AGP Executive Report

Tourism & Environment: Seaweed “sargassum” is blanketing Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico coastlines, with scientists reporting about 27 million metric tons in July and warning it’s growing in large quantities locally this year—bad news for marine life and visitor arrivals. Aviation & Connectivity: Air France is adding a new nonstop link between Pointe-à-Pitre and Panama City from 11 Dec 2026, with twice-weekly service and connections designed to route travelers via Fort-de-France and Cayenne. Health & Mobility: The Calvin Ayre Foundation, with the Medical Benefits Scheme, backed urgent overseas cardiac treatment for Ulysis James, including travel to Martinique’s CHU de Martinique. Energy Governance: Former ministers Carlos James and Melissa Peters are sharply criticizing St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ energy leadership, arguing cabinet mismanagement and geothermal know-how gaps are driving electricity cost problems. Spirits Industry: Campari says it will streamline its spirits portfolio by end-2026, including negotiations to sell its Martinique agricole rum brands (Trois Rivières and Maison La Mauny). Maritime Dispute: Yacht owners at Carriacou’s Tyrell Bay Marina say they’re stuck after access to the launch area was blocked in a land dispute, with reported losses exceeding US$85,000. Rum Culture: The Caribbean Rum Awards St Barth highlights a regional blind-tasting format that brings Caribbean rums together for judging on home soil. Business/Trade: OurAfrica.Travel announces its next virtual trade show for 22–26 Feb 2027, aiming to connect African tourism and buyers online. Climate Outlook: The Caribbean Climate Outlook flags intense heat, uneven rainfall, and flooding risk into the wet season’s later months, tied to El Niño strengthening and warming trends. Entertainment (low local tie-in): Netflix’s new MMA action series “Wrath” is trending, but it’s not directly tied to Martinique industry.

Energy Governance Clash: Former St. Vincent ministers Carlos James and Melissa Peters accuse the current cabinet of mishandling electricity policy and lacking technical know-how on the nation’s geothermal project, arguing the state—not Vinlec management—must deliver on subsidies and cost control. Air Connectivity for the French Caribbean: Air France adds a new Pointe-à-Pitre–Panama City nonstop from 11 Dec 2026, twice weekly, with connections designed to feed Fort-de-France and Cayenne travelers via Guadeloupe. Rum Industry in Martinique: Campari says it will streamline its spirits portfolio by year-end and is in talks to sell Bellonnie et Bourdillon Successeurs, covering Campari’s Martinique agricole rum brands (Trois Rivières, Maison La Mauny). Tourism Pressure from Seaweed: A University of South Florida report flags record sargassum levels across the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico, with beaches smothered and marine life hit—raising fresh risks for tourism-dependent economies. Health Travel Support: The Calvin Ayre Foundation and MBS back urgent overseas cardiac treatment for Ulysis James, sending him to CHU de Martinique after a STEMI. Climate Risk Outlook: Caribbean forecasters warn of intense heat, uneven wet-season rainfall, and flooding risk, with hurricane activity likely muted later in the season.

Energy Governance Clash: Former St. Vincent and the Grenadines ministers Carlos James and Melissa Peters hit the current administration over electricity costs and the geothermal project, arguing the state mismanages Vinlec’s role and lacks basic technical grasp of how subsidies should work. Medical Travel Support: The Calvin Ayre Foundation, with the Medical Benefits Scheme, backed urgent overseas cardiac care for Ulysis James, sending him from Antigua to CHU de Martinique for specialist treatment. Air Connectivity for the French Caribbean: Air France will add a seasonal nonstop route between Pointe-à-Pitre and Panama City from 11 Dec 2026, with schedules designed to connect via Fort-de-France and Cayenne. Rum Industry Deal-Making: Campari says it will streamline its spirits portfolio by end-2026 and is in talks to sell its Martinique agricole rum brands (Trois Rivières, Maison La Mauny). Coastal Tourism Threat: A University of South Florida report warns that sargassum is now growing in large quantities across the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico, with July totals around 27 million metric tons. Climate Risk for Caribbean Livelihoods: A Lloyd’s-commissioned study highlights insurance gaps leaving hurricane-exposed workers in Jamaica, Barbados and Grenada to self-recover after losses. Marina Dispute Spillover: Yacht owners in Carriacou say a Tyrell Bay Marina access blockade has left about 8 boats unable to relaunch, with losses already above US$85,000.

