AGP Executive Report

Spicemas Music Buzz: Grenadian soca star Lil Kerry is turning heads with “Mayhem,” after placing 3rd at Power Soca and climbing to No. 1 on iTunes Grenada Top Songs (plus “Upset” also rising on Apple Music). Local Sports Pathways: The Grenada Football Association says 7 male and 2 female Grenadian footballers are on US scholarships, building talent through college football. Carriacou Culture & Heritage: The Carriacou Museum rebuilding push is underway, with a price tag of over EC$1 million for a climate-resilient, tech-savvy new facility. Regional Digital Focus: Grenada will host the Caribbean Internet Governance Forums (CIGF and youth forum) in a hybrid format. Boxing Development: The Boxing Association of Grenada is now an Endorsed Member of World Boxing, opening doors for athletes. Chess for All Ages: The Grenada Chess Federation runs a free Chess Summer Camp (17–21 Aug), with one-day extensions in Carriacou and Grenville. Carnival Costume Craft: UK-based Grenadian artist GOOGLE CLARY Salandy is helping shape Carnival Mas workshops at the Barbican for the Sankofa Carnival Band.

Opry Spotlight: Grenadian-linked musician Charlie Worsham was welcomed into the Grand Ole Opry, with the moment folded into his show and praised for his songwriting and musicianship beyond radio-friendly hits. Carnival Culture: A fresh look at Antigua Carnival highlights how the island keeps its own identity, while Grenada’s Spicemas coverage is hit by an accreditation snag that left major stage events uncovered. Soca Heat: Lil Kerry’s “Mayhem” keeps climbing—3rd at Power Soca, No. 1 on iTunes Grenada Top Songs, and pushing “Upset” up the charts—while Sabrina Francis makes history as the first woman in 11 years to win Groovy Soca Monarch. Sports & Talent: The Grenada Football Association backs FIFA president Gianni Infantino after FIFA scrapped a controversial commercial plan, even as other federations like Scotland pull support. Local Community: The Grenada Chess Federation launches its free summer camp across Grenada, Carriacou and Grenville, running 17–21 August. Regional Track & Field: World Athletics presidential hopeful Ximena Restrepo argues for more consistent competition for athletes outside Europe, pointing to the Carifta Games as a model.

World Athletics: Ximena Restrepo, a presidential hopeful, says track and field needs a stronger post-school pathway for athletes from smaller federations, pushing for a wider competition circuit across the Americas and Caribbean. Governance & Transparency: Public policy critic John Rullow blasted the Dickon Mitchell administration as “most corrupt,” urging Grenadians to demand procurement transparency and stronger accountability. Public Sector Spotlight: Grenada’s Public Sector Entities conference gets a major boost as Ernst & Young signs on as exclusive executive sponsor for Day One (23–24 Sept 2026). Local Sports & Boxing: The Boxing Association of Grenada is now an endorsed member of World Boxing, opening doors for Grenadian fighters at sanctioned local, regional, and international events. Soca & Spicemas Buzz: Lil Kerry’s “Mayhem” keeps climbing—3rd at Power Soca, No. 1 on iTunes Grenada Top Songs, and a standout Spicemas performance. Carriacou Marina Dispute: Tyrell Bay Marina renews its request to access a fenced boatyard area, tied to a long-running mangrove expansion land dispute. Visa Shockwaves for Artists: Reports of tighter U.S. visa scrutiny and revocations are putting Caribbean entertainers on alert, including Grenadian soca performers and touring bands. Chess for All Ages: Grenada Chess Federation’s free summer camp runs 17–21 Aug, with one-day sessions in Carriacou and Grenville.

Soca Spotlight: Lil Kerry’s “Mayhem” keeps climbing after a 3rd-place Power Soca finish, hitting No. 1 on iTunes Grenada Top Songs and pushing more Spicemas momentum. Groovy Monarch: Sabrina Francis made history as the first woman in 11 years to win Groovy Soca Monarch, bringing extra “edge” to hold her own in a male-heavy field. Carnival Coverage: The New Today says it was blocked from Spicemas 2026 accreditation for major shows, leaving it to cover mostly street events. Visa Pressure on Artists: A widening U.S. visa crackdown is putting Caribbean entertainers on alert, with reports of revocations and denials affecting touring plans. Football Politics: Grenada FA reaffirmed support for FIFA President Gianni Infantino as Scotland withdrew its backing ahead of the 2027 election. Local Sports Development: Grenada Chess Federation’s free Chess Summer Camp runs 17–21 August, with one-day extensions in Carriacou and Grenville. Boxing Growth: Boxing Association of Grenada is now an Endorsed Member of World Boxing, opening doors for international-style competition.

