AGP Executive Report

Calypso Tribute: Trinidad and Tobago has kicked off Calypso History Month in memory of Grenada-born legend Dr. Slinger “The Mighty Sparrow” Francisco, with Culture Minister Michelle Benjamin confirming an official state-assisted funeral and national tributes, plus condolence books opening across the region. Grenada Spotlight: UTT also joined the mourning, highlighting Sparrow’s seven-plus decades of calypso storytelling and noting his Grenada roots before he was raised in Trinidad. Local Arts Training: SoundLeap’s first cohort of 16 students put live sound engineering skills to work at Sound Fest in Petite Calivigny, with the next programme slated for April 2027. Community & Culture: Reach Within, a Grenadian charity, says it’s supporting children and teens in care through trauma-healing activities and transitional support for young adults aging out. Transport Update: Grenada’s bus system is set for changes over the next three years, including a near-agreed fare increase and planned 2027 upgrades for key terminals like St George’s.

Calypso Tribute: Grenada-born calypso icon Slinger Francisco, “The Mighty Sparrow,” died Sept. 27 at 91, and tributes keep pouring in across the Caribbean and beyond, including UTT’s remembrance of his seven-decade legacy of sharp social commentary and classic hits. Music History Spotlight: A Granville Straker Legacy Project director says Sparrow’s recordings were central to Straker’s Records, with “The Best of The Mighty Sparrow — Live at The Blue Coronet in Brooklyn” among key releases. Community & Culture: St. Paul’s Church in Flatbush held a successful homecoming weekend tied to its 190th anniversary, featuring talks on slavery, injustices, and reparations. Local Arts Training: SoundLeap’s first cohort of 16 students put live sound engineering skills to work at Sound Fest, with the next programme set for April 2027. Sports & Youth: Ariza Credit Union boosted sponsorship of the Waggy T Super Knockout to $20,000, backing youth football and community development.

Calypso Legacy: Grenada-born calypso icon Slinger “Mighty Sparrow” Francisco died at 91 in New York on Sept. 27, with tributes pouring in across the Caribbean and beyond for the “Calypso King of the World” who turned music into storytelling, satire, and social commentary. Local Culture & Community: Grenada’s own cultural spotlight continues with coverage of calypso’s roots and how the art form grew from enslaved Africans’ coded communication—plus fresh regional reflections on Sparrow’s impact. Music Training: SoundLeap’s first cohort of 16 students put live sound engineering skills to work at Sound Fest, with the next programme slated for April 2027. Sports & Youth: Ariza Credit Union boosted sponsorship of the Waggy T Super Knockout to $20,000, backing youth development through the tournament’s 16th year. Transport Watch: Grenada’s bus system is set for changes over the next three years, including a near-agreed fare increase and planned upgrades to major terminals.

Calypso Legacy: Grenada and the wider Caribbean are mourning the death of calypso icon Dr. Slinger “Mighty Sparrow” Francisco, who died in New York on Sept. 27 at 91, with tributes highlighting his Grenada roots, Trinidad upbringing, and decades of music that mixed humour, social truth, and cultural pride. Regional Culture & Policy: Trinidad and Tobago announced a state-assisted funeral for Sparrow, plus a national tribute and Calypso History Month observances. Local Arts Training: Grenada’s SoundLeap launched its first cohort of 16 students, who put live sound engineering skills to work at Sound Fest, with the next programme set for April 2027. Sports & Youth: Ariza Credit Union boosted sponsorship for the Waggy T Super Knockout to $20,000 as the tournament enters its 16th year. Sports Tourism: Grenada is expanding its calendar with the Grenada and Carriacou Open Water Swim (Nov. 19–22), featuring races and tours including the Underwater Sculpture Park. Community Spotlight: Republic Bank staff volunteered at the St Peter’s RC Church Soup Kitchen in Gouyave and donated a washing machine to support daily meals.

