Grenadian Art: Shervone Neckles-Ortiz’s work celebrating Grenadian women, family memory and ancestral traditions has become the first Grenadian artwork in the OAS Art Museum of the Americas’ permanent collection. Education: Ten Grenadian students graduated from the Guyana School of Agriculture, as women made up nearly two-thirds of the 102-strong graduating class.

Caribbean Heritage: A plaque honouring 2,500 Caribbean people taken to Britain as prisoners of war in 1796 has been stolen from Portchester Castle. The group included people from Grenada, and descendants say the memorial’s loss is deeply upsetting. Sparrow’s Legacy: The Mighty Sparrow’s farewell in Trinidad brought calypso, steelpan and traditional mas into the streets. Barbados PM Mia Mottley also called for his song “Slave” to enter the CXC curriculum, so young people can learn its message about slavery and Caribbean identity. Grenadian Art: Shervone Neckles-Ortiz’s work celebrating Grenadian women, family memory and ancestral traditions has become the first Grenadian piece in the OAS Art Museum of the Americas’ permanent collection.

Caribbean Culture: The Mighty Sparrow’s farewell in Trinidad and Tobago brought calypso, steel orchestras and traditional mas together to honour an artist whose music became part of the region’s soundtrack. Grenadian Art: Shervone Neckles-Ortiz’s Salt of the Earth, Daughter of the Soil is the first Grenadian work added to the OAS Art Museum of the Americas’ permanent collection. Its handmade panels celebrate Grenadian women, family memories and ancestral traditions. Caribbean Heritage: A plaque honouring 2,500 Caribbean prisoners taken to Britain in 1796 has vanished from Portchester Castle days after its unveiling. The memorial includes people captured in Grenada, St Lucia and St Vincent. Health and Wellbeing: Twenty-three Grenadian health workers have strengthened their skills in identifying and responding to mental health needs, helping bring support closer to communities.

Caribbean Culture: At a tribute in Port of Spain, calypsonian Chalkdust recalled a private side of the late Mighty Sparrow, remembering him reading the Bible. The reflections added an intimate note to farewells for the Caribbean music icon. Grenadian Art: Shervone Neckles-Ortiz’s Salt of the Earth, Daughter of the Soil has become the first Grenadian work added to the OAS Art Museum of the Americas’ permanent collection. The handmade panels honour Grenadian women, family memory and ancestral traditions. Learning and Health: Republic Bank donated 13 computers to Grenada Christian Academy, expanding students’ access to digital learning. Separately, 23 health professionals completed training to help identify and respond to mental health needs in primary care. Education: Ten Grenadians graduated from the Guyana School of Agriculture, where two were recognised among the outstanding performers. Heritage: A plaque honouring Caribbean people taken to Britain as prisoners in 1796—including people from Grenada—has gone missing from Portchester Castle days after its unveiling.

Arts & Culture: Grenadian artist Shervone Neckles-Ortiz’s Salt of the Earth, Daughter of the Soil has become the first work from Grenada to enter the OAS Art Museum of the Americas’ permanent collection. The paper assemblage honours women who preserve family traditions and ancestral knowledge. Heritage: A plaque commemorating Caribbean prisoners of war, including people captured in Grenada in 1796, has gone missing from Portchester Castle in England, days after its unveiling. Caribbean heritage groups are calling for its return. Citizenship: Grenada’s High Court clarified that spouses of citizens who gained nationality through the investment programme may qualify for citizenship under a separate constitutional route. Health: Twenty-three Grenadian health professionals received training to identify and respond to mental health needs in primary care, including depression, psychosis and suicide risk. Education: Ten Grenadian students graduated from the Guyana School of Agriculture, with two recognised among the year’s outstanding performers.

Citizenship Rights: Grenada’s High Court clarified that spouses may apply for citizenship under the Constitution even if they married before their partner gained citizenship through the investment programme. Youth Football: Primary-school championships have kicked off across Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique, with more than 50 schools entering teams to develop young players. Caribbean Culture: Mourners in Trinidad and Tobago paid tribute to calypso legend Mighty Sparrow, whose music carried Caribbean stories to audiences worldwide. Heritage: A new plaque at Portchester Castle in England honours Indigenous Caribbean people captured in 1796, including men, women and children from Grenada.

