AGP Executive Report

Caribbean Connectivity Push: The U.S. State Department unveiled a major submarine cable initiative for the Caribbean and Central America, urging governments to use “trusted” providers and offering legal and technical help—while noting Cuba is left out. Regional Environment Pressure: Jamaica is facing a growing pile-up of foreign plastic waste along its eastern coastline, including debris labeled from Spanish and French markets and linked to islands such as Martinique; experts call for cross-island cooperation, not just local cleanups. Cultural Exchange in the Leeward Islands: Martinican visual artist JKing (Kevin Jérémie) completed a three-week residency in Dominica with workshops, school engagement, and a permanent mural, exploring climate resilience, biodiversity, and Caribbean identity. Aviation Policy Watch: The Dutch Council of State raised legal questions over a proposed aviation tax that could tax nearby Caribbean destinations very differently, with Martinique flagged for potentially higher rates than other islands. Local Business & Infrastructure Angle: Carriacou’s Herbert A. Blaize Airport cleared a key step toward 24-hour operations after a successful night landing test, moving to regulatory licensing for scheduled night flights. Spicemas Media Access Dispute: A Caribbean outlet says it was unable to get accreditation for major Spicemas 2026 shows, limiting coverage to street events after repeated contact attempts with the organizer.

Caribbean Aviation Tax: The Dutch Council of State is challenging the Netherlands’ plan to apply different aviation tax rates to Caribbean destinations, flagging potential unfairness between places at similar distances from Amsterdam—while Martinique and Saint Barthélemy could face the highest rate due to their EU status. Data Centers & Local Impacts: Residents near a proposed WGN transmitter data center site raised concerns in Elk Grove Village about noise, wildlife effects and water use, urging studies on low-frequency impacts. Regional Connectivity Push: The U.S. State Department announced a major submarine cable initiative for the Caribbean and Central America, with legal and technical help for “trusted” suppliers—while Cuba is left out. Culture & Exchange: Martinique visual artist JKing completed a three-week residency in Dominica with workshops, school engagement and a permanent mural, supported by the Caribbean Culture Fund. Environment & Waste: Jamaica is dealing with foreign plastic waste piling up along its coast, including debris linked to multiple islands and labels from across the region, prompting calls for cross-island cooperation. Public Sector Response: Castries Constituency Council (CCC) issued a detailed rebuttal to criticism of the city constabulary, citing investments in employee welfare, safety gear and operational resources. Travel Deals: Costa Cruises launched a Labor Day Sale offering cabin upgrades on Mediterranean, Caribbean and Canary itineraries for bookings through Sept. 13.

Public Sector Response: Castries Constituency Council (CCC) issues a detailed rebuttal to calls for police reform, saying it has prioritized employee welfare, safety gear, medical support and workplace resources. Aviation Tax Challenge: The Dutch Council of State questions the Netherlands’ plan to apply different aviation tax rates to Caribbean destinations, flagging potential unfairness between places like Martinique/Saint Barthélemy and Sint Maarten. Infrastructure & Connectivity: The U.S. announces a major submarine-cable initiative for the Caribbean and Central America, with Cuba excluded, and offers legal/technical help to governments on “trusted” suppliers. Data Center Concerns: Residents near a proposed WGN transmitter data center site raise worries about noise, wildlife and water use, asking for studies on low-frequency impacts. Regional Environment: Jamaica faces a plastic-waste spillover problem, with foreign debris piling up along its coast and stakeholders calling for cross-island cooperation. Culture & Exchange: Waitukubuli Artist Association reports a successful three-week Martinique–Dominica residency by visual artist JKing, producing workshops and a permanent mural. Local Development: Petite Martinique launches a UNEP/GEF-backed project to strengthen land and soil management, water security and drought resilience, targeting 400 beneficiaries. Travel Deals: Costa Cruises promotes a Labor Day Sale with cabin upgrades on Mediterranean, Caribbean and Canary itineraries.

