AGP Executive Report

EU Sanctions Watch: EU ambassadors discussed a new package targeting Russia’s military industry, with a shift away from sector-wide measures as member states struggled to agree on earlier rounds; ministers are set to decide on Oct. 12. Canada–France Industrial & Energy Links: French President Emmanuel Macron and Canada’s PM Mark Carney announced closer cooperation from Saint-Pierre and Miquelon, including defense, fishing, energy, aerospace, critical minerals, and advanced tech like satellites and quantum computing, after the EU floated “associate member” status for Canada. Cruise & Logistics Demand: MSC mapped its 2027–28 winter deployments, expanding in the Canary Islands and adding major Caribbean capacity from U.S. homeports, led by the debut of MSC World Atlantic from Port Canaveral. Caribbean Energy Costs: Grenada raised kerosene and LPG prices (gasoline and diesel stayed at $17), with higher costs hitting larger LPG cylinders and bulk supplies. Tourism & Creative Economy: Grenada’s Spicemas delivered a 20% jump in visitor arrivals, while IMA Grenada commissioned an independent review of its Citizenship by Investment programme via Caribbean Analytics. Maritime & Marine Skills: Grenada’s Dive and Conservation Festival returns Oct. 26–Nov. 1, spotlighting wrecks, reefs, and coral restoration. Film & Cultural Industry: Conch Shell International Film Fest runs Oct. 9–11 in New York, featuring Caribbean and diaspora filmmakers, including Martinique.

EU Sanctions Watch: EU ambassadors discussed a new package targeting Russia’s military industry, with plans likely to be adopted at foreign ministers’ meeting in Luxembourg on Oct. 12; notably, officials say there are no sectoral sanctions this time after tough summer negotiations. Canada–France Economic & Energy Links: French President Emmanuel Macron and Canada’s PM Mark Carney announced closer cooperation from Saint-Pierre-Miquelon, pointing to fishing, security, energy, and collaboration on critical minerals and advanced tech. Cruise Capacity Signals Caribbean Demand: MSC outlined its 2027-28 winter deployment, including expanded capacity in the Canary Islands and a North America season from U.S. homeports—useful context for regional shipping and tourism planning. Grenada CBI Oversight: IMA Grenada commissioned an independent review of its Citizenship by Investment programme, running Sept–Oct 2026 with public input via an online anonymous questionnaire. Energy Costs in the Eastern Caribbean: Grenada raised kerosene and some LPG prices (larger cylinders and bulk), while gasoline and diesel stayed unchanged—an immediate pressure point for households and businesses.

EU Sanctions Watch: EU ambassadors discussed a new sanctions package targeting Russia’s military industry, with a shift away from sector-wide measures as member states struggled to agree on earlier rounds. Cruise & Logistics: MSC outlined its 2027-28 winter deployment, adding capacity in the Canary Islands and expanding Caribbean-linked sailings from U.S. homeports, led by the debut of MSC World Atlantic from Port Canaveral. Energy Costs (Caribbean): Grenada raised retail kerosene and several LPG prices while keeping gasoline and diesel unchanged, a move that will hit households and businesses using larger cylinders or bulk supplies. Local Infrastructure (Petite Martinique): The Madam Pierre Road in Petite Martinique was commissioned as a paved, engineered concrete corridor with structural drainage, improving safety and emergency access during heavy tropical rains. International Ties (France/Canada): Macron and Canada’s Carney announced closer cooperation on defense, fishing, energy, and advanced technologies after EU “associate membership” talks. Tourism & Culture (Grenada): Spicemas visitor arrivals rose 20% year-on-year, while Grenada also commissioned an independent review of its Citizenship by Investment programme.

Cruise & Shipping: MSC Cruises mapped its 2027-28 winter deployments, expanding in the Canary Islands with the MSC Euribia (taking over routes planned for MSC Fantasia) and running seven-night itineraries from four Canary homeports, while also keeping a heavy lineup across the Mediterranean and Northern Europe and adding a North America highlight with the debut of MSC World Atlantic from Port Canaveral. Energy & Costs (Regional): Grenada raised retail kerosene and LPG prices (gasoline and diesel stayed at $17), with larger LPG cylinders and bulk supplies seeing the biggest jumps—an immediate hit for households and businesses relying on cooking gas. Local Infrastructure (Martinique): Petite Martinique’s Madam Pierre Road was commissioned as a modern 2,470-foot concrete pavement with structural drainage, replacing a stony track to improve safety and keep the road passable in heavy tropical rain. Governance & Industry Oversight (Regional): IMA Grenada commissioned an independent review of its Citizenship by Investment programme, using surveys and interviews across September–October 2026, with results reported in combined form to inform programme assessment. Tourism & Culture (Regional): Grenada’s Spicemas delivered a 20% year-on-year rise in arrivals during the festival period, driven especially by non-national visitors.

