AGP Executive Report

CARICOM Tax Modernisation: CARICOM Secretary-General Dr. Carla Barnett urged Caribbean tax administrations to shift toward smarter, data-driven and AI-enabled systems to secure more resilient, home-grown financing as aid becomes less certain. OECS Africa-Caribbean Links: The OECS Commission appointed Aisha Maina as Strategic Advisor for Africa-Caribbean Cooperation, aiming to boost trade, investment and policy bridges. Shipping & Imports: St. Kitts and Nevis’ Basseterre Port welcomed the MV Equuleus Leader to deliver 38 imported vehicles, with port officials urging customers to have documents ready for faster clearance. Martinique Tourism & Culture: Martinique’s Reggae Therapy Festival drew 20,000+ fans to Fort-de-France, reinforcing the island’s pull for major cultural events and international visitors. Water Crisis: Guadeloupe and Martinique face an unprecedented water crisis, with drought restrictions hitting drinking water, sanitation and even some coastal swimming areas. Agribusiness Support: Grenada’s Rural Development Unit launched financial and legal training for rural agribusiness owners in St. Patrick, targeting better cash flow, recordkeeping, traceability and tax compliance. Food Supply & Solidarity: Bananas from Guadeloupe and Martinique were donated to Restos du Cœur via the Tour de France, with a new fundraising record of 12+ tons. Energy Cost Relief (Regional): Grenada rolled out EC$18M cost-of-living measures, including VAT-free electricity relief and fuel price caps, to cushion imported food and energy inflation.

Water Crisis: Guadeloupe and Martinique are hit by an unprecedented drought, with drinking-water restrictions, closed swimming areas from coastal pollution, and limits on domestic and agricultural use—showing how fragile local water infrastructure is under prolonged dry spells. Tourism & Culture: Martinique turned up the volume with the 4th annual Reggae Therapy Festival in Fort-de-France, drawing 20,000+ fans to Louis-Achille Stadium and boosting the island’s pull for major cultural events. Agri-Business Skills: Grenada’s Rural Development Unit is rolling out financial and legal training for rural agribusiness owners in St. Patrick, focusing on cash flow, pricing, recordkeeping, traceability, and tax compliance. Cost of Living Relief (Energy): Grenada announced an EC$18M Cost of Living Assistance Programme, including VAT-free electricity (Aug–Dec 2026) and fuel price caps, aimed at easing imported inflation pressures on households and businesses. Environmental Waste: Flow Grenada and Grenada Green Group (G3) are installing recycling bins in secondary schools to cut plastic pollution and relieve pressure on the Perseverance dump site. Leadership Change (Tourism): Grenada Tourism Authority CEO Stacey Liburd has concluded her tenure effective July 22, 2026.

Rum Tourism: Distillery tours across the Caribbean are shifting from “souvenir stops” to core travel experiences, with visitors increasingly booking trips for working distilleries, tastings, and cane-field heritage—an opportunity for Martinique’s own rum story. Cultural Industry: Martinique’s Reggae Therapy Festival in Fort-de-France drew 20,000+ fans (July 11–12), boosting the island’s pull for major cultural events and spotlighting local entrepreneurs behind the growing brand. Water & Infrastructure: Guadeloupe and Martinique are hit by an unprecedented water crisis, with drought restrictions, rationing, and sanitation strain disrupting daily life and even closing some coastal swimming areas. Agribusiness Support: Grenada’s Rural Development Unit is rolling out targeted training for rural agribusiness owners in St. Patrick, focusing on cash flow, pricing, recordkeeping, traceability, and tax compliance—practical capacity-building for producers. Cost of Living Relief (Regional): Grenada announced an EC$18M programme to cushion imported food and energy inflation, including VAT removal on electricity (Aug–Dec 2026) and continued fuel price caps. Banana Supply Chain Solidarity: At Tour de France KM97, 59,721 bananas from Guadeloupe and Martinique were donated to Restos du Cœur, supporting meal distribution in Gironde.