Aviation Tax Ruling: The Dutch Council of State is challenging how the Netherlands plans to apply a new aviation flight tax, warning that nearby Caribbean destinations could face very different rates based on their legal status—placing Martinique and Saint Barthélemy at the highest category while Sint Maarten lands in the lowest. Data Center Scrutiny: In Elk Grove Village, residents near a proposed WGN transmitter data center raised concerns about continuous noise, wildlife impacts, and water use, pushing for studies on low-frequency effects. Oil & Gas Contract Cut: Grenada’s government says it has ended a contract with a Russian firm (Global Petroleum Group) over alleged failures to meet work commitments, provide required monthly reports, and show available funding. Regional Connectivity Push: The U.S. unveiled a submarine cable initiative for the Caribbean and Central America, urging governments to exclude “untrusted providers,” with Cuba left out. Tourism & Travel Deals: MSC is promoting fly-cruise Caribbean packages for Brazilian travelers, while Costa Cruises is running a Labor Day sale offering cabin upgrades on Caribbean itineraries. Environment & Waste: Jamaica is calling for regional action as foreign plastic waste—linked to multiple islands including Martinique—piles up along its eastern coastline. Local Infrastructure: Carriacou and Petite Martinique’s Herbert A. Blaize Airport moved closer to 24-hour operations after a successful night landing test, now awaiting regulatory approvals. Culture & Exchange: A Martinique artist (JKing) completed a three-week residency in Dominica, producing a permanent mural and school workshops focused on climate resilience and biodiversity.

Aviation Tax Challenge: The Dutch Council of State is questioning the Netherlands’ plan to apply different aviation tax rates to Caribbean destinations, flagging potential unfairness between places at similar distances from Amsterdam—while Martinique and Saint Barthélemy could face the highest rate due to their legal status. Data Centers & Community Impact: Residents near a proposed WGN transmitter data center site in Elk Grove Village raised concerns about continuous noise, wildlife effects and water use, urging more study of low-frequency impacts. Digital Connectivity Push: The U.S. announced a major submarine cable initiative for the Caribbean and Central America, with Cuba excluded, and urged governments to rely on “trusted” providers while offering legal and technical support. Oil & Gas Fallout in Grenada: Grenada’s government says it has ended a contract with a Russian firm (Global Petroleum Group) over missed obligations, including lack of required reporting and failure to meet work and funding commitments. Plastic Pollution Across Borders: Jamaica’s cleanup efforts are highlighting how foreign plastic waste—linked to multiple islands including Martinique—piles up along the eastern coastline, calling for regional cooperation beyond national bans. Local Resilience Project: Petite Martinique stakeholders are backing a 3-year, UNEP-executed project funded by the Global Environment Facility to restore degraded land, improve water security and reduce drought, targeting 400 beneficiaries.

Caribbean Connectivity Push: The U.S. State Department unveiled a submarine cable initiative for the Caribbean and Central America, urging governments to use “trusted providers” and offering legal and technical help—while Cuba is left out. Regional Environment & Waste: Jamaica is facing a growing plastic-waste spillover problem, with foreign debris labeled in Spanish and French piling up along the eastern coastline and threatening marine life and the food chain; experts call for cross-island cooperation. Martinique Cultural Exchange: The Waitukubuli Artist Association says Martinican visual artist JKing completed a three-week Dominica-Martinique residency, producing a permanent mural, school workshops, and driftwood sculptures tied to climate resilience and biodiversity themes. Air Access Upgrade (Carriacou & Petite Martinique): A successful night-landing test at Herbert A. Blaize Airport moves the islands closer to 24-hour operations, with regulators now preparing the licensing steps. Land & Water Resilience (Petite Martinique): A new sustainable land and soil management project is underway, funded by the Global Environment Facility and executed by UNEP, targeting 400 beneficiaries and focusing on drought and land restoration. Oil & Gas Contract Fallout (Grenada): Grenada’s PM says the government ended a Russian offshore oil-and-gas exploration contract after alleged failures to meet obligations, including reporting and funding requirements.

Data Center Concerns: Residents near the proposed WGN transmitter data center site in Elk Grove Village raised worries about continuous noise, wildlife impacts and water use during a public comment session, with officials noting limited operational sound after late-night checks. Caribbean Connectivity Push: The U.S. unveiled a submarine cable initiative for the Caribbean and Central America, urging governments to exclude “untrusted providers” and offering legal and technical help; Cuba is left out. Air Connectivity Upgrade: Air France plans a new nonstop Pointe-à-Pitre–Panama City route from 11 Dec. 2026, timed to connect with Fort-de-France and Cayenne, with free Wi‑Fi for Flying Blue members. Regional Culture & Exchange: Martinican visual artist JKing completed a three-week Dominica–Martinique residency, producing a permanent mural and school workshops focused on climate resilience and biodiversity. Plastic Waste Spillover: Jamaica faces a growing pile-up of foreign plastic waste along its eastern coast, including debris linked to Martinique and other islands, prompting calls for region-wide cooperation. Petite Martinique Land Project: A new sustainable land and soil management initiative got underway in Petite Martinique, aiming to restore degraded areas and improve water security for 400 beneficiaries over three years. Health Support to Martinique: The Calvin Ayre Foundation and Medical Benefits Scheme backed urgent medical travel for Ulysis James to CHU de Martinique for specialized cardiac care.

