AGP Executive Report

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.

Reggae Therapy Festival: Martinique turned up the volume as its fourth annual Reggae Therapy Festival drew 20,000+ fans to Louis-Achille Stadium in Fort-de-France, with headliners including Julian Marley and Barrington Levy and support from the Martinique Tourism Authority. Regional 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, linking smarter revenue to regional priorities like deeper integration and climate resilience. Africa-Caribbean Links: The OECS Commission appointed Aisha Maina as Strategic Advisor for Africa-Caribbean cooperation, aiming to boost transatlantic trade, investment, and cultural ties. Martinique Sports Travel: Sky High Dominicana said it will move more than 1,435 athletes and sports delegations from Guadeloupe and Martinique to Santo Domingo 2026. Water Crisis: Guadeloupe and Martinique face an unprecedented water crisis, with drought forcing strict rationing and even beach closures due to pollution. Local Culture & Identity: A Martinique-linked theme also surfaced in Jamaica’s “Inner City Dub,” which featured Frantz Fanon—highlighting the ongoing influence of the French-Martinique revolutionary. Cost-of-Living Relief (Grenada): Grenada announced an EC$18 million package to cushion households and businesses from imported food and energy inflation, including VAT relief on electricity and fuel price caps.

Water Crisis: Guadeloupe and Martinique are facing an unprecedented drought this summer, with drinking-water supplies hit hard, strict rationing in place, and sanitation problems adding pressure as some coastal swimming areas close due to pollution. Tourism & Culture: Martinique’s Reggae Therapy Festival wrapped up in Fort-de-France with more than 20,000 fans at Louis-Achille Stadium over two days, featuring Julian Marley, Barrington Levy and other regional and international acts, with support from the Martinique Tourism Authority. Regional Sports: Concacaf Nations League draw set Martinique in League A Group B alongside Honduras, Jamaica, Guatemala, Suriname and El Salvador, with matches scheduled across the September-October and November 2026 windows. Cost of Living (Regional): Grenada announced an EC$18 million Cost of Living Assistance Programme, including VAT relief on electricity and fuel price caps, aimed at easing imported inflation for more than 38,000 households. Environment (Regional): Flow partnered with Grenada Green Group to install plastic recycling bins in secondary schools, targeting reduced plastic waste and less strain on the Perseverance dump site.

Rum Tourism: Distillery tours are booming across the Caribbean, with travellers increasingly booking trips for tastings and cane-to-bottle experiences—highlighting Martinique’s own distillery tasting offering. Culture & Community: Martinique’s Reggae Therapy Festival wrapped up in Fort-de-France with 20,000+ fans at Louis-Achille Stadium, featuring Julian Marley, Barrington Levy, Alborosie and Tarrus Riley, and backed by the Martinique Tourism Authority. Football (Concacaf): The Concacaf Nations League draw sets Martinique in Group B alongside Honduras, Jamaica, Guatemala, Suriname and El Salvador, with matches scheduled for September-October 2026. Water Crisis: Guadeloupe and Martinique are facing an unprecedented water crisis, with drought-driven restrictions and pollution closures affecting daily life and sanitation. French Overseas Rights: France’s Defender of Rights Claire Hédon is leaving after a term marked by rising complaints from overseas territories, including Martinique, tied to access to water, healthcare and public services. Regional Policy: CARICOM tax administrators meet in Guyana this week for COTA’s 27th General Assembly on future-ready, data-driven tax systems.

Water Crisis: Guadeloupe and Martinique are facing an unprecedented drought-driven water crisis, with drinking supplies hit by restrictions and sanitation problems, while some coastal swimming areas have been closed due to pollution. Cost of Living Relief: Grenada rolled out an EC$18 million Cost of Living Assistance Programme aimed at easing imported inflation, including fuel price caps and a full VAT removal on electricity from August through December 2026. Reggae Therapy Festival: Martinique’s fourth annual Reggae Therapy Festival drew 20,000+ fans to Louis-Achille Stadium in Fort-de-France, featuring Julian Marley, Barrington Levy, Alborosie and more, with support from the Martinique Tourism Authority. Tourism Leadership Change (Region): Grenada’s Tourism Authority says CEO Stacey Liburd has concluded her tenure effective July 22, 2026. Football (Martinique in focus): Concacaf Nations League draw placed Martinique in League A Group B alongside Honduras, Jamaica, Guatemala, Suriname and El Salvador. Sports Travel: Sky High Dominicana will transport 1,435+ athletes from Guadeloupe, Martinique and Cuba to Santo Domingo 2026.

Martinique Culture & Tourism: The island turned up the volume as the fourth annual Reggae Therapy Festival drew 20,000+ fans to Louis-Achille Stadium in Fort-de-France, with headliners including Julian Marley and Barrington Levy, and support from the Martinique Tourism Authority. Regional Sports: Concacaf’s Nations League draw set up a tough run for Martinique, placed in League A Group B alongside Guadeloupe, Saint Lucia, and Barbados (with matches scheduled for Sept–Nov 2026). Water Crisis: Guadeloupe and Martinique are facing an unprecedented drought-driven water crisis, with strict rationing and even coastal swimming-area closures due to pollution. French Overseas Rights: France’s Defender of Rights chief Claire Hédon is leaving after a term marked by rising complaints from overseas territories, including Martinique, over access to services like healthcare and water. Public Safety & Justice: France’s justice ministry continues a nationwide review of sexual violence cases involving minors, with Martinique reporting hundreds of cases re-examined so far.

Water Crisis: Guadeloupe and Martinique are facing an unprecedented drought this summer, with drinking-water supplies hit hard and strict rationing in place; authorities have also closed some swimming areas in Guadeloupe due to coastal pollution, while Martinique’s drought alerts restrict domestic and agricultural use. Reggae Therapy Festival: Fort-de-France hosted the fourth annual Reggae Therapy Festival (July 11–12), drawing more than 20,000 fans to Louis-Achille Stadium, with headliners including Julian Marley and Barrington Levy and support from the Martinique Tourism Authority. Football—Nations League: Martinique has been drawn into Concacaf Nations League action, landing in League A Group B alongside Honduras, Jamaica, Guatemala, Suriname and El Salvador, with matches set for the September–October and November 2026 windows. Cost of Living Relief (Regional): Grenada announced an EC$18 million Cost of Living Assistance Programme, including VAT relief on electricity and fuel price caps, aimed at easing imported inflation pressures. Culture & Sports Travel: Sky High Dominicana says it will move more than 1,400 athletes from Guadeloupe and Martinique to Santo Domingo 2026 for the Central American and Caribbean Games.

Martinique Tourism & Culture: Fort-de-France’s Reggae Therapy Festival wrapped up with more than 20,000 fans at Louis-Achille Stadium, featuring Julian Marley, Barrington Levy, Alborosie and Tarrus Riley, with the Martinique Tourism Authority backing the growing two-day event. Regional Football: Martinique has been drawn into Group B of the 2026/27 Concacaf Nations League, alongside Guadeloupe, Saint Lucia and Barbados, with matches set for September to October 2026. Water Crisis: Guadeloupe and Martinique are facing an unprecedented water crisis, with drought forcing strict rationing and authorities closing some swimming areas due to coastal pollution. Cost of Living Pressure (Grenada): Grenada announced an EC$18 million Cost of Living Assistance Programme, including VAT removal on electricity from August to December 2026 and continued fuel price caps, aimed at easing imported inflation for 38,000+ households. Governance & Tourism (Grenada): Grenada Tourism Authority CEO Stacey Liburd has concluded her tenure effective July 22, amid reported board-management tensions.