Medical Travel & Healthcare: The Calvin Ayre Foundation (CAF) and the Medical Benefits Scheme (MBS) backed urgent overseas treatment for Ulysis James, sending him from Antigua to Martinique’s CHU de Martinique for specialised cardiac care after a STEMI and recurring chest pain. Aviation & Connectivity: Air France will launch a new nonstop Pointe-à-Pitre–Panama City route from 11 Dec 2026 (twice weekly), with schedules designed to connect passengers from Fort-de-France and Cayenne via Guadeloupe, plus onward links through COPA’s Panama hub. Agri-Food & Tourism Risk: A major sargassum surge is blanketing Caribbean and Gulf coastlines, with scientists reporting 27 million metric tons in July—bad for marine life and a direct threat to tourism-dependent economies. Rum Industry & Local Brands: Campari says it will streamline its spirits portfolio by end-2026, including negotiations to sell its Martinique agricole rum assets (Trois Rivières, Maison La Mauny, Duquesne) as it focuses on core brands. Trade & Business Networks: CariCham elected Kiran Maharaj as new Chair, with Martinique Chamber head Vanessa Victorin as Vice-Chair, pushing trade facilitation, advocacy, and disaster risk reduction.

Aviation & Trade Connectivity: Air France is adding a new nonstop seasonal route between Pointe-à-Pitre (Guadeloupe) and Panama City from 11 Dec 2026, twice weekly, with schedules designed to connect onward for travelers from Fort-de-France (Martinique) and Cayenne via Pointe-à-Pitre, plus free high-speed Wi‑Fi for Flying Blue members. Caribbean Tourism & Environment: A University of South Florida report says sargassum is blanketing Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico coastlines, with about 27 million metric tons recorded in July and scientists noting this year’s growth pattern is “not normal,” raising fresh pressure on tourism-dependent economies. Climate Risk & Resilience: Lloyd’s study highlights insurance gaps after hurricanes in Jamaica, Barbados and Grenada, finding many farmers, fishers and tourism workers remain uninsured and must self-recover after losses. Local Energy & Infrastructure: Grenada commissioned a solar plant in Limlair, Carriacou, funded 100% by the UAE, with power feeding into the grid via GRENLEC as part of the “Solar for All” push. Livestock & Food Security: Hybrid sheep and goats plus new pens are being introduced at Limlair Livestock Station in Carriacou/Petite Martinique to rebuild livestock production after Hurricane Beryl. Industry & Business Networks: CARICHAM elected Kiran Maharaj as new chair, with Martinique Chamber’s Vanessa Victorin as vice-chair, focusing on trade facilitation, advocacy and disaster risk reduction. Spirits Industry: Campari posted H1 sales up 2.7% organically and plans further portfolio streamlining, including selling Martinique-based agricole rum brands (Bellonnie et Bourdillon Successeurs) as part of divestments. Maritime Disruption: Yacht owners in Carriacou report boats trapped after access to Tyrell Bay Marina’s launch area was blocked in a land dispute, with losses already exceeding US$85,000.

