AGP Executive Report

CARICOM Integration Watch: Martinique has officially joined CARICOM as the seventh associate member, effective 16 June 2026, after France provided the instrument of accession—an effort to deepen regional ties between French- and English-speaking Caribbean partners. Regional Policy & Trade: OECS states are using lessons from Martinique and Guadeloupe to tackle sargassum, turning seaweed management into a “blue economy” opportunity with EU-backed support. Cost of Living & Energy: Grenada announced an EC$18m targeted cost-of-living relief package, including VAT relief on electricity (Aug–Dec 2026) and electricity-related import tax waivers, alongside continued price ceilings on key fuels. Business Skills for Agribusiness: Grenada’s Rural Development Unit launched financial management and legal aid training for rural agribusiness owners in St. Patrick, focusing on cash flow, pricing, recordkeeping, and tax compliance. Tourism & Connectivity: LIAT launched a new twice-weekly route between Pointe-à-Pitre and Montego Bay, with plans to move to daily service as demand grows. Local Spotlight: A guide highlights Les Anses-d’Arlet in Martinique as a lesser-known beach-and-village destination with sea-focused tourism potential.

CARICOM Integration: Martinique has officially become the seventh CARICOM associate member, effective 16 June 2026, after France provided the instrument of accession—an expected boost for regional cooperation and participation. Regional Policy & Business Climate: CARICOM’s push for reparatory justice is also being framed as an economic decolonisation agenda, with a plan shared in London urging Britain to relinquish territories including Bermuda. Tax & Revenue Capacity: Tax administrators from across the Caribbean will meet in Georgetown, Guyana (27–31 July) to discuss “future-ready” tax systems, with a focus on smart, data-driven and AI-enabled revenue collection. Agribusiness Skills: In St. Patrick, Grenada, the Rural Development Unit is launching a targeted training series for rural agribusiness owners covering cash flow, pricing, recordkeeping, and tax compliance. Energy Costs: France’s weekly digest flags regulated electricity tariffs rising 2.5% from 1 August, while the 2026 back-to-school allowance payment dates are confirmed for Martinique and other territories. Blue Economy & Tourism: OECS is adapting Martinique/Guadeloupe sargassum management know-how across Eastern Caribbean states, aiming to cut impacts and create new economic uses.

CARICOM Integration: Martinique has officially become the seventh CARICOM associate member, effective 16 June 2026, after France provided the accession instrument—an expected boost for regional cooperation between French and English-speaking Caribbean partners. Regional Policy & Security: CARICOM’s 51st Heads of Government meeting put “return on integration” under the microscope, with leaders again flagging connectivity projects like a regional ferry service while pushing for more practical economic delivery. Reparations Push: CARICOM is urging Britain to relinquish overseas territories, including Bermuda, as part of a reparatory justice plan shared with UK MPs—sparking concerns about conflicts of interest for affected territories. Blue Economy & Environment: OECS is adapting Martinique and Guadeloupe sargassum management know-how across Eastern Caribbean states, supported by EU funding, with an eye on turning seaweed into economic value. Business Support: In St. Patrick, Grenada’s Rural Development Unit is rolling out targeted financial and legal training for rural agribusiness owners, with sessions focused on cash flow, pricing, recordkeeping, and tax compliance.

CARICOM Integration Push: Martinique and French Guiana officially became CARICOM associate members effective 16 June 2026, boosting the associate group to eight and aiming to deepen ties between French- and English-speaking Caribbean partners. Regional Security Agenda: Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit urged a broader, coordinated regional security approach in Martinique, linking policing with cybersecurity, maritime protection, energy/food security and disaster resilience. Reparations & Decolonisation Drive: CARICOM reparations advocates stepped up lobbying in London, including a proposal for Britain to relinquish overseas territories such as Bermuda and others as part of reparatory justice. Tax Cooperation: CARICOM tax administrators and revenue experts will meet in Georgetown, Guyana (27–31 July) to discuss “future-ready” tax systems, including smarter, data-driven and AI-enabled revenue collection. Energy & Household Costs: France published updated visa fees and reduced costs for children on selected visas; locally, regulated electricity tariffs in France are set to rise 2.5% from 1 August, while Martinique’s back-to-school allowance dates and amounts were confirmed. Tourism & Connectivity: OECS is looking to Martinique and Guadeloupe know-how to tackle sargassum, and LIAT launched a new Guadeloupe–Jamaica route, with plans to increase frequency as demand grows.

