AGP Executive Report

CARICOM Integration Milestone: Martinique has officially joined CARICOM as its seventh Associate Member, taking its seat for the first time at the 51st Heads of Government meeting in Saint Lucia; the accession took effect June 16, 2026, after the French Republic delivered the Instrument of Accession in June 2026 and the agreement was signed in February 2025, with CARICOM Secretary-General Dr. Carla Barnett welcoming the move and Martinique’s Serge Letchimy calling it “the beginning” for businesses, financing and investment. Regional Unity Push: Barnett used the opening to urge leaders to deepen integration and speed up CSME implementation, with more public participation and youth engagement, while also highlighting support for Haiti and closer partnerships. EU Partnership Signal: The EU reaffirmed its commitment to the OECS after Ambassador Fiona Ramsey presented credentials to OECS Director General Dr. Didacus Jules, stressing support for regional integration and sustainable development. Citizenship-by-Investment Debate: An OECS-focused op-ed argues the “death” of Citizenship by Investment is coming, warning that EU pressure could hit OECS economies that rely heavily on non-tax revenue from CBI. Martinique in the Travel Mix: Cruise and travel announcements keep Martinique on the radar, including Holland America’s 2027–2028 Caribbean season plans and a Qatar Airways promotion that includes Martinique among eligible destinations.

CARICOM Milestone for Martinique: Martinique officially took its seat at CARICOM for the first time during the 51st Heads of Government meeting in Saint Lucia, following its Associate Membership status that entered into force on June 16, 2026. Regional Integration Push: CARICOM Secretary-General Carla Barnett used the opening to call for faster rollout of CARICOM Single Market and Economy decisions, with more public participation and youth engagement—plus continued support for Haiti. Local Governance & Action: Martinique’s Executive Council President Serge Letchimy said the accession is “only the beginning,” urging businesses, financing and investment to move into action. Travel & Tourism Watch: Cruise lines are ramping up Caribbean itineraries, including Holland America’s 2027–2028 season with more longer voyages and calls at Half Moon Cay. Climate Alert for the Region: CariCOF warns El Niño conditions and warming seas could intensify heat, prolong drought in parts of the Lesser Antilles, and raise risks of heavy-rain flooding. Culture Spotlight: A feature looks back at Sterling Betancourt, the Windrush-era steelpan pioneer whose music helped shape UK sound—now being celebrated again at London’s Royal Festival Hall.

CARICOM Integration: Martinique has officially taken its seat in the Caribbean Community, becoming its newest Associate Member during the opening ceremony of the 51st CARICOM Heads of Government meeting in St. Lucia. The accession agreement was signed in February 2025, with the French Republic’s Instrument of Accession received in June 2026, and Martinique’s associate status taking effect on June 16, 2026. CARICOM Secretary-General Dr. Carla Barnett welcomed Martinique as the Community’s seventh Associate Member, while Martinique’s Executive Council President Serge Letchimy said the move is “only the beginning,” urging businesses, financing and investment to step in. Regional Push for Action: Barnett also urged leaders to deepen integration and speed up implementation of CARICOM’s Single Market and Economy, calling for stronger public engagement so everyday citizens feel the benefits. Tourism & Travel: Cruise lines are leaning into Martinique’s appeal: Holland America announced a bigger 2027–2028 Caribbean season with longer itineraries and more port time, and P&O Cruises’ Iona will add Fort-de-France as a stop on its November 2027 fly-cruise route.

CARICOM Integration Push: CARICOM Secretary-General Dr. Carla Barnett urged leaders to speed up the CARICOM Single Market and Economy and bring more public voices into regional decisions, as the 51st Heads of Government meeting opened in Saint Lucia. Martinique Joins CARICOM: Martinique officially became an Associate Member effective 16 June 2026, after France provided the Instrument of Accession—boosting CARICOM’s Associate Membership to seven and giving Martinique a seat at the July 5–8 talks. Regional Meeting Glitch: In St. Lucia, Trinidad and Tobago’s PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar missed the stage line-up due to “logistical issues,” though she arrived before Dr. Terrance Drew delivered his address. Cruise and Tourism Signals: P&O Cruises’ Iona will add Fort-de-France as a stop on Nov. 19, 2027, as St. Kitts fast-tracks a modern terminal at Port Zante. Climate Watch: CariCOF warned El Niño conditions and warming seas could intensify heat and drought in parts of the Lesser Antilles, with irregular hurricane activity expected through August. Local Sports Spotlight: The CARICOM 10K in St. Lucia saw Garfield Gordon and Carlie Robinson take elite titles.