Marine & Tourism Impact: 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 activity as the seaweed rots onshore. Climate Risk & Resilience: A Caribbean Climate Outlook warns of intense heat, uneven rainfall, and a potentially muted hurricane peak, but with high flood and flash-flood risk from late wet-season storms. Caribbean Business Leadership: CariCham (Caribbean Chambers of Commerce) elected Kiran Maharaj as new Chair, with Vanessa Victorin and Gino Naarden as Vice-Chairs, stressing trade facilitation, advocacy, and disaster risk reduction. Energy & Agriculture (Grenada/Carriacou): Grenada commissioned a solar plant in Limlair to strengthen grid power for Carriacou and Petite Martinique, while Carriacou and Petite Martinique advanced livestock recovery with hybrid sheep and goat pens at Limlair Livestock Station. Insurance Gaps: A Lloyd’s-commissioned study highlights that hurricane-exposed farmers, fishers, and tourism workers in Jamaica, Barbados, and Grenada often remain uninsured and must replace losses themselves. Local Industry & Trade (Martinique-linked): Campari moves to sell Martinique-based Bellonnie et Bourdillon Successeurs (rhum agricole) as part of a broader portfolio reshuffle, while Marie Brizard Wine & Spirits reports a France sales rebound in H1 and Q2. Youth & Agribusiness: A youth programme in Grenada awarded seed grants for agribusiness and agri-tech, including bee farming and a platform linking farmers to institutional buyers. Maritime Dispute (Carriacou): Yacht owners at Tyrell Bay Marina say they’re stuck after access was blocked in a land dispute, with losses reported above US$85,000 and travel advisories potentially affected.

Tourism & Trade: OurAfrica.Travel says its next virtual trade show runs 22–26 Feb 2027, inviting exhibitors and buyers after a March 2026 edition that logged 23,402 messages, 21,426 connections and 7,861 meetings. Maritime & Local Business Risk: Yacht owners in Carriacou’s Tyrell Bay Marina report about 8 boats stuck after launch access was blocked in a land dispute, with losses already over US$85,000 and possible travel-advisory warnings. Environment & Coastal Economies: A University of South Florida report flags 27 million metric tons of sargassum in July across the Atlantic/Caribbean/Gulf, noting this year’s unusual growth in-region and the tourism hit as beaches foul and marine life is smothered. Climate & Disaster Planning: A Caribbean Climate Outlook warns of intense heat, uneven wet-season rain, and a muted hurricane peak but higher flood/flash-flood risk. Industry & Food Security (Grenada): Grenada commissioned a solar plant in Limlair, Carriacou under “Solar for All,” and Carriacou/Petite Martinique received hybrid sheep and goats plus new pens to rebuild livestock after Hurricane Beryl. Insurance Gaps: A Lloyd’s-commissioned study says farmers, fishers and tourism workers in Jamaica, Barbados and Grenada often lack insurance and must self-replace boats, crops and livestock. Trade Governance: CARICHAM elects Kiran Maharaj as new chair, with Vanessa Victorin and Gino Naarden as vice-chairs, focusing on trade facilitation and disaster risk reduction. Agri-Youth Funding (Grenada): The YOUtrepreneur Programme awarded 10 seed grants up to EC$3,000 for agribusiness and agri-tech, including bee farming and a farmer-to-institution buyer platform. Caribbean Spirits Industry: Campari moves to sell non-core assets including Martinique-based Bellonnie et Bourdillon Successeurs (rhum agricole), while Marie Brizard reports a France sales rebound in H1.

Climate & Coastal Impacts: A new University of South Florida report says self-sustaining sargassum hit record levels across the Atlantic, Caribbean and Gulf—about 27 million metric tons in July—blanketing beaches, harming marine life and disrupting tourism, with scientists warning “none of this is normal.” Maritime Disruption: In Carriacou, yacht owners say a Tyrell Bay Marina access block tied to a land dispute has left around 8 boats unable to relaunch, with losses already topping US$85,000 and embassies warning travel advisories may follow. Energy & Resilience: Grenada commissioned a solar plant in Limlair, Carriacou, funded 100% by the UAE, feeding the grid via GRENLEC and supporting the “Solar for All” push to cut bills and boost clean power access. Trade & Business Networks: CARICHAM elected Kiran Maharaj as new chair, with Martinique Chamber head Vanessa Victorin as vice-chair, aiming to turn regional trade facilitation and disaster risk reduction into concrete opportunities. Agriculture & Food Security: Carriacou and Petite Martinique moved forward on livestock recovery with hybrid sheep and goat arrivals and new pens at Limlair Livestock Station after Hurricane Beryl damage. Regional Policy: COTA’s conference in Guyana urged smarter, data-driven and AI-enabled tax systems for CARICOM’s sustainable revenue needs.

