AGP Executive Report

Volcanic Watch for Martinique: Mount Pelée is back in the spotlight after a jump in activity, with the Martinique Volcanological and Seismological Observatory reporting 124 volcanic earthquakes from July 24–31 and 331 for all of July, plus continued summit swelling; scientists stress an eruption is not imminent, but say medium-term change can’t be ruled out. Air Links for the French Caribbean: Air France will launch a seasonal nonstop route between Pointe-à-Pitre and Panama City from 11 December 2026, twice weekly, with schedules designed to connect via Fort-de-France (Martinique) and Cayenne. Health Cooperation: Montserrat is advancing talks with Martinique to secure emergency medical evacuations and specialist care, including access to CHUM facilities for major strokes, heart attacks, trauma, and critical children’s cases. Regional Business Network: CariCham elected Kiran Maharaj as new chair, with Vanessa Victorin and Gino Naarden as vice-chairs, aiming to push trade facilitation and disaster-risk reduction across the Caribbean. Tourism Pressure from Nature: Seaweed “sargassum” is blanketing Caribbean and Gulf coastlines, with a July report citing 27 million metric tons—bad for marine life and visitor confidence.

Volcanic Watch for Martinique: Mount Pelée is showing renewed unrest, with the Martinique Volcanological and Seismological Observatory reporting a sharp rise in seismic activity—124 earthquakes between July 24 and 31, and 331 volcanic quakes detected across July—raising concerns for northern Martinique and possible flight disruptions if activity escalates. Eastern Caribbean Earthquake: A 4.4-magnitude shallow quake struck about 45 km east of Castries, with tremors felt in Saint Lucia, Martinique and St Vincent and the Grenadines; no damage or injuries were reported. Tourism Pressure from Seaweed: A new report says swaths of sargassum are blanketing Caribbean and Gulf coastlines, with 27 million metric tons recorded in July—bad news for marine life and beach tourism, including areas that depend on clear shorelines. Health Cooperation: Montserrat has advanced talks with Martinique to improve emergency medical evacuations and access to specialist care, including major stroke, heart attack, trauma and imaging services at CHUM. Local Business & Culture: CariCham elected a new regional chair, with Vanessa Victorin of the Martinique Chamber of Commerce and Industry named vice-chair, as the network pushes trade facilitation and disaster risk reduction. Sports & Community: Rugby in Paradise wrapped with Martinique’s Jokers winning the men’s title, while Blue Ice took the women’s crown in the International Carnival Sevens.

Volcanic Watch: Mount Pelée, Martinique’s deadly volcano, is showing renewed unrest after experts reported a sharp rise in seismic activity, with 124 earthquakes recorded July 24–31 and 331 volcanic quakes detected across July—raising concerns for northern Martinique and possible travel disruption if ash plumes form. Regional Health Links: Montserrat has advanced talks with Martinique to secure emergency medical evacuations and specialist care, including major stroke, heart attack, trauma, neurosurgery, and PET/CT/MRI services at CHUM. Marine Alert for Tourism: A new report says seaweed “sargassum” is blanketing Caribbean and Gulf coastlines, with scientists calling this year’s surge “not normal,” potentially harming marine life and visitor experiences. Earthquake Felt Across Islands: A 4.4 magnitude shallow quake struck about 45 km east of Castries, with minor tremors reported in Saint Lucia, Martinique, and St Vincent and the Grenadines, and no damage reported. Local Sport: Martinique’s Jokers and Blue Ice won men’s and women’s titles at “Rugby in Paradise” International Carnival Sevens.

Martinique Tourism & Sailing: The Martinique Tourism Authority is pitching the island as a top sailing base, highlighting abundant moorings in the Lesser Antilles, modern marinas, and sheltered bays that help during hurricane season. Regional Health Cooperation: Montserrat has advanced talks with Martinique to secure emergency medical evacuations and specialist care, including major stroke, heart attack, trauma, and imaging services at CHUM. Earthquake Watch: A 4.4-magnitude quake struck about 45 km east of Castries, with tremors felt across Saint Lucia, Martinique, and St Vincent and the Grenadines; no damage or injuries reported. Marine & Tourism Impact: Seaweed sargassum is blanketing Caribbean and Gulf coastlines, with scientists saying this year’s growth in the region is “not normal,” raising concerns for marine life and visitor experience. Business & Trade Links: CariCham elected a new executive team, with Martinique’s chamber leader Vanessa Victorin named vice-chair, as the network pushes trade facilitation and disaster-risk reduction. Sports & Community: Rugby in Paradise continues to draw regional teams, while Martinique’s presence is also felt in wider Caribbean sporting events.

