AGP Executive Report

CARICOM Integration: Martinique and French Guiana have officially joined CARICOM as associate members, with Martinique effective 16 June 2026 after France delivered the accession instrument—marking a new push to link French-speaking and English-speaking Caribbean partners. Regional Security: At an Antilles Regional Security Conference in Martinique, Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit urged a broader, coordinated approach to security beyond policing, including cyber threats, maritime protection, energy and food systems, and disaster resilience. OECS & Sargassum: OECS delegates are drawing on strategies from Martinique and Guadeloupe after a study tour to improve sargassum collection and management, with support from the EU and the SARSEA project. Climate Watch: CariCOF warns El Niño-linked warming could bring more intense heat, longer drought in parts of the Lesser Antilles, and heightened flood risks during the wet season. Health & Work: A study highlighted by FAO data links high pesticide use to health concerns, including findings from banana workers in Guadeloupe and Martinique tied to higher cancer risks. Culture: Jamaican reggae singer Fantan Mojah died at 49 in Kingston after heart-related complications, following a hospitalisation in Martinique in 2024.

CARICOM Integration: Martinique has been welcomed as CARICOM’s seventh associate member, with Trinidad and Tobago’s Barry Padarath calling it a major step for regional cooperation and new opportunities for deeper engagement. Regional Security: Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit urged a broader, coordinated approach to security at a Martinique conference, arguing threats now include cybersecurity, climate disasters, food and energy insecurity, and maritime protection—not just policing. Sargassum Solutions: OECS delegates say lessons from a Martinique-and-Guadeloupe study tour are shaping a more practical, solution-focused sargassum response across Eastern Caribbean states, including turning the seaweed into economic value. Climate Warning: CariCOF warns El Niño-linked warming will bring more intense heat, prolonged drought in parts of the Lesser Antilles, and ongoing flood risk during the 2026 wet season. Health & Environment: Saint Lucia ranks sixth globally for pesticide use intensity, raising concerns about long-term public and environmental health impacts. Culture & Community: Jamaican reggae singer Fantan Mojah died at 49 after heart-related complications, with reports noting a hospitalisation in Martinique in 2024.

CARICOM Integration & Martinique: Martinique’s formal accession as CARICOM’s seventh Associate Member is being celebrated across the region, with T&T’s Barry Padarath calling it a major step for cooperation and practical regional projects. Regional Security: Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit urged a broader, coordinated Caribbean security approach at a Martinique conference, warning threats now include cybersecurity, climate shocks, food and energy insecurity, and maritime risks. Sargassum Response: OECS delegates say lessons from Martinique and Guadeloupe are shaping a more solution-focused, EU-supported sargassum plan across Eastern Caribbean states, including turning seaweed into economic opportunities. Climate Watch: CariCOF warns El Niño is intensifying, bringing hotter, more humid conditions, drought risks, and a higher chance of flooding during the 2026 wet season. Health & Community Impact: Jamaican reggae star Fantan Mojah died at 49 after heart-related complications, with reports noting he was hospitalized in Kingston and had previously been treated in Martinique.

CARICOM Reparations Push: CARICOM has presented Britain with a decolonisation demand tied to slavery reparations, urging the UK to give up overseas territories including Bermuda, the British Virgin Islands, Montserrat, the Cayman Islands and Turks & Caicos, with the plan shared with MPs in Westminster. Martinique in CARICOM: Minister Barry Padarath welcomed Martinique’s formal accession as CARICOM’s seventh associate member, calling it a major step for regional integration after the island took its seat at the CARICOM 51st meeting in Saint Lucia. Regional Security Talks in Martinique: PM Roosevelt Skerrit urged a broader, coordinated approach to security beyond policing, linking safety to cybersecurity, climate resilience, food and energy security, and maritime protection. Sargassum Cooperation: OECS delegates are drawing on strategies from Martinique and Guadeloupe to tackle sargassum, including ways to collect, manage and turn the seaweed into economic opportunities. Health & Environment Watch: An FAO-based ranking highlighted Saint Lucia’s high pesticide use intensity, while France’s drought monitoring shows Martinique and Guadeloupe on alert levels. Music News: Jamaican reggae singer Fantan Mojah died at 49 after heart-related complications, with tributes pouring in worldwide.

