AGP Executive Report

Mighty Sparrow Tributes: Grenada and the wider Caribbean are mourning calypso icon Slinger “The Mighty Sparrow” Francisco, who died at 91 in New York after a brief illness, with leaders and cultural voices hailing his wit, storytelling, and Grenadian roots. Regional Culture & Leadership: Prime Minister Dr. Godwin Friday joined regional leaders in paying tribute, while CARICOM and others described his passing as the end of an era in Caribbean music. Education & Community Support: Nexa Credit Union donated study and comfort items to TAMCC’s Department of Teacher Education and provided a TV to the Carriacou police station to support operations and officer wellbeing. Trade Skills for Growth: OECS, with EU funding, trained services-sector stakeholders across member states to strengthen trade policy, regulation, and negotiating capacity. Human Rights Watch: Experts warned that the US migration externalization scheme is driving risks of torture, persecution, and rights violations across 35+ territories. Sports: The Sugar Boyz face Grenada’s next CONCACAF Nations League test as St Kitts and Nevis prepare for Monday’s match.

Calypso Legacy: Grenada-born calypso icon Slinger Francisco—“The Mighty Sparrow”—has died at 91 in New York after a brief illness, with family confirming plans for a public celebration and urging fans to pay tribute online. Regional Tributes: Leaders and cultural figures across Trinidad and Tobago and the wider Caribbean remembered Sparrow as a defining voice of Caribbean identity, praising his sharp wit, social commentary, and mentorship. Grenada Connection: Multiple reports highlight his Grand Roy roots and how his Grenadian beginnings shaped a career that carried calypso beyond Carnival tents. Faith Mentioned in Family Statement: The family said Sparrow made his “election sure” by giving his heart to Jesus Christ and was baptised in the Seventh-day Adventist faith. Community Calendar: SDA PARL announced its St Vincent congress (Oct 7–10) themed “Upholding Dignity and Religious Liberty for All,” featuring services, symposiums, and a public march.

Caribbean Culture Loss: Grenada-born calypso legend Slinger Francisco—known worldwide as “The Mighty Sparrow”—died in New York at 91 after a brief illness, with family and regional leaders mourning a voice that turned calypso into sharp social and political storytelling. Faith & Community Events: SVG SDA Church’s PARL Congress runs Oct. 7–10 in St. Vincent, themed “Upholding Dignity and Religious Liberty for All,” with services, symposiums, a tour, and a march/rally. Tourism & Lifestyle: InterContinental Grenada Resort & Spa is rolling out its inaugural festive programme ahead of its November opening, featuring Grenada-inspired dining, wellness experiences, family activities, and New Year’s Eve celebrations. Health Awareness: World Contraception Day (Sept. 26) spotlights access to reliable contraceptives, linking it to fewer unintended pregnancies and better health outcomes. Local Learning: FoodHub Grenada continues its school reading programme, bringing interactive reading sessions to young children across the island. Maritime Safety: A retired Coast Guard captain is training government ferry crews on emergency drills after the MV Barima tragedy, focusing on fires, rescue, and quick response.

Maritime Safety: Retired Coast Guard captain John Flores is training government ferry crews in emergency response drills after the MV Barima tragedy, focusing on fires, abandon-ship, rescue-at-sea and collision readiness. Public Health & Rights: World Contraception Day (26 Sept) spotlights access to reliable contraception and pushes back on misinformation, linking better contraceptive use to fewer unintended pregnancies. Grenada Finances: Budget Alert 6.3 and related commentary dig into Grenada’s 2026 mid-year numbers, cash flow, and the bigger question of long-term NIS sustainability and fiscal credibility. Environment & Accountability: Grenada Land Actors warns that environmental protections are still slow to be enforced, citing concerns over planning approvals and developments without completed ESIAs. Community & Learning: FoodHub Grenada continues its school reading programme, bringing interactive sessions to young children. Tourism & Culture: Royal Caribbean’s landmark $3 billion, 50% stake deal with Sandals/Beaches signals a bigger push for Caribbean vacation experiences. Local Opportunities: Grenada Sustainable Development Trust Fund opens calls for SME business development, mentorship and skills training tied to the Woburn–Clarke’s Court Bay Marine Protected Area. Politics Watch: NDC activity and opposition shifts keep election talk heating up, including candidate confidence in St George North-west.

