AGP Executive Report

Procurement Oversight: Grenada’s DPM says a “design, build and finance” road approach has “completely ignored” public procurement laws, sidelining competitive bidding and leaving costs/financing unclear. Education Support: Nexa Credit Union distributed 135 CPEA grants (EC$300 each) on 18 August across Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique to help with back-to-school expenses. Tax Deadlines: Grenada’s Inland Revenue Division reminds property owners the 2026 property tax is due 31 August, with online payment options and a Notice of Objection process for assessment reviews. Energy Prices: Grenada’s August 2026 fuel update shows no change for gasoline and diesel, but kerosene rises; LPG changes mainly for larger cylinders (100 lb) in Grenada and for Carriacou/Petite Martinique. Agriculture & Health: New data says Martinique used 19.4 tonnes of glyphosate in 2023, down from 20 tonnes (2022) and 25 tonnes (2021), while debate over health risks continues. Business Deal: Campari Group has found a buyer for its Martinique agricole rum portfolio—French firm Les Bienheureux—pending SAFER approval. Cyber & Tax Security (France): A major DGFiP cyberattack is raising phishing warnings for taxpayers and property owners using online services.

Glyphosate Use in Martinique: New figures show Martinique used 19.4 tonnes of glyphosate in 2023, down from 20 tonnes in 2022 and 25 tonnes in 2021, but still highlighting heavy reliance in sugarcane and banana farming. Back-to-School Allowance: The French “allocation de rentrée scolaire” is being paid to nearly three million families in mainland France, Guadeloupe, French Guiana and Martinique, with amounts rising to about €426.87–€466.02 depending on the child’s age. Tax Cyberattack Watch: France’s tax authority (DGFiP) suffered a major cyberattack, raising phishing risks for taxpayers and property owners around the period of income notices and upcoming taxe foncière bills. Rhum Agricole Deal: French firm Les Bienheureux is set to buy Campari Group’s Martinique agricole rum portfolio via BBS (Trois Rivières, La Mauny, Duquesne), pending SAFER approval. Carriacou Museum Rebuild: The Carriacou Museum’s rebuilding project is expected to cost over EC$1 million, aiming for a climate-resilient, tech-enabled facility after Hurricane Beryl. Regional Aviation Tax Challenge: The Dutch Council of State is questioning the proposed flight tax system that could tax Martinique and Saint Barthélemy at higher rates than nearby Caribbean destinations due to their legal status.

Agriculture & Health: Martinique recorded 19.4 tonnes of glyphosate use in 2023, down from 20 tonnes in 2022 and 25 tonnes in 2021, but still showing strong dependence in sugarcane and banana farming. Local Business & Finance: A major cyberattack hit France’s tax authority (DGFiP), raising phishing risks for taxpayers and property owners around income tax notices and upcoming taxe foncière bills. Education Support: The back-to-school allowance is being paid this Tuesday to nearly three million families across mainland France, Guadeloupe, French Guiana and Martinique, with amounts by child age. Energy Prices: Grenada’s August 2026 fuel price list shows kerosene rising (from $12.64 to $15.84) while gasoline and diesel stay flat; LPG cylinder prices also increase for larger sizes. Agri-Food Industry Deal: Campari Group has found a buyer for its Martinique rhum agricole portfolio: French firm Les Bienheureux will acquire BBS (Trois Rivières, La Mauny, Duquesne), pending SAFER approval. Environment & Compliance: Glyphosate phase-out scenarios are being explored locally after CIRAD’s 2024 study, but a full exit still looks distant. Public Policy & Tax: The Dutch Council of State is questioning a proposed aviation tax that could tax Martinique and Saint Barthélemy at the highest rate despite similar distance to Amsterdam, based on their legal status.

Glyphosate Use Watch: Martinique recorded 19.4 tonnes of glyphosate in 2023, down from 20 tonnes in 2022 and 25 tonnes in 2021, but still showing heavy reliance in sugarcane and banana farming. Tax & Cybersecurity: A major cyberattack hit France’s tax authority (DGFiP), raising phishing fears for taxpayers and property owners ahead of taxe foncière bills; officials warn against fake refund/payment messages and say the tax office won’t ask for bank details or passwords by email/text. School Budget Support: The back-to-school allowance (ARS) is being paid this Tuesday to nearly three million low-income families across mainland France, Guadeloupe, French Guiana and Martinique, with amounts by child age. Rhum Agricole Deal: Campari Group has found a buyer for its Martinique agricole rum portfolio: French firm Les Bienheureux will acquire BBS (behind Trois Rivières, La Mauny and Duquesne), pending SAFER approval for related land transfers. Aviation Tax Challenge: The Dutch Council of State is questioning the Netherlands’ plan to apply different aviation tax rates to Caribbean destinations, including a proposed split that could place Martinique in the highest category despite similar distance to Amsterdam.

Rum & Investment: Campari Group has found a buyer for its Martinique agricole rum portfolio: French firm Les Bienheureux will purchase Bellonnie et Bourdillon Successeurs (BBS), pending SAFER approval tied to agricultural land transfers in Rivière-Pilote. The deal covers Trois Rivières, La Mauny and Duquesne, brands Campari has owned since 2019. Aviation Tax Watch: The Dutch Council of State is questioning the Netherlands’ plan to apply different aviation tax rates to Caribbean destinations under a new system starting in 2027, flagging potential unfair differences between nearby islands based on legal status. Local Business & Tourism: Le Domaine des Bulles in Le Vauclin is drawing attention with four transparent “bubble” rooms in the trees, combining breakfast, table d’hôte dining and wellness—an unusual add-on for Martinique’s small-stay market. Regional Environment: Jamaica’s Kingston Harbour Cleanup is urging wider regional action to stop plastic waste arriving from other islands, including material linked to labels from across the Caribbean, with Martinique mentioned among sources. Travel Deals: Costa Cruises’ Labor Day Sale offers cabin upgrades on Mediterranean, Caribbean and Canary itineraries for bookings made by Sept. 13, 2026.

