AGP Executive Report

Public Safety & Law Enforcement: Police reiterated the “no glass bottle” policy for Carnival 2026, warning patrons to comply or surrender bottles in designated zones. Disaster & Humanitarian Aid: Prime Minister Mark Phillips said 88 containers of disaster relief supplies are ready for shipment to Venezuela as part of a coordinated regional response. Health Security: St. Vincent and the Grenadines became the first country in the region to launch the Regional Integrated Early Warning Surveillance System (RIEWSS), with CARPHA support and a high-level ministerial celebration in Kingstown. Cost of Living: Government said it is carrying an EC$11.8m net debt to fuel suppliers to shield consumers, while a separate fuel adjustment pushed gasoline to EC$18.31 per gallon. Crime & Violence: Investigations continue into the Peruvian Vale murder of 84-year-old Lida Lewis, with police taking males of interest into custody amid a wider homicide wave. Governance & Finance: Parliament approved a Loan Authorisation Bill for a US$20m disaster risk management programme, while controversial dual citizenship bills were deferred again. International Relations: SVG reaffirmed ties with New Zealand and Finland, with renewed focus on renewable energy and maritime security. Sports & Youth: SVG’s athletes and basketball teams gear up for regional and international competitions, including OECS Championships and FIBA AmeriCup pre-qualifiers.

Public Safety Reminder: Police reiterated that the “no glass bottle” policy is in effect for Carnival 2026, with officers asking anyone found with glass bottles to surrender them in designated zones. Regional Emergency Response: PM Mark Phillips says 88 containers of disaster relief supplies are ready for shipment to Venezuela, with multiple CARICOM partners and local groups contributing. Public Health Upgrade: St. Vincent and the Grenadines became the first in the region to launch the Regional Integrated Early Warning Surveillance System (RIEWSS), supported by CARPHA, to strengthen rapid detection and response to health threats. Crime and Security: Investigations continue into the killing of 84-year-old farmer Lida Lewis in Peruvian Vale, with police detaining males of interest and a post-mortem pending; the case adds to a violent crime wave. Cost of Living: Gasoline rose to EC$18.31 per gallon in the latest fuel hike, following another increase earlier this year. Parliament and Finance: Parliament approved a Disaster Risk Management loan authorisation bill for US$20m from OFID, while other controversial constitutional bills were deferred again. Diplomacy: SVG reaffirmed ties with New Zealand and Finland, with discussions including renewable energy support and maritime security cooperation.

U.S.-Cuba Medical Trafficking Crackdown: Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart’s new law passed in February 2026 targets countries complicit in Cuba’s medical missions, requiring the State Department to list payers and enabling entry bans and asset freezes for foreign officials. Public Health Upgrade: St. Vincent and the Grenadines becomes the first in the region to launch the Regional Integrated Early Warning Surveillance System (RIEWSS), backed by CARPHA, to strengthen rapid detection and response to health threats. Cost of Living Pressure: Government says it is shielding Vincentians from fuel shocks while net debt to suppliers rises to about EC$11.8m under the bonus-malus system; meanwhile gasoline jumps to EC$18.31 per gallon. Parliament & Governance: Two controversial constitutional and electoral bills are deferred again, with consultations promised but not yet held. Security & Crime: Investigations continue into the Peruvian Vale murder of 84-year-old Lida Lewis, with police holding multiple suspects as the homicide wave deepens. Disaster Risk Funding: Parliament approves a loan authorization for a US$20m OFID disaster risk management programme. International Ties: SVG renews cooperation with New Zealand and Finland, with maritime security highlighted. Sports & Youth: SVG ramps up for FIBA AmeriCup pre-qualifiers in Guyana and supports regional youth sport through training camps and donations.

Public Health Security: St. Vincent and the Grenadines became the first country in the region to launch the Regional Integrated Early Warning Surveillance System (RIEWSS), following a CARPHA technical mission and a high-level ministerial review in Kingstown. Fuel Costs & Fiscal Pressure: Government confirmed a net liability of about EC$11.8m to fuel suppliers under the bonus-malus system, while a fresh gasoline hike pushed prices to EC$18.31 per gallon. Parliament & Governance: Two controversial citizenship-related Bills were deferred again, and Parliament approved a US$20m Disaster Risk Management loan authorization tied to OFID. Violent Crime Update: Police are investigating the murder of 84-year-old Lida Lewis in Peruvian Vale, with multiple suspects detained as investigators look at possible links to earlier incidents. International Ties: SVG reaffirmed cooperation with New Zealand and Finland, with renewed focus on renewable energy support and maritime security. Sports & Youth: SVG’s basketball and athletics squads gear up for regional and FIBA AmeriCup pre-qualifiers, while Bequia’s youth camps and tennis events continue to build pathways for young athletes.