World Contraception Day: Grenada marks World Contraception Day with a push for “No Barriers, Just Choices,” explaining condom, hormonal, long-acting and emergency options and linking better contraception access to fewer unintended pregnancies. Budget & Governance: Budget Alert 6.3 and related commentary spotlight Grenada’s 2026 finances, including the supplementary budget and concerns about unemployment, youth job “stickiness,” and gaps between policy and implementation. Election Heat: Political storm clouds gather as NDC hints a general election date may be imminent; meanwhile, St George North-west sees retired principal Nigel DeGale confident of a major upset, with party defections and fresh faces adding fuel. Environment & Community: Grenada Land Actors warns that environmental protections are still slow to be enforced, citing developments moving ahead without completed impact assessments. Health & Education: FoodHub Grenada continues school reading sessions, while World Pharmacists Day greetings underline pharmacists’ role in safe, effective medicine and public education. Culture & Sports: Jelani Moses gears up for a Guinness World Records violin marathon (Oct 24–26), and Grenada’s Spicemas buzz continues to draw visitors. Call for Support: GSDTF launches SME business development and skills training opportunities tied to the Woburn–Clarke’s Court Bay Marine Protected Area, with applications due Oct 2.

Tourism & Culture: Royal Caribbean Group has agreed to buy a 50% stake in Sandals and Beaches Resorts for US$3 billion, a major move that could reshape Caribbean vacation travel as the deal is set to close in early 2027. Local Community & Environment: Sandals Foundation and partners rallied more than 700 volunteers across the Caribbean for International Coastal Cleanup Day, with 70 volunteers in Grenada cleaning the Airport Top Road to Devil’s Bay. Health & Care: St. George’s University is calling for stronger dementia awareness and patient-centered care, while St. Andrew’s Development Organisation marks September and October with breast and prostate cancer awareness activities and a community walk. Education & Youth: FoodHub Grenada continues its school reading programme, bringing interactive sessions to young children across the island. Public Life & Democracy: A Grenada-focused opinion piece argues that election observers are essential for trust and fairness ahead of the next general election. Arts & Achievement: Grenadian violinist Jelani Moses is preparing for a Guinness World Records attempt for the longest marathon playing violin in October. Health Infrastructure: Renovation works at Mt. Gay Psychiatric Hospital will begin Sept. 28, with patients in Block C relocated while services continue.

World Pharmacists Day (Grenada): The Grenada Pharmacy Council marked World Pharmacists Day 2026 with a theme on “Empowering Pharmacists for Healthier Futures,” spotlighting pharmacists as accessible health advisors and urging safe, effective medicine use through public education and community outreach. Grenada Health Infrastructure: The Ministry of Mental Health, Wellness, and Religious Affairs says renovation works will begin on Block C at Mt. Gay Psychiatric Hospital from Sept. 28, with patients relocated within the compound and services continuing without interruption. Cancer Awareness (St Andrew): SADO is running breast and prostate cancer awareness activities through September and October, including talks, church and quilting events, a health fair, and a community walk. Coastal Cleanup (Caribbean-wide): Sandals Foundation coordinated International Coastal Cleanup Day with 70 volunteers in Grenada along the Airport Top Road to Devil’s Bay, alongside students and partner organisations. Democracy Watch (Grenada election): A local opinion piece argues election observers are essential for trust and fairness ahead of Grenada’s next general election. Diplomacy: Nepal and Grenada have formally established diplomatic relations, opening new cooperation avenues in areas like tourism and education. Culture & Community: A Grenadian multi-instrumentalist, Jelani Moses, is preparing for a Guinness World Records attempt for the longest marathon playing violin in October.

