AGP Executive Report

Volcanic Watch for Martinique: Mount Pelée is showing renewed unrest after decades of quiet, with the Martinique Volcanological and Seismological Observatory reporting a sharp rise in seismic activity—124 earthquakes between July 24 and July 31, and 331 volcanic quakes detected across July. Eastern Caribbean Earthquake: A 4.4-magnitude, shallow quake struck about 45 km east of Castries early Sunday, with tremors felt in Saint Lucia, Martinique and St Vincent and the Grenadines; no damage or injuries were reported. Health Cooperation: Montserrat has advanced talks with Martinique authorities to secure emergency medical evacuation and specialist care, including access to CHUM facilities for major strokes, heart attacks, trauma and critically ill children. Regional Rugby Spotlight: Jokers and Blue Ice won the men’s and women’s titles at the International Carnival Sevens—Rugby in Paradise, with Martinique teams taking key roles in a tournament drawing players from across the region. Marine Alert: Seaweed (sargassum) is blanketing Caribbean and Gulf coastlines, with scientists warning this year’s bloom is unusual and could disrupt marine life and tourism.

Sailing & Tourism in Martinique: The Martinique Tourism Authority is pitching the island as a top Caribbean sailing stop, highlighting abundant moorings, protected anchorages, and modern marinas that make it easy to hop between bays and villages. Regional Health Cooperation: Montserrat has advanced talks with Martinique to secure emergency medical evacuations and specialist care, including access to University Hospital of Martinique (CHUM) services. Eastern Caribbean Earthquake: A 4.4-magnitude shallow quake struck about 45 km east of Castries, with minor tremors felt across Saint Lucia, Martinique and St Vincent and the Grenadines; no damage or injuries reported. Seaweed Crisis: A major sargassum surge is blanketing Caribbean and Gulf coastlines, with scientists calling it “none of this is normal,” raising fresh concerns for marine life and tourism. Carriacou Marina Dispute: Yacht owners in Carriacou say they’re trapped by a Tyrell Bay Marina access blockade tied to a long-running land dispute, with reported losses exceeding US$85,000. CARICHAM Leadership: CariCham elected Kiran Maharaj as new chair, with Martinique’s Vanessa Victorin and others named vice-chairs, focusing on trade facilitation and disaster risk reduction.

Health Cooperation: Montserrat’s Premier Reuben T. Meade led talks in Martinique with health officials to set up emergency medical evacuation and specialist access, including major stroke, heart attack, trauma care and imaging services at CHUM. Natural Hazard Watch: A 4.4-magnitude shallow earthquake struck about 45 km east of Castries early Sunday; tremors were felt across Saint Lucia, Martinique and St Vincent, with no damage or injuries reported. Environment & Tourism: Seaweed sargassum is blanketing Caribbean and Gulf coastlines, with scientists warning this year’s growth in the region is “not normal,” threatening marine life and visitor experiences. Regional Business: CariCham elected Kiran Maharaj as new chair, with Martinique’s Vanessa Victorin as vice-chair, aiming to push trade facilitation and disaster risk reduction. Sports (Martinique link): Jamaica’s Nations League group includes Martinique, while Saint Lucia’s Rugby in Paradise welcomes international teams including Martinique. Climate Resilience (Grenada/Carriacou): Grenada commissioned a solar plant in Limlair, Carriacou, as part of its “Solar for All” push.

Earthquake Watch: A shallow 4.4-magnitude quake struck about 45 km east of Castries early Sunday, with minor tremors felt across Saint Lucia, Martinique and St Vincent and the Grenadines; no damage or injuries were reported. Coastline Crisis: A University of South Florida report says massive sargassum blooms—about 27 million metric tons recorded in July—are blanketing Caribbean and Gulf beaches, with scientists calling this year’s pattern “not normal” as seaweed grows locally and rots ashore. Sports & Youth: Martinique’s Malia Soroman won a B-final in women’s 100m butterfly at the Central American and Caribbean Games, while swimmers from the region continued events in Santo Domingo. Business & Trade: CariCham elected Kiran Maharaj as new chair, with Vanessa Victorin and Gino Naarden as vice-chairs, aiming to push trade facilitation and disaster risk reduction across the Caribbean. Regional Spotlight: OECS appointed Aisha Maina as Strategic Advisor for Africa-Caribbean cooperation, backing South-South links.

