AGP Executive Report

Martinique Culture & Music: Lu Wilson, a Martinique-based artist, puts a reggae touch on Kenny Rogers’ “Lady,” sharing how the song’s emotion and his own Caribbean roots shaped the cover. Tourism & Local Leadership: Alexandre Ventadour has been named tourism commissioner of the Martinique Tourism Authority, tasked with boosting Martinique’s global visibility and pushing a sustainable, authentic tourism vision. Language & Identity: A new explainer looks at how French and Creole developed into distinct languages, stressing that Creoles are full languages with their own histories and structures. Community & Faith: The Disciple-Making Mission Church (MFD) dismissed pastor Axel Levi and his wife after allegations and an open letter admitting adultery, with the church calling for accountability. Regional Spotlight: Saint-Martin’s Executive Council approved European education funding and a payment schedule in a major Computech dispute, alongside other social and tourism measures. Arts & Heritage: The Facade Foundation’s New York installation “The Little Prince” turns scaffolding into public art, running through spring 2027. Sports Tourism: Grenada announced the Grenada & Carriacou Open Water Swim (Nov 19–22, 2026), blending races with destination experiences.

Reggae & Local Music: Lu Wilson, based in Martinique, puts a reggae touch on Lionel Richie’s “Lady,” sharing how he first discovered the song and why he wanted to make it his own. Tourism & Culture in Martinique: Alexandre Ventadour has been named tourism commissioner for the Martinique Tourism Authority, aiming to boost the island’s international visibility with a focus on authenticity, innovation, and sustainability. Language & Identity: A guide explains how French-based Creoles became full languages with their own histories and structures, and why they differ from French beyond vocabulary. Community & Activism: Global Black Pride faces fresh criticism over alleged mistreatment of LGBTQ+ rights activists, including claims of unpaid work and scholarship promises tied to future fundraising. Arts & Faith: Worship collective Glorious announces its album “Abba” for Oct. 30, 2026, alongside new releases and tour plans. Regional Spotlight: Tributes continue after the death of calypso legend Slinger Francisco (“The Mighty Sparrow”), with Caribbean cultural figures reflecting on his legacy.

Global Black Pride Scrutiny: As funding drops, organizers behind Global Black Pride are accused of financial misdeeds, including unpaid consultants and “unfunded” scholarships, reigniting debate about how LGBTQ+ activists are treated inside under-resourced movements. Martinique Tourism Leadership: Alexandre Ventadour has been named tourism commissioner for the Martinique Tourism Authority, aiming to boost the island’s international visibility with a focus on authenticity, innovation, and sustainability. Language & Identity: A look at how French and Creole developed into distinct languages—showing Creoles as full, structured languages with their own histories, not “broken” French. Music & Culture: Worship collective Glorious announces its album “Abba” for October 30, 2026, after a fast-growing hit video. Arts & Community: The Toronto Biennial of Art opens with a citywide theme on rupture, bringing together 30+ artists and new commissions. Church Accountability: MFD Church dismisses pastor Axel Levi and his wife after public accusations, with Levi admitting adultery while denying assault claims. Regional Events: Bermuda launches an inaugural Black Film Festival (Oct 15–18) with submissions including Martinique, while Grenada and Carriacou gear up for an open-water swim (Nov 19–22).

Music & Faith: Worship collective Glorious has announced its new album “Abba,” dropping Friday, October 30, 2026, after “The Dance of King David” topped 63,000 views online and the group shared a live version from a service. Tourism Leadership: Alexandre Ventadour has been named tourism commissioner for the Martinique Tourism Authority, tasked with boosting Martinique’s global visibility with a focus on authenticity, innovation, and sustainability. Culture & Commentary: A commentary revisits the World Creole Music Festival’s institutional roots and decision-making around funding and tourism goals. Arts & Community: Josée Vachon is highlighted for her Franco-American music career and her interactive approach to performance, while Facade Foundation’s New York installation “The Little Prince” turns scaffolding into public art through spring 2027. Local Church News: MFD Church dismisses pastor Axel Levi and his wife after a public dispute, with Levi admitting adultery while denying assault claims. Lifestyle Travel: A guide rounds up the Caribbean’s best islands for different travel styles, from hiking and diving to culture and wildlife.