Aviation & Tourism: British Airways announced a major boost for the Caribbean, with a new year-round London Gatwick daily service to Barbados starting Oct. 25, 2026, plus extra summer capacity—good news for families and event-goers. Health Awareness: St Andrew’s Development Organisation (SADO) kicks off September–October breast and prostate cancer advocacy with talks, church events, a walk, and a health fair. Community & Environment: Sandals Foundation mobilised 70 volunteers in Grenada for International Coastal Cleanup Day along the Airport Top Road to Devil’s Bay, with students and partner groups taking part. Local Culture & Talent: Grenadian multi-instrumentalist Jelani Moses is preparing for a Guinness World Records attempt for the longest marathon violin playing, running Oct. 24–26 at Plains Playing Field. Health Infrastructure: Renovation works begin Sept. 28 at Block C of Mt. Gay Psychiatric Hospital, with patients temporarily relocated on the compound to keep services running. Education Access: Grenada’s Special Education Needs Unit has been temporarily relocated to Galleria Mall (Grand Anse, St George) for public access 8am–4pm weekdays. Diplomacy: Nepal and Grenada formally established diplomatic relations, opening a new cooperation channel on tourism, education, and climate priorities.

UNICEF & Climate Resilience: UNICEF launched a child-centred, multi-hazard spatial climate risk assessment for the Eastern Caribbean, targeting Dominica, Barbados, Grenada, St Kitts & Nevis, and St Lucia—aimed at better protection for children as climate threats grow. Marine & Community Action: Sandals Foundation and partners mobilised 700+ volunteers across the Caribbean for International Coastal Cleanup Day; in Grenada, 70 volunteers cleaned the Airport Top Road to Devil’s Bay with students and schools joining in. Local Health Services: Renovation works begin Sept 28 at Mt Gay Psychiatric Hospital (Block C), with patients relocated within the compound and visitation arranged in advance—services continue uninterrupted. Education Access: Grenada’s Special Education Needs Unit has temporarily moved to Galleria Mall (Grand Anse) for public access 8am–4pm, Monday to Friday. Culture & Heritage: Grenada Tourism Authority announced the second edition of Pure Grenada Destination Magazine, spotlighting local craftsmanship, food, culture, and community-led initiatives for international readers. Diplomacy: Nepal and Grenada formally established diplomatic relations, opening new cooperation pathways in tourism and education.

Community & Culture: Grenadian multi-instrumentalist Jelani Moses is set to chase a Guinness World Records violin endurance title, aiming to play for up to 24 hours (with planned rest) from Oct. 24–26 at Plains Playing Field, with local artistes also featured in the UNBROKEN event. Environment & Youth: The Sandals Foundation mobilised 70 volunteers in Grenada for International Coastal Cleanup Day along the Airport Top Road to Devil’s Bay, with students and teachers from local schools joining the effort. Health & Care Access: Renovation works begin Sept. 28 at Block C of the Mt. Gay Psychiatric Hospital, with patients relocated within the compound so mental health services continue. Education Services: Grenada’s Special Education Needs Unit has temporarily moved to Galleria Mall (Grand Anse) for public access during working hours. Democracy Watch: A Grenadian commentary urges election observers as a key safeguard for fairness and public trust ahead of the next general election. Local Justice Update: Questions remain over the whereabouts of remanded Grenadian Alister Haynes after a cocaine yacht case, as court proceedings were stood down when he did not appear. Regional Spotlight: UNICEF launched a child-centred spatial climate risk assessment for Eastern Caribbean countries including Grenada.

