AGP Executive Report

Grenada Tourism & Trade: The Grenada Tourism Authority has joined ATAS to push “soft adventure” and experience-led holidays to UK travel agents, aiming to grow beyond beach tourism. Water & Waste Infrastructure: Grenada will host the 35th Annual CWWA Conference and Exhibition (12–16 Oct) at Radisson Grenada Beach Resort, focusing on water security, climate resilience, wastewater and solid waste management. Digital Government: Grenada’s digital push continues as officials discuss the need for laws to keep pace with fast-changing technology, alongside new Digital Transformation Agency legislation. Heritage Protection: The Grenada National Trust gets international backing to protect the Drill Yard, with heritage experts assessing the site after an interim injunction. Caribbean Travel Demand: UK travel agents report strong late-summer bookings, with Caribbean demand supported by shifting client focus away from the Middle East—though bedstock and flight connectivity remain hurdles. Cruise Connectivity: Carnival Cruise Line is testing later Guy’s Burger Joint hours on Carnival Conquest, a small but popular tweak for cruise guests heading to Grenada. Regional Policy Talks: CARICOM has started national consultations on the Draft CARICOM Biodiversity Strategy, with Grenada highlighted in the process. US Visa Uncertainty: US immigrant visa processing is paused worldwide for training, and a court ruling has struck down parts of the earlier visa ban affecting Caribbean countries, adding more moving parts for travelers.

OECS Youth and Women in Agriculture Symposium: Grenada will host the OECS Youth and Women in Agriculture Symposium on Sept. 1 at the Radisson Grenada Beach Resort, with training on climate-smart farming, agribusiness and digital skills, and access to finance and markets. Water & Waste Conference: Grenada is set to host the 35th Annual Caribbean Water and Wastewater Association (CWWA) Conference and Exhibition (Oct. 12–16) at Radisson Grenada Beach Resort, focusing on water security, climate resilience, wastewater, and solid waste. Grenada Digital Push: Officials say Grenada is accelerating its digital transformation, including new Digital Transformation Agency legislation aimed at improving government interoperability. Tourism Growth Beyond the Beach: The Grenada Tourism Authority has joined ATAS to boost UK touring and adventure sales, highlighting experiences like nature, culture, food, and soft adventure. Caribbean Travel Demand: Travel agents report strong late-summer Caribbean bookings, though bedstock and flight connectivity remain constraints. Cruise Rescue En Route to Grenada: Carnival Conquest rescued a mariner from a disabled sailing vessel and continued to St. George’s as scheduled. US Visa Uncertainty for Travelers: The US paused immigrant visa processing worldwide while consular officers undergo additional public-charge screening training, with appointments being rescheduled. Caribbean Roaming Charges: CTU says high intra-Caricom mobile roaming charges remain despite a 2022 regional pledge to cut fees.

Tourism Demand: Caribbean travel bookings are up as agencies report strong late-summer sales, with Caribbean demand rising year on year despite limited bedstock and flight connectivity. Cruise Updates: Carnival Cruise Line is testing later hours for Guy’s Burger Joint on Carnival Conquest, a move aimed at giving guests more dining flexibility on shorter itineraries. Grenada Events & Development: Grenada will host the 35th Annual CWWA Conference (12–16 Oct) at Radisson Grenada Beach Resort, focusing on water security, climate resilience, and waste management. Digital Push: Grenada’s digital transformation got a boost as officials discussed connectivity and passed Digital Transformation Agency legislation to improve government interoperability. Travel Trade Boost: Grenada Tourism Authority joined ATAS to grow UK touring and adventure travel beyond beaches. Regional Connectivity: CTU says high intra-Caricom roaming charges still persist despite a 2022 pledge to cut fees by up to 70% or more. Visa Headline: The US paused immigrant visa processing worldwide for training, while a court ruling has struck down an earlier indefinite suspension affecting 75 countries, including some Caribbean nationals. Safety & Access: A 129-day Tyrell Bay marina dispute in Carriacou continues to block boat owners from relaunching.

