AGP Executive Report

Art & Climate: The Toronto Biennial is rolling out a continent-wide theme, “Things Fall Apart,” with artists growing gardens and harvesting vegetables across places including upstate New York, Detroit—and Martinique—linking art to climate change and food security. Film & Culture: The Conch Shell International Film Festival returns to New York Oct. 9–11, featuring 47 films from 14 countries and including Martinique, with programming focused on Caribbean identity, migration, and resilience. Sports & Youth: Carriacou and Petite Martinique’s Primary Schools Sports Quiz Competition 2026 launches, aiming to build confidence and teamwork while teaching sports history and wellness. Infrastructure (Petite Martinique): The Madam Pierre Road in Petite Martinique has been upgraded to a modern concrete pavement with structural drainage, improving safety and access for residents and emergency services. Health & Governance (Region): St. Kitts and Nevis PM Terrance Drew confirmed he suffered a stroke and is recovering in Florida after initial treatment in Martinique, saying his cabinet has kept running smoothly. Diplomacy: France and Canada plan a symbolic visit to Saint-Pierre-and-Miquelon to back national sovereignty after a U.S. map post included French territories such as Martinique.

Health Update: St. Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew confirmed he suffered a stroke from a vertebral artery dissection, first treated in Martinique before further care in Florida; he says he’s out of hospital and progressing in occupational and physical therapy, with his government continuing under contingency plans. Diplomacy & Sovereignty: France and Canada plan a symbolic visit to Saint-Pierre-and-Miquelon next week to back national borders after a U.S. map post raised territorial concerns; Macron and Mark Carney will highlight shared values of democracy and sovereignty. Regional Culture & Tourism: Grenada reports Spicemas 2026 delivered a 20% jump in visitor arrivals (10-day period around Aug. 2–11), with non-national arrivals up 24%, as officials credit culture-driven tourism growth. Local Infrastructure (Caribbean): Petite Martinique’s Madam Pierre Road has been upgraded to a modern concrete pavement with drainage, improving safety and access for residents and emergency services. Arts & Music: Martinique-linked cultural items also surfaced, including a boléro performance celebrating artists Oxana Chi and Layla Zami, and a new track “Anonymat” by Lov’nee.

Tourism Boost: Grenada’s Spicemas 2026 drew a 20% jump in visitor arrivals, rising from 9,448 in 2025 to 11,299 in 2026 for the Aug. 2–11 festival period, with non-national arrivals up 24% (8,040 to 9,958). Sports Planning: Grenada’s sports stakeholders met to shape 2027 funding priorities and build a coordinated national sports calendar, aiming to reduce duplication and better align requests with the government budget process. Local Infrastructure: Petite Martinique’s Madam Pierre Road was upgraded into a modern 2,470-foot concrete pavement with structural drainage, improving safety and access during heavy tropical rains. Regional Diplomacy: France and Canada plan a symbolic visit to Saint-Pierre-and-Miquelon to back national borders amid US territorial claims, with Macron and Mark Carney highlighting shared values of sovereignty. Health & Governance: St Kitts and Nevis PM Terrance Drew confirmed he suffered a stroke from a vertebral artery dissection, is out of hospital in Florida, and says recovery and rehabilitation are progressing well.

Regional Tourism & Culture: Grenada’s Spicemas 2026 wrapped up with a 20% jump in visitor arrivals, rising from 9,448 (2025) to 11,299 (2026) for the Aug. 2–11 period, with non-nationals up 24%—a sign the festival is still pulling strong cultural tourism. Sports & Youth Development: Sports stakeholders in Grenada are shaping a 2027 sports agenda, aligning funding proposals and building a coordinated national sports calendar that also includes Petite Martinique. Infrastructure in the Leeward Islands: Petite Martinique’s Madam Pierre Road has been upgraded into a modern concrete pavement with drainage, improving safety and access for residents. France-Caribbean Links: France’s new ambassador to Antigua and Barbuda, Marie-Noëlle Duris, highlighted shared regional ties through Guadeloupe and Martinique, while discussing climate action, visa-free travel and cooperation. Martinique in the Spotlight: A Martinique-based writer, Zephrine Royer, won the 2026 BCLF Elizabeth Nunez Award for “River Mouth,” adding fresh international attention to Caribbean literature. Health & Governance (Regional): St Kitts and Nevis PM Terrance Drew confirmed he suffered a stroke and is recovering well in Florida, saying the administration is functioning with contingency plans while he rehabilitates.