Electricity & Household Costs: Regulated electricity tariffs in France are set to rise 2.5% from 1 August, affecting over 19 million residential customers on regulated offers. Back-to-School Support: The 2026 “allocation de rentrée scolaire” (ARS) will be paid 18 August in mainland France, Guadeloupe, Guyane and Martinique (4 August in La Réunion and Mayotte), with amounts by age group published. Fraud & Benefits Oversight: France Travail has been given new powers to suspend unemployment benefit payments in suspected fraud cases. CARICOM Reparations Push: CARICOM’s Reparations Commission is pressing the UK and UN to include British Overseas Territories in a revised reparations manifesto, with talks continuing after CARICOM 51. Martinique’s Regional Integration: Martinique has officially joined CARICOM as an associate member effective 16 June 2026, boosting ties between French and English-speaking islands. Regional Security Agenda: OECS/Antilles-Guyane meetings in Martinique highlighted a broader, coordinated approach to security beyond policing. Sargassum Response: OECS is adapting Martinique/Guadeloupe sargassum management models across member states, supported by EU funding. Tourism & Trade Links: LIAT launched a new Guadeloupe–Jamaica route, and Oceania Cruises is marketing longer, more destination-focused Caribbean itineraries for late 2026.

CARICOM Integration Watch: A new CARICOM reflection after its 51st Heads of Government meeting puts the focus on “Return on Integration,” arguing leaders must move from big promises to measurable economic results, starting with practical fixes like regional connectivity. CARICOM Membership for Martinique: Martinique officially became a CARICOM associate member effective 16 June 2026, following the French Republic’s accession steps—an effort meant to deepen ties between French and English-speaking Caribbean partners. Regional Policy & Finance: Tax administrators from across CARICOM will meet in Georgetown (27–31 July) to push “future-ready” revenue systems, with a strong push toward smart, data-driven and AI-enabled tax administration. Sargassum to Blue Economy: OECS is scaling up sargassum management after a study tour in Martinique and Guadeloupe, aiming to cut impacts and also explore turning seaweed into economic value. Tourism & Air Links: LIAT launched a new twice-weekly route from Pointe-à-Pitre to Montego Bay, with plans to move toward daily service as demand grows. Energy Costs (Regional): Grenada published its July 2026 retail fuel prices—kerosene and some LPG cylinder prices fell, while gasoline and diesel stayed flat. Cruise Market Buzz: Oceania and Seabourn both spotlight new Caribbean itineraries and 2028 voyage collections, with Martinique featuring in shore-experience themes.

Fuel & LPG Update (Grenada): Grenada’s retail prices stayed flat for gasoline and diesel, while kerosene fell from $14.99 to $12.64; LPG saw cuts on larger cylinders and bulk (e.g., 100 lb from $296.75 to $276 in Grenada, and bulk/lb from $3.05 to $2.85), with 20 lb cylinders unchanged. CARICOM Integration (Martinique): Martinique officially became a CARICOM associate member effective 16 June 2026, following the French Republic’s instrument of accession—an extra step for French-Caribbean regional ties. Regional Tax Cooperation: CARICOM’s tax administrators meet in Georgetown (27–31 July) to push “future-ready” revenue systems, with a focus on smart, data-driven and AI-enabled administration. Sargassum Strategy (OECS): OECS is adapting management and valorisation models learned from Martinique and Guadeloupe, aiming to turn the seaweed challenge into blue-economy opportunities. Regional Security Push (Martinique): PM Roosevelt Skerrit called for a broader, coordinated security approach beyond policing, covering cyber, food/energy security, maritime protection and disaster resilience. Tourism & Connectivity: LIAT launched a twice-weekly Montego Bay–Pointe-à-Pitre route, with plans to move to daily service as demand grows. Cruise Market Buzz: Seabourn and Oceania are marketing expanded Caribbean sailings for late 2026/2028, leaning on longer itineraries and more destination-focused shore experiences.

CARICOM Integration Watch: Martinique has officially become a CARICOM associate member effective 16 June 2026, after France’s instrument of accession in June—an opening that should deepen regional cooperation with both French and English-speaking Caribbean partners. Regional Security & Resilience: OECS-hosted talks in Martinique saw Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit push for a wider security agenda beyond policing, linking cyber, maritime protection, energy/food security and disaster resilience. Tax & Revenue Modernisation: CARICOM tax administrators will meet in Georgetown (27–31 July) to discuss “smart, data-driven and AI-enabled” revenue systems, with OECD-linked sessions on tax and development. Blue Economy & Sargassum: OECS is adapting Martinique/Guadeloupe sargassum management models across the Eastern Caribbean, aiming to reduce impacts and explore commercial valorisation. Tourism & Trade Links: LIAT launched a new Guadeloupe–Jamaica route (twice weekly, with plans to go daily), positioning the service as a boost for tourism supply chains and local businesses. Local Business Angle: Oceania Cruises is marketing late-2026 Caribbean itineraries that trade “beach days” for farm, beekeeping and banana-plantation style shore experiences, including Martinique. Food Tourism Buzz: Travel And Tour World named top Americas/Caribbean food destinations for 2026, with Mexico leading the list.