Citizenship-by-Investment Scrutiny: IMA Grenada has commissioned an independent review of its Citizenship by Investment programme, run Sept–Oct 2026 via Caribbean Analytics, using anonymous public questionnaires, interviews, and focus groups with residents, diaspora, applicants, agents, industry partners, and government stakeholders. Energy Costs: Grenada’s government raised retail kerosene and LPG prices (gasoline and diesel stayed at $17), with LPG increases hitting larger cylinders and bulk supplies in Grenada, Carriacou, and Petite Martinique. Infrastructure in the Sister Islands: Petite Martinique’s Madam Pierre Road was commissioned as a modern 2,470-foot concrete pavement with structural drainage, upgrading safety and access after a long unpaved stretch. Local Engineering & Public Works: The Petite Martinique Enhancement Project also highlights how drainage design is being built for heavy tropical rainfall to keep roads passable for years. Culture & Tourism Demand: Grenada’s Spicemas period delivered a 20% jump in visitor arrivals year-on-year, with non-nationals driving much of the growth. International Links (France–Canada): Macron and Canada’s Carney announced closer cooperation on defense, energy, critical minerals, and advanced technologies after meeting in Saint-Pierre-Miquelon.

International Cooperation: French President Emmanuel Macron and Canada’s PM Mark Carney announced tighter ties from Saint-Pierre and Miquelon, focusing on fishing, security, and energy, with talks also covering aerospace, critical minerals, and advanced tech like quantum computing and satellites. AI & Strategic Alignment: Carney floated cooperation among France, Canada, the US, and China on artificial intelligence as both countries navigate strained relations with Washington. Petroleum Costs (Regional Impact): Grenada raised kerosene prices (from $15.84 to $16.86) and increased LPG for larger cylinders and bulk supplies, while gasoline and diesel stayed at $17.00. Infrastructure (Martinique Focus): Petite Martinique’s Madam Pierre Road was upgraded to a modern concrete pavement with structural drainage, improving safety and passability during heavy tropical rains. Sports & Local Economy Link: USMNT set its Concacaf Nations League home leg in Cincinnati (Nov 17), with Martinique included in the qualifying group mix.

Energy Costs: Grenada raised retail kerosene and LPG prices on Sept. 18, while gasoline and diesel stayed at $17 per unit—kerosene up from $15.84 to $16.86, and LPG higher for larger cylinders and bulk in Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique. Infrastructure & Engineering: Petite Martinique’s Madam Pierre Road was commissioned as a modern 2,470-foot concrete pavement with structural drainage, replacing a treacherous unpaved track and aiming to keep the corridor safe during heavy tropical rainfall. Culture & Media: Conch Shell International Film Fest returns to New York Oct. 9–11 with 47 films from 14 countries, including Martinique, and a theme focused on Caribbean identity and diaspora stories. Regional Business/Trade: Canada is reportedly exploring “associate member” status with the EU as it seeks deeper cooperation in energy, defence and critical minerals amid a trade war with the U.S., with major joint projects on the table.

Energy & Cost of Living: Grenada’s government posted its latest controlled retail prices for gasoline, diesel, kerosene and LPG, with kerosene rising (to $16.86) and LPG increases for the 100 lb cylinder and bulk pricing, while gasoline and some LPG tiers stayed flat. Infrastructure & Engineering: Petite Martinique’s Madam Pierre Road was upgraded into a modern concrete pavement with structural drainage under the Petite Martinique Enhancement Project, aiming to improve safety and keep the road passable during heavy tropical rain. Regional Business & Trade: Canada is reportedly exploring “associate member” status with the EU as part of a broader push to deepen cooperation in energy, AI, defence and critical minerals, alongside major joint projects like undersea cables and data infrastructure. Local Governance & Development: A Petite Martinique road upgrade and drainage-focused works in the wider region highlight how engineering decisions shape daily access and flood risk. Culture & Creative Industries: The Conch Shell International Film Festival is set to return to New York (Oct. 9–11) with Caribbean and diaspora filmmakers, including Martinique representation.