Grenada Tourism & Culture: The Grenada Tourism Authority has joined ATAS to push “experiences beyond the beach,” aiming to grow UK touring and adventure travel. Grenada Travel & Infrastructure: Grenada’s digital push is accelerating, with officials at the Caribbean Internet Governance Forum highlighting needs like submarine cables, local data hosting, digital identities and e-payments. Water & Waste Planning: Grenada will host the 35th Annual CWWA Conference and Exhibition (12–16 Oct 2026) at Radisson Grenada Beach Resort, focusing on water security, climate resilience, wastewater and solid waste. Caribbean Cruise Watch: Carnival Cruise Line is testing later hours for Guy’s Burger Joint on Carnival Conquest, with the ship chosen for shorter sailings. Safety at Sea: A Carnival Conquest rescued a mariner from a disabled sailing vessel en route to St. George’s, Grenada. Carriacou Marina Dispute: Boat owners say they’ve been stuck for 129 days after a fence blocks access to Tyrell Bay Marina slipways, seeking a temporary truce. Visa News for Travelers: The US paused immigrant visa processing worldwide for training, while a court ruling has struck down an indefinite visa suspension affecting 75 countries including Grenada; Canada is also tightening identity checks for some Caribbean applicants. Grenada Residency Update: IMA Grenada says Grenada’s planned residence requirement won’t start on Aug 31, pending regional regulator readiness and formal commencement steps. Caribbean Craft Spotlight: A feature highlights Carriacou sloop building—UNESCO-recognised wooden sailing sloops still made “by eye” by local families.

Grenada Tourism & Experiences: The Grenada Tourism Authority has joined ATAS to push “beyond the beach” holidays—nature, culture, food and soft adventure—aimed especially at growing UK demand. Digital Grenada: Grenada’s digital push is accelerating after the Digital Transformation Agency legislation (approved July 10), with officials at the Caribbean Internet Governance Forum stressing connectivity, local data hosting and laws that keep up with new tech. Carriacou Marina Standoff: Boat owners in Tyrell Bay (Carriacou) say they’ve been stuck for 129 days after a fence blocks access to the slipway, with a last-ditch push for a temporary truce while a court dispute continues. Grenada Travel Access: South African passport holders can reach Grenada visa-free among 17 Caribbean destinations listed in the Henley Passport Index. Regional Comms Costs: CTU says high intra-Caricom roaming charges still persist despite the 2022 St George’s Declaration promising major reductions. Diplomatic Move: Grenada has opened an Honorary Consulate in Manila, Philippines, to deepen consular support and cooperation.

US Travel Shock: The Trump administration has paused all immigrant visa appointments worldwide, with the State Department citing a global training initiative and cancelling already-scheduled interviews—while a US judge recently struck down an indefinite immigrant visa suspension for 75 countries, including several Caribbean states. Grenada Tourism & Product: Grenada Tourism Authority has joined ATAS to push more than beach holidays, betting on experiences, nature, culture and soft adventure for UK travellers. Digital Push: Grenada’s digital transformation is accelerating, with new Digital Transformation Agency legislation and calls for laws to keep pace with fast-changing tech. Carriacou Marina Standstill: Boat owners in Carriacou say a fence tied to the Tyrell Bay Marina dispute has left them unable to relaunch for 129 days, seeking a temporary truce. Travel Rules for CBI Nationals: Canada is tightening identity checks and document verification for visitor and visa applications from Grenada and other Eastern Caribbean CBI countries—so applicants are urged to keep details consistent. Local Growth: Ground has broken on Hideaway Too, a 23-unit tourism and student accommodation project in True Blue, targeting opening in 2028.