Calypso Legacy: Grenada and the wider Caribbean are mourning calypso icon Dr Slinger “Mighty Sparrow” Francisco, who died in New York at 91, with tributes pouring in from CARICOM leaders, regional governments, and international fans. State Tribute: Grenada’s Culture Minister Michelle Benjamin announced a state-assisted funeral, a national tribute, and condolence books opening across key cultural and public locations, while Calypso History Month begins soon in his memory. Remembering Sparrow: Multiple features revisit how “Birdie” turned calypso into Caribbean social commentary and storytelling, from his Grenada roots to his Trinidad rise and global impact. Local Culture & Community: In sports, RR Aquatic Competitive Swim Club marked its first overseas travel meet at the Grenfin Invitational, while the Grenada Table Tennis Association held a Players’ Engagement Forum focused on athlete development and governance. Sports Tourism: Grenada is gearing up for the Grenada and Carriacou Open Water Swim (19–22 Nov 2026), building a bigger calendar of visitor experiences beyond the usual season.

Calypso Legacy: Grenada-born calypso icon Slinger Francisco, the Mighty Sparrow, has died at 91 in New York, prompting tributes across the Caribbean and beyond for a career that carried Caribbean wit, satire and social truth worldwide. Regional Sports: The Grenada Table Tennis Association held a Players’ Engagement Forum to boost athlete development, governance and rights, with support from Olympic leaders and Sir Kirani James. Community & Giving Back: Republic Bank staff volunteered at St Peter’s RC Church Soup Kitchen in Gouyave and donated a 17kg washing machine to support daily meals. Sports Spotlight: RR Aquatic Competitive Swim Club made history with its first overseas travel meet at the Grenfin Invitational in Grenada, returning with medals and experience. Local Updates: The Grenada Transport Commission says its offices will close Thursday, 1 October, and reopen Friday, 2 October. Arts & Culture: Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission chair Elizabeth Makhoul hailed Sparrow as the region’s “voice” and cultural compass.

Calypso Tribute: Grenada and the wider Caribbean are mourning Slinger “Mighty Sparrow” Francisco, who died in New York at 91, with tributes pouring in from regional leaders and artists for a career that shaped calypso worldwide. Local Sports Tourism: Sandals Grenada is hosting Sandals Dive Week, bringing more than 75 scuba divers to explore sites like Black Forest and Japanese Garden plus the Molinere Underwater Sculpture Park. Grenada in the Spotlight: Grenada is expanding its sports tourism push with the Grenada and Carriacou Open Water Swim (19–22 November 2026), featuring races and destination experiences across both islands. Cricket Focus: West Indies women’s spinner Afy Fletcher says the team must refocus ahead of the final ODI against Zimbabwe, after a mixed start left the series tied 1-1. Football Update: Mansfield Town manager Nigel Clough gave a fitness blow on Lucas Akins’ hamstring injury, while also sharing hopes for a return ahead of Port Vale. Community & Culture: Gaea Conservation Network launches a Community Monitoring Project for priority species, with public Dove and Frog walks open for tour guides and residents.

Calypso Legacy: Grenada-born Slinger Francisco, the Mighty Sparrow, died in New York at 91 after a brief illness, and tributes poured in across the Caribbean—from CARICOM and regional prime ministers to Nicki Minaj—remembering how his songs carried the region’s laughter, struggles, and social commentary worldwide. Local Pride: Grenada’s tourism and culture minister Adrian Thomas said Sparrow’s Grenadian roots and storytelling transformed calypso into a vehicle for education, political commentary, and celebration. Parliament Moment: In St. Maarten’s parliament, MPs recalled a Sparrow performance in Maho that even political rivals shared in one night of music. Grenada Spotlight Beyond Music: In other entertainment-adjacent news, EllaLink launched its EllaLink Caribbean Gateway initiative to expand high-capacity fibre links across the region, with service targeted for end-2029.