Spicemas 2026 Music Buzz: Soca standout Lil Kerry’s “Mayhem” keeps climbing—after a 3rd-place Power Soca finish, it hit No. 1 on iTunes Grenada Top Songs and also charted on Apple Music, with “Upset” following close behind. Carnival Culture & Mas: Platinum Kids Mas is teaming up with Kaios Kids Mas for Junior Carnival in West Indian-American Day Carnival, with “Mele – The Circle of Life” spotlighting Pride Rock-inspired female characters. Groovy Soca Spotlight: Sabrina Francis made history as the first woman in 11 years to win Groovy Soca Monarch, bringing a sharper edge to her performance. Local Sports Development: The Grenada Chess Federation launches its free Chess Summer Camp (17–21 Aug), with one-day extensions in Carriacou and Grenville. Regional Entertainment Policy Watch: A widening U.S. visa crackdown is putting Caribbean entertainers on alert, with reported revocations and denials stirring uncertainty across the music industry. Football Governance: Grenada’s GFA backs FIFA President Gianni Infantino after FIFA withdrew a controversial business initiative, praising the move as unity-focused.

Soca Spotlight: Lil Kerry’s “Mayhem” is turning heads for Spicemas 2026, landing at No. 1 on iTunes Grenada Top Songs after a big run that followed his Power Soca 3rd-place finish. Carnival Culture: Platinum Kids Mas is teaming up with Kaios Kids Mas for Junior Carnival, with “Mele – The Circle of Life” inspired by Pride Rock from The Lion King, and a fresh push for top-three placements. Groovy Monarch: Sabrina Francis made history as the first woman in 11 years to win Grenada’s Groovy Soca Monarch, leaning into a sharper edge to hold her own against the men. Local Sports & Community: The Grenada Chess Federation’s free Chess Summer Camp runs 17–21 August, with one-day extensions in Carriacou and Grenville. Regional Entertainment Pressure: A U.S. visa crackdown is putting Caribbean entertainers on alert, with reports of revocations and added scrutiny shaking the music industry’s access to the American market. Football Governance: Grenada’s FA backs FIFA President Gianni Infantino after he withdrew a controversial initiative, praising the move as unity-focused.

Soca Spotlight: Lil Kerry’s “Mayhem” keeps climbing after a Power Soca 3rd-place finish, hitting No. 1 on iTunes Grenada Top Songs and pushing “Upset” up the charts as Spicemas 2026 momentum builds. Carnival Culture: Sen. Quinc Britton congratulates the winners of Grenada’s 2026 Traditional Mas, praising the craft and urging bands to pass the tradition to young people. Spicemas Coverage Gap: The New Today says it couldn’t get Spicemas accreditation, limiting its coverage mainly to street events instead of major Queen Show, Soca Monarch, Panorama and Dimanche Gras. Regional Arts & Learning: OECS rolls out a Regional Child Policy and Strategic Plan (2026–2032) with UNICEF support, while SKIP advances a digital learning ecosystem for post-secondary education via major software milestones in Grenada. Sports Development: Grenada Chess Summer Camp runs 17–21 August, with one-day camps in Carriacou and Grenville, and registration is free at grenadachess.com. Governance & Relief: Government publishes a preliminary list for businesses eligible for Grenada’s VAT-Free Weekend under the Cost of Living Assistance Programme, with appeals due by 19 August.

Grenada Carnival & music: Lil Kerry’s Spicemas 2026 track “Mayhem” keeps climbing—he hit No. 1 on the iTunes Grenada Top Songs chart after placing 3rd at Power Soca, while “Upset” also charts on Apple Music. Steelpan spotlight: Nexa New Dimension Steel Orchestras celebrated a big Panorama haul, with the Juniors taking second place and the Seniors winning their 15th National Championship title. Traditional Mas: Sen. Quinc Britton congratulated the 2026 Traditional Mas competition winners, urging bands and young people to keep the craft and culture alive. Soca culture: “Mayhem” is also being framed as a Spicemas 2026 “Mayhem” moment, as the soca scene buzzes around the new releases. Sports & community: The Grenada Chess Federation’s free Summer Camp runs 17–21 August, with one-day sessions in Carriacou and Grenville. Regional entertainment industry: Reports of U.S. visa crackdowns have put Caribbean entertainers on alert, with Grenadian and regional acts watching closely.

