AGP Executive Report

Indigenous Solidarity: Baku Initiative Group marked Aug. 9 by reaffirming support for Indigenous rights, languages, and self-determination, naming communities across French and Dutch colonial territories— including the Kanak of Kanaky, Māʻohi of French Polynesia, and Indigenous peoples of Guadeloupe and Martinique. Marine Life Under Pressure: A surge of foreign plastic waste labeled in Spanish and French is piling up along Jamaica’s coast, with debris linked to the wider Caribbean current—raising fresh alarms for the region’s marine life and food chain, including impacts felt by islands like Martinique. Health Cooperation: Montserrat is advancing talks with Martinique to secure emergency medical evacuation and specialist care, with visits to CHUM facilities covering strokes, heart attacks, trauma, pediatric critical cases, and advanced imaging. Sailing & Tourism: Martinique is being pitched as a top Caribbean sailing destination, highlighting moorings, protected anchorages, and easy shore access—an “art de vivre” experience from Le Marin to quieter Atlantic coves. Yacht Owners Stuck: In Carriacou, yacht owners say they’re trapped by a Tyrell Bay Marina access blockade tied to a land dispute, with reported losses exceeding US$85,000 and relaunch plans stalled. Caribbean Culture & Freedom: A Grenada editorial reflects on Emancipation Day, framing it as a defining turning point for Caribbean nationhood and dignity.

Indigenous Rights & Decolonization: The Baku Initiative Group marked Aug. 9 by reaffirming support for Indigenous Peoples’ rights, cultural identity and self-determination, naming Kanak people of Kanaky, Māʻohi of French Polynesia, and Indigenous communities including the Kalinago and other peoples of Guadeloupe and Martinique, plus groups in French Guiana. Caribbean Environment: A surge of foreign plastic waste—bearing Spanish and French labels—has been reported along Jamaica’s eastern coast, with debris linked to the wider region including Martinique, raising alarms about marine life and the need for cross-border waste action. Health Cooperation: Montserrat has advanced talks with Martinique authorities to set up emergency medical evacuation and specialist care access, including visits to the University Hospital of Martinique (CHUM) for services like trauma, strokes, heart attacks, and advanced imaging. Sailing & Tourism: Martinique is being promoted for sailing and charter experiences, highlighting moorings, protected anchorages, and onboard-to-ashore convenience across the island’s bays and harbors. Culture & Food: AfriKin Foundation announced “Taste of AfriKin” for Miami Spice 2026 on Sept. 6, featuring African and Caribbean fine dining, live music, curated art, and a Jollof Cook-Off. Maritime Heritage: A boatbuilding initiative in Windward (Carriacou) trained youth to hand-build six Optimist boats, celebrating traditional maritime skills and community launching customs.

Plastic Pollution Watch: A heavy influx of foreign plastic waste labeled Spanish and French is piling up along Jamaica’s eastern coastline, with debris caught at Holland Bay threatening marine life and the food chain—an urgent reminder that ocean currents turn plastic into a regional problem, not just a local one. Maritime Culture & Youth Skills: In Carriacou, a summer boatbuilding class under the Division of Youth’s Camp Flame programme has produced six hand-built Optimist boats, with a planned launching ceremony to celebrate Windward’s maritime heritage. Sailing in Martinique: Martinique is being pitched as a top Caribbean sailing destination, highlighting moorings, marinas, protected anchorages, and easy shore access—an “art de vivre” experience from Le Marin to quieter Atlantic coves. Health Cooperation: Montserrat is advancing talks with Martinique to secure emergency medical evacuation and specialist care, including access to CHUM facilities for major strokes, heart attacks, trauma, and critical pediatric cases. Regional Travel Disruption: Yacht owners in Carriacou say they’re stuck after access to Tyrell Bay Marina’s launch area was blocked in a land dispute, with reported losses exceeding US$85,000 and concerns that travel advisories could follow. Food & Music Calendar: AfriKin Foundation’s “Taste of AfriKin” returns on September 6, 2026 in Miami, pairing African and Caribbean fine dining with live performances and a Jollof Cook-Off.

