AGP Executive Report

Music & Culture Spotlight: Dominica’s World Creole Music Festival (WCMF) returns Oct 23–25, 2026 at Windsor Park, with NE-YO, Machel Montano, Maxi Priest, Alkaline, Skillibeng, Uncle Waffles, Capleton and more—plus a strong regional lineup including Martinique’s Maurane Voyer. Arts & Literature: Dominican writer Zephrine Royer has been shortlisted for the 2026 BCLF Elizabeth Nunez Award for her story “River Mouth,” joining another Dominican, Kwame Labassiere, on the Caribbean-American prize shortlist. Lifestyle Travel (Martinique): Le Domaine des Bulles in Le Vauclin is offering a standout stay: four transparent “bubble” rooms in the trees, each with its own vibe, plus breakfast, table d’hôte and wellness. Caribbean Travel Inspiration: A’ila Resorts in Saint Lucia expands its luxury wellness-and-gastronomy lifestyle concept, with views across the Caribbean (including Martinique). Local Community & Education: The back-to-school allowance has been paid to nearly three million families across French regions including Martinique, with amounts by age for school start costs. Heritage & Resistance: A new spotlight on Nellie Ebou recalls her early-1800s resistance on Mayreau, where enslaved women attacked a planter and paid with their lives. Film & Screen Culture: CSIFF26 (Conch Shell International Film Fest) unveils 47 films from 14 countries, including Martinique, for Oct 9–11 in New York.

Back-to-School Support (Martinique & French regions): The back-to-school allowance (ARS) has been paid this Tuesday to nearly three million families across mainland France, Guadeloupe, French Guiana, and Martinique, helping low-income households cover school costs like supplies, clothing, and educational materials, with amounts set by the child’s age (about €426.87 to €466.02 after the April 1, 2026 increase). Carriacou Museum Rebuild: After Hurricane Beryl, the Carriacou Museum board is pushing a climate-resilient rebuild expected to cost over EC$1 million, aiming to preserve the historic 19th-century cotton gin while upgrading the site for future storms. Culture & Resistance Spotlight: A new feature revisits Nellie Ebou’s early-1800s resistance on Mayreau (now part of St. Vincent and the Grenadines), including her attack on a planter and the brutal aftermath—an account brought back into public attention by historian Dr. Garrey Michael Dennie. Travel, Martinique-Style Stays: Le Domaine des Bulles in Le Vauclin is promoting its four transparent “bubble” rooms—an unusual, intimate retreat with breakfast, table d’hôte dining, and wellness—perfect for late-summer escapes. Pan-African Flag Facts: A piece marks Marcus Garvey’s would-be 139th birthday and breaks down the symbolism behind the Pan-African flag and the UNIA legacy.

Local History & Resistance: A new spotlight on Nellie Ebou recalls the early-1800s uprising on Mayreau (then part of today’s St. Vincent and the Grenadines), where an enslaved woman attacked a planter and was later publicly executed—an act framed as resistance that still belongs to the region’s shared memory. Back-to-School Support: France’s back-to-school allowance (ARS) is being paid this Tuesday to nearly three million families across mainland France, Guadeloupe, French Guiana, and Martinique, with amounts tied to children’s ages (about €427–€466) to help cover school start costs. Caribbean Film Spotlight: CSIFF26 has unveiled its 2026 official selection—47 films from 14 countries, including Martinique—bringing Caribbean stories and diaspora voices together for Oct. 9–11 in New York. Travel & Lifestyle: Le Domaine des Bulles in Le Vauclin is offering a standout stay: four transparent “bubble” rooms in the trees, mixing breakfast, table d’hôte dining, and wellness for a nature-forward Martinique retreat. Culture Calendar: “Your Week Ahead: Aug. 18 to 24, 2026” points to what’s on across the region, including major entertainment and community events.

Back-to-School Support: The back-to-school allowance (ARS) is being paid this Tuesday, Aug. 18, to nearly three million low-income families across mainland France, Guadeloupe, French Guiana, and Martinique, with amounts based on children’s ages (about €426.87 to €466.02) to help cover school costs. Caribbean Culture & Identity: A spotlight on Marcus Garvey’s Pan-African legacy marks his 139th birthday, linking the UNIA founder’s ideas to the red, black, and green Pan-African flag. Martinique Travel Buzz: Le Domaine des Bulles in Le Vauclin is drawing attention for its four transparent “bubble” rooms in the trees, blending a novelty stay with breakfast, table d’hôte dining, and wellness. Film Scene: CSIFF26 (Conch Shell International Film Fest) has unveiled its 2026 official selection: 47 films from 14 countries, including Martinique, with screenings and industry talks in New York Oct. 9–11. Local Public Services Watch: The Castries Constituency Council (CCC) responds to criticism of city policing, stressing investments in employee welfare, training, workplace conditions, and operational resources. What’s On: Your week ahead (Aug. 18–24) rounds up upcoming culture and lifestyle events.

