AGP Executive Report

UAE Travel Rules: The United Arab Emirates has published updated 2026 entry guidelines, confirming visa-free access for citizens of at least 70 countries and visa-free stays of up to 90 days for 49 destinations, with limits on work. Vincy Mas Cleanliness Push: St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ Tourism Ministry is teaming up with waste, health, police and town partners to launch “Love SVG,” distributing 85 bins across Kingstown and Arnos Vale to cut litter during Vincymas. Tourism Tech Milestone: SVG becomes the first country in the region to roll out the Regional Integrated Early Warning Surveillance System (RIEWSS), aiming to strengthen health security and tourism resilience. Community Tourism Drive: OECS is pushing community-based tourism as a growth engine, training member states to build stronger local tourism policies and action plans. Local Hospitality Win: SVG Hotel and Tourism Association says Restaurant Week “Taste of Vincy” was a success, with 44 restaurants spotlighting local food, farms and fisheries. Sports & Travel Calendar: St. Vincent and the Grenadines will be represented at ECVA beach volleyball events in St. Kitts, with coaching and referee courses running ahead of the U20 championships.

Tourism Leadership: St. Vincent and the Grenadines appoints Shafia London as CEO of the SVG Tourism Authority, taking over from Annette Mark on July 1 as the destination pushes ahead with stayover growth, new air links, and cruise plans. Vincy Mas Cleanliness Drive: The Tourism Ministry leads the “Love SVG” national appeal for Vincymas, backed by waste and health agencies and police, with 85 new bins rolling out across Kingstown and Arnos Vale to cut litter and keep visitor areas welcoming. Health Security for Tourism: SVG becomes the first in the region to launch the Regional Integrated Early Warning Surveillance System (RIEWSS), a digital platform meant to speed up public health threat detection and response, boosting emergency readiness and tourism resilience. Community Tourism Push: OECS steps up community-based tourism planning after a Saint Lucia workshop, aiming to put local communities at the centre of tourism benefits across member states. Food as a Travel Hook: A new look at Caribbean travel trends highlights how local food experiences—markets, street food and cultural meals—are increasingly driving destination choices, including content from St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Travel Deals: Qatar Airways offers select members double Avios and up to 10% off on bookings made by July 15 for travel through Dec 15, 2026.

Tourism & Environment: The Ministry of Tourism, Civil Aviation and Sustainable Development has launched the “Love SVG” cleanliness appeal for Vincymas, partnering with the Solid Waste Management Unit, police, Public Health, Kingstown Town Board and the Carnival Development Corporation to cut litter and protect the environment, with 85 waste bins placed across Kingstown and Arnos Vale and a push via traditional and digital media. Health Security for Visitors: St. Vincent and the Grenadines marked a regional first by successfully rolling out RIEWSS, an early warning surveillance system supported by CARPHA, aimed at faster detection and response to public health threats and boosting tourism resilience. Tourism Leadership: The SVG Tourism Authority has appointed Shafia London as CEO, taking over July 1 as the destination prepares for cruise growth and continued stayover momentum. Regional Tourism Growth: OECS is advancing community-based tourism across member states after a Saint Lucia workshop, focusing on putting local communities at the centre of tourism benefits. Sports & Travel: SVG athletes and officials are gearing up for regional events, including ECVA U20 beach volleyball in St. Kitts (July 10–12) and Vincentian representation at ECVA courses and championships. Local Crime Watch: Police are investigating the Peruvian Vale murder of 84-year-old Lida Lewis, with reports of rape not yet confirmed and multiple suspects detained.