Caribbean Sailing & Tourism: Martinique is being pitched as a top sailing destination, with moorings, protected anchorages, and easy shore access framed as the island’s “art de vivre” from the sea. Regional Health Cooperation: Montserrat is moving ahead with talks with Martinique to secure emergency medical evacuation and specialist care, including major stroke, heart attack, trauma, and pediatric critical services at CHUM. Marina Dispute Hits Yacht Owners: In Carriacou, about 8 boats are stuck after access to Tyrell Bay Marina’s launch area was blocked, with owners warning they’re being “held hostage” in a land dispute they say isn’t theirs. US Diplomatic Footprint: The US has notified Congress about proposed closure of its embassy in Grenada, a move that could affect consular access across Grenada, Carriacou, and Petite Martinique. Carriacou Youth Boatbuilding: A summer class in Windward has produced 6 hand-built Optimist boats, with a planned launching ceremony rooted in local maritime traditions. Food & Culture Abroad: AfriKin Foundation announced “Taste of AfriKin” for Miami Spice, spotlighting African and Caribbean food, music, and a jollof cook-off. Rum Spotlight: A feature highlights the Caribbean Rum Awards in St Barth as the region’s only rum competition bringing Caribbean bottles together for blind judging.

Maritime & Youth Craft: Carriacou’s Camp Flame youth programme has built 6 traditional Optimist boats in Windward, guided by master shipwright Bernard McLawrence, with a launching ceremony planned to honor local customs and blessings. Health Cooperation: Montserrat is pushing ahead with talks with Martinique to secure emergency medical evacuation and specialist care, with visits to CHUM facilities covering strokes, heart attacks, trauma, neurosurgery, and advanced imaging. Lifestyle & Sailing Tourism: Martinique is being promoted as a top Caribbean sailing destination, highlighting moorings, marinas, protected anchorages, and easy shore access for an “art de vivre” experience from the sea. Legal & Community Impact: Yacht owners in Carriacou say they’re being “held hostage” in the Tyrell Bay Marina land dispute, with about 8 boats unable to relaunch after access was blocked and losses now exceeding US$85,000. Culture & Food: AfriKin Foundation’s “Taste of AfriKin” returns to Miami on Sept 6, bringing African and Caribbean fine dining, live music, and a Jollof Cook-Off. Diplomacy Watch: The U.S. has notified Congress of proposed embassy closures, including its Grenada mission, as part of a broader effort to reduce its overseas diplomatic footprint.

Maritime Heritage & Youth Skills: Carriacou’s Camp Flame programme has just trained young builders in Windward, producing 6 hand-built Optimist boats under master shipwright Bernard McLawrence, with a traditional launching ceremony planned to celebrate the island’s seafaring culture. Regional Diplomacy Watch: The U.S. State Department has notified Congress of proposed embassy closures, including Grenada, as part of a wider effort to reduce America’s overseas diplomatic footprint—still subject to congressional consultation. Health Cooperation (Martinique–Montserrat): Montserrat is advancing talks with Martinique to secure emergency medical evacuation routes and specialist care, with visits to CHUM facilities covering major trauma, strokes, heart attacks, neurosurgery, and advanced imaging. Boats Stuck in a Marina Dispute (Carriacou): Yacht owners at Tyrell Bay Marina say access to the launch area has been blocked in the fallout of a land dispute, leaving about 8 boats unable to relaunch and owners warning their rights and livelihoods are being affected. Sailing in Martinique: A tourism push highlights Martinique as a top Caribbean sailing stop, touting moorings, marinas, protected anchorages, and easy shore access from Le Marin to Atlantic coves. Sport & Culture (St. Lucia): International teams are arriving for Saint Lucia’s Rugby in Paradise carnival sevens, with squads from Martinique and across the region set to bring a mix of sport and Caribbean hospitality.

