AGP Executive Report

Air Connectivity: Air France will launch a new nonstop Pointe-à-Pitre–Panama City route from 11 Dec 2026, twice weekly, with connections designed to feed Fort-de-France and Cayenne travelers via Guadeloupe and onward links through COPA’s Panama hub. Local Business & Retail: El Corte Inglés’ Sfera says it’s accelerating franchise-led growth, adding stores in multiple countries while exiting weaker positions including Martinique. Spirits & Agricolture Rum: Campari plans to streamline its portfolio by selling non-core assets, including Martinique-based agricole rum brands (Trois Rivières, Maison La Mauny, Duquesne) as it refocuses on priority brands. Tourism & Environment: A major sargassum surge is blanketing Caribbean and Gulf coastlines, with scientists calling it “not normal,” raising fresh risks for tourism-dependent economies. Regional Trade & Governance: CARICHAM (Caribbean Chambers of Commerce) elects new leadership, with a focus on trade facilitation, advocacy, and disaster risk reduction. Health Support: The Calvin Ayre Foundation and Antigua’s MBS backed urgent medical travel for a cardiac patient to CHU de Martinique.

Medical Travel & Health Access: The Calvin Ayre Foundation, working with Antigua’s Medical Benefits Scheme, funded urgent overseas care for Ulysis James, transferring him to CHU de Martinique for specialised cardiac treatment after a STEMI and worsening symptoms. Air Connectivity: Air France will add a new seasonal nonstop link between Pointe-à-Pitre and Panama City from 11 Dec 2026, twice weekly, with connections designed to route passengers via Fort-de-France and Cayenne. Retail Footprint in the Caribbean: El Corte Inglés’ Sfera expanded via franchising (547 stores in 17 countries) but pulled out of Martinique, closing weaker operations. Spirits & Martinique Rum: Campari says it will streamline its portfolio, including negotiations to sell its Martinique agricole rum brands (Trois Rivières, Maison La Mauny, Duquesne) as it focuses on core brands. Tourism Risk from Seaweed: A major sargassum surge is blanketing Caribbean and Gulf coastlines, with scientists warning it’s “not normal” and could disrupt tourism and marine life. Business Networking: CariCham elected Kiran Maharaj as new chair, with Martinique Chamber head Vanessa Victorin as vice-chair, aiming to push trade facilitation and disaster resilience. Marina Dispute Impact: Yacht owners at Carriacou’s Tyrell Bay Marina report blocked access and losses after a land dispute left vessels unable to relaunch.

Retail Expansion Watch: Spain’s El Corte Inglés is accelerating Sfera’s growth via franchising, adding 28 stores in FY to Feb 28, 2026 and taking the chain to 547 outlets in 17 countries; the push is mostly partner-led (20 of 28 openings), while Sfera also closed in weaker spots including Martinique. Spirits Reshuffle: Campari says it will finish streamlining its portfolio by year-end after deals to sell Bisquit & Dubouché Cognac and Cabo Wabo Tequila, and it is in talks to offload its Martinique agricole rum brands (Bellonnie et Bourdillon Successeurs covering Trois Rivières and Maison La Mauny), citing cash-intensive margins and limited upside. Tourism & Environment: A new report flags massive sargassum seaweed blooms across the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico, with 27 million metric tons recorded in July and scientists saying this year’s growth pattern is “not normal,” raising fresh risks for coastal tourism. Regional Business Networks: CARICHAM elects Kiran Maharaj as new chair, with Martinique Chamber’s Vanessa Victorin as vice-chair, aiming to turn trade facilitation and advocacy into concrete opportunities across the region. Maritime Dispute Fallout: Yacht owners in Carriacou report being unable to relaunch after access to Tyrell Bay Marina’s launch area was blocked in the long-running land dispute, with losses already topping US$85,000. Finance & Inclusion: The ECB confirms French overseas territories like Martinique will be considered in the next phase of euro banknote redesign, after earlier designs omitted them.