Maritime Safety & Tourism Disruption: A “ghost boat” washed ashore in Trinidad after drifting in the Atlantic, with police saying they still don’t know who it belongs to—another reminder of how sea incidents can quickly become a travel and security concern for the wider region. Regional Tourism Growth: New data highlights Caribbean momentum in 2026, with St. Vincent and the Grenadines named among the fastest-growing destinations as stronger demand and connectivity lift stayover arrivals. Public Health & Visitor Readiness: St. Vincent and the Grenadines became the first in the region to launch RIEWSS, an early-warning surveillance system aimed at faster detection and response to health threats—expected to strengthen emergency preparedness and tourism resilience. Local Hospitality & Food Tourism: SVG Hotel and Tourism Association says Restaurant Week “Taste of Vincy” was a hit, linking local agriculture and fisheries to hotel and restaurant menus. Cruise & Port Plans: Tourism Minister Dr. Kishore Shallow says the cruise ship and ferry berth agreement with Global Ports Holdings includes termination clauses, with the deal framed as a long-term lease. Security Watch: Police continue investigating the Peruvian Vale murder of 84-year-old Lida Lewis, adding to ongoing concerns about violent crime. Sports Tourism: St. Vincent and the Grenadines will be represented at ECVA beach volleyball events in St. Kitts, with teams and officials set for July 6–12. Leadership for Tourism: Shafia London has been appointed CEO of the SVG Tourism Authority, taking over July 1 as the destination pushes ahead with new hotel and cruise-era plans.

Tourism Leadership: St. Vincent and the Grenadines has named Shafia London as the new CEO of the SVG Tourism Authority, taking over July 1 as the country pushes ahead with stayover growth and prepares for a new cruise era with Global Ports Holding. Public Health Alert: Health officials say new HIV infections are rising, with the highest numbers among ages 25–29 and men over 60, urging testing and safer sex ahead of VincyMas. Health Security Milestone: SVG becomes the first in the region to launch the Regional Integrated Early Warning Surveillance System (RIEWSS), a digital platform meant to speed detection and response to public health threats. Clean-Up Push for Carnival: Agencies including the police and public health department are rolling out 85 waste bins across Kingstown and Arnos Vale, urging locals and visitors to “Love SVG” and cut litter during peak festivities. Community Tourism Drive: OECS is pushing community-based tourism as a growth engine, training member states in policy planning so local communities benefit directly from tourism. Violent Crime Update: Police are investigating the murder of 84-year-old Lida Lewis in Peruvian Vale; at least four males are detained and a post-mortem is planned, as authorities warn of a wider homicide wave. Tourism Business: SVGHTA says Restaurant Week “Taste of Vincy” was a success, highlighting local produce links and featuring 44 participating restaurants.

Tourism Leadership: St. Vincent and the Grenadines has appointed Shafia London as CEO of the SVG Tourism Authority, taking over July 1 as the destination pushes ahead with stronger arrivals, new hotel investment, and plans for a new cruise era with Global Ports Holdings. Public Health & Travel Safety: Health officials are urging residents and visitors to get tested and practise safe sex as new HIV infections rise, with the highest numbers among ages 25–29 and men over 60—especially ahead of Vincy Mas. Clean Tourism Push: Kingstown and Arnos Vale are getting 85 new waste bins as part of a national “Love SVG” drive to cut littering during peak carnival foot traffic. Regional Tourism Strategy: OECS is advancing community-based tourism across member states after a Saint Lucia workshop focused on turning local communities into the main beneficiaries of tourism growth. Cruise Infrastructure: Tourism Minister Dr. Kishore Shallow says the SVG-GPH cruise berth deal includes termination clauses, with the agreement framed as a lease and backed by major planned investment. Local Crime Watch: Investigations continue into a Peruvian Vale murder of an 84-year-old woman, adding to a violent crime wave that has also included a July 1 killing in Mount Young.