Health Cooperation: Montserrat’s Premier Reuben T. Meade led a delegation to Martinique to advance emergency medical evacuation and specialist-care access, meeting Prefect Étienne Desplanques and CHUM University Hospital teams on services for strokes, heart attacks, trauma, critically ill children, neurosurgery, and PET/CT/MRI imaging. Regional Shocks: A 4.4-magnitude shallow earthquake struck about 45 km east of Castries, with minor tremors felt across Saint Lucia, Martinique, and St Vincent and the Grenadines; no damage or injuries were reported. Environment & Tourism: A University of South Florida report says swaths of sargassum are blanketing Caribbean and Gulf coastlines, with scientists calling this year’s bloom “none of this is normal,” raising concerns for marine life and visitor impacts. Business & Trade Links: CariCham elected Kiran Maharaj as new chair, with Vanessa Victorin and Gino Naarden as vice-chairs, aiming to push trade facilitation, advocacy, member value, and disaster risk reduction across 24 Caribbean chambers. Sports: Central American and Caribbean Games swimming saw Martinique’s Malia Soroman win the women’s 100m butterfly B final, while other regional athletes competed across events.

Earthquake Watch: A 4.4-magnitude shallow quake struck about 45 km east of Castries early Sunday, with tremors felt across Saint Lucia, Martinique and St. Vincent and the Grenadines; no damage or injuries were reported. Marine Environment & Tourism: A major sargassum surge is blanketing Caribbean and Gulf coastlines, with scientists warning “none of this is normal” as seaweed rots onshore and disrupts marine life and visitors’ plans. Weather Outlook: The late wet season is expected to bring intense heat, uneven rainfall and a muted hurricane peak, but with flooding and flash-flood risk still on the table. Local Business & Trade: CariCham elected a new executive leadership team, aiming to push trade facilitation, advocacy and disaster-risk reduction across the region’s business network. Sports & Community: Saint Lucia’s International Carnival Sevens (Rugby in Paradise) is set to welcome international teams, including Martinique, as the tournament ramps up. Energy & Resilience (Grenada): Carriacou’s new solar plant in Limlair has been completed and is moving into training and testing, supported by 100% UAE funding.

Earthquake Watch: A shallow 4.4-magnitude quake struck about 45 km east of Castries early Sunday (3:04 am local), with tremors felt across Saint Lucia, Martinique and St Vincent and the Grenadines; no damage or injuries were reported, though seismologists say details may change. Coastline Crisis: A major sargassum surge is blanketing Caribbean and Gulf beaches, with scientists reporting about 27 million metric tons in July; the seaweed is suffocating marine life, releasing foul odors as it rots, and tourism areas are bracing for disruption. Regional Business & Trade: CARICHAM elected Kiran Maharaj as its new chair, with Martinique’s Vanessa Victorin and Gino Naarden as vice-chairs, aiming to push trade facilitation, advocacy and disaster risk reduction. Sports Tourism: Saint Lucia’s Rugby in Paradise carnival sevens kicks off with international teams arriving, including squads from Martinique and other Caribbean territories, as the tournament boosts local competition and visitor draw. Energy & Resilience (Grenada): Carriacou and Petite Martinique received a commissioned solar plant in Limlair, funded 100% by the UAE, feeding into GRENLEC’s grid to cut costs and strengthen clean power access.

Sargassum Crisis: A University of South Florida report says about 27 million metric tons of self-sustaining sargassum are in the Atlantic, Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico, with scientists now seeing it growing in the region rather than just being swept in—bringing foul rotting smells, marine die-offs, and tourism headaches. Caribbean Rum Spotlight: St Barth hosts the Caribbean Rum Awards, the only Caribbean-wide rum competition built around a blind tasting of regional bottles by an international panel. Martinique Sports Note: At the Central American and Caribbean Games in Santo Domingo, Martinique swimmer Malia Soroman won the women’s 100m butterfly B final, while other regional swimmers competed in medley relay action. Regional Business & Trade: CariCham elected a new chair and vice-chairs to push trade facilitation, advocacy, member value and disaster risk reduction across 24 Caribbean chambers. Climate Resilience in the Region: Grenada’s Limlair solar plant for Carriacou and Petite Martinique has been completed and is moving into training and testing, supported by UAE funding. Maritime Search Update: Antigua and Barbuda suspended the active search for three fishermen missing at sea, saying there’s no new information to guide rescue efforts.

