AGP Executive Report

Reggae Therapy Festival 2026: Martinique’s Reggae Therapy returns July 11-12 at Stade Louis Achille in Fort-de-France, with big names like Tarrus Riley, Julian Marley, Barrington Levy and Alborosie plus local artists, food and crafts, and a “Martinquiqualité” cultural vibe aimed at drawing visitors. Chlordecone compensation push: A new French legal step formally recognizes the State’s responsibility for long-term chlordecone pollution in Guadeloupe and Martinique, opening the door to talks on compensation and a possible expansion of existing schemes. Cancer care link-up: Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony says Martinique is ready to supply Guyana with radioactive drugs for certain cancers, supporting local treatment through an oncology centre that manufactures radiopharmaceuticals. Carriacou infrastructure updates: Minister Tevin Andrews reports major aviation, maritime and road projects are progressing after Hurricane Beryl, including Lauriston Airport upgrades, Windward Jetty redevelopment, and Bogles Road works. Travel safety note: The U.S. Embassy in Nassau issued a Bahamas alert warning about jet ski rentals, citing reports of sexual assaults and urging extra caution.

Reggae & Tourism: Martinique is gearing up for the 4th Reggae Therapy Festival on July 11-12 at Stade Louis Achille in Fort-de-France, with big names like Tarrus Riley, Julian Marley, Barrington Levy and Alborosie, plus local talent, food and crafts, and a focus on culture-driven tourism. Health Cooperation: Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony says Martinique’s oncology centre is ready to supply Guyana with radioactive nuclear drugs (radiopharmaceutical isotopes) to treat certain cancers, following discussions earlier this year. Chlordecone Compensation: France has moved forward on the chlordecone health scandal in the French West Indies, with a law now in force that recognizes the State’s responsibility and opens the door to compensation talks for victims, alongside plans for cleanup, research and improved care. EU Trade Policy: EU ministers agreed to tighten when the bloc can suspend its carbon fee on imports, aiming to reduce uncertainty for low-carbon investment—an issue that could ripple into Caribbean trade costs and competitiveness. Caribbean Sports: Concacaf Nations League plans place Guyana in League B, setting up a redemption push with promotion only for group winners.

Chlordecone Compensation: France has officially recognized the State’s responsibility for long-term chlordecone pollution in Guadeloupe and Martinique, paving the way for talks on compensation and setting priorities like faster cleanup, support for farming and fishing, and improved care for victims. Cancer Care Cooperation: Martinique’s health authorities say they are ready to supply Guyana with radioactive nuclear drugs (radiopharmaceutical isotopes) for certain cancers, following discussions and a ceremony marking cancer survivors and oncology support. Infrastructure in Carriacou & Petite Martinique: Minister Tevin Andrews reports major aviation, maritime, and road projects are progressing after Hurricane Beryl, including Lauriston Airport upgrades and Windward Jetty redevelopment. Reggae Therapy Festival: Fort-de-France will host the 4th Reggae Therapy Festival on July 11–12, 2026, with international headliners like Julian Marley, Tarrus Riley, Barrington Levy, and Alborosie plus local artists. Hotel Leadership: Hilton has appointed Austin Pruett as general manager of Martinique New York on Broadway, Curio Collection by Hilton. EU Carbon Border Rules: EU ministers agreed to tighten when the bloc can suspend the carbon fee on imports, affecting certainty for low-carbon investment.

Chlordecone Compensation: France has formally recognized the State’s responsibility for long-term chlordecone pollution in Guadeloupe and Martinique, opening the door to talks on compensation for victims; a new law now takes effect and sets a one-year deadline for a report to Parliament, with funding linked to an added levy on tobacco. Cancer Care Cooperation: Martinique’s health authorities say an oncology centre making radiopharmaceuticals is ready to supply Guyana with radioactive nuclear drugs for certain cancers, following discussions with local doctors and a ceremony marking cancer survivors. Caribbean Health Focus: Guyana’s health minister also highlighted expanded breast cancer screening plans, including mammography access beyond Georgetown, alongside HPV efforts to tackle cervical cancer. EU Carbon Border Rules: EU economy ministers agreed to tighten when countries can suspend the carbon emission fee on imports, aiming to reduce uncertainty for low-carbon investment. Reggae Tourism Boost: Fort-de-France will host the 2026 Reggae Therapy Festival (July 11–12), featuring major international reggae stars plus local artists. Infrastructure Update (Carriacou): Minister Tevin Andrews toured major projects, including airport expansion and night landing works, jetty redevelopment, and road upgrades.