Franco-Canadian Diplomacy: France’s President Emmanuel Macron and Canada’s PM Mark Carney will visit Saint-Pierre-and-Miquelon next week to back national sovereignty after Donald Trump’s posted map colored parts of the Caribbean and French overseas territories—including Martinique and Guadeloupe—in U.S. colors. Regional EU Push: The European Commission unveiled a new strategy for the EU’s outermost regions, explicitly naming Martinique and other territories, aiming to adapt EU rules to local realities and boost resilience, jobs, and access to services. Local Infrastructure: In Petite Martinique, the Madam Pierre Road was commissioned and blessed after being upgraded into a modern concrete pavement with drainage to improve safety and withstand heavy tropical rain. Health Update Linked to Martinique: St Kitts and Nevis PM Terrance Drew confirmed he suffered a stroke and is recovering in Florida after initial treatment in Martinique. Sports & Culture: Martinique’s equestrian team featured strongly in the 2025 CEA Show Jumping Challenges, while Martinique Gourmande returns in Montreal to spotlight Martinican food and culture.

Franco-Caribbean Diplomacy: France and Canada are set to visit Saint-Pierre-and-Miquelon next week to back national sovereignty after Donald Trump’s map post included Caribbean French territories like Martinique and Guadeloupe, with Macron and PM Mark Carney making a symbolic stop. Regional Governance & EU Policy: The European Commission unveiled a new strategy for the EU’s outermost regions—explicitly naming Martinique and Guadeloupe—aimed at adapting EU rules to local realities and boosting resilience, competitiveness, and access to opportunity. Local Infrastructure (Martinique): In Petite Martinique, the Madam Pierre Road was commissioned and blessed as a modern concrete pavement with drainage, improving safety and daily access. Health & Leadership (Regional): St Kitts and Nevis PM Terrance Drew confirmed he suffered a stroke, treated first in Martinique and later in Florida, and said he’s now out of hospital and in rehabilitation. Sports (Martinique in the mix): The 2025 CEA Show Jumping Challenges results highlight Martinique’s strong team performance, with Bahamian riders also earning top finishes.

Diplomacy & Climate: Prime Minister Gaston Browne met France’s newly appointed ambassador Marie-Noëlle Duris, discussing stronger regional cooperation with a focus on climate action, security, health, training, research and patient care, plus closer ties between universities in France and UWI’s Five Islands Campus. Regional Connectivity: The talks also covered transport, trade and people-to-people links between Antigua and Barbuda and France’s Caribbean territories, including Guadeloupe and Martinique, with visa-free access and Citizenship by Investment programmes raised as key EU-related concerns. Caribbean Sports: Bahamian riders posted standout results in the 2025 Caribbean Equestrian Association (CEA) Show Jumping Challenges, including team medals and strong individual performances against Martinique and other regional teams. Health Update: St Kitts and Nevis PM Dr Terrance Drew confirmed he suffered a stroke caused by a vertebral artery dissection, saying he has been discharged from hospital in Florida and is continuing rehabilitation while assuring governance continues uninterrupted. EU Outer Regions: The European Commission unveiled a new strategy for outermost regions including Martinique and Guadeloupe, proposing targeted rule adaptations to boost resilience, competitiveness and access to the single market.