Caribbean Connectivity Push: The U.S. State Department unveiled a major submarine cable initiative for the Caribbean and Central America, urging governments to use “trusted” providers and offering legal/technical help—while Cuba is left out. Regional Environment Pressure: Jamaica is dealing with a surge of foreign plastic waste along its eastern coastline, including debris labeled from multiple islands (including Martinique), raising calls for cross-border cooperation beyond local bans. Local Infrastructure & Energy: Grenada’s PM says the government has ended a contract with a Russian firm (Global Petroleum Group) over offshore oil-and-gas exploration failures, including missed reporting and unmet work commitments. Sustainable Land in Martinique: Petite Martinique’s sustainable land and soil management project is moving forward with UNEP support and GEF funding, targeting land restoration, drought resilience, and capacity-building for 400 beneficiaries. Air Links for the Region: Air France plans a new nonstop Pointe-à-Pitre–Panama City route starting Dec. 11, 2026, with connections designed to feed travel demand from Fort-de-France. Business & Travel Offer: MSC is promoting new fly-cruise Caribbean packages for Brazilian travelers, pairing flights and transfers with cruises from La Romana. Community & Culture: A Martinican artist (JKing) completed a three-week residency in Dominica focused on climate resilience, biodiversity, and cultural exchange, producing murals and school workshops. Health Support: The Calvin Ayre Foundation and Medical Benefits Scheme backed urgent medical travel for a patient from Antigua to CHU de Martinique for specialized cardiac care.

Data Centers & Local Impacts: Residents near the proposed WGN transmitter data center site in Elk Grove Village raised concerns about continuous noise, wildlife effects and water use during a public comment session, with officials noting limited operational noise after late-night checks. Caribbean Connectivity: The U.S. State Department unveiled a submarine cable initiative for the Caribbean and Central America, urging governments to exclude “untrusted providers” and offering legal/technical help—while Cuba is left out. Air Links: Air France will launch a new nonstop Pointe-à-Pitre–Panama City route from 11 Dec 2026, timed to connect with Fort-de-France and Cayenne. Regional Environment: Jamaica’s coastline is seeing plastic waste from other islands, including Martinique, raising calls for cross-island cooperation beyond national bans. Martinique in the Spotlight (Culture & Care): A Martinican artist (JKing) completed a three-week Dominica–Martinique residency producing a permanent mural and school workshops; meanwhile the Calvin Ayre Foundation backed urgent medical travel to Martinique for a cardiac patient. Energy & Governance (Grenada): Grenada’s PM says the government ended a Russian offshore oil-and-gas contract over missed obligations, including reporting failures. Local Development (Petite Martinique): A new UN-backed project will strengthen sustainable land and soil management and water security, targeting 400 beneficiaries with restoration and drought-resilience measures. Business (Martinique Rum): Campari is in talks to sell its agricultural rum portfolio in Martinique (Trois Rivières, La Mauny) as it streamlines its spirits business.

Anti-colonial Politics: The International Decolonization Front adopted the “Corte Declaration” in Corsica, condemning France’s economic and social impacts on overseas territories and denouncing repression of peaceful activists. Caribbean Connectivity: The U.S. unveiled a major submarine cable push for the Caribbean and Central America, urging governments to use “trusted” providers—while Cuba is left out. Air Links: Air France will launch a new Pointe-à-Pitre–Panama City nonstop route from 11 Dec 2026, with connections designed to feed travel from Fort-de-France. Local Development: In Petite Martinique, a UN Environment Programme project backed by the Global Environment Facility will support sustainable land and soil management, water security and drought reduction for 400 people, including women and girls. Environment & Waste: A report warns of dangerous plastic waste piling up across the Caribbean due to ocean currents, highlighting the need for regional cooperation beyond national bans. Health Support: The Calvin Ayre Foundation and MBS backed urgent medical travel to Martinique for a cardiac patient needing specialist treatment. Energy Oversight (Regional): Grenada’s government says it terminated a Russian oil-and-gas deal for non-performance and missing reporting. Aviation Upgrade (Regional): Carriacou’s Herbert Blaize Airport advanced toward 24-hour operations after a successful night landing test. Retail & Brands (Regional): Campari plans further portfolio streamlining and is in talks over selling Martinique agricole rum brands.

