AGP Executive Report

Martinique Finance: The Territorial Collectivity of Martinique has adopted a €69m recovery plan for 2027-2028 to tackle a debt close to €1bn, aiming to restore financial stability by tightening operating spending, reducing staff via non-replacement, cutting some school and partner grants, selling real estate and divesting assets, while also creating a new regional and rural mobility levy to fund transport. Caribbean Connectivity & Telecoms: EllaLink launched the EllaLink Caribbean Gateway (ECG), a new fibre submarine cable from Cayenne to Martinique and Guadeloupe, with a western segment for Aruba, Curaçao and Bonaire; the project moves from design to committed investment, targeting service by end-2029. Tourism Capacity & Transport: A capacity crunch is pushing travellers to book early between the ABC islands, highlighting the need for more reliable regional transport options, including calls for an ABC islands ferry plan. Sports Tourism: Grenada is expanding its sports calendar with the Grenada & Carriacou Open Water Swim (Nov 19-22, 2026), backed by the Grenada Tourism Authority, mixing races and destination experiences to boost visitor spend year-round. Cruise Industry: MSC says nine ships will operate in the Caribbean in 2027-28 winter, with two new “World-class” vessels including MSC World Atlantic, and two ships based in Martinique/Guadeloupe. EU Access Pressure on CIPs: Saint Lucia’s PM says EU-linked deadlines mean OECS countries with Citizenship by Investment programmes must end them or face visa requirements for Schengen access, with a June 2027 response window.

Martinique Finance: The Territorial Collectivity of Martinique has adopted a €69 million recovery plan for 2027-2028 to tackle a debt close to €1 billion, aiming to restore financial stability by tightening operating spending, reducing staff through non-replacement of some retirements, cutting certain school-related grants, selling real estate and divesting assets, while also creating a new revenue stream via a regional and rural mobility levy. Caribbean Connectivity: EllaLink has officially launched the EllaLink Caribbean Gateway initiative, a new submarine cable system linking Cayenne (French Guiana) to Martinique and Guadeloupe, with a western segment serving Aruba, Curaçao and Bonaire, moving from letters of intent to committed investment with service targeted for end-2029. Cruise Capacity: MSC Cruises says nine ships will operate in the Caribbean in the 2027-28 winter season, including new deployments from Martinique and Guadeloupe, and the debut of MSC World Atlantic. Sports Tourism: Grenada and Carriacou will host the Grenada & Carriacou Open Water Swim (Nov. 19-22, 2026), combining races with destination experiences to boost visitor spend year-round. Local Business & Trade Watch: A wider Caribbean business angle also appears in the region’s growing event calendar and international investment push.

Telecom & Investment: EllaLink has officially launched the EllaLink Caribbean Gateway, a new submarine fibre corridor from Cayenne to Martinique and Guadeloupe, with a western segment for Aruba, Curaçao and Bonaire—moving from letters of intent to committed investment, with service targeted by end-2029. Public Finance: Martinique’s Territorial Collectivity adopted a €69m recovery plan for 2027-2028 to tackle debt nearing €1bn, including tighter spending, selective staff reductions, asset sales and a new employer mobility levy to protect investment capacity. Sports Tourism: Grenada is set to expand its sports calendar with the Grenada & Carriacou Open Water Swim (Nov 19-22, 2026), featuring races and destination experiences across both islands. Regional Business & Trade: MSC Cruises plans nine ship deployments across the Caribbean in 2027-28 winter, with two vessels operating from Martinique and Guadeloupe. Politics & Governance: Grenada’s PM Dickon Mitchell says the official general election date will be announced on Oct 4, as political activity intensifies.

Public Finance: Martinique’s Territorial Collectivity has adopted a €69 million recovery plan for 2027-2028 to tackle debt nearing one billion euros, with spending control, selective staff reductions, grant cuts, and asset sales/divestments, plus a new mobility levy to fund transport. Regional Politics: In Grenada, Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell says the official general election date will be announced on 4 October, as political parties step up preparations and speculation grows over a vote before the constitutional deadline. Business & Tourism: MSC Cruises plans nine ship deployments across the Caribbean in the 2027-28 winter season, with two new “World-class” vessels operating from the region including Martinique and Guadeloupe. Culture & Community: The Caribbean mourns the death of calypso legend Slinger Francisco, “The Mighty Sparrow,” prompting tributes across the cultural fraternity. Sports & Local Economy: Saint Lucia’s Republic Bank St. Lucia International Billfish Tournament enters its final day with a catch-and-release format, drawing anglers from across the Caribbean and beyond. International Trade/Policy: EU moves to ease sanctions on Alisher Usmanov in exchange for the pardon of a French citizen, highlighting ongoing diplomatic bargaining.