Stroke Update in the Region: St. Kitts and Nevis PM Dr. Terrance Drew confirmed he suffered a stroke late August, caused by a dissection of the vertebral artery, and says he’s recovering well after being discharged from a Florida hospital. He reports he can move all limbs, speak well, and is continuing occupational and physical rehab, while stressing the administration is functioning with contingency plans and delegated duties. Franco-Canadian Sovereignty Push: France and Canada’s leaders plan a symbolic visit to Saint-Pierre-and-Miquelon next week to back national borders after Donald Trump’s posted North America map included French overseas territories such as Martinique and Guadeloupe. EU Outer Regions Focus: The European Commission unveiled a new strategy for the EU’s outermost regions, including Martinique, aiming to adapt EU rules to local realities and boost resilience, competitiveness, and access to the single market. Culture & Arts: Dominican writer Zephrine Royer, based in Martinique, won the 2026 BCLF Elizabeth Nunez Award for “River Mouth.” Music Spotlight: Martinique artist Lov’nee released “Anonymat,” blending melodic rap with zouk and kompa influences.

Health Update (Region): St. Kitts and Nevis PM Dr. Terrance Drew confirmed he suffered a stroke late August, caused by a dissection of the vertebral artery, and said he is now out of hospital in Florida and progressing well in rehabilitation, while also stressing that government operations are continuing with contingency plans. Franco-Canadian Diplomacy: France and Canada plan a symbolic visit to Saint-Pierre-and-Miquelon next week after Donald Trump posted a North America map that also colored in French overseas territories including Martinique, with Macron and PM Mark Carney aiming to reaffirm sovereignty and shared values. EU Outer Regions Focus: The European Commission unveiled a new strategy for the EU’s outermost regions—explicitly including Martinique—pushing tailored rule changes to boost resilience, connectivity, jobs, and access to the single market. Water & Energy Angle: France is selecting “electrification territories” for large-scale pilots to cut gas and oil use, with Martinique among the areas named.

Sovereignty in the spotlight: France and Canada will send leaders to Saint-Pierre-and-Miquelon next week to back national borders after Donald Trump shared a map flagging parts of the Caribbean and French overseas territories, including Martinique, as US-colored. Diplomatic messaging: President Emmanuel Macron and Canadian PM Mark Carney’s symbolic visit (Macron Sept 19-21, Carney Sept 20) is meant to stress shared values like democracy and respect for sovereignty. EU outermost-regions push: The European Commission unveiled a new strategy and rule changes for outermost regions including Martinique, aiming to boost resilience, competitiveness, connectivity, and access to the single market. Energy transition in France: A French government plan selected 109 “electrification territories” (including Martinique) for large pilot projects to cut gas and oil use via heat pumps, renewables, and grid upgrades. Local relevance—water and health: Reports also note water disruptions in parts of the Caribbean tied to desalination work, while St Kitts PM Terrance Drew said he’s recovering after a stroke treated abroad with support from teams in Martinique.

Diplomacy & Sovereignty: French President Emmanuel Macron and Canadian PM Mark Carney will visit Saint-Pierre-and-Miquelon next week to reaffirm support for national borders after Donald Trump’s map post that colored parts of the Caribbean and French overseas territories—including Martinique—in US flag colors. EU Outer Regions: The European Commission unveiled a new strategy and regulatory package for the EU’s outermost regions, explicitly naming Martinique, aiming to adapt EU rules to local realities and boost resilience, competitiveness, and access to the single market. Energy Transition: France has selected 109 “electrification territories” for large-scale pilots to cut reliance on gas and oil, with Martinique included among the recipients. Water & Infrastructure: Some areas of St Michael, St George and Christ Church are set for no-water or low-pressure disruptions due to work at the Ionics Desalination Plant.

Water Security: A new push for desalination is framed as a growing fix for Caribbean water stress, with CARICOM countries experimenting as drought pressure rises. Energy Transition: France’s government has picked 109 “electrification territories,” including Martinique, to speed up replacing gas and oil with heat pumps and other renewables. EU Outer Regions: The European Commission unveiled a new strategy for outermost regions—explicitly naming Martinique—aimed at adapting EU rules to local realities and boosting resilience, connectivity, and access to the single market. Local Water Disruption: Some areas of St Michael, St George and Christ Church face no water or low pressure due to work at the Ionics Desalination Plant. Regional Politics: Grenada’s oil-and-gas debate heats up again as the opposition boycotts a parliamentary joint sitting over the status of experts and the government’s handling of the GPG agreement. Health Update: St Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister Terrance Drew reportedly underwent a successful angiogram and angioplasty after a medical emergency. Aviation Disruption: Flights to Miami were diverted to San Juan after a ground stop at MIA following an incident involving an Amazon Prime Air cargo plane.