SME & Skills Push in Grenada: The Grenada Sustainable Development Trust Fund is calling for expressions of interest for a part-time Business Development & Mentorship Consultant (Nov 2026–Jun 2027), supporting women, youth and fisher folks with training, seed grants up to US$5,000, marine safety gear and mentorship for SMEs in the Woburn–Clarke’s Court Bay Marine Protected Area. Coastal Community Action: Sandals Foundation mobilised 70 volunteers in Grenada for International Coastal Cleanup Day, joining partners and local schools to clean the Airport Top Road to Devil’s Bay. Election Integrity Talk: As Grenada heads toward its next general election, a local commentary argues election observers are essential to protect fairness, public trust and confidence in the process. Health Infrastructure Update: Renovation works begin Sept. 28 on Block C of Mt. Gay Psychiatric Hospital, with patients relocated within the compound while services continue. Climate Risk for Children: UNICEF launched a child-centred spatial climate risk assessment for Eastern Caribbean countries including Grenada, aimed at strengthening resilience. Tourism Culture Boost: Spicemas 2026 delivered a 20% jump in visitor arrivals, with non-national tourists driving much of the growth. Global Spotlight: Jelani Moses is preparing for a Guinness World Records violin marathon attempt (Oct 24–26) at Plains Playing Field.

Tourism & Culture: Royal Caribbean is buying a 50% stake in Sandals Resorts International in a US$3-billion deal, set to deepen cruise-to-resort travel links across the Caribbean, including Sandals’ Grenada presence. Diplomacy: Nepal and Grenada have formally established diplomatic relations, with cooperation flagged for tourism and education. Local Health Services: Renovation works will begin at Mt. Gay Psychiatric Hospital on Sept. 28, with patients from Block C temporarily relocated while mental health services continue. Community & Environment: The Sandals Foundation mobilised 700+ volunteers across the region for International Coastal Cleanup Day, including a Grenada cleanup involving schools and partners. Climate & Children: UNICEF-backed research warns Eastern Caribbean children face overlapping climate hazards, with “no safe zone” projected by mid-century. Tourism Boost: Grenada’s Spicemas delivered a 20% jump in visitor arrivals, reaching 11,299 arrivals during the festival period. Education & Inclusion: Special Education Needs Unit services are temporarily relocated to Galleria Mall (Grand Anse) while other units shift to the Ministerial Complex. Arts & Film: The 12°N, 61°W Grenada Film Festival returns Oct. 18–25, spotlighting Grenadian stories and filmmakers.

Mental Health & Health Services: Renovation works are set to begin Monday, Sept. 28 on Block C of the Mt. Gay Psychiatric Hospital, with patients temporarily moved within the compound and visitors asked to call ahead to arrange visits. Dementia Awareness: St. George’s University is urging greater dementia awareness, early recognition, and patient-centred care, citing WHO figures of 57 million people living with dementia worldwide. Climate & Children: UNICEF has launched a child-centred, multi-hazard spatial climate risk assessment for the Eastern Caribbean, including Grenada, warning that overlapping climate threats could leave children with “no safe zone.” Tourism & Culture: Grenada’s Spicemas 2026 delivered a 20% jump in visitor arrivals, with 11,299 arrivals during Aug. 2–11, as the festival grows as both cultural showcase and tourism engine. Education & Youth Voice: Grenlec Debates kick off Sept. 21 with 18 secondary schools, using an impromptu format where teams get 30 minutes to prepare on the day. Community & Inclusion: The HireAbility Campaign expands across the Caribbean, pushing for barrier-free hiring and more inclusive workplaces for persons with disabilities. Arts & Film: The 12°N, 61°W Grenada Film Festival returns Oct. 18–25, opening with Grenada Night spotlighting local stories and filmmakers. Sports: Grenada’s football spotlight includes regional coaching and squad updates, while local education and youth events keep the week’s lifestyle energy strong.