Coastal & Tourism Shock: A new 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 noting this year’s bloom is the first time they’ve seen the seaweed growing in large quantities in the region itself (not just arriving by currents), smothering shorelines, killing marine life and driving away visitors. Climate & Risk Outlook: Caribbean climatologists warn of intense heat, uneven hurricane activity and flooding risk through the late wet season, with “high to extremely high potential” for flash floods and cascading hazards. Insurance Gap for Caribbean Livelihoods: A Lloyd’s-commissioned study highlights that farmers, fishers and tourism workers in Jamaica, Barbados and Grenada often remain uninsured and must replace boats, crops and equipment themselves after storms. Trade & Industry Leadership: CARICHAM elects Kiran Maharaj as new chair, with Martinique’s Vanessa Victorin as vice-chair, aiming to push trade facilitation and disaster risk reduction. Energy & Local Production: Grenada commissions a solar plant in Limlair, Carriacou, to feed the grid and cut costs under its “Solar for All” programme. Agri & Food Security: Carriacou and Petite Martinique move forward on livestock recovery with hybrid sheep and goat pens at Limlair after Hurricane Beryl damage. Maritime Logistics: MV Equuleus Leader delivers 38 imported vehicles to Basseterre Port, supporting routine automotive imports. Rhum & Spirits Business: Campari plans to sell Martinique-based Bellonnie et Bourdillon Successeurs (rhum agricole) as part of a broader divestment of non-core spirits.

Seaweed Crisis for Tourism: Swaths of sargassum are blanketing Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico coastlines, with about 27 million metric tons recorded in July; scientists say this year is unusual because the algae is growing locally in the region rather than just arriving via currents, smothering marine life and driving foul odors that can hit visitor numbers. Climate & Flood Risk: Caribbean forecasters warn of intense heat, uneven hurricane activity, and bouts of heavy rain that raise the risk of flooding and flash floods into the late wet season. Caribbean Business Leadership: CariCham (Caribbean Chambers of Commerce) elects Kiran Maharaj as new chair, with Martinique Chamber’s Vanessa Victorin as vice-chair, focusing on trade facilitation, advocacy, and disaster risk reduction. Martinique-Linked Spirits Market: Campari moves to sell Martinique-based Bellonnie et Bourdillon Successeurs (rhum agricole brands) as part of a broader divestment push, while Marie Brizard reports a France sales rebound tied to on-trade gains and new distribution/deals. Energy & Food Security in the Region: Grenada commissions a solar plant for Carriacou and Petite Martinique, and Carriacou’s livestock station hands over hybrid sheep and goat pens to rebuild after Hurricane Beryl. Insurance Gap Exposed: A Lloyd’s-backed study finds farmers, fishers, and tourism workers in hurricane-exposed Caribbean states often lack insurance and must self-recover after losses. Trade & Logistics: MV Equuleus Leader delivers 38 imported vehicles to Basseterre Port, underscoring ongoing regional cargo flows.

Sargassum Crisis: Swaths of seaweed are blanketing Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico coastlines, with scientists saying this year’s bloom is growing locally in large quantities—releasing foul odors as it rots and threatening marine life and tourism-dependent economies. Climate & Risk Outlook: Caribbean forecasters warn of intense heat, uneven hurricane activity, and bouts of heavy rain that could raise flooding and flash-flood risks through the late wet season. Caribbean Trade Leadership: CARICHAM elected Kiran Maharaj as new Chair, with Martinique’s Vanessa Victorin and Gino Naarden as Vice-Chairs, pledging trade facilitation, advocacy, and disaster risk reduction. Energy & Agriculture Resilience (Carriacou/Petite Martinique): A solar plant in Limlair was commissioned to strengthen grid power for sister islands, while hybrid sheep and goat pens were delivered to help rebuild livestock production after Hurricane Beryl. Maritime Logistics: MV Equuleus Leader arrived at Basseterre Port to deliver 38 imported vehicles, supporting routine Caribbean automotive cargo flows. Spirits Industry (Martinique link): Campari plans to sell Martinique-based Bellonnie et Bourdillon Successeurs, which makes rhum agricole brands including Trois Rivières, Maison La Mauny, and Duquesne.