EU Outer Regions Strategy: The European Commission unveiled a new strategic vision for the EU’s outermost regions—explicitly including Martinique—paired with a regulatory package to better fit local realities and boost resilience, competitiveness, connectivity, and access to services. Energy Transition: France has picked 109 “electrification territories” (including Martinique) to pilot large-scale moves away from gas and oil, using tools like heat pumps and renewable heating, with up to €10 billion targeted by 2030. Deforestation Rules Twist: Brussels proposes removing French Guiana from the EU Deforestation Regulation’s scope via a tailored approach under Article 349—an enforcement and trade carve-out that still keeps shipments to the rest of the EU covered. Sargassum Microbes: Barbados says it will seek patent protection for three microorganisms found in sargassum seaweed to keep potential commercial value at home rather than sell outright. Local Health/Travel Link: Reports say St Kitts and Nevis PM Terrance Drew received treatment in Martinique before further care in South Florida, while Aerostar Puerto Rico monitored Miami airport disruptions that diverted a Fort-de-France flight. Culture & Community: Brooklyn’s West Indian Day celebrations faced safety concerns after adjacent stabbings and shootings, leading officials to end festivities early.

Energy Transition: France has picked 109 “electrification territories” from 197 applications, including Martinique, to cut gas and oil use by scaling up heat pumps, district heating, geothermal and renewables, plus more EV charging; up to €10 billion is targeted by 2030. EU Outer Regions: The European Commission unveiled a new strategy and regulatory package for the EU’s outermost regions—explicitly naming Martinique—aimed at adapting EU rules to local realities, boosting resilience, connectivity and access to the single market. Deforestation Rules: Brussels proposes exempting French Guiana from the EU Deforestation Regulation via a tailored approach, citing enforcement challenges and geography—while products shipped to the rest of the EU would still face the rules. Local Health & Regional Spotlight: Reports say St. Kitts and Nevis PM Terrance Drew received treatment in Martinique after a suspected stroke, with officials still not confirming a diagnosis. Water Disruption: Some areas of St Michael, St George and Christ Church face no water or low pressure due to work at the Ionics Desalination Plant.

EU Outer Regions Push: The European Commission unveiled a new strategy for its outermost regions— including Martinique and Guadeloupe—aimed at adapting EU rules to local realities, boosting competitiveness and resilience, and improving access to housing, healthcare and education. Deforestation Rules for French Guiana: Brussels also proposed removing French Guiana from the territorial scope of the EU Deforestation Regulation, arguing its geography and enforcement challenges justify tailored treatment, while products shipped to the rest of the EU would still face compliance. Health Update Linked to Martinique: St. Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister Terrance Drew says he is in stable condition in South Florida after treatment that included care in Martinique, following a health scare that prompted further investigations. Caribbean Travel: A report says Southern Caribbean cruising is set to get easier as more lines add itineraries and new departure options, potentially bringing more visitors to ports like Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao. Local Disruption Watch: Some areas are set to face water disruption due to work at the Ionics Desalination Plant.

EU Outer Regions Strategy: The European Commission has adopted a new strategic vision for the EU’s outermost regions, including Martinique, proposing targeted changes to EU rules to better fit local realities and constraints, with support aimed at competitiveness, resilience, climate adaptation, and access to services. Brussels Focus on Remote Areas: The package also highlights geostrategic roles and plans to improve connectivity, protect critical infrastructure, and strengthen access to housing, healthcare, and education across the bloc’s far-flung territories. Sargassum Microbe Patents: In Barbados, the government says it will seek patent protection for three microorganisms discovered in sargassum seaweed, aiming to keep commercial and environmental value in the region rather than sell outright to multinationals. Cruising Gets Easier for the South: Cruise itineraries are expanding for the Southern Caribbean, making bucket-list ports like Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao more reachable without long repositioning trips. Health Update Linked to Martinique: St Kitts and Nevis PM Terrance Drew says he’s in stable condition after treatment that included care in Martinique, with doctors continuing investigations in South Florida.