Hotel & Staycation Ideas: Le Domaine des Bulles in Martinique is turning heads with its transparent “bubble” rooms at Le Vauclin—only four domes, each with its own outdoor space, plus breakfast, table d’hôte dining and a wellness area. Caribbean Film & Culture: CSIFF26 (Conch Shell International Film Fest) has unveiled its 2026 official selection: 47 films from 14 countries, including Martinique, with screenings and industry talks in New York Oct 9–11. Community, Arts & Exchange: The Waitukubuli Artist Association says Martinican visual artist Kevin Jérémie (JKing) completed a three-week Dominica–Martinique residency, creating a permanent mural, school workshops, and driftwood sculptures inspired by rivers, forests and coastline. Local Governance (Response): The Castries Constituency Council (CCC) published a statement on employee welfare and resources, responding to recent calls for police reform. International Decolonization: The International Decolonization Front adopted the “Corte Declaration,” condemning French colonial exploitation mechanisms and calling out impacts on rights, jobs and youth migration.

Caribbean Film Spotlight: Conch Shell International Film Fest (CSIFF26) just unveiled its 2026 official selection: 47 films from 14 countries, including Martinique, with screenings and industry talks in New York on Oct 9–11. Local Community & Culture: Waitukubuli Artist Association wrapped a three-week Dominica–Martinique exchange bringing Martinican visual artist JKing (Kevin Jérémie) to run workshops, co-create with students, and help produce a permanent mural plus driftwood sculptures. Decolonization & Activism: The International Decolonization Front adopted the “Corte Declaration,” condemning French colonial exploitation mechanisms and calling out economic pressure, forced displacement, and repression of peaceful activists. Public Health (Travel/Leisure): Nova Scotia Parks issued a swimming advisory for Rainbow Haven Beach and Lawrencetown Beach due to high bacteria levels, with lifeguards on site to warn visitors. Civic Response: Castries Constituency Council (CCC) published a statement defending its employee support and resources after criticism in The Voice, emphasizing welfare, training, safety, and operational improvements.

Decolonization & Indigenous Rights: The International Decolonization Front backed by the Baku Initiative Group adopted the “Corte Declaration,” condemning French colonial exploitation and calling out repression of peaceful activists, while also reaffirming solidarity with Indigenous Peoples across French and Dutch territories, explicitly naming Kalinago and other Indigenous communities in Guadeloupe and Martinique. Arts & Community Exchange: Waitukubuli Artist Association wrapped a three-week Martinique–Dominica residency bringing visual artist JKing (Kevin Jérémie) to run workshops, school activities at Soufrière Primary, and create a permanent mural plus collaborative works and driftwood sculptures. Local Culture Spotlight: “King Gordon” Ashby’s mas journey is celebrated as he translated childhood arts passion into a standout theme presentation at Grand Kadooment, drawing inspiration from regional costume traditions. Public Health (Travel/Lifestyle): Nova Scotia issued swimming advisories for Rainbow Haven Beach and Lawrencetown Beach due to high bacteria levels, with lifeguards on site to warn visitors. Caribbean Lifestyle Roundup: A travel feature reminds readers that “the Caribbean” isn’t one place, spotlighting how each island’s personality and culture differ.

Local Governance & Public Trust: Castries Constituency Council (CCC) responds to criticism by laying out what it says are major investments in employee welfare, safety gear, medical support, and workplace resources for the City Constabulary. Caribbean Culture & Identity: Waitukubuli Artist Association wraps a three-week Martinique–Dominica exchange with visual artist JKing, featuring school workshops, Carnival costume know-how, and a permanent mural plus driftwood sculptures. Decolonization & Indigenous Rights: International Decolonization Front backs the “Corte Declaration,” condemning French colonial exploitation and repression, while Baku Initiative Group marks Indigenous Peoples’ Day by spotlighting Indigenous communities across French and Dutch territories, including Kalinago peoples and Indigenous groups in Guadeloupe and Martinique. Environment & Community Safety: Swimming is not advised at Nova Scotia’s Rainbow Haven and Lawrencetown beaches after high bacteria levels, with lifeguards on site to warn visitors. Caribbean Travel Inspiration: A lifestyle roundup reminds readers that “the Caribbean” isn’t one place, spotlighting island-by-island personalities and travel appeal.