CARICOM Integration: Martinique has officially become the seventh CARICOM associate member, effective 16 June 2026, after the French Republic’s instrument of accession—opening the door to deeper regional cooperation for trade, policy and regional projects. Regional Partnerships: Martinique and Barbados signed a cooperation agreement on 7 July, targeting culture, education, vocational training, sport, health, tourism, fisheries, risk management and trade facilitation. Security & Resilience: Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit urged a broader, coordinated approach to regional security beyond policing, including cybersecurity, climate resilience, food and energy security and maritime protection—discussed during a Martinique conference. Blue Economy & Sargassum: OECS is scaling up sargassum solutions after a study tour in Martinique and Guadeloupe, supported by EU funding, to reduce impacts and explore turning seaweed into economic products. Tourism & Connectivity: LIAT launched a twice-weekly Montego Bay–Pointe-à-Pitre route, with plans to move toward daily service as demand grows. Business/Travel: Luxury cruise lines are pushing Caribbean-focused itineraries and new 2028 voyage collections, including Seabourn’s “Ruby Collection” now open for booking.

Cruise & Tourism Deals: Seabourn opened bookings for its 40th-anniversary “Ruby Collection” with 54 voyages in 2028, including Caribbean stops such as Martinique, plus enhanced onboard celebrations. Regional Integration: Martinique officially became CARICOM’s seventh associate member effective 16 June 2026, boosting ties between French and English-speaking Caribbean partners. CARICOM Policy & Reparations: CARICOM pushed a “decolonisation as reparatory justice” line, including calls for Britain to give up overseas territories like Bermuda as part of slavery reparations. Tax & Revenue Cooperation: CARICOM tax administrators will meet in Georgetown, Guyana (27–31 July) to discuss “smart, data-driven and AI-enabled” tax administration. Sargassum Response: OECS is scaling up sargassum management after a study tour in Martinique and Guadeloupe, aiming to cut impacts and explore turning seaweed into a blue-economy resource. Local Business & Jobs Angle: LIAT launched a new Guadeloupe–Jamaica route (twice weekly, with plans to go daily), positioning it as a boost for tourism-linked local suppliers and entrepreneurs.

CARICOM Integration: Martinique has officially become the seventh CARICOM associate member, effective 16 June 2026, after the French Republic’s accession steps—opening the door to deeper regional cooperation. Regional Cooperation & Trade: Martinique and Barbados signed a landmark cooperation agreement covering culture, education, risk management, health, tourism, fisheries and trade facilitation. Security Agenda: Dominica’s PM Roosevelt Skerrit pushed for a broader, coordinated regional security approach beyond policing, linking cyber, climate resilience, food/energy security and maritime protection. Tax & Revenue Modernisation: CARICOM tax administrators meet in Georgetown (27-31 July) to discuss “smart, data-driven and AI-enabled” tax administration for sustainable revenue. Sargassum Solutions: OECS is adapting Martinique/Guadeloupe know-how to tackle sargassum, supported by EU funding, with a push to turn the seaweed into economic value. Tourism & Connectivity: LIAT launched a new Guadeloupe–Jamaica route (twice weekly, aiming for daily service), while Oceania Cruises is marketing longer, smaller-port Caribbean itineraries for late 2026.

CARICOM Integration Watch: Martinique and French Guiana have officially joined CARICOM as associate members, with Martinique effective 16 June 2026 after France’s accession steps—an expansion to eight associate members aimed at tighter French-English Caribbean links. Regional Business & Policy: CARICOM Tax Administrators are set to meet in Georgetown, Guyana (27-31 July) for COTA’s 27th General Assembly on “smart, data-driven and AI-enabled” tax administration, with OECD-linked discussions on tax and development. Trade & Connectivity: LIAT launched a new twice-weekly route between Pointe-à-Pitre and Montego Bay, with plans to move toward daily service as demand grows. Blue Economy & Tourism Resilience: OECS is scaling up sargassum solutions after a Martinique-Guadeloupe study tour, backed by EU funding, to cut impacts and explore seaweed valorisation. Security for Commerce: PM Roosevelt Skerrit urged a broader, coordinated regional security agenda beyond policing—covering cyber, energy/food security, maritime protection and disaster resilience. Local Partnerships: Martinique and Barbados signed a cooperation agreement covering trade facilitation, tourism, health, fisheries, education and risk management.