FIFA Politics: The Grenada Football Association has backed FIFA President Gianni Infantino after he withdrew a controversial “Forward Enterprise” plan, praising his “swift action” and warning it won’t support moves that bypass FIFA’s processes. Soca Spotlight: Lil Kerry’s Spicemas 2026 track “Mayhem” is climbing hard—No. 1 on iTunes Grenada Top Songs—after a strong Power Soca run, while “Upset” keeps gaining traction. Spicemas Culture: Sen. Quinc Britton congratulated winners of Grenada’s 2026 Traditional Mas competition, urging bands to pass the tradition to young people. Regional Music Industry: A U.S. visa crackdown is putting Caribbean entertainers on alert, with reports of revocations and tighter scrutiny shaking the music circuit. Sports & Community: The Grenada Chess Federation’s free Chess Summer Camp runs 17–21 August, with one-day stops in Carriacou and Grenville. Development Watch: CDB and the World Bank agreed follow-up actions to speed up delivery on Grenada’s active projects, including water, health, education, agriculture and renewable energy.

Boxing Spotlight: The Grenada Olympic Committee says the Boxing Association of Grenada is now an Endorsed Member of World Boxing, opening doors for Grenadian boxers in international Olympic-style events. Carnival & Culture: A Grenada traditional mas win round-up has Sen. Quinc Britton praising bands and urging the craft be passed to young people. Chess for All Ages: The Grenada Chess Federation’s free summer camp runs 17–21 August, with one-day stops in Carriacou and Grenville, and registration via grenadachess.com. Soca Headlines: Sabrina Francis makes history as the first woman in 11 years to win Groovy Soca Monarch, while Calypso Monarch ends in a rare tie between Sour Serpent and Lil Jelo. Steelband Pride: Nexa New Dimension celebrates major Panorama success, including a 15th national senior title and strong junior results. Arts on the World Stage: Grenada’s Biennale di Venezia pavilion continues through 22 November, with critic Valentina Minniti highlighting Edward Bowen’s work. Sports Development: A regional U-12 tennis event in T&T includes Grenada among the teams heading to the CFU challenge pathway.

Groovy Soca Spotlight: Sabrina Francis made history as the first woman in 11 years to win Grenada’s Groovy Soca Monarch, taking the title with “Honour You” after a tight battle on Bacchanal Friday. Power Soca Moment: Rio “Snakey” St Paul crowned Power Soca Monarch, adding another Spicemas milestone to the night. Steelband Pride: Nexa New Dimension Steel Orchestras grabbed their 15th National Senior Panorama title, scoring 281 points with Cordel Byam’s arrangement of Sakinah’s “I Got Me.” Traditional Mas Recognition: Sen. Quinc Britton congratulated winners of the 2026 Traditional Mas Competition, praising creativity and urging bands to pass the tradition to young people. Arts & Culture Abroad: Grenada’s pavilion at the Biennale di Venezia continues through Nov. 22, spotlighting artist Edward Bowen and expanding the island’s international art network. Local Development: CDB and the World Bank agreed follow-up actions after a Grenada portfolio review covering water, health, education, energy and more. Back-to-School Dates: The Ministry of Education set staff prep for Aug. 24–28, with classes starting Aug. 31 for the 2026–2027 academic year.

Steelband Glory: Nexa New Dimension Steel Orchestra sealed a landmark 15th National Senior Panorama title, scoring 281 points for Cordel Byam’s arrangement of Sakinah’s “I Got Me,” with Republic Bank Angel Harps second and IMA Rainbow City All Stars third. Soca Monarch Buzz: Bacchanal Friday crowned Sabrina Francis as Groovy Soca Monarch and Rio “Snakey” St Paul as Power Soca Monarch in a headline night for Spicemas. Calypso Crown Clash: Sour Serpent and Lil Jelo tied for Calypso Monarch first place, both hitting 494 points, capping a standout season for Grenada’s carnival voices. Grenada Arts on the World Stage: Grenada’s pavilion at the 2026 Biennale di Venezia continues through Nov. 22, spotlighting critic Valentina Minniti’s take on Edward Bowen’s intimate “correspondences” painting. Local Culture & Safety: Police added extra parking areas for remaining National Stadium carnival shows to keep traffic moving smoothly. Weather Watch: NEMA is monitoring a mid-Atlantic low pressure system that could develop into a tropical depression near the Eastern Caribbean this weekend. Tourism Policy Headline: The U.S. visa bond plan goes permanent for 50 countries, and travel groups warn it could sharply cut tourism.