Tourism Pressure: A new surge of sargassum is blanketing Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico coastlines, with about 27 million metric tons recorded in July and scientists warning “none of this is normal” as the algae is now growing locally rather than just washing in—bad news for marine life and visitor-facing businesses. Marina Dispute Fallout: Yacht owners in Carriacou say they’re being “held hostage” in the Tyrell Bay Marina land dispute, with around 8 boats unable to relaunch after access was blocked and losses already topping US$85,000. Regional Trade & Business Links: CARICHAM has elected Kiran Maharaj as its new chair, with Vanessa Victorin and Gino Naarden as vice-chairs, aiming to push trade facilitation and disaster risk reduction across the network. Local Business & Finance: Republic Bank reaffirmed long-term support for the Carriacou Regatta Festival, backing the 2026 return after Hurricane Beryl recovery. Spirits Market Watch: Campari is selling non-core spirits including Martinique-based Bellonnie et Bourdillon Successeurs (rhum agricole), while Marie Brizard Wine & Spirits reports a partial rebound in France. Euro Cash Update: The ECB says French overseas territories including Martinique will be incorporated into the next euro banknote redesign phase.

Tourism & Trade: OurAfrica.Travel says its next virtual trade show will run Feb 22–26, 2027, inviting exhibitors and buyers after reporting 23,402 messages, 21,426 connections and 7,861 meetings from its March 2026 edition. Maritime Economy: A Martinique sailing push highlights the island’s moorings, marinas and sheltered anchorages, positioning the territory as a year-round charter destination. Regional Business Networks: CARICHAM elects Kiran Maharaj as new chair, with Vanessa Victorin and Gino Naarden as vice-chairs, aiming to turn trade facilitation and advocacy into concrete opportunities. Local Impact & Risk: A Lloyd’s-commissioned study warns that hurricane-exposed communities in Jamaica, Barbados and Grenada often lack insurance for boats, crops and livelihoods, leaving households to self-recover after disasters. Spirits & Jobs: Campari posts 2.7% organic sales growth in H1 and moves to sell non-core brands, including Martinique-based Bellonnie et Bourdillon. Environment & Tourism Threat: AP reports sargassum blanketing Caribbean and Gulf coastlines, with scientists calling this year’s pattern “not normal,” raising pressure on coastal tourism. Governance & Finance: UEFA rejects FIFA’s plan to sell World Cup shares to private investors, escalating a major governance standoff.

Tourism & Trade: Martinique is pitching its “art de vivre” sailing offer, highlighting dense moorings, modern marinas and sheltered bays that help during hurricane season, while Business Events: OurAfrica.Travel announced its next virtual trade show for 22–26 February 2027, aiming to connect African exhibitors and buyers. Maritime Dispute: In Carriacou, yacht owners say about 8 boats can’t relaunch after access to Tyrell Bay Marina’s launch area was blocked, with reported losses now above US$85,000. Environment & Tourism Risk: A new report says sargassum is growing in large quantities in the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico—27 million metric tons recorded in July—raising fresh pressure on coastal economies. Local Business & Finance: Campari posted H1 2026 results with 2.7% organic growth, while planning to sell non-core spirits, including Martinique-based Bellonnie et Bourdillon Successeurs. Regional Commerce & Policy: CARICHAM elected a new chair and vice-chairs to push trade facilitation and disaster risk reduction across 100,000+ businesses. Currency Update: The ECB says outermost regions like Martinique and other territories will be included in the next euro banknote redesign phase.

Sargassum Crisis: Seaweed (sargassum) is blanketing Caribbean and Gulf coastlines, with scientists warning “none of this is normal” after record levels—about 27 million metric tons reported in July—are now growing locally rather than just drifting in, threatening marine life and tourism. Spirits & Trade: Campari is reshaping its portfolio, booking stronger H1 sales (+2.7% organic) while agreeing to sell Martinique-based Bellonnie et Bourdillon Successeurs (rhum agricole) plus Cognac and tequila brands, with deals expected to close by end-October. Local Business Networks: CariCham (Caribbean Chambers of Commerce) elected Kiran Maharaj as new Chair, with Martinique Chamber head Vanessa Victorin as Vice-Chair, focusing on trade facilitation, advocacy, and disaster risk reduction. Insurance Gap Watch: A Lloyd’s-commissioned study flags major climate-related insurance protection gaps in hurricane-exposed Caribbean countries, leaving farmers, fishers and tourism workers to self-recover after losses. Regional Economy & Policy: CARICOM’s tax chiefs meet in Georgetown under a “smart, data-driven and AI-enabled” agenda, pushing for more resilient, home-grown financing as development support becomes less certain.