CARICOM Integration Push: Martinique has officially become CARICOM’s seventh associate member, with officials framing it as a practical step for regional cooperation after a long legal process. Regional Deals for Growth: Martinique and Barbados signed a landmark cooperation agreement on the sidelines of the CARICOM summit, covering education, health, tourism, trade facilitation, fisheries, sport, culture, and disaster risk management. Sargassum to Blue Economy: OECS delegates say lessons from Martinique and Guadeloupe are shaping a more coordinated sargassum response across member states, with EU-backed support aimed at both cleanup and turning seaweed into economic value. Air Connectivity & Tourism: LIAT is relaunching service between Guadeloupe and Jamaica, with plans to scale frequency as demand grows—positioned as a boost for local businesses tied to tourism. Tax Administration Agenda: CARICOM tax administrators meet in Georgetown later this month to discuss “smart, data-driven” revenue systems, including AI-enabled compliance and taxpayer services. Maritime Security Focus: A Martinique-hosted regional security conference urged a broader, coordinated approach to threats beyond policing, including cyber, food/energy security, and maritime borders. Cruise Market Watch: Seabourn opened bookings for its 40th anniversary “Ruby Collection” of 54 voyages in 2028, including itineraries that feature Martinique among Caribbean stops.

CARICOM Tax & Digital Revenue: Tax administrators and revenue experts will meet in Georgetown, Guyana (27–31 July) for COTA’s 27th General Assembly and Technical Conference, focused on “smart, data-driven and AI-enabled” tax systems and a high-level regional tax-and-development dialogue with OECD partners. Martinique’s CARICOM momentum: Martinique’s formal accession as CARICOM’s seventh associate member is being framed as a practical step for regional cooperation, while Martinique and Barbados signed a landmark cooperation agreement on the CARICOM summit sidelines covering education, health, tourism, trade facilitation, fisheries, sport, culture and disaster risk management. Sargassum push across the OECS: OECS delegates are drawing on Martinique and Guadeloupe experience to build a more coordinated sargassum management response, supported by EU funding, with an added focus on turning seaweed into economic value for the blue economy. Regional connectivity for tourism: LIAT launched a new Guadeloupe–Jamaica route (twice weekly, with plans to move to daily), positioning the service as a boost for tourism and local business supply chains. Reparations debate heats up: CARICOM is promoting a plan urging Britain to give up overseas territories, including Bermuda, as part of reparatory justice demands.

CARICOM Integration Watch: Martinique’s formal accession is now turning into concrete business-facing cooperation, with the island taking its seat as CARICOM’s seventh associate member and signaling that “businesses, financing and investment” must follow. Regional Trade & Logistics: OECS is also pushing a practical air-cargo plan, proposing an air cargo distribution hub at Saint Lucia’s Hewanorra International Airport to speed inbound and outbound logistics across OECS territories, including Martinique. Security & Economic Stability: Dominica’s PM Roosevelt Skerrit urged a broader, coordinated regional security approach beyond policing—covering cybersecurity, maritime borders, energy and food systems—while the Antilles Regional Security Conference in Martinique highlighted cross-border operational needs. Sargassum to Blue Economy: OECS is adapting Martinique and Guadeloupe’s sargassum management methods, supported by EU funding, aiming to reduce impacts and convert seaweed into economic value. Health & Environment Risk: New FAO-based rankings flag Saint Lucia’s high pesticide use intensity and link heavy exposure to serious public-health concerns, including findings from regional plantation worker research. Martinique–Barbados Deal: Martinique and Barbados signed a five-year cooperation agreement on education, health, tourism, trade facilitation, fisheries, sport, culture and disaster risk management.

CARICOM Integration Push: Martinique has officially taken its seat in CARICOM as an associate member for the first time, ending a decade-long process and opening the door for businesses and financing to “come on board.” Regional Cooperation Deal: On July 7, Martinique and Barbados signed a landmark cooperation agreement on the sidelines of the CARICOM summit, targeting education, health, tourism, trade facilitation, fisheries, culture, sport, vocational training and disaster risk management. Security Agenda: Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit urged a more coordinated Caribbean security approach beyond policing, linking maritime protection, cybersecurity, food/energy security and climate resilience. Sargassum to Opportunity: OECS is studying Martinique and Guadeloupe’s sargassum response to cut impacts and explore turning the seaweed into economic products. EU-Diplomacy: The EU’s new ambassador to the OECS presented credentials to OECS Director General Didacus Jules, reaffirming support for regional integration. Visa Rules Watch: France published conditions for visa-free entry to its overseas territories, naming only one African country eligible under specific requirements. Tourism & Trade Winds: Oceania Cruises is expanding Caribbean sailings with longer itineraries and shore excursions including banana plantation visits in Martinique.