Tourism Leadership: Shafia London has been appointed CEO of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Tourism Authority, taking over July 1 as the country pushes ahead with stronger arrivals, new hotel investment, and a cruise future tied to Global Ports Holding. Cruise Port Deal: Tourism Minister Dr. Kishore Shallow says the SVG–GPH berth agreement includes termination clauses if expectations aren’t met, with the government stressing it’s a lease (not a sale) after a 30-year MOU. Public Health & Travel Readiness: SVG became the first in the region to launch the Regional Integrated Early Warning Surveillance System (RIEWSS), aiming to improve rapid response and tourism resilience; health officials also urge testing and safe sex as HIV infections rise ahead of VincyMas. Clean Tourism Push: 85 waste bins have been deployed across Kingstown and Arnos Vale, with agencies calling on locals and visitors to “Love SVG” during peak carnival foot traffic. Regional Tourism Strategy: OECS is driving community-based tourism as a growth engine, training member states to put communities at the centre of tourism benefits. Safety & Security: Police are investigating the Peruvian Vale murder of 84-year-old Lida Lewis, with multiple suspects detained; the case adds to a violent crime wave. Visa Watch for Travellers: Reports on passport rankings highlight that the Indian passport offers visa-free access to 26 countries including SVG, while the Pakistani passport is ranked 100th with visa-free/VOA access to 30 destinations. Caribbean Travel Inspiration: A July travel roundup spotlights nine Caribbean islands for last-minute vacations, including Nassau/Paradise Island.

Tourism Leadership: St. Vincent and the Grenadines has appointed Shafia London as the new CEO of the Tourism Authority, taking over from Annette Mark on July 1 as the destination pushes ahead with stronger stayover arrivals, new air links, fresh hotel investment, and a cruise partnership with Global Ports Holding. Cruise & Port Deal: Tourism Minister Dr. Kishore Shallow says the SVG–Global Ports Holdings cruise ship and ferry berth agreement includes termination clauses if either side is dissatisfied, with the deal framed as a lease after a 30-year MOU signed in June. HIV Alert for Visitors & Locals: Health officials report rising HIV infections, with the highest numbers among ages 25–29 and men over 60, urging testing and safer sex ahead of VincyMas. Community Tourism Push: OECS is training member states on community-based tourism policy, aiming to put local communities at the centre of tourism benefits. Public Safety & Crime: Police continue investigating the Peruvian Vale murder of 84-year-old Lida Lewis, with several men detained and a post-mortem scheduled; the case adds to a wider homicide wave. Sports & Travel: SVG basketball and volleyball teams are in motion for regional competitions, with the men’s squad training in Trinidad before heading to Guyana for FIBA AmeriCup pre-qualifiers.

Violent Crime Update: Police are investigating the murder of 84-year-old Lida Lewis in Peruvian Vale, with at least four men detained and a post-mortem scheduled; reports say she may have been raped, but authorities have not confirmed details. Tourism & Safety: Another shooting has shocked Canouan, where 37-year-old Scottish national Daniel Vettrino was found dead with multiple gunshot wounds; police say a post-mortem will determine the cause and investigations continue, with local media linking the case to a separate missing-plane probe. Public Health: Health officials report rising HIV infections, especially among ages 25–29 and men over 60, urging testing and safer sex ahead of VincyMas. Tourism Leadership: Shafia London has been appointed CEO of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Tourism Authority, taking over July 1 as cruise and stayover growth accelerates. Cruise & Ports: Tourism Minister Dr. Kishore Shallow says the Global Ports Holdings berth agreement includes termination clauses if expectations aren’t met. Food Tourism: SVG Hotel and Tourism Association praises Restaurant Week “Taste of Vincy,” highlighting 44 participating restaurants and stronger links between hospitality and local farms. Sports Travel: SVG’s men’s basketball team heads to Trinidad for training before the FIBA AmeriCup 2029 pre-qualifiers in Guyana. Regional Tourism Strategy: OECS pushes community-based tourism as a growth engine, training member states on CBT policy and action planning.