Martinique in CARICOM: Martinique has officially taken its seat as an Associate Member of CARICOM for the first time, ending a decade-long process and giving it the right to attend CARICOM meetings and summits. Regional Security: Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit urged a broader, coordinated Caribbean approach to security at a Martinique conference, warning threats now include cybersecurity, climate resilience, food and energy security, and maritime protection—not just policing. Sargassum Solutions: OECS says it is drawing on strategies used in Martinique and Guadeloupe to tackle the sargassum challenge, including turning the seaweed into an economic resource. Caribbean Cooperation: Martinique and Barbados signed a cooperation agreement covering culture, education, vocational training, sport, risk management, health, tourism, fisheries and trade facilitation. Drought Pressure: France placed 98 of its 101 departments under drought monitoring, with Martinique and Guadeloupe at “alert” level. Music Loss: Jamaican reggae star Fantan Mojah died at 49 after heart-related complications, with reports linking his final decline to health issues that surfaced during a 2024 hospitalisation in Martinique.

CARICOM Integration: Martinique has officially taken its seat as an Associate Member of the Caribbean Community for the first time, welcomed during the 51st CARICOM Heads of Government meeting in Saint Lucia—an accession process that began nearly a decade ago and follows France’s legislative steps. Regional Cooperation: On July 7, Martinique and Barbados signed a five-year cooperation agreement on education, health, tourism, trade, fisheries, sport, culture, vocational training, and disaster risk management, with a joint committee to track results. Security Agenda: At a Martinique-hosted regional security conference, Dominica’s PM Roosevelt Skerrit urged a broader, coordinated approach covering maritime protection, cybersecurity, food and energy security, and climate resilience—not just policing. Water Crisis in France: France placed 98 of 101 departments under drought monitoring as dry conditions worsen, with Guadeloupe and Martinique on alert. Culture & Community: Jamaican reggae singer Fantan Mojah died at 49 in Kingston after heart-related complications; he was previously hospitalized in Martinique in 2024.

CARICOM Integration: Martinique officially took its seat as CARICOM’s seventh associate member during the 51st Heads of Government meeting in Saint Lucia, with the accession effective June 16, 2026—after years of legal steps in France and CARICOM—giving Martinique the right to attend official meetings and push for action, not just symbolism. Regional Cooperation: On July 7, Martinique and Barbados signed a landmark five-year cooperation agreement on the sidelines of the summit, targeting education, health, tourism, trade facilitation, fisheries, sport, culture, vocational training, and disaster risk management, with a joint committee and annual reviews to track results. Climate Pressure in the French Sphere: France placed 98 of its 101 departments under drought monitoring as dry conditions worsen, with Martinique and Guadeloupe at “alert” level—raising the stakes for water-saving and resilience planning. Tourism & Mobility: Sunwing announced expanded winter cruise packages that include Martinique among Caribbean and Antilles ports, as part of new all-in-one offerings from Montreal.

CARICOM Milestone: Martinique officially took its seat as the Caribbean Community’s 7th Associate Member during the 51st CARICOM Heads of Government meeting in Saint Lucia, with CARICOM Secretary-General Dr. Carla Barnett welcoming the French territory and leaders stressing it’s “only the beginning” for regional action. Regional Deal-Making: On the sidelines of the summit, Martinique and Barbados signed a five-year cooperation agreement covering education, health, tourism, trade, fisheries, sport, culture, vocational training and disaster risk management, with a joint committee to track results. Climate Pressure: France placed 98 of 101 departments under drought monitoring as heat and wildfires intensify; in the overseas territories, Guadeloupe and Martinique are on “alert” while Réunion is on “enhanced alert.” Travel & Tourism: Sunwing announced winter cruise package expansion from Montreal, adding MSC Opera with itineraries that include Martinique, while a separate travel feature highlights a Martinique beachfront hotel near Diamond Rock. Local Civic Notice: The Parliamentary Elections Office published the Official Consolidated List of Electors as of 30 June 2026, with inspection and objection dates set for mid-July.