Fuel & Cost of Living: Gasoline in St. Vincent and the Grenadines jumped to EC$18.31 per gallon in a second fuel hike, adding fresh pressure after earlier increases. Parliament & Debt: PM Godwin Friday told MPs the government’s EC$11.8m net liability to fuel suppliers is part of the bonus-malus system meant to shield consumers, while also confirming new borrowing—US$46.7m for Canouan Airport upgrades and a US$20m OFID disaster risk management loan. Disaster Risk Law: A Disaster Risk Management Development Policy Program bill was approved to unlock the OFID funding, with Parliament suspended until July 21. Violent Crime: Police are investigating the Peruvian Vale murder of 84-year-old Lida Lewis, with at least four males detained and a post-mortem pending; the case follows a wider homicide wave. Local Murder Probe: Canouan police continue after the shooting death of Scottish national Daniel Vettrino, with post-mortem results citing multiple gunshot wounds. Health & Mental Health: The Ministry of Health is pushing a reform programme to change public attitudes toward mental health, citing staffing limits and the need for community buy-in. Regional Rights: CARICOM moves to address Rastafarian discrimination, with PM Terrance Drew set to chair a new committee on Rastafarian rights. Sports & Youth: Vincentian teams and athletes gear up for OECS and FIBA AmeriCup pre-qualifiers, while Bequia and other youth programmes keep building pathways for young talent.

Violent Crime Update: Police have launched investigations into the killing of 84-year-old farmer Lida Lewis in Peruvian Vale, with officers detaining at least four men of interest; authorities say a rape allegation is not yet confirmed and they are also probing whether the murder links to an earlier incident at her property. Parliament & Finance: Government secured approval for a US$20m OPEC Fund (OFID) loan to strengthen disaster risk management, alongside a separate pension bill; Parliament is suspended until July 21. Fuel Cost Pressure: PM Godwin Friday told Parliament the state’s EC$11.8m net liability to fuel suppliers is the cost of shielding consumers under the bonus-malus system used to stabilise pump prices. Mental Health Reform: Health Minister Daniel Cummings says a programme is underway to change public attitudes toward mental health, citing staffing limits at the psychiatric framework. CARICOM Rights Agenda: CARICOM has moved to set up a regional committee on issues affecting Rastafarians, chaired by St Kitts and Nevis PM Terrance Drew, with SVG among the member representatives. Agriculture Modernisation: FAO-backed funding (EC$1.3m) will bring drones and geospatial tools to support data-driven farming and coastal risk management. Sports & Youth: SVG basketball squads and athletics teams are preparing for regional FIBA and OECS events, while Bequia’s youth camps continue to build local talent.

Violent Crime Update: Police have launched murder investigations after the discovery of 84-year-old farmer Lida Lewis’ body in Peruvian Vale; she was found motionless and police say at least four men are in custody while a post-mortem is scheduled, with reports of rape and possible links to an earlier incident still under review. Parliament & Finance: Prime Minister Godwin Friday told MPs the government’s EC$11.8m net fuel liability is the cost of shielding consumers under the bonus-malus mechanism, as Parliament also approved a Loan Authorisation Bill for a US$20m OPEC Fund disaster risk management programme. New Borrowing & Infrastructure: Government says it has secured major external loans since January 2026, including a US$46.7m CDB deal to rehabilitate Canouan Airport and enable larger aircraft like the Airbus A320. Health Policy: The Ministry of Health is moving to reform public attitudes toward mental health, citing staffing limits and the need to convince families that care is treatable and curable. CARICOM Rights Agenda: CARICOM has set up a committee on Rastafarian rights, chaired by PM Terrance Drew, with representatives from several member states including SVG. Sports & Youth: SVG basketball teams and athletes are gearing up for regional FIBA and OECS events, while Bequia’s youth camps continue to build local talent.