Rum Tourism: Distillery tours are shifting from “souvenir stops” to core travel plans, with Martinique highlighted for tasting experiences and other islands leaning into their own rum-making stories. Cultural & Hospitality Push: Martinique’s Reggae Therapy Festival drew 20,000+ fans to Fort-de-France (Jul 11–12), boosting the island’s pull for major music events and international visitors. Water Crisis: Guadeloupe and Martinique are hit by an unprecedented drought, triggering drinking-water restrictions and sanitation strain, with some coastal areas closed over pollution. Agribusiness Support: Grenada’s Rural Development Unit is rolling out targeted financial and legal training for rural agribusiness owners in St. Patrick, building on earlier climate-smart sessions. Cost-of-Living Relief (Grenada): Grenada announced an EC$18M programme to cushion imported food and energy inflation, including VAT removal on electricity (Aug–Dec 2026) and continued fuel price caps. Banana Solidarity: Guadeloupe and Martinique donated 59,721 bananas to Restos du Cœur for Tour de France KM97, supporting meal distribution in Gironde.

Water Crisis: Guadeloupe and Martinique are hit by an unprecedented drought, with strict drinking-water rationing and limits on domestic and agricultural use, while sanitation strain and coastal pollution have even forced some swimming-area closures. Tourism Leadership: Grenada’s Tourism Authority says CEO Stacey Liburd’s tenure ends July 22, 2026, after about a year in the role, as the board and management move to part ways. Cost-of-Living Relief: Grenada unveils an EC$18M Cost of Living Assistance Programme to cushion imported food and energy inflation, including full VAT removal on electricity from August–December 2026 and continued fuel price caps. Agribusiness Support: Grenada’s Rural Development Unit launches targeted financial and legal training for rural agribusiness owners in St. Patrick, with sessions focused on cash flow, pricing, recordkeeping, and tax compliance. Agriculture & Health Debate: A commentary on pesticide-use intensity urges Martinicans to look beyond a single statistic and discuss real pesticide types, crop conditions, and safer alternatives. Culture & Tourism Demand: Martinique’s Reggae Therapy Festival drew 20,000+ fans to Fort-de-France, boosting the island’s pull for major cultural events. Food Security & Trade Solidarity: Guadeloupe and Martinique donated 59,721 bananas to Restos du Cœur at Tour de France KM97, supporting meal distribution in Gironde.

Tourism Leadership Shake-up (Grenada): Grenada’s Tourism Authority says CEO Stacey Liburd’s tenure ends July 22, 2026, after just one year—amid internal board-management tensions and criticism of “behaviour” compared with the previous CEO. Festival & Demand Signals (Martinique): Martinique turned up the volume for the Reggae Therapy Festival in Fort-de-France, drawing 20,000+ fans (July 11–12) and reinforcing the island’s pull for major cultural events, with support from the Martinique Tourism Authority and local entrepreneurs. Food & Farm Debate (Saint Lucia): A FAO-linked pesticide-use intensity headline sparked fear and backlash online, with commentary urging a more nuanced look at pesticide types, crops, and alternatives before blaming farmers. Cost-of-Living Relief (Grenada): Grenada announced an EC$18m package to tackle imported food and energy inflation, including VAT removal on electricity (Aug–Dec 2026), fuel price caps, and electricity subsidies—aimed at 38,000+ households. Water Crisis (Guadeloupe & Martinique): Drought has disrupted drinking water across both islands, triggering strict rationing and even beach closures in Guadeloupe due to pollution. Agri-Business Training (St. Patrick): Grenada’s Rural Development Unit launched financial and legal training for rural agribusiness owners, targeting better cash flow, pricing, recordkeeping, and tax compliance.