Sargassum Crisis: Seaweed “suffocating” Caribbean and Gulf coastlines is back in force, with scientists reporting about 27 million metric tons in July and warning this year’s growth in the region is “not normal,” raising fresh pressure on tourism-dependent economies. Spirits & Trade: Campari is reshaping its portfolio, striking deals to offload Bisquit&Dubouché Cognac, Cabo Wabo Tequila and Martinique-based Bellonnie et Bourdillon Successeurs (rhum agricole brands), with deals expected to close by end-October and proceeds around €30m. Local Business Networks: CARICHAM (Caribbean Chambers of Commerce) elected Kiran Maharaj as new Chair, with Martinique Chamber’s Vanessa Victorin as Vice-Chair, aiming to push trade facilitation, advocacy and disaster-risk reduction. Insurance Gap Watch: A Lloyd’s-commissioned study highlights how hurricane-exposed communities in Jamaica, Barbados and Grenada often remain uninsured for key assets, leaving households and small operators to self-recover after losses. Regional Finance & Tax: CARICOM’s tax chiefs meet in Georgetown under a “smart, data-driven and AI-enabled” agenda to secure more resilient, home-grown revenue for the region. Maritime Logistics: St. Kitts and Nevis’ MV Equuleus Leader has delivered 38 imported vehicles to Basseterre, with port authorities urging customers to have documents ready to speed clearance.

Caribbean Tourism Shock: Swaths of sargassum are blanketing beaches across the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico, with July totals of about 27 million metric tons reported by the University of South Florida—scientists say this year’s growth in-region is “not normal,” raising fresh pressure on coastal jobs tied to tourism. Regional Business Leadership: CARICHAM (Caribbean Chambers of Commerce) elected Kiran Maharaj as new Chair, with Martinique’s Vanessa Victorin as Vice-Chair, putting trade facilitation and disaster risk reduction at the center of the network’s next push. Martinique in the Spotlight (Trade & Finance): OECS named Aisha Maina as Strategic Advisor for Africa-Caribbean cooperation, aiming to unlock new trade and investment links. Spirits Market Moves: Campari reported H1 sales growth driven by aperitifs and said it will sell non-core assets including Martinique-based Bellonnie et Bourdillon Successeurs (rhum agricole). Insurance Gap Warning: A Lloyd’s-backed study says hurricane-exposed communities in Jamaica, Barbados and Grenada often lack insurance for boats, crops and equipment—leaving households to self-recover after disasters.

Seaweed Crisis: Swaths of sargassum are blanketing Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico beaches, with scientists calling this year “not normal” after observing large-scale growth in-region; about 27 million metric tons were recorded in July, threatening marine life and tourism as the algae rots ashore. Caribbean Trade & Industry: CARICHAM (Caribbean Chambers of Commerce) elected Kiran Maharaj as new Chair, with Vanessa Victorin and Gino Naarden as Vice-Chairs, pledging trade facilitation, advocacy, member value and disaster risk reduction for a network representing 100,000+ businesses. Rhum & Spirits Business: Campari posted 2.7% organic sales growth in H1 2026 and plans to sell non-core spirits, including Martinique-based Bellonnie et Bourdillon Successeurs (rhum agricole). Local Business Support: Grenada’s YOUtrepreneur programme awarded 10 youth seed grants (up to EC$3,000) and offers 1% concessional loans to back agribusiness and agri-tech ventures. Maritime Logistics: St Kitts and Nevis’ MV Equuleus Leader delivered 38 imported vehicles to Basseterre Port, with customs documents urged to speed clearance.