Public Safety Response: The Castries Constituency Council (CCC) issued a statement after criticism in The Voice, saying it has invested heavily in employee welfare, training, workplace safety, medical support, and operational resources for the City Constabulary. Caribbean Culture & Identity: The Waitukubuli Artist Association wrapped a three-week Martinique–Dominica exchange featuring visual artist JKing, with workshops at Soufrière Primary School, Carnival costume-building, and a permanent mural plus driftwood sculptures tied to climate resilience and biodiversity. Indigenous Rights & Decolonization: The Baku Initiative Group marked International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples by reaffirming support for Indigenous self-determination, naming communities across French and Dutch colonial territories, including Kalinago and other Indigenous Peoples of Guadeloupe and Martinique. Regional Environment Watch: A report warns that foreign plastic waste with Spanish and French labels is piling up along Jamaica’s eastern coastline, carried by currents and trade winds from across the region, including Martinique—raising alarms for marine life and the food chain. Lifestyle & Travel Inspiration: A travel roundup reminds readers that “the Caribbean” isn’t one place, spotlighting how each island’s personality and landscapes differ.

Decolonization & Indigenous Rights: The International Decolonization Front adopted the “Corte Declaration,” condemning French colonial exploitation and calling out repression of peaceful activists, while the Baku Initiative Group also marked Aug. 9 by reaffirming support for Indigenous self-determination—explicitly naming Indigenous communities across French and Dutch territories, including the Kalinago and other Indigenous Peoples of Guadeloupe and Martinique. Caribbean Creative Exchange: The Waitukubuli Artist Association wrapped a three-week Martinique–Dominica residency bringing visual artist JKing (Kevin Jérémie) to work on climate resilience, biodiversity, and cultural identity—ending with a permanent mural, school workshops at Soufrière Primary, and driftwood sculptures. Environment Watch: Jamaica Environment Trust reports a heavy influx of foreign plastic waste along Jamaica’s eastern coastline, including debris linked to products distributed across the region (with references to Martinique), warning of threats to marine life and the food chain. Arts & Culture (Broader Caribbean): A travel and culture roundup highlights how “the Caribbean” isn’t one place—spotlighting island-by-island character, from Trinidad’s layered landscapes to Tobago’s quieter beach escapes. Music Night: Dr Julian’s “Yes Yes” jazz project is set to bring an audience-friendly, adventurous sound to Stage 33 Live.

Culture & Arts: Waitukubuli Artist Association wrapped a three-week Martinique–Dominica residency bringing visual artist JKing to workshop students, co-create with local artists, and leave behind a permanent mural plus driftwood sculptures—fueling conversations on climate resilience, biodiversity, identity, and the bond between people and nature. Decolonization & Rights: The International Decolonization Front adopted the “Corte Declaration,” condemning French colonial exploitation across territories and calling out economic plunder, rising living costs, unemployment, and repression of peaceful activists. Indigenous Solidarity: Baku Initiative Group marked Aug. 9 by reaffirming support for Indigenous peoples under French and Dutch colonial rule, spotlighting communities including Kalinago in Guadeloupe and Martinique. Environment: A surge of foreign plastic waste with labels from across the Caribbean is piling up on Jamaica’s eastern coast, threatening marine life and showing why solutions must go beyond national borders. Lifestyle & Travel: A travel piece reminds readers that “the Caribbean” isn’t one place—each island has its own personality, from Trinidad’s layered landscapes to Tobago’s quieter beaches. Music: Dr Julian’s Yes Yes brings an audience-friendly, adventurous jazz project to Stage 33 Live.

Indigenous & Decolonization: The International Decolonization Front adopted the “Corte Declaration,” condemning French colonial exploitation across overseas territories and calling out rights violations, economic plunder, and repression of peaceful activists. Indigenous Solidarity: The Baku Initiative Group marked Aug. 9 by reaffirming support for Indigenous peoples under French and Dutch colonial rule, explicitly naming Kanak, Māʻohi, Kalinago (including communities in Guadeloupe and Martinique), and others, with a push for language, land, and self-determination. Martinique-Culture Exchange: Waitukubuli Artist Association wrapped a three-week Martinique–Dominica residency bringing visual artist JKing (Kevin Jérémie) for workshops, Carnival costume-building, school engagement at Soufrière Primary, and a permanent mural plus driftwood sculptures. Environment & Waste: A report warns that foreign plastic waste with Spanish and French labels is piling up along Jamaica’s coast, including debris linked to the wider Caribbean current—highlighting the need for regional cooperation beyond national bans. Caribbean Lifestyle & Travel: A travel writer rounds up nine standout Caribbean hotels, including Alaia Belize, for beach-and-culture getaways. Arts & Heritage: A profile spotlights Gordon Ashby’s mas and costume design journey, linking Caribbean festival creativity to experiences across the region.