Tourism Leadership Shake-up (Grenada): Grenada’s Tourism Authority says CEO Stacey Liburd has ended her tenure effective July 22, after just one year, with reports of board-management tensions and criticism of her “behaviour.” Festival & Demand Signals (Martinique): Martinique turned up the volume for the Reggae Therapy Festival in Fort-de-France, drawing 20,000+ fans (July 11–12) and reinforcing the island’s pull for major cultural events, with support from the Martinique Tourism Authority. Agri & Food Safety Debate: A Saint Lucia pesticide-use headline sparked fear and backlash; the follow-up argues the discussion needs more than a single statistic and should focus on pesticide types, crops, and safer alternatives. Water Crisis (Guadeloupe & Martinique): An unprecedented drought is forcing strict drinking-water restrictions and disrupting sanitation, with some coastal areas closed over pollution. Cost-of-Living Relief (Grenada): Grenada unveiled an EC$18M programme to cushion imported food and energy price pressure, including 100% VAT removal on electricity (Aug–Dec 2026) and continued fuel price caps. Agribusiness Skills (St. Patrick, Grenada): Rural Development Unit launches financial and legal training for agribusiness owners, targeting cash flow, pricing, recordkeeping, and tax compliance. Food Supply Solidarity (Caribbean): 59,721 bananas from Guadeloupe and Martinique were donated to Restos du Cœur for Tour de France KM97, supporting meal distribution in Gironde.

Agriculture & Public Health: A Saint Lucia-linked FAO claim on pesticide use intensity is sparking fear and blame; the piece argues one statistic can’t explain which chemicals, crops, or alternatives are involved, and calls for a fuller debate on food safety and farm practices. Cost of Living Relief (Grenada): Grenada unveiled an EC$18M Cost of Living Assistance Programme to tackle imported inflation from fuel tariffs, shipping costs, and supply-chain shocks—keeping gasoline/diesel/kerosene/LPG price ceilings through Dec 2026 and removing VAT on electricity from Aug–Dec 2026 to cut costs for households and businesses. Water Crisis (Martinique & Guadeloupe): An unprecedented drought is paralyzing drinking water supply, forcing rationing and restricting domestic and agricultural use, while sanitation strain and coastal pollution add pressure—highlighting infrastructure vulnerability. Agribusiness Skills (St. Patrick, Grenada): The Rural Development Unit launches targeted financial and legal training for rural agribusiness owners, building on prior Climate Smart Agriculture results and aiming to reach 70 operators. Food & Trade (Bananas): Guadeloupe and Martinique donated 59,721 bananas to Restos du Cœur during Tour de France KM97, with a new fundraising record and 12+ tons donated. Tourism Leadership (Grenada): Stacey Liburd ends her CEO tenure at the Grenada Tourism Authority effective July 22, 2026.

Cost-of-Living Relief: Grenada rolled out an EC$18m Cost of Living Assistance Programme to blunt imported inflation from higher fuel tariffs, shipping costs and supply-chain shocks, with price caps on gasoline/diesel/kerosene and LPG through Dec 2026 plus VAT-free electricity (Aug–Dec 2026) and other targeted support for households and businesses. Energy Prices: Grenada also published updated retail petroleum prices: kerosene falls (to $12.64), while gasoline and diesel stay unchanged; LPG cylinder pricing shows decreases for larger cylinders. Agribusiness Skills: In St. Patrick, Grenada’s Rural Development Unit launched a training push for rural agribusiness owners—financial planning, cash flow, pricing/profitability, recordkeeping/traceability, and tax compliance—building on earlier climate-smart agriculture sessions. Water Crisis: Guadeloupe and Martinique face an unprecedented drought, with drinking-water restrictions and sanitation strain, and some coastal areas closed over pollution. Banana Supply Chain & Aid: At Tour de France “KM97,” Guadeloupe and Martinique donated 59,721 bananas (12+ tons) to Restos du Cœur in Gironde, boosting food support. Tourism Leadership: Grenada Tourism Authority CEO Stacey Liburd ends her tenure effective July 22, 2026.

CARICOM Integration: Martinique and French Guiana officially became CARICOM associate members, effective 16 June 2026, with the move aimed at deepening regional links between French- and English-speaking Caribbean islands. Energy & Household Costs: Grenada rolled out an EC$18M Cost of Living Assistance Programme to tackle imported food and energy inflation, including 100% VAT removal on electricity (Aug–Dec 2026) plus fuel price caps through December 2026. Water & Infrastructure Stress: A double water crisis is hitting Martinique and Guadeloupe, with drought-driven drinking water restrictions and sanitation strain pushing residents to ration and authorities closing affected swimming areas. Tourism Leadership: Grenada Tourism Authority CEO Stacey Liburd concluded her tenure on 22 July 2026, marking a leadership transition for the destination’s marketing and stakeholder work. Industry & Production: Keeling says it will relocate key production stages—especially dyeing, quality control and logistics—to Italy for Spring/Summer 2027 while keeping other stages in China, Jordan, Egypt and the Mediterranean. Local Development Funding: Canada’s CFLI backed two Grenadian projects (CAD$139,900 total) focused on community safety and green livelihoods for youth and women.

