AGP Executive Report

Regional Air Connectivity: Caribbean Airlines will stop its direct Trinidad/Tobago/Barbados return flights from Sept. 2, but says it will keep service via other same-day options; it also plans to cut Martinique and Guadeloupe routes to twice weekly. Tourism & Travel Demand: Corendon will launch a 14-day “Renaissance” cruise starting in Aruba on Dec. 3 and ending in Curaçao on Dec. 16, with calls including Martinique and Guadeloupe—an extra boost for regional visitor flows. New Flight Link for the French Caribbean: Air France adds a nonstop Pointe-à-Pitre–Panama City route from Dec. 11 (twice weekly), designed to connect passengers from Fort-de-France and French Guiana onward via Copa. Local Business/Community Angle: Club Med says it aims to grow from 60 resorts today to 100 by 2035, with continued upgrades including its Martinique property. Public Health & Funding: PAHO/WHO names Dr. Eva Jané Llopis as representative for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, while Grenada launches a hypertension self-monitoring programme funded by its cooperative bank initiative. Martinique Spotlight: A travel feature highlights Saint-Pierre’s 1902 ruins and Mount Pelée—positioning the north as a strong commerce-and-tourism draw ahead of the winter season. Storm Aftermath (Non-local): Gary, Indiana continues rebuilding after heavy storms and power outages, with international Michael Jackson fans visiting the childhood home.

Tourism & Heritage: Saint-Pierre in Martinique is leaning into its “Caribbean Pompeii” appeal, with Mount Pelée still looming over 1902 ruins, the old theater and prison remains, plus black-sand beaches—an easy fit for travelers planning the volcanic north. Regional Security: A French platoon from Martinique (2nd Company, 33e RIMa at Fort Desaix) wrapped up joint amphibious and urban tactical training in Curaçao with CURMIL, including landings, vessel transfers and exercises at the former St. Elisabeth Hospital. Aviation & Connectivity: Caribbean Airlines will discontinue its Trinidad/Tobago/Barbados direct return flights from Sept. 2, while keeping connectivity via other services; it also continues to adjust regional schedules. Health & Community Programs: Grenada’s GFNC launched a hypertension self-monitoring and nutrition awareness programme, funded by Grenada Cooperative Bank’s “Pump It Up!” initiative, with participants receiving validated blood pressure monitors and follow-up support. Cost of Living (Grenada): Grenada announced six VAT-free shopping days (Aug 28-29, Sept 25-26, Oct 30-31) plus VAT relief on electricity bills and continued fuel and LPG price controls through 2026.

Regional Security & Training: A French platoon from Martinique (2nd Company, 33e RIMa at Fort Desaix) wrapped up joint amphibious and urban tactical drills in Curaçao with CURMIL, including vessel-to-vessel transfers, water landings and a rapid withdrawal scenario. Aviation & Connectivity: Caribbean Airlines will discontinue its Trinidad/Tobago/Barbados direct return flights from Sept. 2, while continuing service via other options; the airline also plans to reduce frequency to Martinique and Guadeloupe to twice weekly. Air France Expansion: Air France launches a new nonstop Pointe-à-Pitre–Panama City route on Dec. 11, 2026 (twice weekly), aiming to improve links for passengers from Martinique and French Guiana via Panama. Tourism & Business: Club Med targets 100 resorts by 2035 (from 60 today), with continued renovations including Buccaneer’s Creek in Martinique and new “Zen Oasis” offerings. Local Health & Cost of Living (Grenada): GFNC launched a hypertension self-monitoring programme with validated blood pressure monitors and follow-up support; Grenada also announced six VAT-free shopping days (Aug–Oct 2026) plus VAT relief on electricity bills and continued fuel/LPG price controls. Marina Dispute (Carriacou): Boat owners remain stuck in the Tyrell Bay Marina access dispute after a Privy Council ruling involving private land leases, with fencing preventing some vessels from relaunching.