Earthquake Watch: A shallow 4.4-magnitude earthquake struck about 45 km east of Castries early Sunday (3:04 am local), with tremors felt across Saint Lucia, Martinique and St Vincent and the Grenadines; the UWI Seismic Research Centre says it was at a depth of 10 km and there are currently no reports of injuries or damage. Coastline Crisis: A new surge of sargassum is blanketing Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico beaches, with scientists reporting about 27 million metric tons recorded in July; the seaweed is rotting onshore, releasing foul smells and harming marine life, and this year’s growth pattern is described as unusual. Regional Business & Trade: CariCham, the Caribbean network of chambers of commerce, elected Kiran Maharaj as its new chair, with Martinique’s Vanessa Victorin and Gino Naarden as vice-chairs, focusing on trade facilitation, advocacy and disaster risk reduction. Sports Tourism: Saint Lucia’s International Carnival Sevens (Rugby in Paradise) begins Aug 1 with international teams arriving, including Martinique, and local squads competing at Gros Islet. Climate & Resilience: A Lloyd’s-commissioned study highlights insurance gaps for hurricane-exposed communities in Jamaica, Barbados and Grenada, leaving many livelihoods uninsured and vulnerable after storms.

Sargassum Crisis: Seaweed “suffocating” Caribbean and Gulf coastlines is worsening tourism fears, with scientists reporting about 27 million metric tons of self-sustaining sargassum in July and noting this year’s growth in the region is “not normal.” Maritime Safety: Antigua and Barbuda’s Coast Guard has suspended the active search for three fishermen missing since mid-July, saying there’s no new information to guide rescue efforts. Business & Trade: CariCham (Caribbean Chambers of Commerce) elected Kiran Maharaj as new chair, with Martinique’s Vanessa Victorin as vice-chair, aiming to push trade facilitation and disaster risk reduction. Local Resilience (Grenada): Carriacou and Petite Martinique received hybrid sheep and goats after Hurricane Beryl damage, while a solar plant in Limlair moves toward commissioning to strengthen clean power for the sister islands. Sports (Regional): Martinique’s Malia Soroman won a B final at the CAC Games, as regional swimmers and teams continue competing in Santo Domingo.

Seaweed Crisis: A University of South Florida report says about 27 million metric tons of self-sustaining sargassum have been recorded in the Atlantic, Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico this July, with scientists noting this year’s bloom is growing in the region rather than just being swept in—meaning beaches can be smothered, marine life suffocated, and tourism hit by rotting smells. Weather Watch: Climatologists warn the late wet season across the Caribbean could bring intense heat, uneven hurricane activity and bouts of heavy rain that raise flood and flash-flood risks. Regional Sports: Martinique’s Malia Soroman won the B final of the women’s 100m butterfly at the Central American and Caribbean Games, while local swimmer Ayrton Munroe narrowly missed a B-final spot. Business & Trade: CariCham elected Kiran Maharaj as new chair, with Martinique Chamber head Vanessa Victorin and Gino Naarden as vice-chairs, pledging trade facilitation and disaster-risk reduction. Local Spotlight: Carriacou and Petite Martinique move ahead on livestock recovery with hybrid sheep and goats arriving at Limlair, alongside a new solar plant commissioning for the sister islands.

Search & Rescue Update: The Antigua and Barbuda Coast Guard has suspended the active search for three fishermen missing at sea, saying investigators have no new leads, though police continue looking into the case. Environment: A major sargassum surge is blanketing Caribbean and Gulf coastlines, smothering beaches, harming marine life, and disrupting tourism. Weather Outlook: Climatologists warn the late wet season could bring intense heat, uneven hurricane activity, and flooding risk across parts of the Caribbean. Sports (Regional): At the Central American and Caribbean Games in Santo Domingo, Martinique swimmer Malia Soroman won a B final in the women’s 100m butterfly, while other regional swimmers competed across finals and relays. Business & Trade (Regional): CARICHAM elected Kiran Maharaj as its new chair, with Martinique’s Vanessa Victorin named vice-chair, as the chamber network pushes trade facilitation and disaster risk reduction. Energy & Resilience (Sister Islands): Grenada commissioned a solar plant in Limlair, Carriacou, as part of its push for cleaner, more reliable power. Local Economy (Martinique ties): A London ABA tournament report notes a Caribbean Golden Gloves link for a UK-based fighter representing Team UK, with Martinique referenced in the event context.