Martinique Finance: The Territorial Collectivity adopted a €69m recovery plan for 2027-28 to tackle debt nearing €1bn, with spending controls, gradual staff reductions, cuts to some school grants, asset sales, and a new employer mobility levy to protect investment capacity. Caribbean Politics: Grenada’s PM Dickon Mitchell says the official general election date will be announced on 4 October, with the “conch shell” event set for St Mark—while opposition figures and party crossovers signal a fast-moving campaign. Regional Business & Travel: MSC Cruises plans nine ships in the Caribbean for the 2027-28 winter season, including Martinique/Guadeloupe operations and new “World-class” deployments from U.S. ports. Tourism & Sports: Saint Lucia’s Republic Bank St. Lucia International Billfish Tournament reaches its final day with a catch-and-release format, drawing anglers from across the Caribbean and beyond. EU/Geopolitics with Local Ripples: Macron pushed back on Trump’s AI map claiming French islands as U.S. territory during a visit to Saint-Pierre and Miquelon, underscoring renewed transatlantic tensions.

Martinique Public Finance: The Territorial Collectivity has adopted a €69m recovery plan for 2027-2028 to tackle debt nearing €1bn, aiming to restore investment capacity by tightening operating spending, reducing staff through non-replacement, trimming some school grants, selling real estate and divesting financial assets, while also creating a new employer mobility levy to fund transport. Caribbean Tourism & Shipping: MSC Cruises says nine ships will sail the Caribbean in the 2027-28 winter season, with two operating from Martinique and Guadeloupe, and highlights new “World-class” deployments including MSC World Atlantic. Regional Politics (Grenada): Grenada’s PM Dickon Mitchell says the official general election date will be announced on 4 October, as political parties step up campaigning and defections to the ruling NDC are reported. Tourism (Grenada): Spicemas 2026 delivered a boost for the destination, with visitor arrivals up 20% year-on-year during the Aug. 2-11 period.

Martinique Finance: The Territorial Collectivity of Martinique has adopted a €69 million recovery plan for 2027-2028 to tackle a debt close to €1 billion, aiming to restore financial stability through tighter spending, selective staff reductions, grant cuts, and asset sales, while adding a new mobility levy. Caribbean Politics & Elections: Grenada’s PM Dickon Mitchell says the official general election date will be announced on 4 October, as the NDC ramps up campaigning and opposition figures reportedly defect to the ruling party. Cruise & Tourism: MSC Cruises maps its 2027-28 winter season with nine ships in the Caribbean, including new “World-class” deployments that will also touch Martinique and Guadeloupe. Regional Business & Travel: Grenada’s Spicemas tourism push delivered a 20% jump in arrivals during the festival period, with non-nationals driving most of the growth. Energy Costs: Grenada raised kerosene and LPG prices (gasoline and diesel unchanged), affecting households and businesses buying larger cylinders or bulk supplies. Trade & Mobility: Grenada’s Citizenship by Investment programme is set for an independent review, with public input collected via an online platform and interviews.

Martinique Finance: The Territorial Collectivity adopted a €69m recovery plan for 2027-28 to tackle debt close to €1bn, with spending control, limited staff replacement, grant cuts, asset sales and a new employer mobility levy—aiming to protect investment capacity despite criticism of austerity. Cruise & Tourism: MSC Cruises says nine ships will operate in the Caribbean in winter 2027-28, with two vessels based in Martinique/Guadeloupe and the Dominican Republic, and the debut of MSC World Atlantic. Regional Business & Travel: Grenada’s Spicemas delivered a tourism lift, with arrivals up 20% year-on-year to 11,299, driven by stronger non-national demand. Energy Costs: Grenada raised kerosene and several LPG prices (gasoline and diesel unchanged), affecting households and businesses using larger cylinders or bulk supplies. Caribbean Governance Watch: Grenada’s PM Dickon Mitchell says the official general election date will be announced on 4 October, as political parties step up preparations. Sports Tourism: Saint Lucia’s Republic Bank Billfish Tournament enters its final day under a catch-and-release format, drawing international anglers.