Regional Security & Defence: A French platoon from Martinique (2nd Company, 33e RIMa, based at Fort Desaix) wrapped up joint amphibious and urban tactical training in Curaçao with Dutch Caribbean forces, including exercises with the boat platoon and CURMIL at the former St. Elisabeth Hospital site in Willemstad. Air Connectivity & Costs: Caribbean Airlines will discontinue its direct Trinidad/Tobago/Barbados return flights from Sept. 2, citing schedule optimisation, while continuing connectivity via other services; separately, Air France adds a new twice-weekly Pointe-à-Pitre–Panama City route from Dec. 11 to strengthen links for passengers from Martinique and French Guiana via Copa connections. Tourism & Travel Demand: Corendon will launch a 14-day Renaissance cruise starting Dec. 3 from Aruba and ending Dec. 16 in Curaçao, calling at multiple eastern Caribbean destinations including Martinique; Club Med also targets 100 resorts worldwide by 2035, with continued upgrades including its Martinique property. Local Business & Public Policy (Martinique-relevant): EU funding pressure is putting smaller French regional airports at risk under proposed stricter state-aid rules from April 2027. Health & Household Support (Caribbean): Grenada rolls out a hypertension self-management programme with blood pressure monitors and follow-up support, and announces six VAT-free shopping days plus VAT relief on electricity bills to ease cost-of-living pressures.

Aviation & Connectivity: Caribbean Airlines will discontinue direct Trinidad–Tobago–Barbados return flights effective September 2, while keeping connectivity via existing services and re-accommodating booked passengers; it also plans to reduce frequency to Martinique and Guadeloupe to twice weekly. Tourism & Travel: Club Med says it plans to grow from 60 resorts to 100 by 2035, with major renovations continuing at flagship properties including Buccaneer’s Creek in Martinique and new “Zen Oasis” offerings. Air Links for the French Caribbean: Air France launches a new nonstop Pointe-à-Pitre–Panama City route on December 11, 2026 (twice weekly), designed to connect Martinique and French Guiana travelers onward via Copa. Health & Regional Cooperation: Dr. Eva Jané Llopis has assumed the PAHO/WHO role for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, overseeing technical cooperation across the OECS and French Caribbean departments including Martinique. Public Policy & Cost of Living (Grenada): Grenada announces six VAT-free shopping days (Aug 28–29, Sep 25–26, Oct 30–31) plus VAT removal on electricity bills from Aug 1 to Dec 31, alongside continued fuel and LPG price controls. Business & Infrastructure (Grenada): Grenada’s water and waste sector gets a boost as it hosts the 35th CWWA conference (Oct 12–16, 2026), co-led locally by NAWASA and GSWMA. Local Economy & Services (Caribbean): Digicel reports its AI assistant Ruby resolves 55% of customer queries in Jamaica without human help, supporting faster bill, plan, and support handling. Maritime Dispute (Carriacou): Boat owners in Carriacou say a fence tied to the Tyrell Bay Marina dispute has blocked them from relaunching vessels, with calls for government intervention after 129 days.

Air Connectivity: Caribbean Airlines will discontinue its Trinidad/Tobago/Barbados direct return flights from Sept. 2, saying it’s optimizing schedules while keeping connectivity via other services. Tourism & Travel: Air France adds a new nonstop Pointe-à-Pitre–Panama City route from Dec. 11 (twice weekly), boosting links for passengers from Fort-de-France and French Guiana via Copa. Cruise Market: MSC reshuffles winter 2027/28 deployments, sending MSC World Asia to the South Caribbean with embarkation in Fort-de-France, while MSC World Europa drops Middle East plans. Martinique Business: Club Med says it plans to expand to 100 resorts by 2035, with Buccaneer’s Creek in Martinique set to debut an adults-only Zen Oasis. Local Economy & Compliance: Grenada’s Inland Revenue Division reminds property owners the 2026 property tax deadline is Aug. 31, with online and in-person payment options. Public Health & Community: GFNC launches a hypertension self-monitoring and nutrition awareness programme, funded by Grenada Cooperative Bank’s Pump It Up! initiative. Infrastructure Governance: Grenada’s Democratic People’s Movement questions a “design, build and finance” road approach, alleging procurement-law violations. Regional Policy: France’s smaller regional airports warn EU funding-rule changes could threaten their survival.