World Cup Build-Up: Curaçao’s long, messy road to their first World Cup match against Germany—once derailed by a lack of charter flights—now ends in Houston on Sunday. EU Trade Policy: EU ministers agreed to tighten when countries can suspend the carbon fee on imported goods, aiming to boost certainty for low-carbon investment. Cancer Care Cooperation: Martinique’s health authorities say an oncology centre making radiopharmaceuticals is ready to supply Guyana with radioactive nuclear drugs for certain cancers. Health Services Expansion: Guyana’s health minister also highlighted expanded mammography and plans for broader cancer screening, including HPV and early prostate testing. Culture & Tourism: Fort-de-France will host the 4th Reggae Therapy Festival on July 11–12, 2026, with international stars plus local artists. Regional Travel Links: New airline interline partnerships are set to make Caribbean hopping less painful by easing fragmented airlift. Hotel Leadership: Hilton appoints Austin Pruett as general manager of Martinique New York on Broadway.

World Cup Build-Up: Curaçao’s long, messy road to their first World Cup match against Germany in Houston is a reminder of how travel disruptions can shape Caribbean football dreams. EU Trade Policy: EU ministers agreed to tighten when countries can suspend the carbon fee on imports, a move that could affect costs for low-carbon investment and trade flows. Martinique Tourism & Culture: Fort-de-France will host the 4th Reggae Therapy Festival on July 11–12, bringing international stars like Julian Marley, Tarrus Riley, Barrington Levy and Alborosie plus local acts. Health Cooperation: Martinique health officials say an oncology centre making radiopharmaceuticals is ready to supply Guyana with radioactive nuclear drugs for certain cancers. Regional Airlift: New airline interline partnerships aim to make island-hopping across the Caribbean easier, reducing the hassle of separate tickets and baggage. Local Business/Jobs: Hilton has appointed Austin Pruett as general manager of Martinique New York on Broadway, Curio Collection by Hilton.

Carbon Policy: EU economy ministers agreed to tighten when countries can suspend the carbon fee on imports, with a key trigger requiring a product’s price to jump at least 50% in six months; lawmakers now aim to scale back the suspension clause, a move meant to boost certainty for low-carbon investment. Cancer Care Links: Martinique health authorities say an oncology centre that manufactures radiopharmaceuticals is ready to supply Guyana with radioactive nuclear drugs for certain cancers, following discussions with Guyana’s Ministry of Health. Reggae Tourism: Fort-de-France will host the 4th Reggae Therapy Festival on July 11–12, 2026, bringing major international acts like Julian Marley, Tarrus Riley, Barrington Levy and Alborosie plus local artists, with food-and-crafts village features. Caribbean Airlift: New airline interline partnerships involving Winair, Contour, LIAT and Air Caraïbes aim to make regional hopping easier by connecting networks under single itineraries. Local Infrastructure (Carriacou): Minister Tevin Andrews toured major projects, including Lauriston Airport expansion toward late-August 2026 night-landing plans and Windward Jetty redevelopment targeting late July–early August.

Carbon Policy in Europe: EU economy ministers agreed to tighten when the bloc can suspend its carbon fee on imports, using clearer criteria (including big price jumps), a move aimed at giving more certainty for low-carbon investment. Cancer Care Cooperation: Martinique’s health minister Dr. Frank Anthony says an oncology centre on the island that manufactures radiopharmaceuticals is ready to supply Guyana with radioactive nuclear drugs for certain cancers. Health System Push: Anthony also highlighted expanded breast cancer screening plans in Guyana, including wider mammography access, HPV efforts, and early-detection drives for prostate and colorectal cancers. Caribbean Aviation Links: New interline partnerships are set to make it easier to travel across the region on one ticket, including connections involving Air Caraïbes and LIAT, and other airline deals aimed at fixing fragmented airlift. Tourism & Culture: Fort-de-France will host the 4th Reggae Therapy Festival on July 11-12, 2026, featuring major international reggae names alongside local artists. Local Infrastructure Update (Carriacou): Minister Tevin Andrews toured major projects, including airport expansion and night landing works, Windward Jetty redevelopment, and road improvements. Hotel Leadership: Austin Pruett was appointed general manager of Martinique New York on Broadway, Curio Collection by Hilton.