Anti-Colonial Politics: The International Decolonization Front adopted the “Corte Declaration” in Corsica, condemning French colonial exploitation as driving higher living costs, unemployment and repression of peaceful activists. Caribbean Connectivity: The U.S. unveiled a major submarine cable initiative for the Caribbean and Central America, urging governments to use “trusted” providers—while Cuba is excluded. Air Transport & Infrastructure: Carriacou’s Herbert Blaize Airport cleared a key step toward 24-hour operations after a successful night landing test; regulators now move to licensing for scheduled night landings. Environment & Trade Spillover: Plastic waste with labels from across the region is piling up on Jamaica’s coast, highlighting how marine litter crosses borders and strains local conservation. Energy & Governance: Grenada’s PM says the government terminated a Russian oil-and-gas contract with Global Petroleum Group over missed obligations, including reporting failures and lack of funds; separate commentary also targets geothermal governance in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Local Development (Martinique): A Petite Martinique project backed by the Global Environment Facility and UNEP aims to restore degraded land, improve water security and cut drought impacts, with 400 beneficiaries. Business & Travel: Air France adds a new Pointe-à-Pitre–Panama City nonstop route from 11 Dec 2026, timed for connections via Fort-de-France. Health Support: The Calvin Ayre Foundation and MBS funded urgent medical travel for a cardiac patient to Martinique. Retail (Regional): Campari plans further portfolio streamlining, including talks tied to its Martinique agricole rum brands. Sports & Culture: A Martinique-Dominica residency produced a permanent mural and school workshops, while regional rugby crowned Martinique’s Jokers as men’s champions.

U.S.-Caribbean Connectivity: The U.S. State Department unveiled a major submarine cable push for the Caribbean and Central America, urging governments to use “trusted” suppliers—while Cuba is left out. Aviation & Trade Links: Air France adds a new Pointe-à-Pitre–Panama City nonstop from 11 Dec 2026, with twice-weekly flights and connections that can route via Fort-de-France for Martinique travelers. Health & Mobility: The Calvin Ayre Foundation and the Medical Benefits Scheme backed urgent overseas cardiac care for Ulysis James, sending him to CHU de Martinique and covering treatment and travel. Energy Politics: In Grenada, the government terminated oil-and-gas agreements with the Russian Global Petroleum Group, citing missed work and reporting failures—renewing pressure on how offshore deals are managed. Local Resilience Project: Petite Martinique launched a 3-year sustainable land and soil management initiative (UNEP/GEF) targeting drought and land degradation, including restoration and a heat-tolerant seedling nursery. Environment Watch: Plastic waste and seaweed (sargassum) impacts keep hitting the region—foreign debris piles up along coastlines, while seaweed blooms threaten marine life and tourism. Business & Retail: Campari plans further portfolio streamlining after divestments, including negotiations tied to its Martinique agricole rum brands. Sports & Community: Martinique’s Jokers won the men’s title at Rugby In Paradise, while Blue Ice took the women’s final—highlighting regional talent and events. Tourism & Culture: A Martinican artist residency in Dominica produced a permanent mural and school workshops, strengthening Caribbean cultural exchange. Transport Disruption: Carriacou yacht owners say they’re stuck after access to Tyrell Bay Marina launch areas was blocked in a land dispute, with losses already topping US$85,000.

Aviation & Connectivity: Carriacou and Petite Martinique’s Herbert A. Blaize Airport took a major step toward 24-hour operations after a successful night landing test, with the Grenada Airports Authority now preparing an application to the Eastern Caribbean Civil Aviation Authority for the licences needed to start scheduled night landings. Energy & Governance: In Grenada, Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell says the administration has terminated the offshore oil-and-gas contract with the Russian firm Global Petroleum Group, citing missed work commitments, lack of required monthly expenditure reporting, and failure to provide a compliant development plan. Environment & Trade Spillovers: A surge of foreign plastic waste—bearing Spanish and French labels—has been reported along Jamaica’s eastern coastline, raising regional concerns about marine litter that crosses borders via currents and winds, including impacts on food chains and local conservation efforts. Local Development & Resilience: Petite Martinique launched a stakeholder workshop for a sustainable land and soil management project aimed at improving water security and reducing drought impacts, funded by the Global Environment Facility and executed with UNEP support. Air Links for the Region: Air France will add a new nonstop Pointe-à-Pitre–Panama City route from 11 December 2026, designed to improve connections for passengers traveling via Fort-de-France and Cayenne. Health & Social Support: The Calvin Ayre Foundation, with the Medical Benefits Scheme, supported urgent overseas cardiac treatment for Ulysis James by arranging travel to CHU de Martinique. Martinique Business & Tourism: A Martinique Tourism Authority release highlights the island’s sailing appeal, pointing to abundant moorings, modern marinas, and services that support both charter guests and experienced sailors.