Grenada Tourism Boost: The Grenada Tourism Authority has joined the UK touring and adventure network ATAS, aiming to grow demand for experience-led holidays beyond beaches, with a focus on nature, culture, food and “soft adventure.” Caribbean Connectivity: CTU SG Rodney Taylor says high intra-Caricom roaming charges still haven’t fallen as promised since the 2022 St George’s Declaration, pushing for “roam like you’re at home” across the region. Grenada CBI Update: IMA Grenada says Grenada’s planned residence requirement won’t start on Aug. 31 as scheduled, with implementation tied to regional regulator readiness and a formal agreed commencement date. Diplomatic Move: Grenada has opened an Honorary Consulate in Manila, with Catherine Tiu-Tan appointed to handle consular matters and support cooperation. Travel Reality Check: Canada is tightening visa scrutiny for several Eastern Caribbean CBI countries, including Grenada, stressing document accuracy, identity checks and consistent travel plans. Local Travel Business: Ground has broken on Hideaway Too, a 23-unit tourism and student accommodation project in True Blue, targeting opening in Jan 2028 with a local landowner equity model. US Visa Costs for Grenadians: A US visa-bond requirement for Grenadians is now permanent, with some B1/B2 applicants potentially needing to post up to US$20,000 before a visa is issued.

Grenada Tourism Authority joins ATAS: The tourism board has become a member of the Association of Touring & Adventure Suppliers to push Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique as more than a beach stop—spotlighting nature, culture, food and “soft adventure” for UK travellers. Caribbean media opportunity: Black Island Girl Multimedia launched a Caribbean-wide “red carpet correspondent” search for the 2026 Caribbean Music Awards in Trinidad and Tobago, with the winner getting flights, accommodations and a media assignment. Canada tightens visa checks for Grenada and other CBI states: Canadian authorities are increasing scrutiny on document accuracy, identity verification and the credibility of travel plans for nationals of Dominica, Antigua and Barbuda, Grenada, Saint Lucia and St. Kitts and Nevis—without announcing a new visa ban. US court blocks Trump visa suspension: Caribbean immigration advocates welcomed a US federal court ruling striking down the indefinite suspension of immigrant visa processing for nationals of 75 countries, including Grenada, restoring case-by-case review. Grenada CBI residence requirement delayed: IMA Grenada says the planned residence requirement due Aug. 31 will not start then, pending regional regulator operations and formal agreement on a new commencement date. New Grenada-Philippines link: Grenada has opened an Honorary Consulate in Manila, with Catherine Tiu-Tan set to handle consular matters and help grow cooperation.

Tourism & Culture: Grenada’s Junior Minister for Tourism Ella-Rose Charles has kicked off a mentorship programme at the Ministry of Tourism, the Creative Economy and Culture ahead of the Caribbean Tourism Organisation’s Regional Tourism Youth Congress in Guyana (5–8 Oct 2026). Local Travel Disruption: Mt Hartman byroad in St George will be temporarily closed from Monday 24 Aug for 5 weeks (until 28 Sept) for road upgrade works—drivers should use detours and allow extra time. Caribbean Mobility & Visas: Canada is tightening visa screening for Caribbean CBI passport holders, including Grenada, with extra focus on document accuracy, identity checks, and the credibility of travel plans (no new Grenada-specific visa ban reported). CBI Policy Update (Grenada): IMA Grenada says the planned residence requirement (due 31 Aug) will not start then; implementation is conditional on regional regulator operations and formal commencement decisions. Diplomacy: Grenada has opened an Honorary Consulate in Manila, with Catherine Tiu-Tan appointed to handle consular matters and support cooperation. Handmade Heritage: A feature spotlights Carriacou sloop building—UNESCO-recognised craft still kept alive by a small group of village builders.