Tourism & Culture: Grenada’s Spicemas 2026 delivered a tourism lift, with arrivals up 20% to 11,299 (Aug. 2–11), driven especially by non-nationals, as the festival keeps growing as both cultural showcase and visitor magnet. Destination Marketing: The Grenada Tourism Authority is partnering again with Greydoor Publishing for the second edition of Pure Grenada Destination Magazine, spotlighting Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique through local stories, craft, food and community-led experiences. Film & Arts: The 12°N, 61°W Grenada Film Festival returns for its eighth season (Oct. 18–25) at Movie Palace, with 15 countries featured and a Grenada Night opening focused on homegrown filmmakers. Marine Lifestyle: Grenada’s 5th Dive and Conservation Festival is set for Oct. 26–Nov. 1, pairing wreck-and-reef diving with coral restoration and marine habitat protection. Education & Inclusion: The Special Education Needs Unit has temporarily relocated to Galleria Mall (Grand Anse, St George), while Grenlec Debates kick off with impromptu rounds for 18 secondary schools. Health & Community: Mt Gay Psychiatric Hospital will begin renovations on Block C from Sept. 28, with patients temporarily moved within the facility. Youth & Climate: Eastern Caribbean research warns there may be “no safe zone” for children as climate hazards overlap, with calls for meaningful youth influence from the start. Skills for Jobs: A local political push argues Grenada must overhaul vocational training so young people can fill skills gaps instead of importing labour.

Spicemas Tourism Boost: Grenada’s Spicemas 2026 delivered a tourism win, with visitor arrivals up 20% year-on-year to 11,299 (Aug. 2–11), driven especially by non-nationals (+24%), as the festival keeps growing as both culture and a creative-economy engine. Film & Culture Calendar: The 12°N, 61°W Grenada Film Festival returns for its eighth season (Oct. 18–25) at Movie Palace, opening with Grenada Night to spotlight local stories and filmmakers. Education & Youth Voice: Grenlec Debates kick off Sept. 21 with 18 secondary schools, while a new Pathway to Promise back-to-school push supports St. Giles Anglican Primary School with literacy and numeracy support. Climate on Children: UNICEF-backed research warns there may be “no safe zone” for Eastern Caribbean children, with most facing multiple climate hazards by mid-century, and calls are growing for child-centred climate planning. Health & Community Services: Mt Gay Psychiatric Hospital’s Block C renovation starts Sept. 28, with patients temporarily relocated and visitation arranged in advance. Inclusive Work: The HireAbility Campaign expands across the Caribbean, pushing employers to remove barriers and hire persons with disabilities. Sports & Local Pride: Carriacou and Petite Martinique launch a Primary Schools Sports Quiz Competition to build confidence, teamwork, and sports knowledge.

Carnival & Tourism: Grenada’s Spicemas 2026 delivered a tourism boost, with visitor arrivals rising 20% to 11,299 (Aug 2–11) and non-nationals up 24% to 9,958, as the festival strengthens its pull as both cultural showcase and economic engine. Sports & Youth: Grenlec Debates kicks off Monday, 21 September with preliminary rounds for 18 secondary schools, keeping the impromptu format that pushes students to think fast and speak with confidence. Marine Lifestyle: Grenada’s 5th Dive and Conservation Festival returns Oct. 26–Nov. 1 under “Sustainable Legacy,” spotlighting wrecks, reefs, and hands-on conservation education across Grenada and Carriacou. Film & Community Culture: The 12°N, 61°W Grenada Film Festival returns for its eighth season, running 18–25 October at Movie Palace, with Grenada Night opening the programme. Health & Services: Mt Gay Psychiatric Hospital begins Block C renovations on Monday, 28 September, with patients temporarily relocated and visitation arranged in advance. Climate & Children: UNICEF-backed research warns that in the Eastern Caribbean, more than 9 in 10 children could face at least three climate hazards by mid-century—no “safe zone,” just varying levels of risk. Inclusion at Work: The HireAbility Campaign is calling for barrier-free hiring and more inclusive workplaces for persons with disabilities across the Caribbean.