Aviation & Connectivity: France’s smaller regional airports face survival risks as rising costs and tighter EU rules on public funding squeeze state support, with proposed changes from April 2027 limiting aid for airports under 3 million passengers. Airline Network Changes: Caribbean Airlines will discontinue direct Trinidad/Tobago/Barbados return flights from Sept. 2, citing schedule optimization, while also reducing Martinique and Guadeloupe services to twice weekly. Public Health & Community Support: Grenada’s Food and Nutrition Council launches a hypertension self-monitoring programme, funded by Grenada Cooperative Bank’s Pump It Up! initiative, including home blood pressure monitors, recipes and follow-up. Cost of Living Measures: Grenada announces six VAT-free shopping days (Aug 28-29, Sept 25-26, Oct 30-31) plus VAT relief on electricity bills and continued fuel/LPG price controls through Dec 2026. Cruise & Tourism: Corendon adds a December 3 Aruba departure on a 14-day Caribbean cruise ending Dec 16 in Curaçao, calling at Martinique and other eastern Caribbean ports. Telecom & Digital Services: Digicel’s AI assistant “Ruby” is handling 55% of customer queries in Jamaica without human help, with expansion planned across the region. Local Governance & Legal Fallout: The Tyrrel Bay Marina dispute in Carriacou continues as boat owners report being blocked by a fence amid a long-running ownership and lease controversy. Tax Reminder: Grenada’s Inland Revenue Division urges property owners to pay 2026 property tax by Aug 31, with online and in-person options and a notice-of-objection route for reassessments.

Carriacou Marina Dispute: Boat owners in Tyrell Bay are still stuck after 129 days, saying a fence blocking the slipway leaves them unable to relaunch while a court fight continues between Carriacou Devcor Ltd and the Samuel Corion heirs. Air Connectivity Watch: Caribbean Airlines will stop direct Trinidad/Tobago/Barbados return flights from Sept. 2, while keeping service via other options; it also plans to cut Martinique/Guadeloupe frequency to twice weekly. Health & Community: Grenada’s Food and Nutrition Council launches a hypertension self-monitoring programme, including validated blood pressure monitors, recipes, and follow-up support. Cost-of-Living Moves: Grenada announces six VAT-free shopping days (Aug 28-29, Sept 25-26, Oct 30-31) plus VAT removal on electricity bills through Dec. 31 and continued fuel/LPG price controls. Cruise & Travel Links: Air France adds a new Pointe-à-Pitre–Panama City route (from Dec. 11, twice weekly), and MSC reshuffles winter 2027/28 deployments, sending MSC World Asia to the South Caribbean with embarkations including Fort-de-France and Pointe-à-Pitre.

Cruise & Connectivity: Air France launches a new nonstop Pointe-à-Pitre–Panama City route on Dec. 11, 2026 (twice weekly), designed to help travellers connect onward via Copa—an option that also matters for Fort-de-France and Martinique passengers. Cruise Industry: Corendon will offer a 14-day Caribbean cruise starting Dec. 3, 2026 from Aruba on the Renaissance, with stops including Martinique and ending in Curaçao on Dec. 16. Telecom & AI: Digicel says its AI assistant “Ruby” is already handling 55% of customer queries in Jamaica without human support, and the company plans to expand the rollout across more Caribbean markets by FY ending March 2027. Public Finance & Compliance (Grenada): Grenada’s DPM criticises a “design, build and finance” approach to major road projects, alleging procurement law violations and lack of public cost/financing details. Health Leadership (Eastern Caribbean): Dr. Eva Jané Llopis has taken up her PAHO/WHO role for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, covering Martinique among other territories. Local Business & Community (Grenada): Nexa Credit Union distributes its 2026 CPEA grants—135 awards across Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique—to support back-to-school costs. Tax Deadline (Grenada): The Inland Revenue Division reminds property owners that the 2026 property tax deadline is 31 August, with online and in-person payment options. Tourism Product (Grenada): Grenada Tourism Authority joins UK touring and adventure network ATAS to grow demand for experience-led holidays beyond beaches.