Road & Drainage Upgrade: Petite Martinique’s Madam Pierre Road has been commissioned as a modern 2,470-foot concrete pavement with structural drainage, replacing a stony track and improving safety during heavy tropical rains. Energy & Fuel Costs (Regional): Grenada’s petroleum retail prices for September 2026 show no change for gasoline and diesel, while kerosene rises and LPG cylinder/bulk pricing increases for larger sizes—fuel remains price-controlled with government monitoring. Water Security: A new look at desalination argues the technology is moving from “emergency” to mainstream water infrastructure as CARICOM faces worsening drought pressure and declining reserves. Oil & Gas Governance (Regional): Grenada’s oil-and-gas debate heats up as the ruling party pushes a technical working group to brief parliament, while the opposition boycotts and questions the legitimacy of experts amid controversy over the GPG deal. Martinique in the Spotlight (Culture): The Conch Shell International Film Fest in New York (Oct 9–11) will include Martinique among participating countries, with programming focused on Caribbean identity and diaspora stories. Sports (Martinique-linked): USMNT will host the Concacaf Nations League home leg in Cincinnati on Nov 17; Martinique is listed in Group B for the League A window. Local Talent (Arts): Dominican writer Zephrine Royer—based in Martinique—wins the 2026 BCLF Elizabeth Nunez Award for “River Mouth.”

Marine & Tourism: Grenada’s fifth annual Dive and Conservation Festival runs Oct. 26–Nov. 1, spotlighting wrecks like the Bianca C and reef sites across Grenada and Carriacou, with coral restoration and habitat protection built into the week’s dive-and-learn program. Film & Creative Industries: The Conch Shell International Film Festival returns to New York Oct. 9–11, featuring 47 films from 14 countries including Martinique, with industry panels and professional development tied to Caribbean identity themes. Infrastructure & Engineering (Martinique region): Petite Martinique’s Madam Pierre Road has been upgraded to a modern concrete pavement with structural drainage, replacing a stony track and aiming to keep the route safe and passable through heavy tropical rain. Water Security: A global look at desalination argues the technology is moving from “emergency” to mainstream water infrastructure, with CARICOM countries experimenting amid intensifying climate-driven shortages. Energy & Offshore Resources (regional): Grenada’s oil-and-gas debate heats up again as parliament discusses work tied to offshore resources, following controversy around a prior agreement with Global Petroleum Group (GPG).

EU Outermost-Regions Strategy: The European Commission unveiled a new strategic vision for outermost regions including Martinique, pairing it with a regulatory package aimed at better fitting local constraints and unlocking resilience, biodiversity and innovation. Energy Transition & Electrification: France selected 109 “electrification territories” (including Martinique) for large-scale pilots to cut reliance on gas and oil, using heat pumps, district heating, geothermal and renewables, plus more EV charging and support for agriculture like greenhouse electrification. Water Security Debate: A CARICOM-focused push is putting desalination back in the spotlight as climate stress and groundwater decline drive coastal cities to treat seawater as a mainstream utility. Local Infrastructure Upgrade: Petite Martinique’s Madam Pierre Road was commissioned as a modern concrete pavement with structural drainage, improving safety and emergency access. Regional Industry & Trade Watch: Canada is reportedly exploring closer EU ties (even “associate member” status) while pursuing joint projects in energy, critical minerals, defence and undersea/data infrastructure—an angle that matters for Caribbean supply chains and investment. Culture & Creative Economy: The Conch Shell International Film Festival returns to New York (Oct 9–11), featuring Caribbean and diaspora filmmakers, including Martinique, with industry panels and professional development.

Political Accountability: Gregor Nassief fires back at Dominica PM Roosevelt Skerrit after the Sept. 9 press conference, saying key questions on CBI discounting and compliance remain unanswered despite prior replies. Water & Infrastructure: Orange Beach city officials weigh drainage and flood-mitigation options near Bay Launch Estates and Bear Point, rejecting a proposed diversion channel while citing cost and construction complexity. Road & Drainage Works: Petite Martinique’s Madam Pierre Road is upgraded to a modern concrete pavement with structural drainage, improving safety and emergency access after a long stony track. Energy Transition: France selects 109 “electrification territories” (including Martinique) to pilot faster replacement of gas/oil with heat pumps, district heating, geothermal and renewables, plus more EV charging and support for agriculture. EU Outer Regions: The European Commission rolls out a new strategy for outermost regions including Martinique, proposing targeted regulatory adaptations to boost resilience and opportunity. Water Security Debate: Desalination is framed as a growing mainstream solution as Caribbean states face intensifying drought and groundwater stress.