US Visa Rules for Caribbean Travelers: A US federal judge blocked Trump’s plan to indefinitely suspend immigrant visa processing for nationals of 75 countries, including several Caribbean states, saying the blanket policy was “patently unlawful” and exceeded the State Department’s authority. Canada Tightens Visa Scrutiny: Canada is increasing emphasis on document accuracy, identity checks, and the credibility of travel plans for citizens of CBI-linked Eastern Caribbean countries, including Grenada, while stressing it’s not a new country-specific visa ban. Grenada CBI Update: IMA Grenada says Grenada’s planned residence requirement won’t start on Aug. 31 because key conditions (including regional regulator readiness and formal agreement on a start date) are still pending. Grenada Travel & Tourism Moves: Hideaway Too broke ground in True Blue for 23 units, with a local landowner equity stake and construction workforce targets; plus Junior Minister for Tourism Ella-Rose Charles starts a mentorship programme ahead of Guyana’s regional youth congress. On-the-Ground Logistics: Mt Hartman byroad in St George closes temporarily for 5 weeks from Aug. 24 for road upgrade works.

Tourism & Youth Development: Grenada’s Junior Minister for Tourism Ella-Rose Charles has kicked off a mentorship programme at the Ministry of Tourism, the Creative Economy and Culture, ahead of her trip to the Caribbean Tourism Organisation’s Regional Tourism Youth Congress in Guyana (5–8 Oct 2026). Road & Visitor Access: A temporary closure of the Mt Hartman byroad in St George starts Monday, 24 Aug 2026 for critical upgrade works, with the road shut for about five weeks until 28 Sep—drivers are urged to use detours and plan extra travel time. Diplomacy & Travel Links: Grenada has opened an Honorary Consulate in Manila, Philippines, appointing Catherine Tiu-Tan to handle consular matters and support cooperation in economic, cultural and sports areas. Cruise Watch: MSC Cruises says it’s updating winter 2027/28 deployments—MSC World Asia will sail the South Caribbean (including St George’s, Grenada), while MSC World Europa stays in the Western Mediterranean. Marine & Nature Appeal: Laluna Art Studio & Gallery launches a solo exhibition by Grenadian wildlife photographer John Griffith on 28 Aug, running until November, spotlighting Grenada’s birds and marine life for locals and visitors.

Diplomatic Boost: Grenada has opened an Honorary Consulate in Manila, with Catherine Tiu-Tan appointed to handle consular services and help grow economic, cultural and sports links with the Philippines. Tourism Talent Pipeline: Junior Minister for Tourism Ella-Rose Charles starts a mentorship programme ahead of the Caribbean Tourism Organisation’s Regional Tourism Youth Congress in Guyana (5–8 Oct 2026). Road Access Update: A temporary closure of the Mt Hartman byroad in St George begins Monday, 24 Aug 2026 for 5 weeks of upgrade works—drivers should plan detours. Cruise Market Signals: MSC Cruises reshuffled Winter 2027/28 deployments, sending MSC World Asia to the South Caribbean (including St George’s, Grenada) and keeping MSC World Europa in the Western Mediterranean. Travel Safety & Rules: MSC reaffirmed that camouflage or clothing resembling police/military uniforms can lead to fines or detention at some ports. Culture & Travel Planning: Dominica’s World Creole Music Festival lineup (23–25 Oct 2026) includes Grenada’s V’ghn, alongside major international stars—useful for regional visitors planning October trips.

US Visa Rules for Grenadians: A Manhattan judge struck down a Trump-era plan to suspend immigrant visas for nationals of 75 countries, calling it “patently unlawful,” including impacts for Grenada applicants. Cruise Dress Codes: MSC Cruises reaffirmed its ban on camouflage and clothing resembling police or military uniforms at certain ports, warning of fines, confiscation, or detention. Grenada Tourism Talent: Junior Minister for Tourism Ella-Rose Charles launched a mentorship programme ahead of the Caribbean Tourism Organisation’s Regional Tourism Youth Congress in Guyana (5–8 Oct). Roadworks in St George: Mt Hartman byroad will close for 5 weeks from 24 Aug to 28 Sep for upgrade works—drivers should use detours and expect delays. Carnival Afterglow: Commentary after Carnival 2026 weighs the shift toward “bikini and beads” against Grenada’s traditional mas identity and cultural storytelling. Wildlife & Visitors: Laluna Art Studio & Gallery opens John Griffith’s solo wildlife photography exhibition on 28 Aug (Portici Beach), running through November. Travel Planning Note: MSC updated Winter 2027/28 deployments, with MSC World Asia heading to the South Caribbean and MSC World Europa staying in the Western Mediterranean, including St. George’s, Grenada.