Tourism Leadership: Alexandre Ventadour has been named tourism commissioner of the Martinique Tourism Authority, taking over from Bénédicte di Geronimo and promising a push for stronger international visibility, new partnerships, and a tourism future built on authenticity, innovation, and sustainability. Culture & Debate: A commentary on the World Creole Music Festival revisits how decisions and funding were handled since its 1996 start, tying the festival’s growth to tourism goals and government process. Lifestyle & Travel Planning: A guide rounds up standout Caribbean islands for different travel styles—couples, families, solo travelers—plus ideas for adventure, wildlife, sport, and culture. Arts & Community: Josée Vachon is highlighted through an arts residency spotlight, celebrating her French-language music and her focus on getting audiences involved like a home “kitchen party.” Faith & Accountability: In Saint-Martin, the MFD Church dismisses pastor Axel Levi and his wife after a public dispute, with Levi responding in an open letter and rejecting assault claims. Regional Culture on Screen: The inaugural Bermuda Black Film Festival (Oct 15–18) spotlights diaspora storytelling, with submissions including Martinique.

Culture & Governance: A World Creole Music Festival commentary revisits how Cabinet authority and due process shape public funding decisions, tying the 1996 launch to tourism goals and ministerial involvement. Travel Planning: A guide to choosing the right bareboat charter destination focuses on matching sailing “vibe” and experience level, with tips on using AI and checking charter company guidance. Film & Diaspora: Bermuda announces its inaugural Black Film Festival (Oct 15–18, 2026), themed “Connecting Voices Across the Diaspora,” with films from across the Caribbean and beyond. Local Administration (Saint-Martin): The Executive Council approves €2.84M in European education funding and a projected €1.49M payment schedule in a Computech dispute, while continuing legal action. Church Accountability (MFD): Disciple-Making Mission Church dismisses pastor Axel Levi and his wife after worship disruptions; Levi admits adultery but denies assault claims. Arts in the Spotlight: Facade Foundation’s New York installation “The Little Prince” turns scaffolding into public art, running through spring 2027. Sports Tourism (Grenada): Grenada and Carriacou launch a regional open-water swim (Nov 19–22, 2026) to boost visitor activity year-round. Remembering a Legend: Tributes follow the death of calypso icon Slinger Francisco, “The Mighty Sparrow.” Lifestyle & Community: A Martinique coffee-themed column traces how coffee houses helped shape social debate and culture.

Bermuda Black Film Festival: The inaugural Bermuda Black Film Festival runs Oct 15–18, 2026, themed “Connecting Voices Across the Diaspora,” with 20+ films from 15+ countries/territories, including submissions from Martinique, plus education and professional development. Church Accountability in the Spotlight: In Saint-Martin, the Disciple-Making Mission Church dismissed pastor Axel Levi and his wife after worship was interrupted by people demanding accountability; Levi admits adultery in an open letter while denying assault claims. Arts & Public Culture: Facade Foundation’s New York installation “The Little Prince” turns city scaffolding into art, running through spring 2027, while Josée Vachon’s music residency highlights Franco-American culture with a “kitchen party” style of audience participation. Regional Sports Tourism: Grenada and Carriacou are expanding their calendar with the Grenada & Carriacou Open Water Swim (Nov 19–22, 2026), mixing races with tours and destination experiences. Caribbean Politics & Identity: A Saint Lucia–EU update warns Citizenship By Investment Programmes face deadlines tied to Schengen visa-free access, while wider regional coverage also points to shifting political momentum and election talk. Remembering a Legend: Tributes continue after the death of calypso icon Slinger Francisco (“The Mighty Sparrow”).

Church Accountability: MFD Church has dismissed pastor Axel Levi (and his wife Laurine) from all ministerial roles after “very serious facts” surfaced during worship, while Levi admits adultery in an open letter and denies allegations of assault/rape. Arts & Culture Abroad: Hopkinton’s Arts Residency spotlights Martinique-linked musician Josée Vachon, celebrating her French-language work and audience participation. Public Art in New York: Facade Foundation presents “The Little Prince,” turning NYC scaffolding into a major installation running through spring 2027. Caribbean Mobility & Visas: A report says EU pressure could force OECS Citizenship By Investment Programmes to end by 2028 (with a June 2027 response window), or risk Schengen visa-free access. Jewellery & Women’s History: Boghossian’s “Queens of Time” high jewellery collection draws on 11 queens and the idea of power through adornment. Sports Tourism: Grenada and Carriacou will host the 19–22 Nov 2026 Grenada & Carriacou Open Water Swim, blending races with island experiences. Film & Diaspora: Five Jamaican-descended filmmakers are up for awards at CSIFF26 in New York, including stories on colorism, migration, and public access to Bob Marley Beach. Culture Loss: Tributes continue after the death of calypso icon Slinger Francisco (“The Mighty Sparrow”). Martinique in the Spotlight: Martinique’s Sephora Saint-Rose placed first runner-up at Miss Global International 2026 in Jamaica.