Regional Environment & Trade: A surge of foreign plastic waste with Spanish and French labels is washing up along Jamaica’s east coast, with currents and trade winds turning St Thomas into a catchment point—an issue that also hits the wider Caribbean, including Martinique, and calls for cross-border waste management. Energy Contracts & Governance: Grenada’s PM says the government has terminated its offshore oil-and-gas deal with the Russian Global Petroleum Group, citing missed work, missing monthly expenditure reports, and lack of verified funding—raising fresh questions about accountability in resource projects. Local Resilience & Agriculture: In Petite Martinique, a 3-year Sustainable Land and Soil Management project (GEF/UNEP) is rolling out landscape restoration and drought-focused farming support for 400 people, including seedling nurseries and restored grasslands/forests. Health & Mobility: The Calvin Ayre Foundation and MBS funded urgent overseas medical travel for a cardiac patient from Antigua to CHU de Martinique, covering treatment costs and medical travel. Air Connectivity: Air France will add a new Pointe-à-Pitre–Panama City nonstop route from 11 Dec 2026, timed for connections from Fort-de-France and offering onward links via Copa. Business & Retail (Martinique link): Sfera (El Corte Inglés) is expanding via franchising but has pulled out of Martinique, signaling shifting demand and store strategy. Maritime Disruption: Yacht owners at Tyrell Bay Marina in Carriacou report launch access blocked amid a land dispute, leaving about 8 boats unable to relaunch and losses exceeding US$85,000. Tourism & Lifestyle: Martinique continues to market sailing and charter experiences, highlighting moorings, services, and hurricane-season sheltered anchorages.

Regional Environment: A surge of foreign plastic waste with Spanish and French labels is washing up on Jamaica’s eastern coast, raising fresh alarm for marine life and the food chain and underlining that plastic pollution is a cross-border problem. Energy & Governance: In Grenada, the government says it has terminated a long-running offshore oil-and-gas deal with the Russian firm Global Petroleum Group, citing missed work, weak reporting, and funding concerns—while critics press for accountability over alleged missing funds. Local Resilience Project: Petite Martinique is getting a 3-year Sustainable Land and Soil Management push (GEF/UNEP-backed) aimed at restoring degraded land, improving water security, and supporting 400 beneficiaries, including women and girls. Air Connectivity: Air France will add a new Pointe-à-Pitre–Panama City nonstop route from 11 Dec 2026, with connections designed to feed Fort-de-France and Cayenne travel. Health Support: The Calvin Ayre Foundation and Martinique’s CHU support urgent cardiac care for a patient referred from Antigua, with MBS covering treatment costs and CAF covering travel. Maritime Dispute Impact: Yacht owners in Carriacou report boats trapped by the Tyrell Bay Marina access dispute, with losses already topping US$85,000. Tourism & Trade: OurAfrica.Travel announces its next virtual trade show for 22–26 Feb 2027. Martinique Business/Brand Moves: El Corte Inglés’ Sfera expands via franchising but reportedly exits Martinique, signaling a shift in retail footprint. Spirits Industry: Campari plans to streamline its portfolio by end-2026 and is in talks over selling its Martinique agricole rum brands. Climate/Coastlines: Seaweed (sargassum) is blanketing Caribbean and Gulf coastlines, with scientists warning this year’s growth pattern is unusual and could hit tourism and marine ecosystems.

Plastic Waste Spill: A surge of foreign plastic waste labeled Spanish and French is piling up along Jamaica’s eastern coast, with experts warning it’s a transboundary problem driven by Caribbean currents and trade winds that can’t be solved by local bans alone. Energy Contract Fallout: In Grenada, Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell says the government has terminated a Russian offshore oil-and-gas deal with Global Petroleum Group, citing missed work, missing monthly spending reports, and lack of funds. Local Resilience Project: Petite Martinique is moving ahead with a 3-year Sustainable Land and Soil Management initiative (GEF/UNEP-backed) targeting land restoration, drought resilience, and water security for 400 people, including women and girls. Health Support for Martinique Care: The Calvin Ayre Foundation and the Medical Benefits Scheme helped a cardiac patient travel to CHU de Martinique for urgent specialist treatment after a heart attack in Antigua. Air Connectivity Boost: Air France launches a new Pointe-à-Pitre–Panama City nonstop route from 11 Dec 2026, timed to connect with Fort-de-France and Cayenne and offering free Wi‑Fi via Flying Blue. Marina Dispute Impact: Yacht owners in Carriacou report boats trapped after access to Tyrell Bay Marina’s launch area was blocked amid a land dispute, with losses already above US$85,000. Environment & Tourism Pressure: Seaweed (sargassum) is blanketing Caribbean and Gulf coastlines, with scientists reporting unusually large growth in the region and warning of impacts on marine life and tourism.