Caribbean Music Loss: Grenada-born calypso icon Slinger Francisco, better known as The Mighty Sparrow, has died at 91 in New York after a brief illness, with tributes pouring in from regional leaders, artists, and cultural groups who remember him as a storyteller, social commentator, and mentor who helped define calypso and Carnival for generations. Local Culture & Tourism: Grenada’s Minister for Tourism, Creative Economy and Culture, Sen. Adrian Thomas, led condolences, highlighting Sparrow’s Grenadian roots and calling his songs enduring expressions of Caribbean heritage. Streaming Pick: For fans of lush period drama, ITVX is offering the acclaimed 1981 series Brideshead Revisited for free, starring Jeremy Irons and Anthony Andrews. Reality TV Buzz: The Below Deck cast has largely stayed quiet about Nathan Gallagher’s domestic violence arrest, as details about his case continue to circulate.

Calypso Legacy: Grenada joins the wider Caribbean in mourning Slinger Francisco, “The Mighty Sparrow,” who died at 91 in New York after a brief illness, with tributes pouring in from regional leaders and cultural groups. Born in Grand Roy, Grenada, he moved to Trinidad as a child and became the voice that shaped calypso, Carnival and Caribbean identity for seven decades—winning major titles with hits like “Jean and Dinah,” and penning hundreds of songs that mixed wit, politics and everyday life. Regional Tributes: Prime Minister Dr. Godwin Friday and other leaders praised Sparrow as a Caribbean icon whose music will endure. Faith and Farewell: His family said he was baptized in the Seventh-day Adventist faith before his passing and asked fans to honour him online while plans for a public celebration are made. Global Context: In a separate item, Barbados PM Mia Mottley invoked Emperor Haile Selassie’s “war” warning in a UN address, echoing the region’s focus on conflict and global inaction.

Calypso Loss: Grenada-born, Trinidad-raised legend Slinger “The Mighty Sparrow” Francisco has died at 91 in New York after a brief illness, with family saying he passed peacefully surrounded by loved ones; born in Grand Roy, he rose to calypso stardom with “Jean and Dinah” and went on to win major titles repeatedly, leaving a catalogue of sharp, witty social commentary that shaped Caribbean music for generations. Regional Tributes: Leaders across Trinidad and Tobago and CARICOM are mourning the “end of an era,” praising Sparrow as a cultural ambassador whose voice carried calypso far beyond Carnival. Grenada Spotlight: The news lands close to home for Grenadians who claim him as an internationally recognised cultural son, with plans for a public celebration of his life underway. Sports/Entertainment Mix: In football news, Colchester’s Jay Williams returned from international duty after a clearance issue, while St Kitts & Nevis prepare for Nations League action against Grenada.

Music & Culture: Grenada-born calypso icon Slinger Francisco—worldwide known as “The Mighty Sparrow”—has died at 91 in New York after a brief illness, with tributes pouring in from his family, Grenada’s Ministry of Culture, and CARICOM praising his decades-long hits and sharp social storytelling. Local Tourism: InterContinental Grenada Resort & Spa has unveiled its inaugural festive programme, promising Grenadian-inspired holiday dining, wellness experiences, family activities and New Year’s Eve celebrations ahead of its November opening. Community & Learning: FoodHub Grenada’s Reading Programme kept rolling through schools, with the team visiting Our Lady Help of Christian School (Beaulieu RC) to spark early reading joy in the Kindergarten class. Sports (Regional): Kenya’s Harambee Stars face Eritrea in their Afcon qualifier amid disrupted preparations after players reportedly declined training over unpaid allowances. Practical Life: Grenada issued traffic and transport notices for upcoming disruptions, including NDC rally road changes and reduced bus services after 7 pm on Monday.