Martinique Public Finance: The Territorial Collectivity of Martinique has adopted a €69m recovery plan for 2027-2028 to tackle a debt close to €1bn, with spending control, selective non-replacement of retiring staff, cuts to some school grants, and asset sales/divestments, while also creating a new employer-funded regional and rural mobility levy. Regional Business & Tourism: MSC Cruises says nine ships will operate in the Caribbean in the 2027-28 winter season, including Martinique/Guadeloupe-based deployments and the debut of MSC World Atlantic, boosting capacity from major US ports. Cross-border Security: A St Lucia man wanted in Martinique for armed robbery, conspiracy and firearms was extradited to Martinique, underscoring active regional judicial cooperation. Caribbean Markets & Costs: Grenada raised kerosene and larger LPG prices (gasoline and diesel unchanged), a direct hit for households and businesses relying on cooking gas and fuel. Sports Tourism: Saint Lucia’s Republic Bank Billfish Tournament runs to Sept. 26 under a catch-and-release format, drawing international anglers and supporting marine tourism. Politics Watch (Regional): Grenada’s PM Dickon Mitchell says the official general election date will be announced on 4 October, as parties intensify preparations.

Cruise Capacity in the Caribbean: MSC Cruises says nine ships will operate in the region for the 2027-28 winter season, with two vessels based in Martinique, Guadeloupe and the Dominican Republic, and the debut of the MSC World Atlantic among the highlights. Macron–Carney Transatlantic Business Links: French President Emmanuel Macron and Canada’s PM Mark Carney announced closer cooperation on defense, energy and advanced technologies after talks in Saint-Pierre and Miquelon, with both sides also discussing AI. Tourism & Creative Economy Boost (Grenada): Grenada’s Spicemas drove a 20% jump in visitor arrivals during the Aug. 2-11 period, with non-nationals up 24%, reinforcing the event’s role for tourism and local creative sectors. Energy Costs Watch (Grenada): Grenada raised kerosene and some LPG prices (while gasoline and diesel stayed at $17), meaning higher bills for households and businesses buying larger LPG cylinders or bulk supplies. Caribbean Trade & Security Context: A French–Azerbaijan prisoner swap saw EU sanctions eased for Alisher Usmanov and a French citizen pardoned, underscoring how diplomacy can quickly reshape economic and legal conditions. Local Law Enforcement Cooperation (Regional): St Lucia police report the extradition of a man wanted in Martinique for armed robbery and firearms offences, showing cross-border judicial follow-through.

Caribbean Cruise Capacity: MSC Cruises says nine ships will sail the Caribbean in the 2027-28 winter season, with two vessels based in Martinique and Guadeloupe plus the Dominican Republic, and a major highlight being the debut of the LNG-powered MSC World Atlantic from Port Canaveral. Transatlantic Business & Security Ties: France’s Emmanuel Macron and Canada’s Mark Carney announced closer cooperation on defense, energy and advanced technologies during talks in Saint-Pierre and Miquelon, with the EU also offering Canada “associate member” status. Regional Law & Cross-Border Justice: Saint Lucia police report the extradition of Jahvis Marlon Alfred to Martinique on armed robbery, conspiracy and firearms charges, underscoring that legal cases continue across borders. Energy Costs in the Eastern Caribbean: Grenada’s government raised kerosene and larger LPG cylinder and bulk LPG prices (gasoline and diesel unchanged), a direct hit for households and businesses relying on cooking gas and fuel. Tourism Demand Signals: Grenada’s Spicemas period delivered a 20% jump in visitor arrivals year-on-year, with non-nationals driving most of the gain. Public Input on Citizenship-by-Investment: IMA Grenada commissioned an independent review of its Citizenship by Investment programme, using surveys and interviews with residents, diaspora and stakeholders during September–October 2026.

Caribbean Cruise Capacity: MSC Cruises says nine ships will sail in the Caribbean in the 2027-28 winter season, with seven departing from U.S. homeports and two based in the region including Martinique and Guadeloupe, plus the Dominican Republic; the lineup features the debut of the LNG-powered MSC World Atlantic from Port Canaveral and other major vessels from Miami and Galveston. Martinique Law Enforcement: Saint Lucia extradited to Martinique a 26-year-old wanted for armed robbery, conspiracy and firearms offences, underscoring cross-border cooperation in the justice system. Energy Costs in the Region: Grenada raised retail prices for kerosene and larger LPG cylinders (while gasoline and diesel stayed unchanged), a reminder that household and business fuel bills can shift even when transport fuel does not. Tourism & Culture Links: A Martinique-linked arts item highlights the Toronto Biennial’s climate-and-food theme, with projects also taking shape on Martinique as part of a wider North American reach. International Diplomacy: France’s Macron and Canada’s Carney announced closer ties from Saint-Pierre and Miquelon, with sovereignty and security cooperation at the center—an issue that also touches Caribbean territories mentioned in U.S. territorial claims.