Budget & Debt: Prime Minister Godwin Friday told Parliament that new external borrowing since January 2026 was already in train under the ULP, while stressing tight fiscal space; he cited a CDB loan for Canouan Airport rehabilitation (US$46.7m) and an OFID/ OPEC Fund disaster risk management budget support loan (US$20m) alongside EC$30.4m in local bonds. Fuel Subsidy Strain: Government also disclosed a growing “bonus-malus” liability to fuel suppliers, with Sol EC’s debt rising sharply while Rubis’s credit position is shrinking. Mental Health Reform: The Health Ministry says it’s moving to change public attitudes toward mental health, citing limited staffing and a new programme at the Mental Health Rehabilitation Centre. Constitutional Politics: Two controversial “Dual Citizenship” related bills were deferred again after promised consultations failed to happen. Regional Rights Agenda: CARICOM appointed St Kitts and Nevis PM Terrance Drew to chair a committee on Rastafarian rights, with a wider regional meeting planned. International & Security: IMO warned of worsening conditions for hijacked crews in Somalia as India’s navy freed a crew sheltering from pirates on an SVG-flagged vessel. Agriculture & Food Systems: FAO-backed funding (EC$1.3m) will bring drones and geospatial tools for data-driven farming and coastal risk management. Sports & Youth: SVG basketball heads to Guyana for FIBA AmeriCup qualifiers; athletics sends a 13-member team to the OECS Championships; football and volleyball development gets support through local academy and federation participation.

Eastern Caribbean Currency: Grenada’s Olympic hero Kirani James will replace Queen Elizabeth II on the ECCB’s new EC$5 banknote, with the redesigned Eastern Caribbean currency rolling out in a phased launch starting in 2027. CARICOM Solidarity & Disaster Response: Prime Minister Godwin Friday says SVG will back Venezuela quake relief with US$100,000, citing rising casualties and ongoing recovery needs. Rastafari Rights at Regional Level: CARICOM is moving to convene a meeting and set up a committee to tackle discrimination and marginalisation faced by Rastafarians, with St. Vincent and the Grenadines named among the participating states; Prime Minister Terrance Drew is set to chair the committee. OECS Tourism Development: OECS officials in Saint Lucia advanced community-based tourism planning, pushing policies that keep tourism benefits in local communities. SVG Crime & Justice: Police have charged a Vincentian man, Delroy Harry, with murder and attempted murder following a June 23 shooting that killed St. Lucian national Troy Cassely. Maritime Security: India’s navy says it thwarted a piracy attempt on the SVG-flagged MV Golden Arsenal near Djibouti; the crew is safe while other vessels remain in captivity. Tourism Leadership Change: Shafia London has been appointed CEO of the SVG Tourism Authority, taking over July 1.

CARICOM Rights Agenda: CARICOM will convene a regional meeting and set up a committee to tackle discrimination and marginalisation faced by Rastafarians, including barriers in education, employment and public life, with St. Vincent and the Grenadines named on the committee. Hurricane Recovery: Prime Minister Godwin Friday marked the second anniversary of Hurricane Beryl, assuring Vincentians that recovery efforts are still ongoing. Cruise Port Politics: Ralph Gonsalves says his Unity Labour Party held detailed talks with Global Ports Holdings before losing office, while the government maintains the Kingstown cruise berth deal is a lease with termination clauses. Courts Under Strain: Defence attorney Grant Connell again warns of serious delays in SVG courts, citing unserved documents and a procedural backlog. Tourism Leadership: Shafia London has been appointed CEO of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Tourism Authority, taking over July 1 as cruise plans move forward. Public Health Praise: Health Minister Daniel Cummings publicly commended Chief Medical Officer Dr. Simone Keizer-Beache for leadership and mental health reform efforts. Security Probe: Police continue investigating the shooting death of Scottish national Danny Vettrino in Canouan, with reports linking the case to a missing private plane. Local Media Milestone: NBC Radio celebrates 40 years as “The Sound of the Nation.”