CARICOM Integration: Martinique has officially taken its seat as CARICOM’s seventh associate member during the 51st Heads of Government meeting in Saint Lucia, after its accession entered into force on June 16, 2026—an important step that gives it the right to attend official meetings and push for regional action. Regional Cooperation: On July 7, Martinique and Barbados signed a five-year cooperation agreement on education, health, tourism, trade, fisheries, sport, culture, vocational training and disaster risk management, with a joint committee and annual reviews to track progress. Climate & Water Pressure: France placed 98 of its 101 departments under drought monitoring as dry conditions worsen; in the overseas territories, Guadeloupe and Martinique are at “alert” level. Travel & Tourism: Sunwing announced winter cruise package expansion with MSC Opera, including weekly Monday departures from Montreal to La Romana and itineraries that feature ports such as Martinique. EU Regional Ties: The EU’s ambassador to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean presented credentials to OECS Director General Didacus Jules, reaffirming support for regional integration and sustainable development.

CARICOM Milestone: Martinique has officially taken its seat as the Caribbean Community’s seventh Associate Member for the first time, welcomed during the 51st CARICOM Heads of Government meeting in Saint Lucia after a decade-long process and legal steps in France; Martinique’s accession entered into force on June 16, 2026, giving it the right to attend CARICOM meetings and summits. Regional Cooperation: On July 7, Martinique and Barbados signed a five-year cooperation agreement on the sidelines of the CARICOM summit, targeting education, health, tourism, trade facilitation, fisheries, sport, culture, vocational training, and disaster risk management, with a joint committee to track progress. CARICOM Summit Focus: Leaders wrapped up discussions in Saint Lucia centered on cost of living, consumer protection, expansion of free movement for skilled workers, and accelerating an affordable interregional ferry plan. EU & OECS Ties: The EU’s Ambassador Fiona Ramsey presented credentials to OECS Director General Dr. Didacus Jules, reaffirming support for regional integration and sustainable development. Local Governance: A public notice set out the Official Consolidated List of Electors as of June 30, 2026, with inspection and a July 15–22 window for claims and objections.

CARICOM Milestone: Martinique has officially taken its seat as the Caribbean Community’s seventh Associate Member during the 51st CARICOM Heads of Government meeting in Saint Lucia, after a decade-long process and legal steps in France; the territory can now attend CARICOM meetings and summits as an associate. Regional Cooperation: On July 7, Martinique and Barbados signed a five-year cooperation agreement on education, health, tourism, trade facilitation, fisheries, sport, culture, vocational training and disaster risk management, with a joint committee to track progress. CARICOM Summit Focus: Leaders wrapped up discussions in Saint Lucia centered on cost of living, consumer protection, expansion of free movement for CARICOM nationals, and progress toward an affordable interregional ferry. EU-Diplomacy: The EU’s ambassador to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, Fiona Ramsey, presented credentials to OECS Director General Didacus Jules, reaffirming long-term support for regional integration and sustainable development. Local Notices: The Parliamentary Elections Office published the official consolidated elector list as of 30 June 2026, with inspection and a 7-day window for claims and objections from 15–22 July 2026.

CARICOM Breakthrough for Martinique: Martinique officially took its seat as the CARICOM seventh Associate Member during the 51st Heads of Government meeting in Saint Lucia, with CARICOM Secretary-General Dr. Carla Barnett welcoming the island and leaders stressing it’s “only the beginning” for businesses, investment and regional action. Regional Partnership Push: On July 7, Martinique’s Executive Council President Serge Letchimy and Barbados PM Mia Mottley signed a five-year cooperation agreement covering education, health, tourism, trade, fisheries, sport, culture, vocational training and disaster risk management, with a joint committee to track progress. CARICOM Summit Priorities: The summit wrapped up with focus on cost of living, consumer protection, progress toward free movement for CARICOM nationals, and accelerating an affordable interregional ferry plan. EU and OECS Ties: EU Ambassador Fiona Ramsey presented credentials to OECS Director General Dr. Didacus Jules, reaffirming EU support for regional integration and sustainable development. Local Health Support: Martinique’s government approved nearly US$50,000 for Senior Sergeant Jeffrey Benjamin’s overseas treatment after an accident, with officials defending the response timeline. Tourism & Travel Buzz: A beachfront Diamant Les Bains stay in Le Diamant is advertised from about $177 a night, while cruise and airline promotions keep Martinique on the travel radar.