Maritime Safety: Retired Coast Guard captain John Flores is training government ferry crews on emergency response after the MV Barima sinking, running drills on fires, abandon-ship, overboard rescues, and collisions. Grenada Politics & Community Life: Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell says Grenadians will learn the official general election date on 4 October, with the NDC “blowing the conch shell” in St Mark; meanwhile, the Parliamentary Elections Office announces a 100% waiver on CET and VAT for qualifying promotional and informational materials for registered parties and independents. Health & Awareness: St Andrew’s Development Organisation marks September and October with breast and prostate cancer awareness activities, including a Let’s Talk Prostate Cancer session and a community walk. Arts & Culture: Art House 473 highlights the 9th Grenada Contemporary, “Islands in Dialogue,” with workshops and a film screening; Grenadian multi-instrumentalist Jelani Moses prepares for a Guinness World Records violin marathon attempt in October. Sports: Harambee Stars open their 2027 Afcon qualifier vs Eritrea today after disrupted camp preparations. Tourism Business: Royal Caribbean’s US$3 billion 50% stake in Sandals and Beaches is framed as a major Caribbean tourism moment.

Grenada Election Watch: Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell says Grenadians will “blow the conch shell” in St Mark on 4 October, when the official election date will be announced (voting itself won’t necessarily be on that day). World Contraception Day: A Grenada-focused health piece marks 26 September’s theme, “No Barriers, Just Choices,” urging better access to reliable contraception to cut unintended pregnancy. Traffic & Transport: Police outline Sunday, 27 Sept rally road changes at St Paul’s, plus Woodlands pipeline works starting 28 Sept with one-way traffic and possible periodic closures; the National Bus Association warns of reduced services from 7 pm on 28 Sept. Community & Culture: FoodHub Grenada continues its school reading programme, while Art House 473 highlights the 9th Grenada Contemporary, “Islands in Dialogue,” with workshops and a film screening. Music Spotlight: Grenadian artist V’ghn wins Jab Artist of the Year at the Caribbean Music Awards. Cancer Awareness: St Andrew’s Development Organisation sets September–October breast and prostate awareness activities, including talks, services, a walk, and a health fair.

Grenada Arts & Culture: Art House 473 wrapped up the 9th Grenada Contemporary, “Islands in Dialogue,” with visiting artists Edward Bowen and Yao Ramesar leading workshops and a final film night. Caribbean Music Spotlight: Grenadian performer V’ghn took Jab Artist of the Year at the Caribbean Music Awards, adding to the region’s big CMA buzz. Local Community Reading: FoodHub Grenada kept its school reading programme rolling with interactive sessions for young learners at Our Lady Help of Christian School (Beaulieu RC). Sports & National Pride: Harambee Stars’ Kenya camp faces questions after players reportedly skipped training over unpaid allowances ahead of their AFCON qualifier vs Eritrea. Tourism Business Watch: Royal Caribbean Group agreed to invest about US$3 billion for a 50% stake in Sandals and Beaches, a major move for Caribbean hospitality. Grenada Public Notices: The Housing Authority of Grenada is relocating to IBH Tower (Woodlands) from 5 October; Sandino Office closes 28 Sept–2 Oct.

Caribbean Music Awards Spotlight: Grenadian artist V’ghn brought home Jab Artist of the Year and Jab Song of the Year as the CMA ceremony returned to the region in Trinidad & Tobago, while Dominica’s Mr. Ridge also scored a third straight Bouyon Artist of the Year win. Hollywood With Caribbean Roots: Nia Long received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, with her Grenada family ties again in the spotlight. Grenada Talent on Record Attempt: St. Patrick’s Jelani Moses is preparing for a Guinness World Records marathon playing violin from Oct. 24–26 at Plains Playing Field. Local Sports & Community: Sandals Grenada won the GCIC Inter-Sector Football Tournament, and the Sandals Foundation rallied 700+ volunteers across the Caribbean for International Coastal Cleanup Day, including a Grenada cleanup near Devil’s Bay. Grenada Business Recognition: Real Value Supermarket IGA’s Hassan Hadeed was named IGA International Retailer of the Year for the Caribbean. Tourism Deal That Could Reshape Travel: Royal Caribbean Group agreed to invest about US$3 billion for a 50% stake in Sandals and Beaches, with a landmark partnership expected to close in early 2027.