Hurricane Beryl Recovery: Prime Minister Godwin Friday told Vincentians the recovery process is still moving forward, marking the second anniversary of the storm’s passage. Regional Rights Agenda: CARICOM will convene a meeting of member states and stakeholders to tackle discrimination and marginalisation affecting Rastafarians, with a committee set to include Barbados, Jamaica, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and Trinidad and Tobago. OECS Leadership: The OECS Authority reappointed Dr. Didacus Jules to a fourth term as Director General, citing his role in regional integration priorities. Cruise Port Politics: Ralph Gonsalves says the ULP government held detailed talks with Global Ports Holdings before losing office, while the NDP signed an MOU for a 30-year cruise terminal concession—sparking questions about the real financial terms and what the state will recoup. Courts Under Scrutiny: A legal debate is brewing over whether election petitions are sub judice, as Parliament prepares to consider retroactive constitutional and Representation of the People amendments. Tourism Leadership: Shafia London was appointed CEO of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Tourism Authority, taking over July 1. Public Safety Investigation: Police in Canouan are probing the murder of Scottish national Daniel Vettrino and whether it links to a “vanished” private plane tied to Colombian pilots. Local Economy Push: Hotel and tourism leaders urged hoteliers to join a national effort to promote local produce.

Sub Judice Clash: A parliamentary order paper says two bills—Representation of the People Act (Amendment) and the Constitution (Amendment)—will be debated and made retroactive to 1979, after petitions allege violations by Carlos Williams and Luke Browne. CARICOM Rights Push: CARICOM will convene a regional meeting and form a committee (including SVG) to tackle discrimination and marginalisation affecting Rastafarians in education, employment and public life. Canouan Murder Probe: Police in St. Vincent and the Grenadines say they are pursuing “all lines of enquiry” after Scottish national Danny Vettrino was shot dead in Canouan; reports link the case to a “very delicate security matter” involving a missing light aircraft and Colombian pilots. Court Backlog Pressure: Defence attorney Grant Connell again calls out delays in SVG courts, saying warrants and summonses can go unserved for months, and criticising the system’s capacity to move cases. Tourism Contract Terms: Tourism Minister Dr. Kishore Shallow says the port lease deal with Global Ports Holdings includes termination clauses if expectations aren’t met, stressing it is a lease not a sale. Local Produce Drive: Hoteliers are being urged to join a national push to promote local produce as Restaurant Week wraps up. Mental Health Leadership: Health Minister Daniel Cummings publicly praised SVG’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Simone Keizer-Beache, highlighting plans for training for law enforcement and legal handling of mental health cases. Sports Development: Bequia Basketball Association reports steady progress in youth camps, with Prime Minister Dr. Godwin Friday visiting sessions.

CARICOM Rights Agenda: CARICOM will convene a special meeting to examine discrimination and marginalisation affecting Rastafarians, with a committee including St. Vincent and the Grenadines to advance regional and international action. Regional Integration: Former St Vincent PM Ralph Gonsalves urged Bermuda to join CARICOM fully, arguing Caribbean states can’t tackle climate, health, or crime alone. Tourism & Local Economy: Tourism Minister Dr. Kishore Shallow says the port deal with Global Ports Holdings will include termination clauses, while hoteliers are being urged to help promote local produce. Justice System Pressure: Defence attorney Grant Connell calls out procedural backlogs in SVG courts, alleging magistrates’ documents can sit unserved for months. Health Leadership: Health Minister Daniel Cummings publicly praised Chief Medical Officer Dr. Simone Keizer-Beache for her leadership and mental-health training push. High-Profile Crime Probe: Police are investigating the shooting death of Scottish man Danny Vettrino in Canouan and are probing possible links to a “vanished” plane tied to Colombian pilots. Sports Development: Bequia Basketball Association highlights progress in youth camps, and SVG’s senior men’s team is set for FIBA AmeriCup 2029 pre-qualifiers in Guyana.