Rhum agricole deal: Campari Group has confirmed the sale of its Martinique agricole rum portfolio (BBS, behind Trois Rivières, La Mauny and Duquesne) to French private-industry buyer Les Bienheureux, pending SAFER approval tied to agricultural land transfers in Rivière-Pilote. Aviation tax challenge: The Dutch Council of State has questioned a proposed aviation tax that could treat Martinique and Saint Barthélemy as higher-tax destinations than Sint Maarten, despite similar distances from Amsterdam—differences driven by legal status. Tourism & stays: Le Domaine des Bulles in Le Vauclin is drawing attention with just four transparent “bubble” rooms, each with its own outdoor space, breakfast and wellness—an unusual Martinique lodging concept. Regional connectivity push: The U.S. State Department is backing a submarine-cable initiative for the Caribbean and Central America, urging governments to use “trusted” providers and offering legal and technical help to protect critical infrastructure. Culture exchange: Dominica’s Waitukubuli Artist Association says Martinican visual artist JKing (Kevin Jérémie) completed a three-week residency focused on climate resilience, biodiversity and cultural identity, including workshops and a permanent mural. Environment watch: Jamaica-linked reporting highlights plastic waste washing in from other islands, with stakeholders calling for region-wide collaboration to trace and reduce the flow.

Caribbean Culture & Business: Conch Shell International Film Fest (CSIFF26) has unveiled its 2026 official selection: 47 films from 14 countries will screen Oct 9–11 in New York, with Martinique among the participating origins—early-bird passes are now on sale. Local Governance & Public Trust: A Castries Constituency Council (CCC) statement pushes back on criticism published in The Voice, saying it was not given a chance to respond before commentary about the city constabulary and resources. Regional Environment & Waste Costs: Jamaica’s Kingston Harbour Cleanup is urging wider regional action as plastic waste from other islands—linked to labels from places including Martinique—keeps washing onto the coast, raising risks for marine life and the food chain. Infrastructure & Connectivity: The U.S. is launching a major submarine cable initiative for the Caribbean and Central America, but Cuba is left out; the plan includes legal and technical help to governments on trusted suppliers. Aviation Policy: The Dutch Council of State is questioning proposed aviation tax rules that could tax nearby Caribbean destinations very differently, based on their legal status. Community & Arts Exchange: Waitukubuli Artist Association says a three-week Martinique–Dominica residency for visual artist JKing produced a permanent mural, school workshops, and driftwood sculptures.

Caribbean Connectivity Push: The U.S. State Department unveiled a major submarine cable initiative for the Caribbean and Central America, urging governments to use “trusted” providers and offering legal and technical help—while noting Cuba is left out. Regional Environment Pressure: Jamaica is facing a growing pile-up of foreign plastic waste along its eastern coastline, including debris labeled from Spanish and French markets and linked to islands such as Martinique; experts call for cross-island cooperation, not just local cleanups. Cultural Exchange in the Leeward Islands: Martinican visual artist JKing (Kevin Jérémie) completed a three-week residency in Dominica with workshops, school engagement, and a permanent mural, exploring climate resilience, biodiversity, and Caribbean identity. Aviation Policy Watch: The Dutch Council of State raised legal questions over a proposed aviation tax that could tax nearby Caribbean destinations very differently, with Martinique flagged for potentially higher rates than other islands. Local Business & Infrastructure Angle: Carriacou’s Herbert A. Blaize Airport cleared a key step toward 24-hour operations after a successful night landing test, moving to regulatory licensing for scheduled night flights. Spicemas Media Access Dispute: A Caribbean outlet says it was unable to get accreditation for major Spicemas 2026 shows, limiting coverage to street events after repeated contact attempts with the organizer.

Caribbean Aviation Tax: The Dutch Council of State is challenging the Netherlands’ plan to apply different aviation tax rates to Caribbean destinations, flagging potential unfairness between places at similar distances from Amsterdam—while Martinique and Saint Barthélemy could face the highest rate due to their EU status. Data Centers & Local Impacts: Residents near a proposed WGN transmitter data center site raised concerns in Elk Grove Village about noise, wildlife effects and water use, urging studies on low-frequency impacts. Regional Connectivity Push: The U.S. State Department announced a major submarine cable initiative for the Caribbean and Central America, with legal and technical help for “trusted” suppliers—while Cuba is left out. Culture & Exchange: Martinique visual artist JKing completed a three-week residency in Dominica with workshops, school engagement and a permanent mural, supported by the Caribbean Culture Fund. Environment & Waste: Jamaica is dealing with foreign plastic waste piling up along its coast, including debris linked to multiple islands and labels from across the region, prompting calls for cross-island cooperation. Public Sector Response: Castries Constituency Council (CCC) issued a detailed rebuttal to criticism of the city constabulary, citing investments in employee welfare, safety gear and operational resources. Travel Deals: Costa Cruises launched a Labor Day Sale offering cabin upgrades on Mediterranean, Caribbean and Canary itineraries for bookings through Sept. 13.

Public Sector Response: Castries Constituency Council (CCC) issues a detailed rebuttal to calls for police reform, saying it has prioritized employee welfare, safety gear, medical support and workplace resources. Aviation Tax Challenge: The Dutch Council of State questions the Netherlands’ plan to apply different aviation tax rates to Caribbean destinations, flagging potential unfairness between places like Martinique/Saint Barthélemy and Sint Maarten. