AGP Executive Report

Grenada–Qatar Diplomacy: Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell says relations with Qatar are “very good” and improving, with talks focused on expanding cooperation in education, healthcare, tourism, sports and economic development, including private-sector involvement. Trade & Tourism Capacity: Grenada’s Ministry of Trade and Tourism Development has appointed trade consultants to support its trade agenda, including work to strengthen frameworks that can help tourism-linked business growth. Travel Safety & Disruption: A training session for drag racers ahead of the Grenada Internationals will bring a temporary road closure in St. Maarten, a reminder for visitors to plan routes around event traffic. Beach Spotlight: A travel feature highlights Grand Anse Beach as an easy, long-stretch destination for swimming, walking, and nearby food and vendors. Family Tragedy: Reports describe a toddler drowning during a family outing in Grenada, underscoring the need for close water supervision. Sports Governance: Grenada’s football body backs FIFA President Gianni Infantino after his FIFA Forward reversal, signaling continued support for unity in Caribbean football. Regional Travel Demand: Luxury travel data points to a strong fall season, with September leading higher bookings—good news for Grenada’s hotel and cruise planning.

Grenada–Qatar Diplomacy: Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell says relations with Qatar are “very good” and continually improving, with talks focused on education, healthcare, tourism, sports, and broader Caribbean cooperation. Trade & Tourism Capacity: Grenada’s Ministry of Tourism and Trade Development has appointed trade consultants to support a trade development agenda, while OECS wrapped up a services-trade data push with UN partners to help governments better measure and grow tourism and other services. Tourism Spotlight: A travel feature highlights Grenada’s Grand Anse Beach as a long, walkable, easy-to-enjoy shoreline with calm water and plenty nearby. Travel Safety Watch: A tropical disturbance is expected to bring heavy rain and gusty winds across the southeastern Caribbean, including Grenada, with mudslide risk in some areas—travelers should monitor updates. Local Community Note: Tyrell Bay Marina renewed its request in a long-running fence/land dispute affecting boat owners and access.

OECS & UN-backed trade data push: The OECS Commission says it has wrapped a regional project with UNCTAD and ECLAC to help Eastern Caribbean countries use better data on trade in services—covering areas like tourism, transport, finance and telecom—via UNCTAD’s TiSSTAT to strengthen export planning. Grenada diplomacy for tourism: Qatar’s PM and foreign affairs minister met Grenada’s PM Dickon Mitchell to review ties and focus on cooperation in education, health and tourism. Carriacou marina dispute: Tyrell Bay Marina renewed its request for access to a fenced-off boatyard area tied to a long-running land dispute over a 2013 mangrove lease, saying the situation is affecting customers, workers and the wider community. Travel safety watch: A tropical disturbance is expected to bring heavy rain and gusty winds across the southeastern Caribbean, with Grenada among areas urged to prepare for possible flooding and mudslide risk. Local travel culture: Grenada’s Chess Summer Camp runs 17–21 August, with free sessions in Grenada, plus one-day camps in Carriacou and Grenville.

Diplomatic Boost for Tourism: Qatar’s PM and Foreign Affairs chief Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim met Grenada PM Dickon Mitchell, focusing on strengthening ties in education, health, and tourism. Carriacou Marina Dispute: Tyrell Bay Marina renewed its request to access a fenced-off section of its boatyard, tied to a long-running mangrove expansion land dispute that’s affecting boat owners and visiting cruisers. Travel Safety Alert: A tropical disturbance is expected to bring heavy rain, gusty winds, and possible flooding across the southeastern Caribbean, including Grenada, tonight into Saturday. Family Tragedy: A toddler reportedly drowned during a family outing at the Boucherie area in Simon, St. Andrew; the child was found submerged and pronounced dead on scene. Sports & Visitor Interest: Grenada Football Association backed FIFA President Gianni Infantino after his withdrawal of a controversial FIFA Forward plan, while Grenada Chess Federation’s free summer camp runs 17–21 August with one-day sessions in Carriacou and Grenville. Beach Spotlight: A travel feature highlights Grand Anse Beach as Grenada’s go-to for calm water, long walks, and easy day-to-day access.

Diplomatic Talks: Qatar’s PM and Foreign Affairs Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani met Grenada’s PM Dickon Mitchell during a visit focused on boosting ties in education, health, and tourism. Earthquake Safety: A 5.0 quake hit Spain’s Granada area, with residents warned to avoid unnecessary movement and watch for further tremors—useful reminder for travellers about staying alert during seismic events. Family Tragedy in Grenada: A toddler drowned during a family outing at Simon’s Boucherie area after being out of sight for seconds; the child was pronounced dead on scene. Caribbean Weather Watch: A tropical disturbance is expected to bring heavy rain and gusty winds across the southeastern Caribbean, including Grenada, with flooding and mudslide risk. Tourism & Travel Demand: Virtuoso data shows fall 2026 luxury travel sales up sharply, with September leading—good news for regional hotel and cruise planning. Solo Travel Spotlight: Travel And Tour World ranked Grenada among the top solo destinations in the Americas & Caribbean for 2026. Grenada Culture: Tourism officials and Sen. Quinc Britton congratulated winners of Traditional Mas competitions, urging bands to pass the tradition to young people. Football Governance: Grenada’s GFA backed FIFA President Gianni Infantino after he withdrew a controversial initiative, praising unity and good governance. Chess for All Ages: Grenada Chess Federation’s summer camp runs 17–21 August, with one-day sessions in Carriacou and Grenville, and registration is free online.

Grenada Earthquake & Safety: A 5.0 quake hit Spain’s Granada, but it’s a reminder for travelers everywhere to follow local emergency guidance and expect possible aftershocks. Grenada Water Tragedy: A toddler drowned during a family outing at the Boucherie area in Simon, St. Andrew; the child was found submerged after seconds out of sight and was pronounced dead at the scene. Carriacou Boating Dispute: A sailing update says a civil property dispute at Tyrell Bay Marina has left visiting yachts physically trapped, raising concerns for marine services and Grenada’s cruise reputation. Tourism & Travel Demand: Virtuoso reports luxury travel demand is surging for fall 2026, with September sales up 77%, supporting stronger hotel, cruise, and multi-stop itineraries. Visa Shockwaves for the Region: Reports say U.S. visa scrutiny is tightening for Caribbean entertainers, with some facing denials or revocations—another headache for cross-border tourism and events. Local Culture & Sports: Grenada’s football body backs FIFA President Gianni Infantino after his withdrawal of a controversial initiative, while the Grenada Chess Federation runs a free summer camp (17–21 Aug) across Grenada, Carriacou, and Grenville.

Earthquake Update (Grenada): A 5.0 quake struck Granada’s tourist area just after 1am, triggering people to flee buildings and prompting an emergency response, with officials urging residents to stay calm and avoid unnecessary movement. Drowning Tragedy (Grenada): A toddler reportedly drowned during a family outing at Boucherie, Simon, St. Andrew; the child was found submerged after seconds of being out of sight and was pronounced dead at the scene. Weather Watch (Grenada & region): A tropical disturbance is expected to bring heavy rain and gusty winds across the southeastern Caribbean tonight into Saturday, with Grenada among areas urged to prepare for possible flooding and mudslide risk. Tourism Safety (Grenada): A sailing community dispute at Tyrell Bay, Carriacou, is raising concerns among visiting cruisers about vessels being trapped ashore—an issue that could hurt marine trade and deter future yacht tourism. Football & Community (Grenada): The Grenada Football Association backed FIFA President Gianni Infantino after he withdrew a controversial proposal, while also highlighting ongoing support for football development locally. Solo Travel Spotlight (Caribbean): Travel And Tour World ranked Grenada among the top solo travel destinations in the Americas and Caribbean for 2026. Culture & Tourism (Spicemas): Grenada’s tourism and culture coverage continues around Spicemas, with officials and bands recognized for keeping traditional mas alive. Chess for Visitors & Locals (Grenada): The Grenada Chess Federation’s free summer camp runs 17–21 August, with one-day sessions also planned for Carriacou and Grenville.

Earthquake Watch: A reported 5.0 quake hit Granada, Spain early Aug. 15, sending people fleeing buildings and triggering dozens of tremors, with emergency warnings to avoid unnecessary movement. Grenada Safety & Tourism: Tragedy struck St. Andrew, Grenada as a toddler allegedly drowned during a family outing at Simon’s Boucherie area; in another incident, two visitors died in a boating accident off Grand Anse during Spicemas 2026, renewing calls for faster police alerts when swimmers head out alone. Football & Governance: The Grenada Football Association backed FIFA President Gianni Infantino after he withdrew the FIFA Forward Enterprise plan, praising unity and warning against actions that bypass FIFA processes. Travel Demand: Virtuoso data shows luxury travel for fall 2026 is surging, with September sales up 77% and overall fall bookings up 69%—good news for Caribbean hotel and cruise planning. Weather Outlook: A tropical disturbance is expected to bring heavy rain and gusty winds across the southeastern Caribbean tonight into Saturday, including Grenada, with flooding and mudslide risks. Visa Policy Impact: The U.S. made its visa bond program permanent for Grenada and other Caribbean countries, raising new cost and planning pressure for travelers and tourism operators. On-Island Events: Grenada Chess Federation’s free summer camp runs Aug. 17–21, with one-day sessions in Carriacou and Grenville.

Safety Alert: A toddler drowned during a family outing at the Boucherie area in Simon, St. Andrew, after disappearing from sight within seconds; the child was pronounced dead on scene. Tourism Safety Reminder: A separate call-out after Spicemas incidents urges visitors and locals to report anything suspicious immediately—“tourism is everybody’s business”—to prevent tragedies at sea. Sports & Travel: The Grenada Football Association backed FIFA President Gianni Infantino after he withdrew the FIFA Forward Enterprise plan, praising unity and good governance—good news for fans planning football-focused trips. Weather Watch: A tropical disturbance is expected to bring heavy rain and gusty winds across the southeastern Caribbean tonight into Saturday, with Grenada among areas urged to prepare for possible flooding and mudslides. Culture: Sen. Quinc Britton congratulated winners and all bands in Grenada’s 2026 Traditional Mas Competition, highlighting the push to pass the tradition to young people. Travel Policy: The U.S. made its visa bond program permanent, with Grenada among the Caribbean countries affected—an issue for Grenadians planning U.S. travel. Family & Learning: Grenada’s 2026–2027 school year starts Monday, 31 August, after staff prep week 24–28 August. Community: The Grenada Chess Federation’s free Chess Summer Camp runs 17–21 August, with one-day camps in Carriacou (20 Aug) and Grenville (21 Aug).

Football & Tourism Confidence: Grenada’s GFA backed FIFA President Gianni Infantino after he withdrew the controversial FIFA Forward Enterprise plan, praising the “swift action” as a move to protect unity and good governance—an upbeat signal for the wider Caribbean football community. U.S. Visa Shockwaves: The U.S. made its visa bond program permanent for 50 countries, including Grenada, with a potential $10,000–$20,000 cash bond requirement for some B-1/B-2 applicants—raising fresh concerns for Caribbean travel and tourism demand. Travel Demand Spike: Virtuoso data shows luxury travel for fall 2026 is surging, with September sales up 77%, suggesting more high-end hotel, cruise, and multi-island bookings ahead. Safety & Weather Watch: A tropical disturbance is expected to bring heavy rain and gusty winds across the southeastern Caribbean tonight into Saturday, with Grenada among the areas urged to prepare. On-the-Ground Yachting Alert: A dispute at Tyrell Bay, Carriacou, is reportedly trapping visiting yachts on land, with potential knock-on effects for marine services and Grenada’s sailing reputation. Community & Culture: Warwick Parish Council bursaries support young athletes for overseas study and sport, while Grenada’s traditional mas winners were congratulated by the tourism parliamentary secretary. Back-to-School: The Ministry of Education set staff prep for 24–28 August and the first day of classes for 31 August 2026.

Citizenship-by-investment shift: A Malta-based golden visa firm says “plan B” passports are moving beyond the superrich, with more middle-class Americans (including salaried professionals and retirees) now making consultations. Tourism policy watch: The U.S. made its visa bond program permanent for 50 countries, including Grenada, raising concerns for travel demand as visa issuance to targeted nationalities reportedly fell sharply during the pilot. New luxury stays: InterContinental Grenada Resort & Spa is taking reservations for stays starting Nov. 4 at La Sagesse, adding a 120-room, full-service luxury option near Six Senses. Culture & community: The Grenada Chess Federation’s free Chess Summer Camp runs 17–21 August at GBSS, with one-day camps in Carriacou (Aug. 20) and Grenville (Aug. 21). Local sport diplomacy: The Grenada Football Association welcomed FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s withdrawal of a proposed initiative, praising unity and governance. Safety & arrivals: The Ministry of Education set staff prep for Aug. 24–28 and the first day of classes for Aug. 31, 2026.

Tourism & Safety: The Royal Grenada Police Force continues searching after North Carolina visitor Elizabeth “Liz” Waddell vanished near Grand Anse Beach on July 22; her husband now says drowning “may be the most likely scenario,” while investigators report no sign she intended to disappear. Air & Travel Policy: The U.S. has made its visa bond program permanent, with Grenada among the Caribbean countries affected—potentially adding a cash bond requirement for some B-1/B-2 applicants and raising concerns for tourism demand. New Luxury Stays: La Sagesse’s resort corridor gets a major boost as InterContinental Grenada Resort & Spa begins accepting bookings for stays from Nov. 4, adding a 120-room luxury option near Six Senses. Culture & Events: Sen. Quinc Britton congratulated winners of the 2026 Traditional Mas Competition, praising bands and makers for keeping Grenada’s heritage alive. Football Development: Grenada Football Association welcomed FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s withdrawal of a proposed initiative, citing unity and good governance. Education: The Ministry of Education set staff prep for Aug. 24–28, with classes starting Aug. 31 for the 2026–2027 academic year.

Spice Isle Safety Update: Grenada police are investigating the deaths of two women after a boating incident off Grand Anse Beach during Spicemas on Aug. 8; witnesses say the women jumped from the Kayak Princess and were struck by the propeller, with the captain detained as inquiries continue. Missing Visitor Case: The husband of North Carolina tourist Elizabeth “Liz” Waddell says drowning now seems the most likely scenario after she vanished while swimming near Grand Anse; he also shared that jet-skiers reported speaking with her for 5–10 minutes and she reportedly said she was a good swimmer. New Luxury for Grenada: La Sagesse is getting a major boost as InterContinental Grenada Resort & Spa (120 rooms) begins accepting bookings for stays from Nov. 4, adding a second big-name brand near Six Senses La Sagesse. US Travel Policy Watch (Grenada Impact): The US has made its visa bond program permanent for 50 countries, including Grenada, meaning some B-1/B-2 applicants may need to post cash bonds before visas are issued. Beach Inspiration for Travelers: Travel coverage highlights Morne Rouge Beach (BBC Beach) on Grenada’s southwest coast as a quieter alternative to busier sands, with easy access from Maurice Bishop International Airport.

U.S. Visa Policy: The U.S. made its visa bond program permanent, meaning consular officers can require certain B-1/B-2 business and tourist applicants to post a financial bond; Grenada is among the four Caribbean countries currently affected. Spicemas Safety: Grenada police are investigating the deaths of two women after a boating incident off Grand Anse Beach during Spicemas; witnesses say the women jumped from the Kayak Princess and were struck by the propeller, and the captain has been detained. Missing Visitor Update: The husband of North Carolina visitor Elizabeth “Liz” Waddell says drowning now seems the most likely scenario after she disappeared while swimming near Grand Anse; he also shared that jet-skiers reportedly spoke with her and she gave a thumbs up before she was later seen far offshore. Air Travel: LIAT issued an updated schedule for Aug. 9, with flights operating via its Antigua hub and passengers urged to check official channels for changes. New Luxury Stay: InterContinental Grenada Resort & Spa is taking reservations for stays starting Nov. 4 at La Sagesse, adding a major new 120-room luxury option near Six Senses.

U.S. Visa Policy: The U.S. has made its visa bond program permanent, with Grenada among four Caribbean countries currently affected—meaning some B-1/B-2 business and tourist applicants may need to post a financial bond before getting a visa. Spicemas Safety: Tragedy struck Grand Anse Beach during Spicemas as police investigate a boating accident involving the Kayak Princess; two women died after jumping from the vessel and being hit by the propeller, and the captain was detained. Tourism & Travel Disruption: LIAT issued an updated Sunday schedule after operational disruptions, advising passengers to contact its customer centre and check official channels. Luxury Stays in Grenada: La Sagesse is getting bigger: InterContinental Grenada Resort & Spa is taking reservations for stays starting Nov. 4, adding a 120-room luxury option near Six Senses. Caribbean Mobility Pressure: EU moves to tighten citizenship-by-investment rules could affect visa-free Schengen access for Grenada and other Caribbean CBI states by June 2028. Missing Visitor Update: The search continues for North Carolina’s Liz Waddell, with her husband saying drowning now seems the most likely scenario after reports of her being seen in the water near jet skis.

Spice Island Safety: Grenada’s Spicemas weekend turned tragic after the Royal Grenada Police Force investigated a boating accident off Grand Anse Beach on Aug. 8, where two women were struck by a vessel’s propeller after jumping from the Kayak Princess; the captain was detained and officials are still working to confirm the exact circumstances. Missing Visitor Update: The search for North Carolina’s Liz Waddell in Grenada continues as her husband says drowning now seems the most likely scenario, while also noting “a lot doesn’t make sense” about her disappearance after she was last seen near Grand Anse Beach and later reported far offshore by jet-skiers. New Luxury for La Sagesse: InterContinental Grenada Resort & Spa is taking reservations for stays starting Nov. 4, adding a 120-room luxury option near Six Senses La Sagesse and expanding Grenada’s resort corridor. Travel Disruption Watch: LIAT issued an updated Aug. 9 schedule via its Antigua hub, advising affected passengers to contact its customer team for help. EU Passport Pressure: The EU has set a June 2028 deadline for Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, Saint Lucia, and St. Kitts and Nevis to reform citizenship-by-investment programs or risk losing Schengen visa-free access. Fuel Prices: Diesel in Grenada County hit a week-ending Aug. 1 low of $4.59 per gallon, with premium gas also reported at a low of $4.07.