Violent Crime Update: Police have launched investigations into the killing of 84-year-old farmer Lida Lewis in Peruvian Vale, with reports she was raped still unconfirmed; at least four men are in custody and investigators are checking whether the murder links to an earlier incident at her property. Tourism Growth Watch: A regional tourism roundup highlights momentum across the Caribbean, with Anguilla leading first-quarter stayover growth (+24.6%), while the wider report notes stronger airlift and new hotel supply driving visitor numbers. Local Tourism & Hospitality: SVG Hotel and Tourism Association says Restaurant Week “Taste of Vincy” was a success, with 44 restaurants spotlighting local agriculture and fisheries, plus farm tours and mixology training. Health Alert for Visitors: Health officials report rising HIV infections, especially among ages 25–29 and men over 60, urging testing and safer sex ahead of VincyMas. Sports & Travel: SVG’s men’s senior basketball team heads to Trinidad for pre-tournament training, then to Guyana for FIBA AmeriCup 2029 Caribbean Pre-Qualifiers (July 6–13). Regional Tourism Strategy: OECS is pushing community-based tourism as a growth engine, training member states to turn local communities into primary beneficiaries of tourism.

Tourism Leadership: Shafia London has been appointed CEO of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Tourism Authority, taking over from Annette Mark on July 1 as the country pushes ahead with new hotel investment and cruise plans. Cruise Development: Tourism Minister Dr. Kishore Shallow says the SVG–Global Ports Holdings (GPH) cruise berth deal includes termination clauses, with the government stressing it’s a lease, not a sale. Local Food & Hospitality: The SVG Hotel and Tourism Association hailed 2026 Restaurant Week “Taste of Vincy,” featuring 44 restaurants, farm and model-farm visits, and training tied to local agriculture, fisheries, and rum. Community Tourism Push: OECS is rolling out community-based tourism capacity building in Saint Lucia, aiming to put local communities at the centre of tourism growth across member states. Health Alert (HIV): Health officials report rising HIV infections, especially among ages 25–29 and men over 60, urging testing and safer sex ahead of VincyMas. Sports & Travel: SVG’s men’s senior basketball team departs July 3 for Trinidad for training before competing in Guyana at the FIBA AmeriCup 2029 Caribbean Pre-Qualifiers (July 6–13). Safety & Security: Police are investigating the fatal shooting of a Scottish man, Daniel Vettrino, in Canouan, with a post-mortem planned and reports of arrests linked to the case.

Maritime Security: The IMO says conditions are worsening for three crews held by Somali pirates, urging urgent international action as the captain of the MT Honour 25 reports unsafe water, reduced food, and health problems after rival factions exchanged gunfire. Naval Response: In the Gulf of Aden, the Indian Navy says it foiled a pirate attack on the St. Vincent and the Grenadines-flagged MV Golden Arsenal, with all 21 crew safe after sheltering in the citadel. Tourism Development: OECS tourism officials in Saint Lucia rolled out community-based tourism capacity building, pushing local communities to lead and benefit from tourism. Local Tourism Leadership: St. Vincent and the Grenadines Tourism Authority has appointed Shafia London as CEO effective July 1, as the country prepares for a new cruise era with Global Ports Holdings. Health Alert: Health officials warn HIV infections are rising ahead of VincyMas, with highest new cases among ages 25–29 and men over 60, urging testing and safer sex. Cruise Berth Deal: Tourism Minister Dr. Kishore Shallow says the SVG-GPH cruise and ferry berth agreement includes termination clauses if expectations aren’t met. Public Safety: Police continue investigating the shooting death of a Scottish man, Danny Vettrino, on Canouan, with a post-mortem planned and reports of detentions for questioning. Sports & Travel: SVG’s men’s senior basketball team heads to Guyana for FIBA AmeriCup 2029 Caribbean pre-qualifiers after a training camp in Trinidad.