Transatlantic Business & Sovereignty: French President Emmanuel Macron and Canada’s PM Mark Carney announced closer cooperation from Saint-Pierre and Miquelon, covering defense, energy, fishing, critical minerals and advanced tech, after the EU floated Canada’s “associate member” status—an effort framed as strengthening economic and strategic ties amid strained US relations. Regional Security & Legal Cooperation: Saint Lucian authorities extradited Jahvis Marlon Alfred to Martinique on armed robbery convictions, underscoring cross-border enforcement across the Caribbean. Energy Costs Watch (Regional): Grenada raised kerosene and larger LPG/bulk prices while keeping gasoline and diesel unchanged, a reminder for households and businesses to track fuel pass-throughs. Tourism & Creative Economy (Regional): Grenada’s Spicemas delivered a 20% jump in visitor arrivals for the 2026 period, with non-nationals up 24%, reinforcing culture-led demand for the wider Eastern Caribbean. Local Education & Youth Sport (Regional): Carriacou and Petite Martinique launched a 2026 primary schools sports quiz competition to build skills, confidence and teamwork.

Caribbean Tourism & Culture: Grenada’s Spicemas 2026 delivered a clear boost for the region’s visitor economy, with total arrivals rising 20% year-on-year to 11,299 during Aug. 2–11, driven especially by non-nationals (+24% to 9,958). Regional Business & Mobility: A Saint Lucian man, Jahvis Marlon Alfred, was extradited to Martinique to serve armed robbery, conspiracy and firearm convictions, underscoring how cross-border enforcement keeps moving. International Policy & Trade Signals: France’s President Emmanuel Macron and Canada’s PM Mark Carney announced closer cooperation from Saint-Pierre and Miquelon—covering defense, energy, fishing and advanced tech—after the EU offered Canada “associate member” status. Energy Prices (Neighbor Watch): Grenada raised kerosene and larger LPG cylinder prices while gasoline and diesel stayed unchanged, a reminder of how quickly household and business costs can shift. Local Creative Economy (Martinique-linked): The Toronto Biennial’s climate-and-food theme is also reaching Martinique through participating artists, tying culture and sustainability to wider economic conversations. Global Business Spotlight: MSC Cruises outlined its 2027-28 winter deployment, including expanded Canary Islands capacity and new Caribbean sailings from U.S. ports.

Caribbean Reparations Push: Barbados hosted the Third Caribbean Reparations Conference (Sept 17-19), with CARICOM and the African Union among the partners, as delegates from the region, EU, Canada and the US discussed reparations’ past, present and future. Sanctions-for-Prisoner Deal: Azerbaijan pardoned a French citizen sentenced for espionage, while the EU agreed to remove Alisher Usmanov from sanctions at France’s request—reported as part of a prisoner-release bargain between Baku and Paris. France-Canada Business & Security Ties: Emmanuel Macron and Canada’s PM Mark Carney announced closer cooperation from Saint-Pierre and Miquelon, including defense, energy, fishing and advanced tech, after the EU floated Canada’s “associate member” status. EU Sanctions Outlook: EU diplomats discussed a new package targeting Russia’s military industry, with ministers set to decide on Oct 12. Tourism & Energy Costs in the Region: Grenada reported a 20% jump in Spicemas arrivals, while petroleum pricing rose for kerosene and larger LPG cylinders (gasoline and diesel unchanged). Regional Justice Link: Saint Lucia extradited a man to Martinique for armed robbery and firearm offences, underscoring cross-border enforcement.

Transatlantic Business & Sovereignty: French President Emmanuel Macron met Canada’s PM Mark Carney in Saint-Pierre and Miquelon, announcing closer cooperation on defense, energy, fishing, critical minerals and advanced tech (including AI), while Macron pushed back on Trump’s AI map that depicted French islands and Caribbean territories as U.S. territory. Regional Security & Trade Context: The leaders’ push comes as both countries face strained relations with the United States, with talks also expected to cover Ukraine and broader security priorities ahead of the UN General Assembly. Tourism & Local Economy (Caribbean): Grenada’s Spicemas 2026 delivered a 20% jump in visitor arrivals (11,299 vs 9,448 in 2025), with non-national arrivals up 24%, reinforcing the festival as a growing driver for tourism and the creative economy. Energy Costs (Caribbean): Grenada raised kerosene and larger LPG/bulk LPG prices (gasoline and diesel unchanged at $17), affecting households and businesses relying on higher-capacity cooking gas. Cross-border Justice (Martinique): Saint Lucia extradited Jahvis Marlon Alfred to Martinique to serve a 15-year sentence tied to armed robbery, conspiracy and firearm offences. Education & Youth (Sister Isles): Carriacou and Petite Martinique launched a 2026 Primary Schools Sports Quiz Competition to build skills and confidence through sport and learning.