Sargassum Crisis: A new AP report says swaths of self-sustaining sargassum are blanketing Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico coastlines, with scientists calling it “none of this is normal” after observing large-scale growth in-region; the rotting seaweed is suffocating marine life and disrupting tourism. Heat & Storm Watch: Caribbean climatologists warn of intense heat, patchy hurricane activity and uneven rainfall through the late wet season, with flooding and flash-flood risks still possible. Rum & Tourism Industry: The Caribbean Rum Awards St Barth highlights how the region’s rum industry is increasingly tied to destination experiences, with blind tastings bringing Caribbean producers together on home soil. Local Business Link: Marie Brizard Wine & Spirits reports a France sales rebound in Q2, supported by on-trade growth and a rum distribution deal—useful context for Martinique’s spirits ecosystem. Trade & Shipping: MV Equuleus Leader delivered 38 imported vehicles to Basseterre, underscoring ongoing regional logistics flows. Climate-Resilient Agriculture: Carriacou and Petite Martinique move forward on livestock recovery with hybrid sheep and goats and new pens at Limlair after Hurricane Beryl.

Coastal & Tourism Risk: A new surge of sargassum is blanketing Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico shorelines, with about 27 million metric tons recorded in July—scientists say this year is unusual because the seaweed is growing locally in large quantities, not just drifting in—raising foul-odor, marine-life, and visitor-hit concerns for islands that rely on beaches. Climate Outlook: The late wet season is expected to bring intense heat, patchy hurricane activity, and uneven rainfall, with higher flood and flash-flood risk across parts of the Eastern Caribbean. Energy & Resilience (Grenada/Carriacou): A solar plant in Limlair, Carriacou has been commissioned for grid supply under “Solar for All,” with UAE funding and early household solar rollouts. Livestock & Food Security (Carriacou/Petite Martinique): Hybrid sheep and goat pens are being added at Limlair Livestock Station to rebuild after Hurricane Beryl and strengthen local production. Trade & Industry (CariCham): CariCham elects Kiran Maharaj as new chair, with Martinique Chamber head Vanessa Victorin as vice-chair, pushing trade facilitation and disaster-risk reduction. Maritime & Logistics (St. Kitts): MV Equuleus Leader delivered 38 imported vehicles to Basseterre Port, supporting routine cargo flows. Spirits & Local Business Links (Martinique): Campari plans to sell Martinique-based rhum agricole producer Bellonnie et Bourdillon Successeurs, signaling continued restructuring in the spirits supply chain.