Seaweed Crisis: A University of South Florida report says about 27 million metric tons of sargassum have been recorded in the Atlantic, Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico this July, with scientists warning this year’s bloom is growing in the region rather than just being swept in—meaning more foul-smelling, rotting seaweed could keep smothering beaches and harming marine life and tourism. Heat & Storm Watch: Regional forecasts for the late wet season point to intense humid heat and heatwaves, with uneven hurricane activity and a risk of flooding and flash floods across parts of the Caribbean. Missing Fishermen Update: Antigua and Barbuda’s Coast Guard has suspended the active search for three fishermen missing since mid-July, saying there’s no new information to guide rescue efforts, though police investigations continue. Local Business & Trade: CariCham (Caribbean Chambers of Commerce) elected Kiran Maharaj as new chair, with Martinique’s Vanessa Victorin as vice-chair, aiming to push trade facilitation and disaster risk reduction. Martinique Culture: Photos from Martinique’s Reggae Therapy Music Festival in Fort-de-France show huge crowds and major international acts, including Tarrus Riley and Julian Marley. Sports (Martinique link): At the Central American & Caribbean Games, Martinique swimmer Malia Soroman won the women’s 100m butterfly B final.

Sargassum Crisis: Swaths of seaweed are blanketing Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico coastlines, with scientists warning this year’s bloom is “not normal” and could harm marine life and tourism as it rots onshore. Missing at Sea: Antigua and Barbuda’s Coast Guard has suspended the active search for three fishermen missing since mid-July, saying there’s no new information, though police investigations continue. Regional Business Leadership: CariCham, the Caribbean Chambers of Commerce network, elected Kiran Maharaj as its new chair, with Martinique’s Vanessa Victorin as vice-chair, focusing on trade facilitation and disaster risk reduction. Sports Spotlight: Martinique swimmer Malia Soroman won a B final at the Central American and Caribbean Games, while other regional athletes competed across swimming events. Climate & Resilience: A Lloyd’s study highlights insurance gaps in hurricane-exposed Caribbean countries, leaving many farmers, fishers and tourism workers to replace losses themselves. OECS & Cooperation: The OECS appointed Aisha Maina as Strategic Advisor for Africa-Caribbean cooperation to boost transatlantic trade and investment links. Local Energy Boost (Grenada): Carriacou and Petite Martinique moved closer to cleaner power as a new solar plant in Limlair was completed and is now being commissioned.

Seaweed Crisis: A new AP report says massive sargassum blooms are now growing in large quantities across the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico—blanketing beaches, suffocating marine life, and hurting tourism as the “Great Atlantic Sargassum Belt” swells. Business & Trade: Marie Brizard Wine & Spirits reports France sales are back on track, with second-quarter growth driven by retail recovery and new deals, even as first-half group revenue dipped. Insurance & Climate Risk: A Lloyd’s-commissioned study warns that hurricane-exposed Caribbean communities in Jamaica, Barbados and Grenada often lack insurance and must self-recover after disasters—leaving livelihoods exposed. Regional Commerce: CariCham elects Kiran Maharaj as new chair, with Martinique Chamber head Vanessa Victorin and Suriname’s Gino Naarden as vice-chairs, focusing on trade facilitation and disaster risk reduction. Martinique Culture: Reggae Therapy Festival returns to Fort-de-France, drawing 20,000+ fans over two days with major international acts. Environment & Energy (Regional): Grenada commissions a solar plant in Limlair, Carriacou, funded by the UAE, as part of its “Solar for All” push.

Climate & livelihoods: A Lloyd’s-commissioned study warns that hurricane-hit farmers, fishers and tourism workers in Jamaica, Barbados and Grenada often have no insurance and must replace boats, crops and livestock themselves, urging faster government support and insurance-style products through trusted co-ops. Regional business leadership: CARICHAM has elected Kiran Maharaj as its new Chair, with Vanessa Victorin and Gino Naarden as Vice-Chairs, aiming to push trade facilitation, advocacy, member value and disaster risk reduction across 24 Caribbean chambers. Martinique in the spotlight (sports): Saint Lucia’s Rugby in Paradise Sevens begins Aug. 1 with teams including Martinique, while Jamaica’s Reggae Boyz have been drawn alongside Martinique for the 2026/27 Concacaf Nations League. Culture in Martinique: The Reggae Therapy Music Festival in Fort-de-France drew more than 20,000 fans over July 11–12, with major names like Julian Marley, Barrington Levy and Alborosie. Energy & recovery nearby: Grenada commissioned a solar plant in Limlair, Carriacou, and also received hybrid sheep and goat arrivals to rebuild livestock production after Hurricane Beryl.