Caribbean Culture & Exchange: The Waitukubuli Artist Association wrapped a three-week Martinique–Dominica residency with visual artist JKing (Kevin Jérémie), featuring workshops at Soufrière Primary School, Carnival costume-building, and a new mural plus driftwood sculptures inspired by Dominica’s rivers, forests, and coastline. Indigenous Rights & Decolonization: The Baku Initiative Group marked Aug. 9 by reaffirming support for Indigenous self-determination, naming communities across French and Dutch colonial territories, including Kalinago and other Indigenous Peoples of Guadeloupe and Martinique. Plastic Pollution Watch: Jamaica Environment Trust reports a dangerous influx of foreign plastic waste along Jamaica’s eastern coast, including debris linked to products distributed across the wider Caribbean, urging regional cooperation beyond national bans. Music & Community Life: Dr Julian’s Yes Yes brings an upbeat, audience-friendly jazz project to Stage 33 Live, building on the sextet’s earlier success with a rotating lineup of major performers. Travel & Lifestyle Inspiration: A roundup highlights nine standout Caribbean hotels and resorts—perfect for readers dreaming of beach culture, food, and easy escapes.

Caribbean Culture & Arts: Waitukubuli Artist Association wrapped a three-week Martinique–Dominica residency bringing visual artist JKing (Kevin Jérémie) to run workshops, school activities at Soufrière Primary, and create a permanent mural plus driftwood sculptures—celebrating climate resilience, biodiversity, identity, and nature. Indigenous Rights & Decolonization: Baku Initiative Group backed Indigenous peoples’ self-determination on Aug. 9, naming communities across French and Dutch colonial territories, including Kalinago and Indigenous Peoples of Guadeloupe and Martinique. Anti-Colonial Politics: International Decolonization Front adopted the “Corte Declaration” at an International Days event in Corsica, condemning French colonial exploitation, economic policies that fuel unemployment and emigration, and the criminalization of peaceful activists. Environment & Lifestyle: A surge of foreign plastic waste—bearing Spanish and French labels—has been reported along Jamaica’s eastern coastline, with Martinique named among sources, raising calls for regional cooperation on marine litter. Maritime Youth Skills: Carriacou youth built six hand-crafted Optimist boats through a traditional boatbuilding summer class, with a planned launching ceremony to honor local maritime customs.

Caribbean Culture & Exchange: The Waitukubuli Artist Association wrapped a three-week Martinique–Dominica residency with visual artist JKing (Kevin Jérémie), featuring workshops at Soufrière Primary School, Carnival costume-building, Maroon history visits, and a permanent mural plus driftwood sculptures. Indigenous Rights & Decolonization: The Baku Initiative Group backed Indigenous peoples’ self-determination on Aug. 9, explicitly naming Kalinago communities and Indigenous groups across French territories including Guadeloupe and Martinique. Anti-Colonial Statement: The International Decolonization Front adopted the “Corte Declaration,” condemning French colonial exploitation, economic policies that fuel unemployment and migration, and the criminalization of peaceful activists. Environment Watch: A surge of foreign plastic waste washed onto Jamaica’s eastern coast is also hitting the wider region’s marine life and food chain, with Martinique named among the sources—pushing calls for cross-border waste action. Maritime Heritage for Youth: Carriacou’s Camp Flame programme trained young people to build six Optimist boats in Windward, with a planned launching ceremony rooted in local traditions. Arts & Nightlife: Dr Julian’s “Yes Yes” project is set to bring an upbeat, audience-friendly jazz mix to Stage 33 Live. Local Festival Spotlight: Gordon Ashby’s “King of Crop Over” mas’ work is celebrated as a standout cultural journey from school stages to major festival acclaim. Lifestyle How-To (Sailing): A guide lays out how to go from crew to owning and sailing your own boat across the Caribbean, with a Martinique connection.

Jazz & Nightlife: Dr Julian’s Yes Yes brings a fresh, audience-friendly jazz project to Stage 33 Live, with a rotating lineup of heavyweight players and big, melodic energy. Anti-Colonial Politics: The International Decolonization Front adopted the “Corte Declaration,” condemning French colonial exploitation across overseas territories, from economic pressure and unemployment to crackdowns on peaceful activists. Arts & Exchange: Waitukubuli Artist Association wrapped a three-week Martinique–Dominica residency for visual artist JKing, featuring workshops at Soufrière Primary School, Carnival costume know-how, and a new mural plus school and driftwood creations. Indigenous Rights: The Baku Initiative Group marked World Indigenous Peoples Day by reaffirming support for Indigenous languages, cultures, and self-determination—explicitly naming communities including Kalinago and Indigenous Peoples of Guadeloupe and Martinique. Environment: A surge of foreign plastic waste washed onto Jamaica’s coastline is also reaching the wider region, raising alarms for marine life and food chains and calling for cross-border action. Youth & Heritage: In Carriacou, six Optimist boats were hand-built by local youth through a traditional boatbuilding programme, with plans for a launching ceremony rooted in maritime customs.