Tourism Leadership: St. Vincent and the Grenadines Tourism Authority has named Vincentian executive Shafia London as its new CEO, taking over July 1 as the country pushes ahead with stayover growth and prepares for a new cruise era with Global Ports Holdings. Cruise Berth Deal: Tourism Minister Dr. Kishore Shallow says the government’s 30-year cruise and ferry berth MOU with Global Ports Holdings includes termination clauses if expectations aren’t met, with major planned investment. Local Food Push: Hotel and tourism leaders are urging local hoteliers to feature more locally produced food, following Restaurant Week’s “A Taste of Vincy” push. Health & Travel Safety: Health officials report rising HIV infections, especially among ages 25–29 and men over 60, urging testing and condom use ahead of VincyMas travel and festivities. Public Safety Incident: Police are investigating the shooting death of Scottish national Daniel Vettrino in Canouan, with a post-mortem planned and reports of detentions for questioning. Regional Sports: SVG’s men’s senior basketball team will compete in FIBA AmeriCup 2029 Caribbean pre-qualifiers in Guyana after a training camp in Trinidad.

Tourism Leadership: St. Vincent and the Grenadines Tourism Authority has appointed Shafia London as its new CEO, taking over July 1 as the destination prepares for a new cruise era with Global Ports Holding. Cruise Berth Deal: Tourism Minister Dr. Kishore Shallow says the port agreement with Global Ports Holdings includes termination clauses if expectations aren’t met, with the government stressing it’s a lease, not a sale. Local Food Push: Hotel and tourism stakeholders are being urged to plug into a national effort to promote local produce, following Restaurant Week “A Taste of Vincy.” Health Alert (HIV): Health officials report rising HIV infections, especially among ages 25–29 and men over 60, urging testing and safer sex ahead of VincyMas. Public Safety/Travel Risk: Police are investigating the fatal shooting of Scottish national Daniel Vettrino in Canouan, with reports linking the case to broader security questions. Regional Sports: SVG’s men’s senior basketball team heads to Guyana for FIBA AmeriCup 2029 Caribbean pre-qualifiers after a training camp in Trinidad.

Tourism & Ports: Tourism Minister Dr. Kishore Shallow says the new port deal with Global Ports Holdings (GPH) includes termination clauses if expectations aren’t met, as the government stresses it’s a lease (not a sale) for 30 years with major investment planned. HIV Alert for Visitors: Health officials report rising HIV infections in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, with the highest new cases among ages 25–29 and men over 60, urging testing and condom use ahead of VincyMas. Tourism Leadership: Shafia London has been named new CEO of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Tourism Authority, with the ministry citing her marketing and administrative experience. Local Food Push: Hoteliers are being urged to join a national effort to promote local produce as Restaurant Week “A Taste of Vincy” wraps up. Safety & Travel Concerns: Police continue investigating the shooting death of a Scottish man, Danny Vettrino, in Canouan, while reports also link the case to wider regional security questions. Aviation for Farmers: Argyle International Airport says Executive Air’s new regional cargo service will help tourism and give local farmers better routes to export produce.

Local Produce Push: St. Vincent hoteliers are being urged to join a national drive to promote local produce, with the call coming from the SVG Hotel and Tourism Association president during Restaurant Week at Holiday Inn & Suites, Diamond. Cruise Port Terms: Tourism Minister Dr. Kishore Shallow says the government’s 30-year cruise ship and ferry berth MOU with Global Ports Holdings will include termination clauses if expectations aren’t met. HIV Alert for Carnival: Health officials report rising HIV infections, especially among ages 25–29 and men over 60, urging testing and safer sex ahead of Vincy Mas. Tourism Leadership: Shafia London has been appointed CEO of the SVG Tourism Authority, set to take up the role July 1. Safety and Security: Police continue investigating the fatal shooting of a Scottish man, Daniel Vettrino, at Canouan’s Gym Hill area; reports also link the case to a missing aircraft probe. Aviation for Farmers: Argyle International Airport announces Executive Air’s new regional cargo service aimed at boosting tourism supply chains and helping local farmers export produce.