Seaweed Crisis for Tourism: Swaths of sargassum are blanketing Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico coastlines, with scientists reporting about 27 million metric tons in July and noting this year’s growth in the region is “not normal,” threatening marine life and visitor arrivals. Spirits Market Watch: Marie Brizard Wine & Spirits says France is back in growth, with H1 revenues at €84m (down 3% reported) but Q2 France sales up 6%, supported by retail recovery and a Cognac industrial-services contract. Caribbean Insurance Gap: A Lloyd’s-commissioned study warns hurricane-exposed communities in Jamaica, Barbados and Grenada often lack insurance for key livelihoods, pushing farmers, fishers and tourism workers to self-recover after disasters. Regional Business Network: CariCham (Caribbean Chambers of Commerce) elected Kiran Maharaj as new Chair, with Martinique Chamber leader Vanessa Victorin as Vice-Chair, focusing on trade facilitation and disaster risk reduction. Martinique Culture & Economy: Fort-de-France hosted the Reggae Therapy Festival (July 11–12), drawing 20,000+ fans and boosting the island’s pull for major cultural events, backed by local entrepreneurs and the Martinique Tourism Authority. Euro Banknotes Update: The ECB confirms outermost regions including Martinique and other overseas territories will be included in the next euro banknote design phase.

Marine & Tourism Disruption: A new surge of sargassum is blanketing Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico coastlines, with scientists reporting unusually large local growth that’s smothering shorelines, killing marine life, and hurting visitor activity. Business & Trade Links: CARICHAM has elected a new leadership team, with Martinique Chamber of Commerce and Industry represented in vice-chair roles, aiming to push trade facilitation and disaster-risk reduction for a network backing 100,000+ businesses. Insurance & Climate Risk: A Lloyd’s-commissioned study says hurricane-exposed communities in Jamaica, Barbados and Grenada often lack insurance for boats, crops and equipment, leaving households to self-recover after losses. Spirits & Local Economy: Marie Brizard Wine & Spirits reports a France sales rebound in Q2 and H1, while Campari moves to sell non-core spirits including Martinique-based Bellonnie et Bourdillon Successeurs (rhum agricole). Regional Finance & Governance: COTA’s conference in Guyana spotlights “smart, data-driven and AI-enabled” tax administration as CARICOM looks for more resilient, home-grown revenue. Martinique Culture & Commerce: Fort-de-France hosted the Reggae Therapy Festival, drawing 20,000+ fans and boosting the island’s pull for major cultural events.

Caribbean Climate & Tourism Pressure: New research flags record sargassum levels—about 27 million metric tons in July—smothering beaches across the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico, with rotting seaweed harming marine life and scaring off visitors. Regional Business & Trade Leadership: CARICHAM (Caribbean Chambers of Commerce) elected Kiran Maharaj as new Chair, with Martinique’s Vanessa Victorin and Suriname’s Gino Naarden as Vice-Chairs, aiming to push trade facilitation, advocacy, member value and disaster-risk reduction. Insurance Gap Watch: A Lloyd’s-commissioned study says hurricane-exposed communities in Jamaica, Barbados and Grenada often have uninsured livelihoods, leaving farmers and tourism workers to self-recover after disasters. Martinique-Linked Culture & Economy: Martinique’s Reggae Therapy Festival drew 20,000+ fans to Fort-de-France, boosting the island’s pull for major cultural events. Spirits & Local Industry Signals: Campari reported 2.7% organic sales growth in H1 and plans to sell non-core spirits, including Martinique-based Bellonnie et Bourdillon Successeurs (rhum agricole). Tax & Revenue Modernisation: CARICOM tax leaders meet in Guyana for COTA’s conference on smart, data-driven and AI-enabled tax administration. Grenada Cost-of-Living Relief: Grenada announced an EC$18m package, including VAT removal on electricity from Aug–Dec 2026, expanded electricity subsidies and VAT-free shopping days.