Carriacou Youth Boatbuilding: A summer camp under the Division of Youth’s Camp Flame programme in Windward has produced 6 hand-built Optimist boats, guided by master shipwright Bernard McLawrence, with each boat finished in its own vibrant paint. A traditional launching ceremony is now planned, keeping local maritime customs alive. Regional Health Cooperation: Montserrat has moved forward with talks with Martinique to secure emergency medical evacuation and specialist care, including access to CHUM facilities for strokes, heart attacks, serious trauma, and critically ill children. Caribbean Sailing & Tourism: Martinique is being pitched as a top sailing destination, highlighting its moorings, marinas, sheltered anchorages, and easy shore access—an “art de vivre” best enjoyed from the sea. Marina Dispute Hits Yacht Owners: In Carriacou’s Tyrell Bay Marina land dispute, about 8 boats and around 10 people are stuck after launch access was blocked, with owners saying they’re being “held hostage” over a property fight they didn’t start. Sports & Culture: Saint Lucia’s Saint Lucia International Carnival Sevens (Rugby in Paradise) is underway, with teams from Martinique and across the region joining local squads for a festival blending sport and Caribbean hospitality.

Caribbean Health Cooperation: Montserrat has advanced talks with Martinique to secure emergency medical evacuation and specialist care for time-critical cases, with a delegation visiting the University Hospital of Martinique (CHUM) and meeting health officials. Maritime & Local Life: Yacht owners in Carriacou say they’re being “held hostage” in the Tyrell Bay Marina dispute, with about 8 boats unable to relaunch after access was blocked and losses already topping US$85,000. Sailing in Martinique: A new push highlights Martinique as a top Caribbean sailing destination, from mooring options near Mount Pelée to Atlantic anchorages and marina services that make shore visits easier. Culture & Sport: Saint Lucia’s International Carnival Sevens brings teams from across the region, including Martinique, with a focus on sport, culture, and youth development through schools. Food & Community: AfriKin Foundation’s “Taste of AfriKin” returns to Miami Spice on Sept. 6, spotlighting African and Caribbean cuisine, live music, and a jollof cook-off. Environment Watch: A report warns seaweed (sargassum) is blanketing Caribbean and Gulf coastlines, affecting marine life and tourism.

Caribbean Health Cooperation: Montserrat has advanced talks with Martinique to secure emergency medical evacuations and specialist care, with a delegation meeting Martinique’s health leadership and touring CHUM facilities for strokes, heart attacks, trauma, and critical pediatric cases. Maritime & Tourism in Martinique: A new push highlights Martinique as a top sailing destination, touting sheltered bays, modern marinas, and easy shore access—an “art de vivre” best experienced from the sea. Yacht Owners’ Dispute Fallout: In Carriacou, about eight boats remain stuck after access to Tyrell Bay Marina’s launch area was blocked in a land dispute, with owners warning of major financial losses and travel disruption. Regional Culture & Sport: Saint Lucia welcomed international teams for Rugby in Paradise, blending sport tourism with local youth development. Caribbean Food Culture: AfriKin Foundation announced Taste of AfriKin in Miami (Sept 6, 2026) with African and Caribbean fine dining, live music, art, and a jollof cook-off. Environment Watch: Seaweed (sargassum) is blanketing Caribbean and Gulf coastlines, with scientists warning it’s an unusual, growing bloom affecting marine life and tourism.

Martinique Sailing & Tourism: Martinique is being pitched as a top Caribbean sailing base, with moorings, protected anchorages, and easy shore access—an “art de vivre” experience from Le Marin to quieter coves. Regional Health Cooperation: Montserrat is moving ahead with talks with Martinique to secure emergency medical evacuation and specialist care, including major stroke, heart attack, trauma, and imaging services at CHUM. Carriacou Marina Dispute: Yacht owners in Carriacou say they’re being “held hostage” in the Tyrell Bay land dispute, with about 8 boats unable to relaunch after access was blocked and losses already topping US$85,000. Caribbean Culture & Food: AfriKin Foundation’s “Taste of AfriKin” returns for Miami Spice on Sept 6, blending African and Caribbean dining, live music, art, and a Jollof Cook-Off. Sports Tourism: Saint Lucia’s Rugby in Paradise is welcoming international teams for the men’s and women’s tournaments, with squads from Martinique and across the region. Caribbean Environment Watch: A new report warns seaweed sargassum is blanketing Caribbean and Gulf coastlines, affecting marine life and tourism. Euro Notes Update: The ECB says outer regions like Martinique will be considered in the next phase of euro banknote redesign.