Migration Facts Check: In Spain’s Ceuta, about 60,000 migrants entered from Morocco over two days and at least 41 died; officials say claims blaming Spain’s amnesty are unproven, with the government pointing to an amnesty for people without residency permits who can show at least five months in Spain before Jan. 1, 2026. Marine Disaster: A record sargassum surge is blanketing Caribbean and Gulf beaches, with scientists reporting 27 million metric tons in July—smothering shorelines, harming marine life, and disrupting tourism. Climate Insurance Gap: A Lloyd’s-commissioned study says hurricane-hit farmers, fishers and tourism workers in Jamaica, Barbados and Grenada often have no insurance and must rebuild themselves after losses. Regional Business Leadership: CariCham (Caribbean Chambers of Commerce) elected Kiran Maharaj as new chair, with Martinique Chamber’s Vanessa Victorin as vice-chair. Local Sports & Culture: Saint Lucia’s Rugby in Paradise Sevens kicks off Aug. 1 with teams including Martinique; in Martinique, Reggae Therapy drew over 20,000 to Louis Achille Stadium. Carriacou Recovery: Grenada’s solar plant in Limlair is commissioned, and Carriacou’s Regatta Festival returns July 31–Aug. 2 after Hurricane Beryl.

FIFA Power Struggle: UEFA has unanimously rejected FIFA’s push to sell shares in the World Cup to private investors, warning it could boycott FIFA competitions if the plan goes ahead, with a final vote due 19 September. Search Suspended: Antigua and Barbuda’s Coast Guard has suspended the active search for three missing fishermen after nearly two weeks, citing no new leads, while police continue investigations. CariCham Leadership: CARICHAM elected Kiran Maharaj as its new Chair, with Vanessa Victorin and Gino Naarden as Vice-Chairs, aiming to focus on trade facilitation, advocacy and disaster risk reduction. Carriacou Livestock Boost: Hybrid sheep and goats have arrived at Limlair Livestock Station as new pens are completed, part of recovery efforts after Hurricane Beryl and climate-funded support. Clean Energy Milestone: Grenada commissioned a solar plant in Limlair, Carriacou, funded 100% by the UAE, with training and testing underway and power feeding into the grid. Regional Football Draw: Jamaica’s Reggae Boyz were placed in League A Group B alongside Honduras, Guatemala, Suriname, Martinique and El Salvador for the 2026/27 Nations League. Tourism & Culture: Martinique’s Reggae Therapy Festival drew over 20,000 fans to Fort-de-France’s Louis-Achille Stadium, featuring Julian Marley and other major reggae acts.

Business & Trade: CariCham, the Caribbean Chambers of Commerce network, elected Kiran Maharaj as its new Chair, with Martinique Chamber leader Vanessa Victorin and Suriname’s Gino Naarden as Vice-Chairs, as the group pushes trade facilitation, advocacy, member value and disaster risk reduction. Sports (Martinique in the spotlight): Martinique has been drawn into Group B of League A in the 2026/27 CONCACAF Nations League, alongside Honduras, Jamaica, Guatemala, Suriname and El Salvador—setting up key matches across the September-October FIFA window. Culture: Martinique’s Reggae Therapy Festival wrapped up in Fort-de-France with more than 20,000 fans over two days, featuring Julian Marley, Barrington Levy and Alborosie, and drawing visitors from across the Caribbean, Europe and North America. Regional Energy (nearby impact): Grenada commissioned a solar plant in Limlair, Carriacou, funded 100% by the UAE, with power feeding into the grid for cleaner, cheaper electricity for sister islands. Environment & Health (accountability): South Africa’s SAHRC flagged serious wastewater compliance failures at Kouga’s Jeffreys Bay and KwaNomzamo works, with bacterial levels exceeding licence limits.

Martinique Culture: The Reggae Therapy Festival roared back in Fort-de-France, drawing 20,000+ fans to Louis-Achille Stadium over July 11–12, with headline acts including Julian Marley, Barrington Levy, Alborosie, Tarrus Riley and more—an event backed by the Martinique Tourism Authority and powered by local entrepreneurs. Regional Sports: Martinique’s national team has been handed a tough CONCACAF Nations League path, drawn in League A Group B alongside Honduras, Jamaica, Guatemala, Suriname and El Salvador, with matches set for the September–November FIFA windows. CARICOM Policy: CARICOM’s tax chiefs meet in Georgetown as COTA opens under the theme of “smart, data-driven and AI-enabled” tax administration, with Secretary-General Dr. Carla Barnett stressing the need for resilient, home-grown financing. Local/Regional Governance: The OECS has appointed Aisha Maina as Strategic Advisor for Africa–Caribbean cooperation, aiming to deepen South–South links. Everyday Life (Regional): Grenada’s government unveiled an EC$18m cost-of-living relief package, including VAT-free electricity for August–December 2026 and continued fuel price caps.