Air Connectivity: Air France launches a new nonstop Pointe-à-Pitre–Panama City route on December 11, 2026 (twice weekly), designed to feed connections for travelers from Fort-de-France and Cayenne, with onward links via Copa Airlines. Cruise & Tourism: Corendon will offer a 14-day Renaissance cruise starting in Aruba on December 3, 2026, calling at Martinique and other islands before ending in Curaçao on December 16—an extra option for regional travel demand. Regional Business Travel: MSC Cruises reshuffles its winter 2027/28 plans, canceling Middle East routes and redeploying MSC World Asia to the southern Caribbean with embarkation in Fort-de-France, Pointe-à-Pitre and Bridgetown. Public Health Leadership: Dr. Eva Jané Llopis assumes duties as PAHO/WHO Representative for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, covering cooperation across Martinique and other French Caribbean departments. Agriculture & Compliance Watch: Martinique recorded 19.4 tonnes of glyphosate use in 2023, down from 20 tonnes (2022) and 25 tonnes (2021), while local stakeholders continue planning for possible phase-out scenarios.

Caribbean Cruise Boost: Corendon is launching a 14-day Renaissance cruise starting in Aruba on Dec 3, 2026, ending in Curaçao on Dec 16, with stops including Martinique—an itinerary that could bring fresh demand to local tourism and travel services. New Air Link for the French Caribbean: Air France adds a nonstop Pointe-à-Pitre–Panama City route from Dec 11, 2026 (twice weekly), designed to connect passengers from Fort-de-France and open onward links via Copa to Latin America. Regional Health Leadership: Dr. Eva Jané Llopis takes over as PAHO/WHO Representative for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, covering cooperation across OECS states and French Caribbean departments including Martinique. Procurement and Infrastructure Debate (Grenada): Grenada’s DPM says major road projects using a design-build-finance approach “ignored” procurement laws, raising questions on costs and transparency. Local Business/Household Watch: Grenada’s Inland Revenue reminds property owners the 2026 property tax deadline is Aug 31, while fuel and LPG prices were updated with LPG increases for larger cylinders. Agriculture & Costs: New data shows Martinique used 19.4 tonnes of glyphosate in 2023, down from 20 tonnes in 2022, but still highlighting ongoing reliance in sugarcane and banana farming.

Aviation & Trade Links: Air France adds a new nonstop route between Pointe-à-Pitre (Guadeloupe) and Panama City, launching Dec. 11, 2026, twice weekly, with schedules designed to connect travelers from Fort-de-France (Martinique) and onward via Copa Airlines across Latin America. Cruise & Tourism Flows: Corendon, with Ambassador Cruise Line, will run a 14-day Caribbean cruise starting Dec. 3, 2026 from Aruba, calling at Saint Lucia, Barbados, Guadeloupe, Martinique and more before ending in Curaçao on Dec. 16. Public Health Leadership: Dr. Eva Jané Llopis takes up her PAHO/WHO role for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, covering cooperation across OECS states and French Caribbean departments including Martinique. Local Economy & Compliance: Grenada’s procurement dispute over major road projects under a “design, build and finance” model is reigniting calls for adherence to public procurement rules. Agriculture & Environment: New data shows Martinique used 19.4 tonnes of glyphosate in 2023, down from 20 tonnes in 2022 and 25 tonnes in 2021, while debate continues over health risks and alternatives. Business Watch (Rum): French firm Les Bienheureux is set to buy Campari’s Martinique agricole rum portfolio (Trois Rivières, La Mauny, Duquesne) pending SAFER approval.

Carriacou Marina Dispute: Grenada’s Privy Council ruling says the Keith Mitchell-led government was wrong to lease private lands for the Tyrrel Bay Marina, and the Corion family is pushing developers off the site after a fence restricted boat owners. Procurement Scrutiny: Grenada’s DPM says major road projects using a “design, build and finance” approach sidestepped competitive bidding and may violate procurement rules. Cruise Market Shift: MSC cancels planned Middle East routes for winter 2027/28 and redeploys MSC World Asia to the South Caribbean with embarkations including Fort-de-France, while MSC World Europa stays in the western Mediterranean. Martinique Agriculture & Health: Latest data shows Martinique used 19.4 tonnes of glyphosate in 2023, down from 20 tonnes (2022) and 25 tonnes (2021), but still highlighting heavy reliance in sugarcane and banana farming. Local Business Deal: French firm Les Bienheureux is set to buy Campari Group’s Martinique agricole rum portfolio (Trois Rivières, La Mauny, Duquesne), pending SAFER approval. Energy Prices (Grenada): August 2026 updates show kerosene up and LPG cylinder prices rising for 100 lb in Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique. Tax & Household Support: France’s back-to-school allowance is being paid to nearly three million families including Martinique, while property owners elsewhere should stay alert to tax-related cyber scams.