Canouan Homicide Probe: Police in St. Vincent and the Grenadines are investigating the fatal shooting of 37-year-old Scottish technical services manager Daniel Vettrino, found in the Gym Hill car park with multiple gunshot wounds; a post-mortem is planned and authorities are urging witnesses to come forward. Possible Cross-Case Link: Local reports say detectives are also looking into whether the killing is connected to the earlier “disappearance” of a private plane near Canouan, with media noting the pilots were from Colombia and that arrests may have been made locally. Police Accountability Push: Senator Carlos James says he will sue the state over alleged police abuse in two cases involving mentally ill Kenton Harris (viral beating) and Louis Mercury (shooting at Milton Cato Memorial Hospital), filing statutory notices and calling for civil—and possibly criminal—action. Health Leadership Praise: Health Minister Daniel Cummings publicly commended Chief Medical Officer Dr. Simone Keizer-Beache, highlighting her work on mental health training for law enforcement and legal teams. OECS Leadership Shift: Prime Minister Dr. Godwin Friday hands OECS Authority chairmanship to Antigua’s Gaston Browne at the 78th meeting, as leaders focus on integration, climate resilience, food and energy security, and security cooperation. Fuel Prices Update: New pump prices take effect in SVG, with gasolene retail set at EC$18.31 per gallon and diesel at EC$17.53, following earlier opposition warnings about a looming fuel crisis. Basketball on the Move: SVG’s men’s senior team has named a 20-member delegation for FIBA AmeriCup 2029 Caribbean pre-qualifiers in Guyana, with a training camp in Trinidad due to facility standards at home. Parliament Under Scrutiny: Two controversial constitutional amendment bills are back on the Order Paper for July 2, drawing fresh criticism over promised public consultation.

OECS Leadership Switch: Antigua and Barbuda’s PM Gaston Browne officially took over as chair of the OECS Authority at the 78th meeting, succeeding SVG PM Dr. Godwin Friday, with priorities including economic self-reliance, climate resilience, food and energy security, and regional integration. Health Leadership Spotlight: SVG’s Health Minister Daniel Cummings publicly praised Chief Medical Officer Dr. Simone Keizer-Beache as one of the Caribbean’s most distinguished CMO’s, highlighting mental-health training plans for law enforcement and work with CARPHA. Police Accountability Push: Senator Carlos James says he will sue the SVG government over alleged police abuse in the Kenton Harris and Louis Mercury cases, filing statutory notices and calling for accountability in civil and possibly criminal courts. Mental Health System Pressure: Reports point to severe staff shortages and burnout in SVG’s mental health care, alongside a push to overhaul services after alarming readmission rates. Fuel Prices Rise: New pump prices take effect June 29, with gasolene retail set at $18.31 per gallon and dieselene at $17.53, after opposition warnings of a looming fuel crisis. Sports & Youth: SVG’s men’s senior basketball team heads to Guyana for FIBA AmeriCup 2029 Caribbean pre-qualifiers, while Bequia’s youth hoops camps continue to grow with support from regional basketball figures. Regional Crime & Migration Context: Canada and CARICOM renewed cooperation on security, climate and trade, with gangs, irregular migration and Haiti flagged as key concerns. Tragedy in Canouan: Police are investigating the shooting death of Scottish national Daniel (Danny) Vettrino, 37, in Gym Hill, Canouan, with a post-mortem planned and reports of possible links to a missing plane.

Seismic Preparedness: UWI Seismic Research Centre says recent major Venezuela earthquakes are within the Caribbean-South American plate boundary zone, with no direct link to other regional quakes—still, the public should stay prepared as monitoring shows a small uptick in activity. Police Accountability & Legal Action: Lawyer Carlos James says he has issued statutory notices to sue the State over alleged police brutality against Kenton Harris and Louis Mercury, arguing abuse of power against vulnerable citizens demands civil—and possibly criminal—review. Constitutional Politics: Two controversial constitutional amendment bills are back on the Order Paper for July 2, despite earlier promises of public consultation, drawing fresh criticism that Parliament is being used for political games. Violence in Canouan: RSVGPF is investigating the June 24 killing of Scottish national Danny Vettrino in Gym Hill, Canouan, with a post-mortem planned and reports of two men detained for questioning. Mental Health Reform: Government employed a consultant psychiatrist, Dr. Eloy Castillo, for the Mental Health Rehabilitation Centre as part of renewed mental health reform efforts. OECS Leadership: Dr. Didacus Jules secured a fourth term as OECS Director General as Heads of Government reaffirmed confidence in his integration agenda. Food & Nutrition Security: ZHTF held a stakeholder validation workshop in Kingstown to finalize its 2026–2030 strategic plan. Energy Costs: Fuel prices take effect June 29, with gasolene capped at $18.31 per gallon and dieselene at $17.53, following earlier opposition warnings of a looming crisis. Marine & Fisheries Strategy: SVG advanced fisheries and seafood safety planning under the UBEC project, aiming to modernize inspections and improve EU market access. Sports: SVG’s senior men’s basketball team is set for historic FIBA AmeriCup 2029 Caribbean pre-qualifiers in Guyana.