Transport & Tourism: A new push for an ABC Islands ferry is back in the spotlight, with the big idea being capacity—because flights between islands can mean booking weeks ahead during peak season. Sports Tourism: Grenada is ramping up its calendar with the Grenada & Carriacou Open Water Swim (Nov 19–22, 2026), mixing races with island experiences like a Paradise Beach to Sandy Island swim and Underwater Sculpture Park tours. Culture & Community Loss: Tributes continue across the Caribbean for calypso legend Slinger Francisco, “The Mighty Sparrow,” remembered as a storyteller and cultural ambassador whose songs carried social commentary and pride. Arts & Film: Five filmmakers of Jamaican descent are up for awards at CSIFF26 in New York (Oct 9–11), with nominations spanning topics from colorism to Jamaican migration and public access to Bob Marley Beach. Lifestyle & Travel: Corendon is offering a one-off 14-day cruise from Bonaire aboard the Renaissance, calling at islands including Martinique, Guadeloupe, Barbados, and Aruba. Local Culture & Education: A coffee-themed column traces how the “coffee house” culture helped shape public debate and ideas—tying global history back to Martinique’s own coffee roots.

Sports Tourism: Grenada is ramping up its sports calendar with the Grenada & Carriacou Open Water Swim (Nov 19–22, 2026), featuring races and guided swims plus tours like the Underwater Sculpture Park—aimed at bringing more visitors and spreading tourism spend across the Tri-Island State. Caribbean Culture & Loss: The region is mourning calypso legend Slinger Francisco, “The Mighty Sparrow,” with tributes highlighting his role as storyteller, social commentator, and cultural ambassador. Education & Exchange: Belgian carpentry students from Githo School visited Sint Maarten for a hands-on exchange with Milton Peters College, building side tables together and pairing workshop work with classes and local island experiences. Arts & Film: Five filmmakers of Jamaican descent earned nominations for CSIFF26 in New York, with entries tackling colorism, migration, public access, African diasporic traditions, and family ties. Beauty & Identity: Miss Global International 2026 winner Josseidy Escalona (from San Andrés) celebrated her Jamaican roots and Caribbean cultural ties after taking the crown in Jamaica. Cruise Lifestyle: Corendon is offering a one-off 14-day Caribbean cruise from Bonaire on Dec 26, with stops including Martinique and onboard amenities for up to 1,200 guests.

Caribbean Culture Loss: Grenada and the wider region mourn calypso legend Slinger Francisco, “The Mighty Sparrow,” remembered as a storyteller and cultural ambassador whose songs carried Caribbean struggles and triumphs. Tributes & Legacy: A wave of tributes follows “Birdie,” with veteran calypsonians and cultural leaders recalling how Sparrow shaped the road for performers and the Big Stage. Film & Identity: Five filmmakers of Jamaican descent are up for awards at CSIFF26 in New York, with nominations spanning colorism, migration, African diasporic traditions, and family stories. Art & Ideas: Toronto’s Fourth Biennial of Art opens with “Things Fall Apart,” gathering 30+ artists and collectives to explore rupture, waterways, and connections across trade routes. Sports (Regional Confidence): Concacaf Nations League shows Caribbean teams closing the gap, including Martinique’s 3-1 win over El Salvador and Jamaica’s late comeback vs Guatemala. Local Politics (Election Buzz): In Grenada, opposition figures are reportedly crossing to the ruling NDC ahead of a possible general election date, with “Conch Shell” hints fueling speculation. Lifestyle (Coffee Culture): A reflective piece traces coffee’s journey to Martinique and its role in Enlightenment-era coffeehouse culture. Travel: Corendon offers a one-off 14-day cruise from Bonaire aboard the Renaissance, calling at Martinique and other Caribbean islands.

Film & Diaspora: Five filmmakers of Jamaican descent are nominated at the Conch Shell International Film Festival (CSIFF26) in New York (Oct 9–11), with entries tackling colorism, Jamaican migration, public access to Bob Marley Beach, African diasporic traditions and family ties. Arts & Culture: After the death of calypso legend “The Mighty Sparrow” (Slinger Francisco), Caribbean cultural circles shared tributes to “Birdie,” recalling his influence on the road to the stage. Art & Identity: Toronto’s fourth Biennial of Art (Things Fall Apart) runs citywide through Dec 20, bringing 30+ artists and new commissions to explore rupture and colonial legacies through major exhibitions and happenings. Sports (Caribbean): Concacaf Nations League action shows Caribbean teams closing the gap, including Martinique’s 3-1 win over El Salvador and other tight results across the region. Lifestyle (Travel): Corendon is offering a one-off 14-day Caribbean cruise from Bonaire on Dec 26 aboard the Renaissance, with stops including Martinique and Guadeloupe. Beauty & Representation: Miss Global International 2026 crowned Josseidy Escalona, with Martinique’s Sephora Saint-Rose taking first runner-up.