Caribbean Cancer Care Link: Martinique’s health minister Dr Frank Anthony says an oncology centre on the island that manufactures radiopharmaceuticals is ready to supply Guyana with radioactive nuclear drugs for certain cancers, following talks with local doctors and a ceremony with cancer survivors. Local Health Access: The same Guyana coverage highlights expanded breast cancer screening plans, including mammography access beyond Georgetown, plus HPV vaccination and early-detection push for cervical and prostate cancers. Regional Airlift Boost: New interline deals are set to make island-to-island travel easier, including LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes signing an agreement for single-ticket journeys linking Eastern Caribbean routes with Martinique, Guadeloupe and French Guiana. Martinique Tourism in the Wider Caribbean: MSC Opera is returning to Europe before repositioning to the Southern Caribbean, with year-round service planned from Martinique and other regional ports. Caribbean Connectivity via Europe: A separate report says a new Air Caraïbes–LIAT partnership is already active, aiming to connect more Caribbean travellers to Europe with smoother transfers. Governance & Infrastructure: Warwick District Council in the UK is weighing a £235,000 feasibility study to revive the derelict Linen Street car park, with options ranging from partial demolition to strengthening. Sports Spotlight: The USMNT World Cup squad is set at 26 players, with Mauricio Pochettino named head coach ahead of the tournament on home soil.

Caribbean Cancer Care Link: Martinique’s health minister Dr. Frank Anthony says an oncology centre on the island that manufactures radiopharmaceuticals is ready to supply Guyana with radioactive nuclear drugs for certain cancers, following talks earlier this year. Health Ministry Push: The same ceremony highlighted broader cancer screening and early-detection efforts, including expanded mammography access and plans to roll out breast screening across regions. Airlift Made Easier: New interline agreements involving LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes, plus Winair and Contour, aim to reduce the hassle of hopping between nearby islands by enabling single-ticket journeys and smoother connections. Tourism & Travel Moves: MSC Opera is returning to Europe for summer cruises before repositioning to the Southern Caribbean for year-round service later in 2026, with Fort-de-France listed among departure points. Local Infrastructure Watch: Warwick District Council is set to spend £235,000 on consultants to assess options for reopening the derelict Linen Street multi-storey car park, after safety closures and structural reviews.

Cancer Care Cooperation: Martinique’s health minister Dr Frank Anthony says Martinique’s oncology centre that manufactures radiopharmaceuticals is ready to supply Guyana with radioactive nuclear drugs for certain cancers, following discussions with local doctors and a ceremony marking cancer survivors’ treatment. Health System Push: In the same wider cancer coverage, Guyana’s ministry highlights expanded mammography access, plans for breast screening in every region, HPV vaccination progress, and early-detection efforts for prostate and colorectal cancers. Local Infrastructure Plan: Warwick District Council is seeking cabinet approval for a £235,000 feasibility study to revive the derelict Linen Street multi-storey car park, exploring options like partial demolition and strengthening so leaseholder spaces can reopen. Caribbean Travel Connectivity: LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes signed an interline agreement to sell single-ticket itineraries across their combined networks, including Martinique and French Guiana, aiming to cut hassle like re-checking baggage. Regional Energy Watch: France’s energy regulator CRE selected five Corsica electricity storage projects totaling about 48 MW, with contracts running into the mid-to-late century.

Cancer Care Cooperation: Martinique’s health minister Dr. Frank Anthony says the island’s oncology centre that manufactures radiopharmaceuticals is ready to send radioactive drugs to doctors in Guyana for treatment of certain cancers. Health Ministry Push: Guyana’s Health Ministry is expanding cancer screening, including wider mammography access, stronger HPV vaccination and screening efforts, and plans for early prostate and colorectal detection. Chlordecone Accountability: France’s parliament has voted to recognize the state’s “share of responsibility” for health, environmental and economic harm from the chlordecone pesticide in Guadeloupe and Martinique, with decontamination and victim support goals now on the table. Regional Airlift Moves: New interline agreements and airline partnerships are aiming to make it easier to travel across the Caribbean on single tickets, including links involving Air Caraïbes and Martinique. Tourism & Travel: Grenada’s Diaspora Homecoming 2026 runs June 21–July 5 with cultural and business events, while airline and cruise travel rules continue to shape Caribbean travel plans.