Mighty Sparrow: Grenada-born calypso legend Slinger “Mighty Sparrow” Francisco will receive a state-assisted funeral and celebration of life in Trinidad and Tobago on Friday, October 16. His songs carried Caribbean stories and social commentary to audiences around the world. Grenadian Achievers: Ten Grenadians graduated from Guyana’s School of Agriculture, with Jacob Thomas and Adonis Jones among the students recognised for strong performances. Women made up nearly two-thirds of the graduating class. Sport: Grenada’s HazelAnn Regis-Buckles and Jenebi Benoit joined athlete leaders from across the Americas at a forum in Costa Rica. GAA President Johnell Mitchell and official Shakira Collymore are also attending a regional technical managers course, with Collymore aiming to inspire more women into sports leadership. Heritage: A plaque unveiled at England’s Portchester Castle honours Caribbean prisoners of war, including people captured in Grenada, Saint Lucia and Saint Vincent in 1796. Youth Football: Grenada’s primary schools championships began October 14, bringing together more than 50 schools across Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique.

Calypso Tribute: Fans gathered to honour Grenada-born Mighty Sparrow in Trinidad, where his family’s decision to keep the casket closed disappointed some mourners. Tributes continue to celebrate the calypso icon as a voice that carried Caribbean stories and culture. Women & Creativity: Women in Grenada are invited to submit poetry, prose or spoken word for “One Last Thread,” a Commonwealth-wide creative call focused on gender equality and women’s lived experiences. Schools & Sport: Grenadian students Cydney Steele and Myah Joseph won top CSEC awards, while the Primary Schools Football Championships begin today, with teams from more than 50 schools across Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique. Tourism & Heritage: Grenada is launching Pure Experiences to showcase locally run tours, while Carriacou’s Heritage & Harvest Corn Fest celebrates island traditions. Water Security: Global Water Partnership-Caribbean held its AGM in Grenada, electing an interim steering committee and renewing its focus on regional water security and climate resilience.

Water and Climate: GWP-Caribbean elected six members to an interim steering committee at its October 11 AGM in Grenada, setting a renewed regional focus on water security and climate resilience. Student Achievement: Myah Joseph of St Andrew’s Anglican Secondary School won Grenada’s first A. A. La Grenade Shield, while former St Joseph’s Convent student Cydney Steele received the T. A. Marryshow Memorial Award. Youth Football: More than 50 primary schools across Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique are set to compete in the GFA–Beacon Insurance championships, which begin October 14. Women’s Voices: Grenadian women are invited to submit poetry, prose or spoken word for “One Last Thread,” a Commonwealth-wide creative call on gender equality. Local Tourism: Grenada’s Pure Experiences initiative will promote locally run tours and activities, from heritage and food to nature and crafts. Carriacou Culture: Corn Fest returns to Hillsborough Botanical Gardens on October 25, celebrating the island’s staple crop and culinary traditions. Education: A new EC$1.9 million preschool in Tivoli will house La Poterie Pre-School, relocated after Hurricane Ivan. Caribbean Legacy: Tributes continue for Grenada-born calypso icon Mighty Sparrow, whose music carried Caribbean stories and social commentary across generations.

Women’s Voices: Grenadian women are invited to submit poetry, prose or spoken word for “One Last Thread,” a Commonwealth-wide creative call on gender equality ahead of November’s Women’s Forum in Antigua. Youth Football: Grenada’s primary schools championships begin October 14, with 54 boys’ teams and 51 girls’ teams set to compete across the tri-island state. Caribbean Music: Grenadian-born calypso legend Mighty Sparrow’s life and legacy continue to draw tributes as Trinidad and Tobago prepares a state-assisted funeral. Music Charts: Malie Donn’s album The Golden Child reportedly reached No. 2 on Apple Music’s reggae chart in Grenada, part of a strong showing across the region. Local Tourism: Grenada’s Pure Experiences programme is set to spotlight locally run tours, food, crafts and community-led activities across Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique. Carriacou Culture: Corn Fest returns to Hillsborough Botanical Gardens on October 25, celebrating the island’s food traditions and corn-based delicacies.