Coastal & Tourism Shock: A new University of South Florida report says sargassum is not just arriving by currents anymore—scientists observed it growing in large quantities across the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico, with July totals reaching about 27 million metric tons, smothering beaches and harming marine life. Weather Risk for Industry: CIMH and CERMES warn the late wet season may bring intense heat, uneven rainfall, and a muted hurricane peak—plus bouts of heavy rain that could trigger flooding and flash-flood impacts across the Eastern Caribbean. Climate Insurance Gap: A Lloyd’s-commissioned study flags that farmers, fishers and tourism workers in Jamaica, Barbados and Grenada often have no insurance for boats, crops and livestock, leaving communities to self-recover after storms. Energy & Construction (Carriacou/Petite Martinique): Grenada commissioned a solar plant in Limlair with UAE funding, feeding the grid via GRENLEC, while hybrid sheep and goats arrive at Limlair Livestock Station to rebuild livestock production after Hurricane Beryl. Local Business & Trade Links: CariCham elected Kiran Maharaj as new chair, with Martinique Chamber head Vanessa Victorin as vice-chair, aiming to push trade facilitation and disaster risk reduction. Maritime & Logistics: NYK’s MV Equuleus Leader delivered 38 imported vehicles to Basseterre Port, underscoring ongoing regional cargo flows. Spirits & Manufacturing (Martinique link): Campari plans to sell Martinique-based Bellonnie et Bourdillon Successeurs, which makes rhum agricole under Trois Rivières, Maison La Mauny and Duquesne brands. Agribusiness & Youth Finance: Grenada’s YOUtrepreneur programme awarded seed grants up to EC$3,000 for agribusiness and agri-tech, including bee farming and a farmer-to-institution buyer platform. Culture as an Economic Driver (Martinique): Fort-de-France hosted the Reggae Therapy Festival (20,000+ attendees), reinforcing Martinique’s pull for major events and tourism spending.

Coastal & Tourism Shock: A new University of South Florida report says about 27 million metric tons of sargassum were recorded in July across the Atlantic, Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico, with scientists noting this year’s growth in the region is “not normal,” threatening marine life and visitor-dependent shorelines. Spirits & Local Industry Signals: Marie Brizard Wine & Spirits reports France sales up 6% in Q2 and H1 revenues €84m (down 3% like-for-like), citing a retail recovery for William Peel and a Cognac industrial-services contract. Agri & Food Security Resilience: Carriacou and Petite Martinique move forward on livestock rebuilding after Hurricane Beryl, with hybrid sheep and goats and new pens at Limlair Livestock Station. Clean Energy Commissioning: Grenada completes a solar plant in Limlair for Carriacou and Petite Martinique, feeding into the grid under its “Solar for All” push. Trade & Business Networks: CariCham elects Kiran Maharaj as new chair, with Martinique’s Vanessa Victorin as vice-chair, aiming to turn regional partnerships into concrete business opportunities. Maritime & Logistics: MV Equuleus Leader delivers 38 imported vehicles to Basseterre Port, underscoring ongoing Caribbean port throughput. Martinique Culture as Industry: Fort-de-France hosts the Reggae Therapy Festival (Jul 11–12), drawing 20,000+ fans and boosting Martinique’s pull for major events.

Caribbean Insurance & Climate Risk: A Lloyd’s-commissioned study warns that farmers, fishers and tourism workers in hurricane-exposed Jamaica, Barbados and Grenada often have no insurance for boats, crops, livestock and equipment, leaving households to self-recover while government aid arrives too slowly; it urges faster public intervention and insurance-style products via trusted co-operatives. Caribbean Trade Leadership: CariCham (Caribbean Chambers of Commerce) elected Kiran Maharaj as new Chair, with Vanessa Victorin and Gino Naarden as Vice-Chairs, pledging delivery on trade facilitation, advocacy, member value and disaster risk reduction. Martinique Business & Regional Integration: Martinique’s International Chamber of Commerce and Industry is represented in CariCham leadership, aligning with wider CARICOM push for deeper integration and resilience. Agriculture & Food Security (Carriacou/Petite Martinique): Hybrid sheep and goats plus new pens are being handed over at Limlair Livestock Station after Hurricane Beryl damage, supported by climate-resilient agriculture funding. Renewable Energy (Carriacou/Petite Martinique): A solar plant in Limlair is commissioned for grid supply, funded 100% by the UAE under “Solar for All.” Spirits & Local Industry Links: Campari moves to sell Martinique-based rhum agricole producer Bellonnie et Bourdillon Successeurs as part of divesting non-core brands. Water & Compliance: SAHRC flags serious wastewater-treatment compliance failures at Kouga’s Jeffreys Bay and KwaNomzamo works, with bacterial levels exceeding licence limits. Tourism & Culture (Martinique): Martinique’s Reggae Therapy Festival drew 20,000+ to Fort-de-France, boosting the island’s pull for major cultural events.