Caribbean Culture: Tributes pour in after the death of calypso legend “The Mighty Sparrow” (Slinger Francisco), with veteran artists recalling his mentorship and stage legacy across Trinidad and Tobago’s cultural fraternity. Arts & Ideas: Toronto’s Fourth Biennial of Art opens with “Things Fall Apart,” asking what we can learn from artists exploring rupture, featuring 30+ artists and new commissions across the city. Regional Sports: Concacaf Nations League shows Caribbean teams closing the gap, with results highlighting growing confidence and sharper preparation, including a Martinique match in the mix. Local-Region Politics: Political momentum builds around a possible general election date, as opposition figures cross over to the ruling NDC and “conch shell” hints fuel speculation. Lifestyle & Travel: Corendon offers a one-off 14-day cruise from Bonaire aboard the Renaissance, calling at Martinique and other Caribbean islands. Beauty & Identity: Miss Global International winner Josseidy Escalona celebrates her J’can roots and Caribbean ties, while Martinique’s Sephora Saint-Rose earns first runner-up. Culture Tourism: Grenada’s Spicemas reports a 20% jump in arrivals, underscoring how carnival culture is driving tourism and creative-economy growth.

Football & Identity: Concacaf Nations League is showing a real shift: Caribbean teams are no longer “supporting roles,” with Jamaica edging Guatemala 3-2, Suriname rallying to beat Honduras 3-2, and Martinique getting a 3-1 win over El Salvador—proof that preparation and belief are paying off. Politics & Civic Life: In Grenada, the ruling NDC is stirring up election talk, with hints that a general election date could be announced soon, plus a “Conch Shell” moment at a mini rally that signals campaigning may move fast. Local Culture & Community: A coffee-themed cultural piece traces how coffee houses helped shape Europe’s Enlightenment—and notes how the same ritual of gathering and debate still matters today. Travel & Lifestyle: Corendon is offering a one-off 14-day cruise from Bonaire on the Renaissance, calling at islands including Guadeloupe, Martinique, Barbados, St Kitts & Nevis, and Curaçao. Beauty, Roots & Representation: Miss Global International 2026 crowns Josseidy Escalona, with Martinique’s Sephora Saint-Rose taking first runner-up—highlighting Caribbean cultural ties even across borders. Health & Profession: World Pharmacists Day 2026 in Grenada spotlights pharmacists as the first point of contact for medicine advice and community health, with a theme of empowering pharmacists for healthier futures. Culture as Tourism Engine: Grenada’s Spicemas delivers a tourism boost, with arrivals during the festival up 20% year over year, driven by growing interest from non-national visitors.

Politics & Activism: Opposition figures are crossing over to Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell’s NDC ahead of a likely general election, with NNP and D’Movement activists appearing on the ruling party’s “Mini Rally” stage in St Andrew South-east. Election Watch: The NDC is hinting the vote could be soon, with talk of a short campaign and a possible mid-November polling date as the party tries to ride its momentum. Culture & Community: A Grenada-focused piece highlights how Spicemas is boosting tourism, with visitor arrivals up 20% year over year during the festival period. Lifestyle & Travel: Corendon is offering a one-off 14-day cruise from Bonaire aboard the Renaissance, calling at islands including Martinique and Barbados. Arts & Ideas: A coffee-themed column links the drink to Enlightenment-era “coffee house” culture and public debate—an easy read for anyone who loves history with their morning brew. Beauty & Identity: Miss Global International 2026 winner Josseidy Escalona celebrates Caribbean roots, with Martinique’s Sephora Saint-Rose taking first runner-up.

Caribbean Politics: In Grenada, the NDC political atmosphere is heating up as Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell signals a general election date could be imminent, with a “Mini Rally” featuring the “Conch Shell” call and fresh crossover support from opposition figures. Culture & Community: A Grenada Pharmacy Council leader marks World Pharmacists Day 2026, highlighting pharmacists as the first point of contact for medicine advice and community outreach. Lifestyle & Travel: Corendon is offering a one-off 14-day cruise from Bonaire aboard the Renaissance, with stops including Martinique and other Caribbean islands. Beauty & Identity: Colombia’s Josseidy Escalona wins Miss Global International 2026, celebrating her Caribbean roots and connections to the wider Creole culture. Research & Society: “In the Journals” spotlights new scholarship on early vibrators, reframing them as medical and consumer technology rather than purely sexual objects. Arts & Ideas: A Paris congress that shaped pan-African thought is marked for its 70th anniversary, bringing together major thinkers including Aimé Césaire and Richard Wright. Public Art: A roundup points to free public art across the US this fall, from outdoor installations to interactive performances.