CARICOM Summit in St. Lucia: Leaders wrapped up the 51st CARICOM Heads of Government meeting, with a focus on cost of living, consumer protection, and pushing regional integration forward, including progress toward an affordable interregional ferry. Martinique’s CARICOM debut: Martinique officially took its seat as the bloc’s seventh Associate Member during the summit opening, with CARICOM welcoming the French island and Martinique’s leaders saying it’s only the start—now businesses and investment must move. Martinique–Barbados cooperation: On July 7, Martinique President Serge Letchimy and Barbados PM Mia Mottley signed a five-year agreement covering education, health, tourism, trade, fisheries, sport, culture, vocational training, and disaster risk management, overseen by a joint committee. Local governance/health: Government approved nearly US$50,000 for Senior Sergeant Jeffrey Benjamin’s overseas treatment after an accident, with officials pushing back on claims of delayed care. Electors list notice: A public notice set out when Martinique’s Official Consolidated List of Electors (as of 30 June 2026) can be inspected and the July 15–22 window for claims and objections.

CARICOM Integration Milestone: Martinique officially took its seat as CARICOM’s seventh Associate Member during the 51st Heads of Government meeting in Saint Lucia, with the accession effective June 16, 2026. CARICOM Secretary-General Dr. Carla Barnett welcomed the island, while Martinique’s Executive Council President Serge Letchimy said it’s “only the beginning,” urging businesses and investment to move into action. Regional Cooperation: On July 7, Martinique and Barbados signed a five-year cooperation agreement on the CARICOM summit sidelines, targeting education, health, tourism, trade facilitation, fisheries, sport, culture, vocational training, and disaster risk management, with a joint committee to track progress. CARICOM Summit Focus: Leaders wrapped up discussions in St. Lucia centered on cost of living, consumer protection, and accelerating regional connectivity, including progress toward an interregional ferry. Health Support Update: In another regional item, Martinique’s overseas treatment support for Senior Sergeant Jeffrey Benjamin was approved after coordination with medical providers in Martinique and Trinidad and Tobago.

CARICOM Milestone: Martinique officially took its seat at the 51st CARICOM Heads of Government meeting in Saint Lucia as the bloc’s seventh Associate Member, with the accession effective June 16, 2026, and leaders stressing it’s “only the beginning” for businesses, investment and regional action. Regional Cooperation: On July 7, Martinique and Barbados signed a five-year cooperation agreement covering education, health, tourism, trade, fisheries, sport, culture, vocational training and disaster risk management, backed by a joint committee and annual reviews. EU–OECS Diplomacy: EU Ambassador Fiona Ramsey presented her credentials to OECS Director General Dr. Didacus Jules, reaffirming EU support for regional integration and noting shared challenges across the Caribbean, including French territories like Martinique. Health Support: In another regional-focused update, Government approval was reported for overseas treatment for Senior Sergeant Jeffrey Benjamin, following coordination with medical partners in Martinique and Trinidad and Tobago. Travel & Tourism Buzz: Cruise and travel promotions kept Martinique in the spotlight, including Star Clippers’ 2028 Grenadine Islands itinerary calling at Martinique and new Caribbean cruise season announcements.

CARICOM Breakthrough for Martinique: Martinique officially took its seat in CARICOM for the first time, becoming the bloc’s seventh Associate Member after its accession entered into force on June 16, 2026; CARICOM Secretary-General Dr. Carla Barnett welcomed the island during the 51st Heads of Government meeting in St. Lucia, with President of the Executive Council Serge Letchimy saying it’s “only the beginning” and urging businesses and investment to move in. Regional Diplomacy: Martinique and Barbados signed a new cooperation agreement on July 7 on the sidelines of the CARICOM summit, aimed at practical collaboration on development, culture, and shared Caribbean challenges. EU Keeps Backing Regional Ties: EU Ambassador Fiona Ramsey presented her credentials to OECS Director General Dr. Didacus Jules, reaffirming EU support for regional integration and sustainable development. Health & Public Support: Government officials approved nearly US$50,000 for Senior Sergeant Jeffrey Benjamin’s overseas treatment after an accident, with authorities pushing back on claims of delayed medical action. CARICOM Agenda: The 51st CARICOM summit wrapped up focusing on cost of living relief, consumer protection, and accelerating regional integration efforts. Local Interest: A Martinique-linked travel promo highlights Qatar Airways’ double Avios offer for residents including Martinique.