EU Outer Regions Strategy: The European Commission unveiled a new strategy and regulatory package for outermost regions including Martinique, aiming to adapt EU rules to local constraints and boost competitiveness, resilience, connectivity, renewable energy, and protection of strategic infrastructure like ports and submarine cables. Energy Transition: France selected 109 electrification territories for large pilot projects to cut reliance on gas and oil, accelerating shifts to heat pumps, district heating, geothermal and renewables—explicitly including Martinique among the overseas territories. Water Security & Industry: A global push toward desalination is framed as a mainstream water-grid solution amid climate stress, with CARICOM countries experimenting with it for drought resilience. Local Infrastructure (Sister-Island Link): In the wider Caribbean, the Petite Martinique Enhancement Project commissioned and paved the Madam Pierre Road with engineered concrete and drainage to improve safety and access during heavy tropical rainfall. Governance & Development: Separate coverage highlights ongoing political and development debates across the region, including questions around energy resource deals and parliamentary scrutiny—an issue that can shape investment confidence for extractive and energy-linked industries.

EU Outer Regions Strategy: The European Commission unveiled a new strategic vision for outermost regions including Martinique, proposing targeted tweaks to EU rules in areas like agriculture, fisheries, migration, and taxation, plus priorities for renewable energy, connectivity, climate adaptation, and protection of ports and submarine cables. Energy Transition Pilots: France selected 109 electrification territories (including Martinique) to speed up replacing gas and oil with heat pumps, district heating, geothermal and other renewables, with support for EV charging and even agricultural electrification like greenhouses. Water Security Debate: A new look at desalination argues it’s moving from emergency option to mainstream water infrastructure as Caribbean states face intensifying drought and groundwater stress. Oil & Gas Governance: Grenada’s maritime oil and gas plans are back in the spotlight amid parliamentary dispute over a technical working group and the handling of prior agreements. Local Infrastructure (Engineering): Petite Martinique’s Madam Pierre Road was upgraded into a modern concrete pavement with drainage, aiming to improve safety and emergency access. Regional Mobility (Cruising): Southern Caribbean routes are set to become easier as cruise lines expand itineraries, potentially boosting access to ports like Curaçao and Aruba.

EU Outer Regions Strategy: The European Commission has unveiled a new strategic vision for outermost regions including Martinique, pairing stronger support with targeted tweaks to EU rules in areas like agriculture, fisheries, migration, taxation, renewable energy, and connectivity—with a focus on protecting ports and submarine cables and boosting resilience. Energy Transition: France is selecting 109 “electrification territories” to cut reliance on gas and oil, with pilots that can speed up heat pumps, district heating, geothermal, and even electrify parts of the agricultural sector. Water Security Debate: A fresh look at whether desalination can solve Caribbean water stress is gaining attention as climate pressure mounts across the region. Local Infrastructure (Martinique ties): In Petite Martinique, the Madam Pierre Road has been upgraded into a modern concrete corridor with drainage—aimed at safer access and better durability in heavy tropical rain. Regional Industry & Resources: Grenada’s oil-and-gas plans are again in the spotlight as parliament debates the work of a technical group tied to past agreements. Sports & Local Economy: USMNT has set its Concacaf Nations League home leg in Cincinnati, with Martinique listed among Group B teams.

Infrastructure & Safety: Petite Martinique’s Madam Pierre Road has been upgraded into a modern concrete corridor with structural drainage, improving emergency access and road safety in heavy tropical rain. Energy Transition: France has picked 109 “electrification territories” (including Martinique) to pilot replacing gas and oil with heat pumps, district heating, geothermal and renewables, plus more EV charging and support for agriculture like greenhouse electrification. EU Strategy for Outermost Regions: The European Commission unveiled a new strategy and regulatory package for outermost territories including Martinique, aiming to adapt EU rules to local realities in areas like agriculture, fisheries, migration, taxation, connectivity, renewable energy and protection of ports and submarine cables. Water & Resilience: A new look at desalination argues it’s moving from emergency option to mainstream water security tool as CARICOM regions face intensifying drought and groundwater stress. Local Industry & Innovation: Barbados is seeking patent protection for novel sargassum microorganisms after pharmaceutical interest, aiming to keep commercial and environmental value in the region. Cruising & Logistics: Southern Caribbean cruise access is set to expand as major lines add itineraries and ports, potentially boosting trade and visitor flows to rarer destinations like Curaçao, Aruba and Bonaire. Regional Politics: Canada is reportedly exploring “associate member” status with the EU amid US trade tensions, with talks focused on energy, AI, defence and critical minerals.