Spicemas Spotlight: Bacchanal Friday crowned Sabrina Francis as Groovy Soca Monarch and Rio “Snakey” St Paul as Power Soca Monarch, with the finals packed tight and big stage experience already changing Sabrina’s approach. Steelband Glory: Nexa New Dimension Steel Orchestra grabbed their 15th National Senior Panorama title, scoring 281 points for Cordel Byam’s arrangement of Sakinah’s “I Got Me,” while the Juniors also turned heads at Children’s Carnival Frolic. Calypso Crown: Sour Serpent and Lil Jelo tied for Calypso Monarch first place, both landing 494 points in a landmark finish. Grenada Pavilion at Venice: Curator Susan Mains highlights Grenada’s 9th Biennale di Venezia appearance, with Edward Bowen’s intimate “correspondences” theme running until Nov. 22. Local Tech Talk: A Grenada AI push gets a reality check with a call for a “sunset test” so pilots don’t quietly become permanent. Weather Watch: NEMA is monitoring Invest 92L in the mid-Atlantic, warning there’s no official watch or warning yet but conditions could turn by this weekend. Tourism & Safety: Updates continue in the search for missing Cary, North Carolina visitor Liz Waddell, with her husband now saying drowning seems the most likely scenario. Hospitality Upgrade: InterContinental Grenada Resort & Spa is taking reservations for Nov. 4 openings at La Sagesse, bringing a major new luxury brand to the corridor.

Panorama Pride: Nexa Credit Union is celebrating Nexa New Dimension’s 15th National Senior Panorama title, with Cordel Byam’s arrangement of Sakinah’s “I Got Me” earning 281 points, plus strong showings from the Juniors. Spicemas Spotlight: Bacchanal Friday crowned Sabrina Francis as Groovy Soca Monarch and Rio “Snakey” St Paul as Power Soca Monarch, adding fresh momentum to Grenada’s carnival season. Calypso Headlines: The 2026 Calypso Monarch competition ended in a historic tie as Sean “Sour Serpent” Niles and Jelonie “Lil Jelo” Fleming both scored 494 points. Local Culture With a Message: Suspended Grenadian Catholic priest Father Gerard Paul is competing as “Father Paul,” using calypso as his “pulpit” to speak on Gaza and sexual abuse in the church. Travel Disruption Watch: LIAT has updated schedules after disruptions, with changes running through Tuesday and passengers urged to check official channels. Digital Policy: Grenada’s AI push gets a reality check—public AI pilots should include a “sunset test” so experiments don’t quietly become permanent. Youth Focus: International Youth Day 12 August 2026 highlights Caribbean-wide work like the REACH Project, supporting adolescent health through webinars and training.

Soca Spotlight: Bacchanal Friday crowned two new Spicemas monarchs—Sabrina Francis wins Groovy Soca Monarch and Rio “Snakey” St Paul takes Power Soca Monarch in a big Grenada carnival night. Calypso & Community: A suspended Grenadian Catholic priest, Father Gerard Paul (“Father Paul”), is using calypso as his new “pulpit,” competing at Spicemas while speaking out on Gaza and sexual abuse in the church. Local Business & Tourism: Renegade Rum Distillery is up for sale, with the pitch focused on its modern plant, growth potential, and the relationships that could boost Grenada’s spirits profile. Arts & Culture: Nexa New Dimension Steel Orchestra captured its 15th National Senior Panorama title, while the Calypso Monarch finals ended in a historic tie between Sour Serpent and Lil Jelo. Health & Services: Grenada’s Psychiatric Outpatient Clinic in St Andrew is temporarily relocating to the Sabb Resource and Wellness Centre as refurbishment begins at Grand Bras. Travel Updates: LIAT has adjusted schedules after ongoing disruptions, with revised services running through Tuesday. Public Notices: RGPF added extra parking areas for remaining National Stadium carnival shows to keep traffic moving smoothly.

Soca Spotlight: Bacchanal Friday crowned two new Spicemas monarchs—Sabrina Francis wins Groovy Soca Monarch and Rio “Snakey” St Paul takes Power Soca Monarch in a big Grenada carnival moment. Calypso Crown: The 2026 Calypso Monarch finale ended in a historic tie as Sean “Sour Serpent” Niles and Jelonie “Lil Jelo” Fleming both scored 494 points. Local Arts & Culture: A suspended Grenadian Catholic priest, Father Gerard Paul (“Father Paul”), is using calypso as his new “pulpit,” competing at Spicemas while speaking out on Gaza and allegations of sexual abuse in the church. Hospitality & Tourism: La Sagesse is set for another luxury boost with the InterContinental Grenada Resort & Spa accepting reservations from Nov. 4, adding major facilities near Six Senses. Community & Safety: Grenada’s National Stadium carnival shows will have extra public parking areas added to help manage crowds and traffic. Education Support: The Ministry of Education begins distributing QR Code vouchers under the School Supplies and Uniform Assistance Programme to approved parents and guardians. Rum Business: Renegade Rum Distillery’s sale is being pitched as a growth-ready, state-of-the-art plant with room to expand production and visitor appeal. Travel Disruption: LIAT continues adjusting its flight schedule after disruptions, with updated services running through Tuesday.