Water Crisis: Guadeloupe and Martinique are facing an unprecedented drought this summer, with drinking-water supply disrupted, strict rationing imposed, and even some swimming areas closed due to coastal pollution. Football (CONCACAF): The draw for the 2026/27 CONCACAF Nations League sets Martinique in League A Group B alongside Honduras, Jamaica, Guatemala, Suriname and El Salvador, with matches scheduled for the September–October FIFA window and quarterfinals in November. Culture & Tourism (Martinique): Martinique’s Reggae Therapy Festival wrapped up after two days at Louis-Achille Stadium in Fort-de-France, drawing more than 20,000 fans from across the Caribbean and beyond, with headline acts including Julian Marley and Barrington Levy. Regional Policy (CARICOM): CARICOM Secretary-General Dr. Carla Barnett urged Caribbean governments to strengthen technology-driven tax systems at the opening of the 27th COTA General Assembly in Guyana, linking smarter revenue collection to regional priorities including Martinique’s associate membership.

Martinique Culture: The Reggae Therapy Festival roared back in Fort-de-France, drawing 20,000+ fans to Louis-Achille Stadium over July 11–12, with big names like Julian Marley, Barrington Levy, Alborosie and Tarrus Riley, and support from the Martinique Tourism Authority. Regional Policy: CARICOM Secretary-General Dr. Carla Barnett urged tax administrations to modernize with smarter, data-driven systems at the COTA conference opening in Georgetown, linking the push to CARICOM’s wider goals including deeper integration and climate resilience. OECS–Africa Links: The OECS Commission appointed Aisha Maina as Strategic Advisor for Africa-Caribbean cooperation, aiming to boost South-South trade, investment and cultural ties. Sports (CONCACAF): Martinique has been drawn into Group B of League A in the 2026/27 Concacaf Nations League, alongside Honduras, Guatemala, Suriname and El Salvador. Water Crisis: Guadeloupe and Martinique are facing an unprecedented water crunch, with drought restrictions and pollution forcing closures and rationing. Cost of Living (Grenada): Grenada rolled out an EC$18m relief package, including VAT removal on electricity and continued fuel price caps through December 2026.

OECS & Africa-Caribbean Links: The OECS Commission has appointed Aisha Maina as Strategic Advisor for Africa-Caribbean cooperation, starting July 1, aiming to boost trade, investment and cultural ties. Martinique Culture: Martinique’s Reggae Therapy Festival wrapped up after two days at Louis-Achille Stadium, drawing 20,000+ fans and featuring Julian Marley, Barrington Levy, Alborosie and Tarrus Riley, with support from the Martinique Tourism Authority. Water Crisis: Guadeloupe and Martinique are facing an unprecedented water crisis, with drought forcing rationing and restrictions, and sanitation problems worsening daily life. Football (CONCACAF): Martinique will face tough CONCACAF Nations League competition after being drawn in League A Group B alongside Honduras, Jamaica, Guatemala, Suriname and El Salvador. Regional Shipping: In St. Kitts and Nevis, the MV Equuleus Leader arrived at Basseterre Port to deliver 38 imported vehicles, with customs clearance reminders to customers. Grenada Relief (Regional Watch): Grenada announced an EC$18 million cost-of-living package, including VAT-free electricity measures and fuel price caps, expected to reach 38,000+ households.

Martinique Culture & Tourism: The Reggae Therapy Festival wrapped up in Fort-de-France with more than 20,000 fans at Louis-Achille Stadium over July 11–12, drawing visitors from across the Caribbean, Europe and North America. The lineup included Julian Marley, Barrington Levy, Alborosie, Tarrus Riley and others, with support from the Martinique Tourism Authority and local organizers Josué Charles-Hélène and Michel Almon. Football (CONCACAF Nations League): Martinique’s men’s team will face Honduras, Guatemala, Suriname, El Salvador and more in the 2026/27 CONCACAF Nations League draw, with matches set for the September–October FIFA window and quarterfinals in November. Regional Sports Logistics: Sky High Dominicana says it will transport 1,435+ athletes from Guadeloupe, Martinique and Cuba to Santo Domingo 2026. Regional Environment: Guadeloupe and Martinique are dealing with an unprecedented water crisis, with drought restrictions and pollution closures affecting daily life. Regional Governance/Policy: France published visa fees for several categories and reduced costs for children aged 6–12 on selected visas.