Water Crisis: Guadeloupe and Martinique are hit by an unprecedented drought, with drinking-water supply disrupted, strict rationing imposed, and sanitation systems strained—plus coastal swimming areas closed in Guadeloupe due to pollution. Regional Integration: Martinique and French Guiana officially join CARICOM as associate members, effective 16 June 2026, aiming to deepen integration between French- and English-speaking Caribbean islands. Agribusiness Skills: Grenada’s Rural Development Unit launches a targeted training series for rural agribusiness owners in St. Patrick, focusing on financial planning, cash flow, pricing, recordkeeping, traceability, and tax compliance. Cost-of-Living Relief: Grenada announces an EC$18M package to tackle imported inflation from higher fuel tariffs, shipping costs, and supply-chain disruptions—keeping gasoline/diesel/kerosene/LPG price ceilings through December 2026 and removing VAT on electricity for August–December 2026. Food & Trade: A donation of 59,721 bananas from Guadeloupe and Martinique was presented at Tour de France KM97 to Restos du Cœur, supporting meal distribution in Gironde. Energy Prices Watch: Grenada publishes updated retail petroleum prices: kerosene drops, while gasoline and most LPG cylinder prices stay unchanged. Tourism & Culture: St Barth prepares the Caribbean Rum Awards (Oct. 26–30) with blind judging, tastings, and chef dinners—spotlighting regional spirits, including Martinique and rhums agricoles.

CARICOM Integration: Martinique and French Guiana have officially become CARICOM associate members, with Martinique effective 16 June 2026 after the French Republic’s instrument of accession—an extra step for regional cooperation between French- and English-speaking Caribbean partners. Water & Food Security Pressure: Guadeloupe and Martinique are hit by an unprecedented water crisis, with drought forcing strict drinking-water restrictions and even closing some swimming areas due to coastal pollution—raising risks for daily life and agriculture. Blue Economy & Coastal Health: OECS, backed by the EU RIGHT Programme and SARSEA, is rolling out a more solution-focused response to sargassum after a study tour in Martinique and Guadeloupe, aiming to turn the seaweed problem into managed value. Agribusiness Skills: Grenada’s Rural Development Unit is launching targeted financial and legal training for rural agribusiness owners in St. Patrick, building on earlier climate-smart agriculture sessions and focusing on cash flow, pricing, recordkeeping, and tax compliance. Regional Connectivity for Tourism: LIAT Air launched a new twice-weekly route from Pointe-à-Pitre to Montego Bay, with plans to move toward daily service as demand grows—boosting access for French Caribbean and European visitors. Energy Cost Relief (Regional): Grenada announced EC$18m in cost-of-living assistance tied to imported food and energy inflation, including VAT relief on electricity and targeted subsidies.

Water & Sanitation Crisis: Guadeloupe and Martinique are facing an unprecedented summer water crunch, with drought shutting down drinking supplies and forcing strict rationing. Coastal Impacts: In Guadeloupe, authorities have closed several swimming areas due to coastal water pollution, while Martinique’s drought alerts also restrict domestic and agricultural use. Regional Integration: Martinique has officially joined CARICOM as an associate member, effective 16 June 2026, bringing the associate group to eight territories and strengthening ties between French- and English-speaking Caribbean partners. Blue Economy Challenge: OECS delegates are using lessons from Martinique and Guadeloupe to scale up sargassum management across member states, supported by EU funding and the SARSEA project. Climate Risk Watch: CariCOF warns El Niño-driven heat and uneven rainfall could raise heatwave, drought, and flooding risks across the Caribbean. Food & Agriculture Solidarity: A donation of 59,721 French bananas from Guadeloupe and Martinique was presented to Restos du Cœur, supporting meal distribution in Gironde.