Tourism & Youth Development: Grenada’s Junior Minister for Tourism Ella-Rose Charles has kicked off a mentorship programme at the Ministry of Tourism, the Creative Economy and Culture ahead of the Caribbean Tourism Organisation’s Regional Tourism Youth Congress in Guyana (5–8 Oct 2026), with support from the Grenada Tourism Authority and the Grenada Hotel and Tourism Association. Roadworks & Travel Planning: The Mt Hartman byroad in St George will be temporarily closed from Monday, 24 Aug 2026 for 5 weeks (until 28 Sep) for major upgrade works, with drivers urged to use alternative routes and allow extra travel time. Cruise & Caribbean Connectivity: MSC Cruises has revised Winter 2027/28 deployments—MSC World Asia will move to the South Caribbean with calls including St George’s, Grenada, while MSC World Europa will stay in the Western Mediterranean. Local Culture Spotlight: After Carnival 2026, debate continues over Grenada’s “bikini and beads” shift—its commercial appeal versus concerns about cultural storytelling and more explicit costume trends. Travel Policy Watch (Grenadians heading to the US): The US has made its visa-bond programme permanent, requiring some B-1/B-2 applicants to post refundable bonds up to US$20,000, raising fresh concerns about the burden on families.

Carnival 2026 Aftermath: Grenada’s Carnival Tuesday debate is heating up, with critics saying the shift toward “bikini and beads” is diluting traditional mas storytelling and raising concerns about more extreme public raunchiness. U.S. Travel Rules: Grenadians applying for U.S. visitor visas may now face a “visa bond” requirement—up to US$20,000—making the process feel less like a fee and more like a wealth test for families. Child Custody Case: A Grenada High Court judge handled a custody dispute tied to an alleged child abduction in Germany, with international child protection involvement and cross-border legal warrants. Tourism Talent Pipeline: Junior Minister for Tourism Ella-Rose Charles has started a mentorship programme ahead of a regional youth tourism congress in Guyana. Road Works: Mt Hartman byroad in St George will close for 5 weeks starting 24 August for upgrade works—drivers should plan detours. Cruise & Events Watch: MSC Cruises reshuffled Winter 2027/28 deployments, keeping MSC World Europa in Europe and moving MSC World Asia to the South Caribbean; Dominica’s World Creole Music Festival lineup includes NE-YO and Grenada’s V’ghn.

Tourism Leadership: Grenada’s Junior Minister for Tourism Ella-Rose Charles has started a mentorship programme at the Ministry of Tourism, the Creative Economy and Culture, ahead of representing Grenada at the Caribbean Tourism Organisation’s Regional Tourism Youth Congress in Guyana (5–8 Oct 2026). Road & Visitor Planning: A temporary closure is set for the Mt Hartman byroad in St George from Monday 24 August 2026 for 5 weeks (until 28 September) to support road upgrade works—drivers should use alternative routes and follow detours. Cruise & Caribbean Calls: MSC Cruises has reshuffled Winter 2027/28 deployments, moving MSC World Asia to the South Caribbean with calls including St George’s, Grenada, and updating MSC World Europa to the Western Mediterranean. Travel Culture Spotlight: Grenada PM Dickon Mitchell says relations with Qatar are “very good” and growing, with cooperation priorities including education, healthcare, tourism, sports and economic development. Local Nature Tourism: Laluna Art Studio & Gallery will host Grenadian wildlife photographer John Griffith’s first solo exhibition, opening Friday 28 August 2026 at Portici Beach, running through November.