Business Leadership: CARICHAM elected Kiran Maharaj as its new Chair, with Martinique Chamber’s Vanessa Victorin and Suriname’s Gino Naarden named Vice-Chairs, as the regional network of chambers pushes trade facilitation, advocacy, member value and disaster-risk reduction. Regional Sports: The 2026/27 Concacaf Nations League draw puts Martinique in Group B alongside Honduras, Jamaica, Guatemala, Suriname and El Salvador, with matches set for September-October and November 2026. Energy & Resilience (Caribbean): Grenada’s solar plant in Limlair, Carriacou, has been completed and is moving into training and testing before commissioning, with 100% funding from the United Arab Emirates and grid support via GRENLEC. Agriculture & Food Security (Caribbean): Hybrid sheep and goats and new pens have arrived at Limlair Livestock Station in Carriacou and Petite Martinique, part of recovery after Hurricane Beryl and aimed at strengthening livestock production. Culture & Tourism (Martinique): Fort-de-France hosted the Reggae Therapy Festival, drawing over 20,000 fans and featuring major reggae names including Julian Marley.

Sports & Youth: The Bahamas turned in strong swimming results at the 25th Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games in Santo Domingo, with Tristen Hepburn posting a new personal best in the men’s 50m breast and Ayrton Moncur also reaching the ‘A’ final. Culture & Tourism (Martinique): Martinique’s fourth annual Reggae Therapy Festival drew more than 20,000 fans to Louis-Achille Stadium in Fort-de-France on July 11–12, featuring Julian Marley, Barrington Levy, Alborosie and Tarrus Riley, and backed by the Martinique Tourism Authority. Regional Football: Concacaf has set the 2026/27 Nations League schedule, placing Martinique in League A Group B alongside Honduras, Jamaica, Guatemala, Suriname and El Salvador, with matches running in September–October and November 2026. Regional Governance & Finance: CARICOM tax leaders gathered in Georgetown for the 27th COTA General Assembly, with CARICOM Secretary-General Dr. Carla Barnett urging smarter, data-driven tax systems as external funding grows less certain.

CARICOM Tax Focus: CARICOM Secretary-General Dr. Carla Barnett opened the 27th COTA General Assembly in Georgetown, urging Caribbean governments to build “smart, data-driven and AI-enabled” tax systems to secure more resilient, home-grown revenue as outside aid grows less certain. Regional Appointments: The OECS named Aisha Maina as Strategic Advisor for Africa-Caribbean cooperation, aiming to boost South-South trade, investment and partnerships. Martinique in the Spotlight: Martinique’s Reggae Therapy Festival drew 20,000+ fans to Fort-de-France’s Louis-Achille Stadium over July 11–12, with major acts including Julian Marley and Barrington Levy, supported by the Martinique Tourism Authority. Sports Calendar: Concacaf’s Nations League draw set Martinique in League A Group B alongside Honduras, Jamaica, Guatemala, Suriname and El Salvador, with matches scheduled for September–November 2026. Local Culture & Community: Grenada’s GFA is set to host its Summer of Soccer Festival Aug. 6, bringing about 1,000 youth players together for free grassroots football. Euro Note Update: The ECB confirmed that overseas regions including Martinique will be included in the next euro banknote design phase, after a public consultation running until Sept. 21.

Reggae Therapy Festival: Martinique turned up the volume as the fourth annual Reggae Therapy Festival drew more than 20,000 fans to Louis-Achille Stadium in Fort-de-France on July 11–12, with headliners including Julian Marley and Barrington Levy, plus Alborosie and Tarrus Riley. CARICOM Tax Push: CARICOM Secretary-General Dr. Carla Barnett urged Caribbean governments to build stronger, technology-driven tax systems at the 27th COTA General Assembly in Georgetown, noting Martinique and French Guiana’s admission as associate members and the need for future-ready revenue. Africa–Caribbean Links: The OECS appointed Aisha Maina as Strategic Advisor for Africa–Caribbean cooperation, aiming to boost trade, investment and cultural ties. Sports Travel: Sky High Dominicana says it will fly more than 1,435 athletes and delegations from Guadeloupe, Martinique and Cuba to Santo Domingo 2026. Water Crisis: Guadeloupe and Martinique are facing an unprecedented water crisis, with drought restrictions and pollution closures disrupting daily life and sanitation.