Caribbean Health Links: Montserrat has moved forward with talks with Martinique to secure emergency medical evacuation and specialist care, with a delegation touring the University Hospital of Martinique (CHUM) and discussing services for strokes, heart attacks, trauma, and critically ill children. Marina Dispute Fallout: Yacht owners in Carriacou say they’re being “held hostage” in the Tyrell Bay Marina land dispute, claiming about 8 boats can’t relaunch after access was blocked and losses now exceed US$85,000. Sailing & Tourism: Martinique is being promoted as a top Caribbean sailing destination, highlighting moorings around Mount Pelée and the Atlantic coast, plus marina services and hurricane-season shelter. Regional Culture & Sport: Saint Lucia kicks off “Rugby in Paradise” with international teams arriving for the Saint Lucia International Carnival Sevens, including squads from Martinique and other Caribbean territories. Food Culture: AfriKin Foundation announces “Taste of AfriKin” for Miami Spice 2026, featuring African and Caribbean fine dining, live music, and a Jollof Cook-Off. Caribbean Environment Watch: A new report warns seaweed (sargassum) is blanketing Caribbean and Gulf coastlines, affecting marine life and tourism. Money & Identity: The ECB says outermost regions like Martinique will be included in the next phase of euro banknote redesign.

Sailing & Tourism: Martinique is being pitched as a top Caribbean sailing stop, with moorings under Mount Pelée and sheltered Atlantic bays, plus marina services that make shore trips easier. Regional Health Cooperation: Montserrat has moved forward with talks in Martinique to secure emergency medical evacuation and specialist care for time-critical cases, including major stroke, heart attack, trauma and imaging services at CHUM. Caribbean Culture & Food: AfriKin Foundation’s “Taste of AfriKin” returns to North Miami on Sept. 6 for Miami Spice, blending African and Caribbean fine dining, live music, art and a Jollof Cook-Off. Environment: A new report warns seaweed “sargassum” is smothering coastlines across the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico, with scientists saying this year’s growth patterns are unusual. Sports & Community: Saint Lucia kicks off “Rugby in Paradise” with international teams arriving, including squads from Martinique, and a focus on youth development through schools. Money & Identity: The ECB says Martinique and other overseas territories will be included in the next euro banknote redesign phase, after public consultation. Youth & Recycling: Flow Grenada and Grenada Green Group launch school recycling bins across Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique to cut plastic pollution.

Sailing & Tourism: Martinique is being pitched as a top Caribbean charter destination, with moorings, sheltered bays and easy shore access framed as the island’s “art de vivre” from Le Marin to Mount Pelée. Regional Travel Trade: OurAfrica.Travel has announced its next virtual trade show for 22–26 February 2027, inviting exhibitors and buyers after reporting 20,000+ business connections from its March 2026 edition. Health Cooperation: Montserrat has advanced talks with Martinique to set up emergency medical evacuation and specialist care access, including major stroke, heart attack, trauma and imaging services at CHUM. Marina Dispute Fallout: Yacht owners in Carriacou say a Tyrell Bay Marina access blockade has left about eight boats stranded and claims losses of over US$85,000, with embassies warning travel advisories could follow. Culture & Food: AfriKin Foundation’s “Taste of AfriKin” returns for Miami Spice on 6 Sept 2026, spotlighting African and Caribbean dining, live music, art and a jollof cook-off. Environment: A major sargassum surge is blanketing Caribbean and Gulf coastlines, raising concerns for marine life and tourism as seaweed rots ashore. Sports & Community: Saint Lucia’s “Rugby in Paradise” is welcoming international teams, including squads from Martinique, for the men’s and women’s Sevens. Money & Identity: The ECB says Martinique and other overseas regions will be included in the next euro banknote redesign phase. Youth & Sustainability: Grenada’s Flow and Grenada Green Group are rolling out school recycling bins across Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique to cut plastic pollution.