Cancer Care & Screening: Guyana’s Health Minister Dr. Frank Anthony says Martinique is ready to supply radioactive nuclear drugs and isotopes for cancer treatment, with local radiopharmaceutical expertise helping patients access care sooner. Public Health Expansion: Anthony also highlighted plans to expand mammography and early detection across regions, push HPV screening via vouchers, and start a colorectal cancer pilot. Chlordecone Accountability: France’s parliament has adopted a bill recognizing the state’s “share of responsibility” for long-term harm from the chlordecone pesticide in Guadeloupe and Martinique, including health, environmental and economic damage. Diaspora & Tourism Links: Grenada’s Diaspora Homecoming 2026 runs June 21–July 5 across Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique, with cultural events and business forums plus extra flights to meet demand. Regional Airlift Moves: New interline deals between LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes aim to make multi-island Caribbean travel easier with single-ticket journeys and checked baggage. Caribbean–Europe Connectivity: A separate partnership push also targets smoother connections between English- and French-speaking islands, including services reaching Martinique and beyond. Justice vs Symbolism: A commentary argues France’s repeal of the Code Noir is only symbolic without real reparations for the Caribbean legacy of slavery.

Chlordecone Accountability: France’s lower house voted unanimously to recognize the state’s “share of responsibility” for the health, moral, environmental and economic harm linked to the chlordecone pesticide in Guadeloupe and Martinique, with lawmakers citing contamination rates of nearly 90% and links to cancers, while also pointing to further work on decontamination and future compensation frameworks. Cancer Care Cooperation: Martinique’s health minister says the island is ready to supply Guyana with radioactive nuclear drugs for certain cancers, following discussions with Martinique’s radiopharmaceutical oncology centre and shared survivor experiences. Regional Airlift Moves: LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes signed an interline deal to let passengers book combined itineraries on one ticket with checked baggage through, improving connections between English-, French- and Dutch-speaking Caribbean islands including Martinique and French Guiana. Caribbean Environment Focus: OECS and nine Caribbean states/t territories are on a study mission in Martinique and Guadeloupe to explore ways to manage sargassum seaweed and turn it into value-added products, supported by the EU and OECS. Tourism & Travel Deals: P&O Cruises announced new Caribbean fly-cruise promos, including up to £500 onboard spending money and low deposits, as airlines continue adjusting routes and partnerships across the region.

Cancer Care Cooperation: Guyana’s Health Minister Dr. Frank Anthony says Martinique is ready to supply radioactive nuclear drugs (radiopharmaceutical isotopes) to treat certain cancers, with local doctors able to use them for patients after discussions held earlier this year. Regional Airlift & Connectivity: New interline deals are set to make island-hopping easier, including LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes signing an agreement for single-ticket travel across the Eastern Caribbean and onward to Paris-Orly, plus another partnership linking Winair with Contour Airlines. Tourism & Travel Deals: P&O Cruises is promoting Caribbean fly-cruise packages with up to £500 onboard spending and low deposits, while a separate report flags that some cruises from Puerto Rico may require passports even on “closed-loop” routes. Local Infrastructure Watch: Warwick District Council is considering a costly feasibility study to revive the derelict Linen Street multi-storey car park, aiming to reopen leaseholder spaces and potentially restore income. Health & Justice in the French West Indies: France’s parliament has moved to formally recognize the state’s partial responsibility in the chlordecone pesticide scandal affecting Martinique and Guadeloupe, with lawmakers backing a bill that also points toward cleanup and support measures.

Cancer Care Cooperation: Martinique’s health minister Dr Frank Anthony says an oncology centre in Martinique is ready to supply Guyana with radioactive drugs and isotopes for certain cancers, following talks with the Lotus Cancer Initiative and cancer survivors. Pesticide Accountability: France’s National Assembly has unanimously backed a bill recognising the state’s “share of responsibility” for long-term harm from chlordecone in Guadeloupe and Martinique, with MPs citing contamination affecting over 90% of adults and links to serious illnesses, including prostate cancer. Regional Airlift Push: LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes have signed an interline agreement to let passengers book combined itineraries on one ticket, with baggage checked through and fewer transfer hassles across the English, French and Dutch Caribbean. Sargassum Management: An OECS delegation is visiting Martinique and Guadeloupe to study sargassum seaweed handling and explore value-added uses, as part of a EU-supported regional effort. Local Health Support: The Calvin Ayre Foundation helped arrange urgent overseas medical transfers to Martinique for two cardiac patients who needed specialist treatment not available locally. Tourism & Culture: A first annual Lafcadio Fest will be held June 20 at the New Orleans Jazz Museum, celebrating author Lafcadio Hearn’s links to Martinique and the wider Caribbean. Airline Disruption: Reports say 11 airlines have collapsed or entered administration in 2026, leaving holidaymakers facing cancelled trips and job losses.