AGP Executive Report

Soca Spotlight: Spotify has picked Grenadian soca star V’ghn for its global 2026 Carnival Sounds campaign, putting his music and likeness on Spotify platforms and UK billboards during the Notting Hill Carnival 60th-anniversary season. Music & Culture: Dominica’s World Creole Music Festival (WCMF) 2026 is set for Oct 23–25 with big names including NE-YO, Machel Montano, Maxi Priest, Alkaline, Skillibeng, Uncle Waffles, Capleton and Grenada’s V’ghn. Caribbean Media: A Caribbean-wide search is underway for the next Red Carpet Media Correspondent for the Caribbean Music Awards in Trinidad & Tobago, with the winner getting flights, accommodation, and a red-carpet role. Cruise Entertainment: Saga Cruises adds Welsh singer Katherine Jenkins to its 73-night South America voyage in 2027, with two performances in the ship’s theatre. Sports (Local Pride): Anderson Peters helped Grenada shine in the Lausanne Diamond League, finishing third behind Neeraj Chopra and Rumesh Pathirage.

Caribbean Music Awards Spotlight: Dominican media producer Jael Joseph has launched a Caribbean-wide search for a new red-carpet media correspondent, offering one winner flights, accommodation, and the chance to interview artists at the Sept. 19, 2026 awards in Trinidad & Tobago. Spotify Carnival Push: Grenada soca star V’ghn was selected by Spotify as the island’s representative for the global 2026 “Carnival Sounds” campaign, with his music and likeness set to roll out across Spotify platforms and UK billboards. Dominica Festival Buzz: Dominica’s World Creole Music Festival (Oct. 23–25) is stacking its lineup with NE-Yo, Machel Montano, Maxi Priest, Alkaline, Skillibeng, Uncle Waffles, Capleton and Fridayy—plus Grenada’s V’ghn. Grenada Arts & Nature: Laluna Art Studio & Gallery opens John Griffith’s first solo wildlife photography exhibition on Aug. 28, running through November, spotlighting Grenada’s marine and terrestrial biodiversity. Youth & Culture: Grenada delegates Tariq Miller and Kerri Ann Marrast represented the island at the Commonwealth Youth Parliament in Sydney under “Democracy in the Age of Artificial Intelligence.”

Caribbean Music Awards: Dominican media personality Jael Joseph has launched a Caribbean-wide search for an emerging red-carpet media correspondent, offering flights, accommodation, and the chance to interview stars at the Sept. 19, 2026 awards in Trinidad & Tobago. Soca on Spotify: Grenada’s V’ghn was picked to represent soca in Spotify’s 2026 Carnival Sounds campaign, with his image and performances set to roll out across Spotify platforms and UK billboards. Dominica’s WCMF lineup: World Creole Music Festival returns Oct. 23–25 with big names like NE-Yo, Machel Montano, Maxi Priest, Alkaline, Skillibeng, Uncle Waffles, Capleton, Fridayy—and Grenada’s V’ghn among the regional acts. Photography in Grenada: Laluna Art Studio & Gallery opens John Griffith’s first solo wildlife photography exhibition on Aug. 28, running through November. Education & youth: Grenada shares orientation dates and eBooks for Forms 1–3, while two Grenadians represent the island at the Commonwealth Youth Parliament in Sydney. Local arts & culture: Carriacou Museum is pushing a rebuild costing over EC$1 million to create a climate-resilient, tech-savvy museum. Streaming buzz: Apple TV’s Slow Horses is climbing charts ahead of Season 6 on Sept. 16.

Carnival Spotlight: Grenada’s Spicemas 2026 kept the energy high with feathered “Pretty Mas” beauty and the deep-rooted Jab Jab tradition in J’ouvert, tracing back to 1834 and the reclaiming of Black resistance through horns, drums, and symbolic chains. Streaming Buzz: Apple TV’s spy hit Slow Horses is climbing charts again ahead of Season 6 on Sept. 16, with a trailer tease and a format tweak plus a surprising return. Music Charts: Masicka and Kraff Gad’s “Honor Roll” has hit No. 1 on Apple Music across five countries, showing major regional momentum. Youth & Culture: Grenada was represented at the 13th Commonwealth Youth Parliament in Sydney, with delegates debating “Democracy in the Age of Artificial Intelligence,” and plans now underway for December youth elections. Sports Leadership: Grenada Athletic Association gears up for an elective general meeting on Aug. 22 as new leadership approaches. Local Life: PURC wrapped its 2026 Summer School Outreach, reaching 1,679 students with lessons on renewable energy and conservation.

Local Tragedy: A two-year-old boy, Amir Nyack, died after an apparent drowning near an irrigation canal in Telescope, St Andrew, with family members searching for about 45 minutes before his grandmother found him unresponsive. Streaming Buzz: Apple TV’s spy thriller Slow Horses is climbing charts ahead of Season 6 (Sept. 16), with a trailer teasing returning characters and a fresh format shift. Music Spotlight: Dominica’s WCMF 2026 (Oct. 23–25) is set to bring big names like Ne-Yo, Machel Montano, Maxi Priest, Alkaline, Skillibeng, Uncle Waffles and Grenada’s V’ghn. Regional Charts: Masicka and Kraff Gad’s “Honor Roll” hit No. 1 on Apple Music in five countries, including Grenada, as fans push the collab past a Marley-feature track. Entertainment Industry Alert: Reports of tougher U.S. visa scrutiny and revocations have Caribbean entertainers on edge, with Tian Winter among those reportedly affected. Sports & Culture: The Grenada Football Association says scholarship pathways in the U.S. are growing, with seven male players at State Fair Community College and two females starting at Iowa Central. Carnival Talk: Platinum Kids Mas is teaming up with Kaios Kids Mas for “Mele – The Circle of Life,” a Lion King-inspired Junior Carnival production.

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.