Health Cooperation: Montserrat is advancing emergency medical evacuation talks with Martinique, with a delegation led by Premier Reuben T. Meade meeting Prefect Étienne Desplanques and CHUM (University Hospital of Martinique) teams to secure access to specialist care for strokes, heart attacks, serious trauma, critically ill children, plus neurosurgery and PET/CT/MRI services. Culture & Food: AfriKin Foundation announces “Taste of AfriKin” returning Sept. 6, 2026 in North Miami for Miami Spice, featuring African and Caribbean fine dining, live music, curated art, and a Jollof Cook-Off. Caribbean Lifestyle & Travel: A feature spotlights Caribbean rum tourism and distillery tours as must-do travel experiences, with each island’s rum story told through its own cane, stills, and traditions. Music in the Region: Reggae Therapy Music Festival returns to Fort-de-France (July 11–12), drawing over 20,000 fans to Louis Achille Stadium with major acts including Tarrus Riley, Alborosie, Julian Marley, and Barrington Levy. Sports Tourism: Saint Lucia welcomes international teams for Rugby in Paradise (Saint Lucia International Carnival Sevens), including squads from Martinique and other Caribbean territories. Environment & Youth: Flow Grenada and Grenada Green Group launch school-based plastic bottle recycling bins across Grenada, Carriacou, and Petite Martinique, backed by a US$10,000 grant from the Liberty Caribbean Foundation.

Caribbean Culture & Food: AfriKin Foundation is bringing back “Taste of AfriKin” on Sunday, Sept. 6, 2026 (6–9 p.m.) at Maison AfriKin in North Miami for Miami Spice, with African and Caribbean fine dining, live music, curated art, and a big Jollof Cook-Off featuring chefs from 15 nations and the diaspora. Rum & Tourism: The Caribbean Rum Awards St Barth is billed as the region’s only Caribbean-based rum competition, using a blind tasting with international judges and crowning a champion on the island. Martinique-Linked Spirits Travel: Distillery tours are increasingly becoming a must-do Caribbean experience, with visitors seeking tastings and cane-to-bottle stories across islands—highlighting Martinique among the stops. Environment & Lifestyle: A new report says seaweed (sargassum) is blanketing Caribbean and Gulf coastlines, suffocating marine life and affecting tourism as it rots onshore. Regional Sports & Community: Saint Lucia’s Rugby in Paradise is welcoming international teams, including Martinique, for the Saint Lucia International Carnival Sevens. Sustainability in Schools: Flow Grenada and Grenada Green Group are rolling out plastic recycling bins in secondary schools across Grenada, Carriacou, and Petite Martinique, starting with St John’s Christian Secondary School. Music in Martinique: Reggae Therapy Music Festival returned to Fort-de-France (July 11–12), drawing over 20,000 fans to Louis Achille Stadium with major reggae names and strong local participation.

Caribbean Culture & Music: Reggae Therapy Music Festival returned to Fort-de-France (July 11–12) with huge crowds at Louis Achille Stadium, bringing together international stars and local talent and celebrating Caribbean culture through performances by artists like Tarrus Riley, Alborosie, Julian Marley, Barrington Levy and more. Rum & Tourism: The Caribbean Rum Awards are back on St Barth, pitching Caribbean rums against each other in a blind tasting judged by an international panel—an event that’s becoming a must for spirits lovers. Environment & Travel: A major sargassum surge is blanketing Caribbean and Gulf coastlines, with scientists warning it’s “not normal” and could disrupt marine life and tourism as the seaweed rots ashore. Regional Sports: Saint Lucia’s Rugby in Paradise Carnival Sevens kicks off with international teams arriving, including squads from Martinique and across the region, mixing sport, culture and hospitality. Sustainability in Schools: Flow Grenada and Grenada Green Group launched youth-focused plastic recycling bins at St John’s Christian Secondary School, with more bins planned across Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique. Regional Policy: CARICOM’s tax chiefs met in Georgetown as COTA urged “smart, data-driven and AI-enabled” tax systems to support sustainable Caribbean financing.