CARICOM & Regional Integration: Martinique has officially joined CARICOM as an Associate Member, effective 16 June 2026, after France provided the Instrument of Accession in June. The island took part in the 51st Regular Meeting of CARICOM Heads of Government in St Lucia (5–8 July), bringing CARICOM’s Associate Membership to seven jurisdictions. CARICOM Meeting Logistics: In St Lucia, Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar briefly missed the traditional leaders’ line-up due to “logistical issues,” with Works Minister Jearlean John acting as PM during her absence. Climate & Health Risks: The Barbados-based CariCOF warns that strengthening El Niño and warmer Caribbean seas could mean more intense heat, slower easing of drought in the Lesser Antilles, and a higher risk of flooding from heavy rains later in the wet season. Tourism & Travel: Cruise giant Holland America Line is expanding longer Caribbean itineraries for 2027–2028, including frequent calls at RelaxAway Half Moon Cay. Maritime Leisure: Superyacht tracking shows Martinique among key Caribbean departure hubs as more pleasure craft shift toward Atlantic and European routes ahead of peak hurricane season. Culture & Arts: A theatre workshop led by Dr. Travis Weekes is underway in Martinique, with plans to develop a film adaptation of his historical drama “Take Me To Mon Repos.”

CARICOM Integration Push: Martinique has officially become a CARICOM associate member, effective 16 June 2026, after CARICOM received the French Republic’s instrument of accession in June—opening the door for Martinique to take part in the 51st Regular Meeting of CARICOM heads of government in Saint Lucia (5–8 July). Regional Unity & Public Voice: CARICOM Secretary-General Dr. Carla Barnett used the meeting to call for deeper public engagement in regional decisions, arguing that everyday citizens and civil society must be more meaningfully included as integration moves forward. Superyacht Migration Watch: Maritime tracking shows a seasonal shift in Caribbean superyacht movement as owners head toward Europe and the Mediterranean, with Martinique leading departures among major hubs. Climate Alert for the Lesser Antilles: CariCOF warns El Niño is strengthening and Caribbean seas are warming, raising the risk of heatwaves and prolonging drought in parts of the region, with rainfall patterns expected to change more slowly than usual. Sports & Culture: Local boxing in the French Antilles drew attention with strong showings in Martinique and Guadeloupe, while a theatre workshop in Martinique is advancing a Caribbean historical drama project.

CARICOM Milestone: Martinique has officially joined CARICOM as an Associate Member, effective June 16, 2026, after France delivered the legal Instrument of Accession in June 2026; the island is set to take part in the 51st CARICOM Heads of Government meeting (July 5–8) in Saint Lucia, bringing CARICOM’s Associate Membership to seven jurisdictions. Regional Diplomacy: The move follows a February 2025 agreement and highlights Martinique’s growing engagement with Caribbean regional priorities. Climate Watch: CariCOF warns El Niño and warming Caribbean seas could intensify heat, prolong drought in parts of the Lesser Antilles, and raise the risk of flooding from heavy wet-season rain, with heatwaves most likely into September. Culture & Community: Dr. Travis Weekes is running a two-week theatre workshop in Martinique at Tropiques Atrium, with plans discussed for a local production and a film adaptation of his historical drama. Sports: Martinique’s boxers and regional athletes posted strong results in recent gala events across Martinique and Guadeloupe.

Regional Security & Climate Agenda: Dominica’s PM Roosevelt Skerrit says he’ll travel to Martinique this weekend for talks with regional leaders on disaster preparedness, climate resilience, transportation, security, health and sustainable development, plus CARICOM priorities like cost of living and evolving regional security challenges. Tourism & Cruise Routes: Nicko Cruises unveiled its 2027-28 world cruise on the Vasco da Gama, including a stop in Fort-de-France, with a 14-day Caribbean segment starting from Martinique. Heat Risk for the Lesser Antilles: CariCOF warns El Niño and warming Caribbean seas could intensify humid heat, prolong drought in parts of the region, and raise the risk of heatwaves into September, with Lesser Antilles drought easing more slowly. Culture & Theatre in Martinique: Dr. Travis Weekes is running a two-week theatre workshop in Martinique at Tropiques Atrium, developing his historical drama “Take Me To Mon Repos” with local actors and discussing future productions and a film adaptation. Sports & Community: Saint Lucia’s bridge team reports strong OECS Bridge Championship results, with a Martinique team placing third in key events.

Regional Security & Climate Agenda: Dominica’s PM Roosevelt Skerrit says he’ll travel to Martinique this weekend for talks with regional leaders on disaster preparedness, climate resilience, transportation, security, health and sustainable development, plus CARICOM priorities including cost of living. Diplomatic Ties with France: OECS and France move closer as Ambassador Marie-Noëlle Duris presents Letters of Credence, highlighting shared work on climate resilience, public health, maritime security and education, with nearly 800,000 French nationals in Martinique, Guadeloupe and Saint Martin. Heat Risk for the Caribbean: CariCOF warns El Niño and warming seas could intensify humid heat, prolong drought in parts of the Lesser Antilles, and raise the risk of heatwaves and heavy-rain flooding later in the wet season. Martinique Culture & Theatre: Dr. Travis Weekes is running a two-week theatre workshop in Martinique at Tropiques Atrium, developing his historical drama “Take Me To Mon Repos” with local actors and discussing future productions and a film adaptation. Tourism Spotlight: Nicko Cruises’ 2027–28 world cruise aboard the Vasco da Gama includes Fort-de-France as part of an Atlantic-to-Caribbean itinerary, with additional Caribbean segments planned.

Regional Diplomacy: France and the OECS deepened ties as Ambassador Marie-Noëlle Duris presented her credentials, highlighting cooperation on climate resilience, public health, education, agriculture, connectivity and innovation, with nearly 800,000 French nationals living across Martinique, Guadeloupe and Saint-Martin. Climate Watch: CariCOF warns El Niño and warming Caribbean seas could intensify heat, prolong drought in parts of the Lesser Antilles, and raise the risk of flooding from heavy rains later in the wet season. Local Culture & Arts: Dr. Travis Weekes is running a two-week theatre workshop in Martinique at Tropiques Atrium, linked to his historical drama “Take Me To Mon Repos,” with talks about staging in Martinique and Saint Lucia and developing a film version. Sports (Boxing): Martinique and Guadeloupe boxing events saw strong regional performances, including Alex Nachan’s unbeaten win in Martinique. Sports (Equestrian): St Ann Polo Club and the Caribbean Equestrian Academy host a regional showjumping competition and Hurricane recovery fundraiser in early July. Public Health/Environment: A legal and consumer angle on “cage-free” egg claims also surfaced this week.

Regional Security & Health Talks: Dominica PM Roosevelt Skerrit says he’ll travel to Martinique and St Lucia for meetings on disaster preparedness, climate resilience, transportation, security, health and sustainable development, plus CARICOM priorities like food protection, renewable energy and youth development. Climate Watch for the Lesser Antilles: CariCOF warns El Niño and warming Caribbean seas could intensify heat, prolong drought in parts of the region, and raise the risk of flooding from heavy wet-season rain. Boxing Spotlight: Martinique and Guadeloupe boxing events delivered strong results, including Martinique’s Alex Nachan keeping his unbeaten run with a win in a youth category. Culture & Theatre in Martinique: Dr. Travis Weekes is running a two-week theatre workshop in Martinique at Tropiques Atrium, developing his historical drama “Take Me To Mon Repos” with local actors and discussing future productions and a film adaptation. French-Caribbean Links: OECS formalized renewed diplomatic ties with France, highlighting cooperation on climate resilience, public health, maritime security, education mobility and French language training. Sports for a Cause: St Ann Polo Club’s first July weekend pairs regional showjumping with a Hurricane Melissa recovery fundraiser, with family activities like pony rides. Art in the Caribbean Diaspora: PAMM in Miami selected 21 artists for its inaugural digital art commissions, including submissions from Martinique, with works exploring identity, migration and memory.

Climate Watch: CariCOF warns El Niño is strengthening and Caribbean seas are warming, bringing more intense humid heat, longer drought in parts of the Lesser Antilles, and a higher risk of flooding from heavy wet-season downpours—especially in the far north, with heatwave risk peaking into September. Regional Diplomacy: France and the OECS deepen ties as Ambassador Marie-Noëlle Duris presents Letters of Credence, with cooperation priorities including climate resilience, public health, maritime security, education mobility, French language training, and innovation—highlighting close links with nearly 800,000 French citizens in Martinique, Guadeloupe and Saint Martin. Sports & Community: Saint Lucia’s bridge team shines at the OECS Bridge Championships in Dominica, with a Martinique squad taking podium spots in pairs and teams. Arts in Martinique: Dr. Travis Weekes leads a two-week theatre workshop at Tropiques Atrium, developing his historical drama “Take Me To Mon Repos” with local actors and discussing future productions and a film adaptation. Local Life: Father’s Day celebrations at Laerskool Impala in South Africa feature students sharing family moments and gifts—an upbeat reminder of community ties.