Privy Council Marina Ruling: Grenada’s Tyrrel Bay Marina dispute is back in the spotlight after the Privy Council said the Keith Mitchell-led government wrongly leased private land in Carriacou to Marina Developers, with owners now pushing for developers to leave and citing a fence that has blocked some boat owners from getting vessels out. Procurement Watch: The Democratic People’s Movement says major road projects using a “design, build and finance” model sideline competitive bidding and may breach Grenada’s procurement laws, raising questions on costs and financing. Martinique Agriculture & Health Debate: New figures show Martinique used 19.4 tonnes of glyphosate in 2023, down from 20 tonnes (2022) and 25 tonnes (2021), but still highlighting continued reliance in sugarcane and banana farming. Energy Prices: Grenada’s August 2026 retail fuel update keeps gasoline and diesel unchanged, while kerosene rises and LPG cylinder prices increase for larger sizes. Rum Business: Campari Group has found a buyer for its Martinique agricole rum portfolio: French firm Les Bienheureux, pending SAFER approval. Local Tax Deadline: Inland Revenue in Grenada reminds property owners the 2026 property tax is due by 31 August. Telecom AI Rollout: Digicel says its AI assistant Ruby handled 55% of customer queries in Jamaica without human support, with expansion planned across more markets.

Carriacou Marina Legal Fight: Grenada’s Privy Council ruling says the Keith Mitchell-led government was wrong to lease private lands for the Tyrrel Bay Marina, and owners now demand developers leave after a fence restricted boat owners. Procurement Watch: Grenada’s DPM says major road projects using a “design, build and finance” model sideline competitive bidding and may breach procurement laws. Martinique Agriculture & Health: New data shows Martinique used 19.4 tonnes of glyphosate in 2023, down from 20 tonnes (2022) and 25 tonnes (2021), but still widely used in sugarcane and banana farming. Petroleum Prices (Grenada, incl. Carriacou/Petite Martinique): Gasoline and diesel unchanged; kerosene up; LPG cylinder prices rise for 100 lb and bulk. Tax & Cyber Alerts (France): A major DGFiP cyberattack is raising phishing risks ahead of taxe foncière bills. Local Business/Finance (Martinique-linked): Campari Group has found a buyer for its Martinique agricole rum portfolio—French firm Les Bienheureux—pending SAFER approval. Travel & Trade: MSC Cruises will shift its winter 2027/28 Middle East routes and redeploy the MSC World Asia to the southern Caribbean with embarkation in Fort-de-France. Community & Education: Nexa Credit Union in Grenada paid 135 CPEA grants (US$300 each) to help with back-to-school costs.

Carriacou Marina Legal Battle: Grenada’s Tyrrel Bay Marina dispute is back in the spotlight after a Privy Council ruling said the Keith Mitchell-led government wrongly leased private land to Marina Developers; owners of the affected plots want developers off the land, and a fence has reportedly restricted boat owners from leaving. Public Procurement Watch: Grenada’s DPM says major road projects using a “design, build and finance” model “completely ignored” procurement laws, arguing it sidesteps competitive bidding and leaves costs/financing unclear. Telecom & AI in the Region: Digicel says its AI assistant Ruby now resolves 55% of customer queries in Jamaica without human agents, with plans to expand across more markets by FY ending March 2027. Cruise Re-route: MSC cancels planned Middle East routes for winter 2027/28, shifting the MSC World Asia to the southern Caribbean with departures from Fort-de-France and other regional ports. Martinique Agriculture & Health Debate: Latest data shows Martinique used 19.4 tons of glyphosate in 2023, down from 20 tons (2022) and 25 tons (2021), but still highlighting heavy reliance in sugarcane and banana farming. Energy Prices (Grenada/Carrriacou): Gasoline and diesel unchanged; kerosene and some LPG cylinder prices rise, with LPG 100 lb up in Grenada and Carrriacou/Petite Martinique. Local Business Deal: French firm Les Bienheureux is set to buy Campari Group’s Martinique agricole rum portfolio (Trois Rivières, La Mauny, Duquesne) pending SAFER approval.