FIFA Governance Shock: UEFA has unanimously rejected Gianni Infantino’s push to sell up to 20% of a new $20bn FIFA World Cup commercial vehicle to private investors, warning it could threaten sporting integrity and governance; UEFA even floated a possible boycott of FIFA competitions, with a 19 September deadline for the final vote. Regional Business Leadership: CariCham (Caribbean Chambers of Commerce network) elected Kiran Maharaj as new Chair, with Vanessa Victorin and Gino Naarden as Vice-Chairs, aiming to turn trade facilitation and advocacy into concrete business opportunities across the region. Spirits & Local Industry: Campari is divesting non-core brands, including Martinique-based Bellonnie et Bourdillon Successeurs (rhum agricole under Trois Rivières, La Mauny and Duquesne), alongside deals for Cognac and Tequila; proceeds are estimated around €30m, with completion targeted by end-October. Eurozone Money Design: The ECB confirms that the Canary Islands and other overseas territories of euro states—including Martinique and other French territories—will be incorporated into the next euro banknote redesign phase after the final proposal is selected. Tax & Revenue Focus: CARICOM and COTA are convening in Georgetown on “Future-Ready” tax systems, urging smarter, data-driven and AI-enabled approaches as development funding becomes less certain. Maritime Trade: St Kitts and Nevis’ Basseterre port received the MV Equuleus Leader, delivering 38 imported vehicles, with customs clearance urged to be document-ready. Tourism & Culture: Martinique’s Reggae Therapy Festival drew 20,000+ fans to Fort-de-France, powered by local entrepreneurs and supported by the Martinique Tourism Authority. Energy Costs Relief (Caribbean): Grenada’s government relief package includes temporary VAT removal on electricity from August to December 2026, plus expanded subsidies and fuel price caps.

Business Leadership: CARICHAM (Caribbean Chambers of Commerce) 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 a network representing 100,000+ businesses. Spirits & Trade: Campari is selling Bisquit&Dubouché Cognac and Cabo Wabo Tequila to Cobblestone Brands, and also offloading Martinique-based Bellonnie et Bourdillon Successeurs (rhum agricole brands including Trois Rivières, La Mauny and Duquesne), with deals expected to close by end-October and proceeds around €30m. Regional Finance & Policy: CARICOM tax chiefs meet in Georgetown for COTA’s 27th General Assembly on “Future-Ready” tax systems, with a push for smarter, data-driven and AI-enabled revenue tools. Energy Costs (Regional Watch): Grenada announced an EC$18m Cost of Living Assistance Programme, including 100% VAT removal on electricity from August–December 2026 and continued fuel price caps. Culture with Economic Pull: Martinique’s Reggae Therapy Festival drew 20,000+ fans to Fort-de-France, boosting tourism demand and highlighting local entrepreneurs behind the event.

Eurozone Money Update: The ECB says the next euro banknote designs will include the Canary Islands and other overseas territories in a later phase, after a public consultation running until Sept. 21—an important signal for Martinique and other outermost regions. Regional Tax Push: CARICOM’s tax chiefs meet in Georgetown for COTA’s 27th General Assembly under “Future-Ready CARICOM Tax Administration,” with a strong focus on smarter, data-driven and AI-enabled revenue systems. Cost of Living Relief (Grenada): Grenada unveiled an EC$18m Cost of Living Assistance Programme to blunt imported food and energy inflation, including 100% VAT removal on electricity (Aug–Dec 2026) plus fuel price caps and VAT-free shopping days. Martinique Culture & Tourism: Martinique’s Reggae Therapy Festival drew 20,000+ fans to Fort-de-France, boosting the island’s pull for major events and local entrepreneurship. Caribbean Trade/Logistics: St Kitts and Nevis received 38 imported vehicles via the MV Equuleus Leader at Basseterre Port, with customs documents urged to speed clearance. OECS Africa Link: The OECS appointed Aisha Maina as Strategic Advisor for Africa-Caribbean cooperation, aiming to deepen trade, investment and cultural ties.