Agribusiness Skills Boost: Grenada’s Rural Development Unit is rolling out a targeted financial and legal training series for rural agribusiness owners in St. Patrick (70 operators targeted), building on SAEP results and focusing on cash flow, pricing/profitability, recordkeeping/traceability, and tax compliance. CARICOM Integration Milestone: Martinique and French Guiana officially joined CARICOM as associate members effective 16 June 2026, expanding associate membership to eight and aiming to deepen ties between French- and English-speaking Caribbean partners. Blue Economy & Coastal Health: OECS is scaling sargassum solutions after a study tour in Martinique and Guadeloupe, using EU-supported models to improve collection and management while exploring ways to turn seaweed into economic value. Energy Costs Watch: Grenada’s latest retail petroleum price update shows gasoline and diesel unchanged, with kerosene down and LPG cylinder/bulk prices reduced for larger cylinders and bulk. Regional Security Agenda: PM Roosevelt Skerrit urged a coordinated, multi-layer security approach beyond policing, linking cybersecurity, food/energy security, maritime protection, and disaster resilience. Tourism & Trade Links: LIAT launched a new Guadeloupe–Jamaica route (Pointe-à-Pitre to Montego Bay), with plans to increase frequency as demand grows. Food Industry Spotlight: A TTW ranking highlights top food destinations across the Americas and Caribbean for 2026, underlining culinary tourism as a growth lever.

CARICOM Integration Boost: Martinique has officially become a CARICOM associate member effective 16 June 2026, raising associate membership to eight and aiming to deepen regional ties between French- and English-speaking islands. Regional Cooperation & Autonomy: The CTM hosted the 19th Antilles-Guyane Regional Cooperation Conference and a regional security conference, with calls for renegotiations with France/EU to improve trade participation and explore expanded local decision-making powers. Blue Economy & Coastal Resilience: OECS is scaling up sargassum solutions after a study tour in Martinique and Guadeloupe, using EU-backed support to improve collection and turn seaweed into economic opportunities. Energy & Household Costs: Grenada’s fuel and cooking gas retail prices were updated; kerosene fell while several LPG cylinder and bulk rates decreased, with gasoline and diesel unchanged. Agriculture & Public Health: A FAO-based ranking flags Saint Lucia’s high pesticide use intensity, and regional research links heavy exposure in banana plantations (Guadeloupe/Martinique) to higher cancer risks. Tourism Connectivity: LIAT launched a new Guadeloupe–Jamaica route (Pointe-à-Pitre to Montego Bay), with plans to increase frequency as demand grows.

CARICOM Integration Watch: Martinique has officially become a CARICOM associate member effective 16 June 2026, after receiving the Instrument of Accession from France—an expansion that now brings associate membership to eight territories and aims to deepen practical regional cooperation. Regional Security & Resilience: At a Martinique-hosted Antilles Regional Security Conference, PM Roosevelt Skerrit pushed for a broader, coordinated security approach covering cyber, food and energy security, maritime protection, and disaster resilience—not just policing. Blue Economy & Sargassum: OECS delegates are using lessons from Martinique and Guadeloupe to upgrade sargassum collection and valorisation models across Eastern Caribbean states, backed by EU funding under the RIGHT Programme and SARSEA project. Logistics & Trade Infrastructure: A concept note outlines an OECS air cargo hub at Saint Lucia’s Hewanorra International Airport to speed inbound/outbound shipments across the region. Energy Costs (Grenada): Grenada’s July 2026 fuel pricing shows no change for gasoline and diesel, while kerosene and some LPG cylinder rates move down. Tourism & Hospitality: LIAT launched a new twice-weekly route linking Pointe-à-Pitre to Montego Bay, positioning it as a tourism and business connector for the French and English-speaking Caribbean. Industry & Health Risk: FAO-linked data flags Saint Lucia’s high pesticide use intensity, with regional research also pointing to health impacts tied to pesticide exposure. Culture & Production: St Barth is set to host the Caribbean Rum Awards (Oct 26–30), spotlighting regional distillers and rum-agricole styles.