Caribbean Music: Grenada-born Malie Donn’s The Golden Child reportedly reached No. 2 on Apple Music’s reggae album charts in Grenada and topped charts in three other territories. Calypso Legacy: Tributes continue for Mighty Sparrow, born in Grand Roy, Grenada, whose songs carried Caribbean stories and social commentary across generations; his body has returned to Trinidad ahead of a state-assisted funeral. Local Experiences: Grenada’s Tourism Authority is preparing Pure Experiences, a showcase for community-run tours spanning heritage, food, nature, crafts and wellness across Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique. Carriacou Food Heritage: Corn Fest returns to Hillsborough Botanical Gardens on October 25, celebrating the island’s staple crop with traditional favourites including coo-coo, conkie and corn bread. Education & Youth: A new EC$1.9 million pre-school in Tivoli will serve La Poterie’s children, while a St Andrew grassroots football programme is creating more regular match opportunities for young players. Local Skills: A bamboo-weaving workshop is helping educators and disability-sector representatives explore craft skills and income opportunities.

Mighty Sparrow’s Legacy: Tributes continue for calypso icon Slinger “Mighty Sparrow” Francisco, born in Grand Roy, Grenada. His music gave voice to Caribbean life, and his body has returned to Trinidad ahead of a state-assisted funeral. Local Experiences: Grenada’s Pure Experiences programme will promote locally run tours across Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique, from heritage and food to nature, crafts and community activities. Carriacou Culture: Corn Fest returns to Hillsborough Botanical Gardens on October 25, celebrating the island’s corn traditions with local dishes and other corn-based creations. Early Learning: A new EC$1.9 million Sacred Heart Catholic Pre-School in Tivoli will house the La Poterie pre-school, displaced after Hurricane Ivan. Youth and Sport: St Andrew’s grassroots football programme is creating regular weekend games to help young players build skills and progress from communities to clubs.

Caribbean Culture: Tributes continue for Mighty Sparrow, the calypso icon born in Grenada as Slinger Francisco. His daughter described a heartfelt New York celebration of life before his body returned to Trinidad and Tobago for a state-assisted funeral. Local Experiences: The Grenada Tourism Authority plans to launch Pure Experiences in mid-October, promoting locally run culture, food, nature and community tours across Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique. Carriacou Traditions: Corn Fest returns to Hillsborough Botanical Gardens on October 25, celebrating the island’s staple crop with local dishes, including conkie, corn bread and coo-coo. Education: A new EC$1.9 million pre-school in Tivoli, St Andrew, will house La Poterie Pre-School, displaced after Hurricane Ivan. Republic Bank has also donated interactive classroom equipment to St John’s Christian Secondary School. Well-being: With Grenada’s November 5 election approaching, a local commentary warns that political stress can affect mental and physical health, urging care in how election debates unfold.

Caribbean Culture: Tributes to Mighty Sparrow recall how the calypso legend, born in Grand Roy, Grenada, gave Caribbean life and social commentary a lasting voice. Local Experiences: Grenada’s Pure Experiences programme is set to spotlight locally run tours across Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique, from heritage and food to nature, crafts and community activities. Carriacou Traditions: Corn Fest returns to Hillsborough Botanical Gardens on October 25, celebrating the island’s staple crop with local dishes including coo-coo, conkies and corn bread. Education: Sacred Heart Catholic Pre-Primary School has opened in Tivoli, providing a new home for La Poterie Preschool after its relocation following Hurricane Ivan. The EC$1.9 million project includes classroom furnishings, playground equipment and teaching materials. Youth Sports: A grassroots football programme in St Andrew aims to give young players regular weekend matches and a clearer path from community teams to national football.