Caribbean Equestrian & Charity: St Ann Polo Club and the Caribbean Equestrian Academy will host the Jamaica Challenge 2026 showjumping competition July 4–5 at Drax Hall, pairing elite regional riding with a Hurricane Melissa recovery fundraiser and family activities like pony rides. Regional Sports Spotlight: Saint Lucia’s bridge team celebrated six podium finishes at the OECS Bridge Championships in Dominica, with a Martinique pair and team also taking top spots, including Martinique winning the OECS Teams. Arts in Martinique: Dr. Travis Weekes is running a two-week theatre workshop at Tropiques Atrium, working with Martiniquan actors on his historical drama “Take Me To Mon Repos,” with talks about staging it locally and developing a film adaptation. France–OECS Cooperation: Saint-Martin and France renewed regional ties through OECS meetings in Panama, with renewed focus on climate resilience, public health, maritime security, education mobility, and trade/investment networks. Diplomacy Update: OECS also formalized a renewed diplomatic bond with France via Ambassador Marie-Noëlle Duris’s accreditation, highlighting the shared ties of nearly 800,000 French citizens across Martinique, Guadeloupe, and Saint Martin. Local Community Note: Laerskool Impala prefects shared Father’s Day messages, describing quality time, small gifts, and family meals.

Heatwave & Culture: A new heatwave forecast pushing toward 100°F/°C has sparked a “heatwave playlist” idea—10 songs that turn hot weather into pop, country, hip-hop and Broadway-style comfort. Regional Sport & Solidarity: St Ann Polo Club’s first July weekend in Martinique is set to blend top showjumping with a hurricane recovery fundraiser, including a Legend Cup polo match, family activities like pony rides, and a two-day regional competition. Bridge Success Across the OECS: Martinique’s bridge players picked up podium spots at the OECS Bridge Championships in Dominica, including a third-place finish in the OECS Pairs and a win in the OECS Teams. Theatre in Martinique: Dr. Travis Weekes is running a two-week intensive theatre workshop at Tropiques Atrium, working with Martiniquan actors on “Take Me To Mon Repos,” a historical drama set in 1794 Saint Lucia. France–OECS Ties: France and the OECS formalized deeper cooperation with Ambassador Marie-Noëlle Duris’s accreditation, highlighting climate resilience, public health, education and regional connectivity—key for Martinique, Guadeloupe and Saint Martin. Public Health Watch: A Public Health France study reports chlordecone traces in most adults in Guadeloupe and Martinique, with around one in six above the reference threshold.

OECS Bridge Championships: Saint Lucia’s 10-member bridge team brought home six podium finishes (including three wins) at the Fort Young Hotel in Roseau, Dominica, with a Martinique pair taking third in both pairs events and Martinique also placing in teams. Theatre & Culture: Dr. Travis Weekes is running a two-week theatre workshop in Martinique at Tropiques Atrium, working with local actors on his Caribbean historical drama Take Me To Mon Repos, with talks about staging the production locally and developing a film adaptation. France–OECS Diplomacy: The OECS formalized a renewed diplomatic bond with France by accrediting Ambassador Marie-Noëlle Duris, highlighting cooperation on climate resilience, public health, maritime security, education mobility, and innovation. Public Health: A new study reports chlordecone traces remain widespread in Martinique and Guadeloupe, with a significant share of adults above health reference thresholds, as a long-running criminal case over the pesticide was dismissed by France’s appeals court. Regional Politics (Grenada): Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell says there will be no change in government for the next five years, signaling election timing and manifesto consultations ahead.

Chlordecone Fallout: A new Public Health France study says chlordecone still shows up in most adults in Guadeloupe and Martinique, with about one in six above health thresholds, as France’s appeals court has also upheld dismissal of a long-running criminal case tied to the pesticide. Regional Diplomacy: OECS leaders marked 45 years of integration and renewed calls for an “OECS renaissance,” while France deepened ties through Ambassador Marie-Noëlle Duris’s accreditation, highlighting shared work on climate resilience, public health, education and maritime security. Local/Regional Mobility: Air Canada opened a new premium lounge in Québec City and said Caribbean routes keep growing, while Fly Dutch Caribbean will begin operating from Grand Case Airport from July 1, aiming to reconnect the Dutch islands and potentially link to Guadeloupe and Martinique. Venezuela Earthquake Response: Reports from the June 24 double earthquakes describe a worsening humanitarian toll and ongoing rescue needs, with international criticism of how the crisis is being used. Martinique Cultural Spotlight: Euzhan Palcy’s legacy is revisited through her Martinique roots and her long-running creative partnership with June Givanni.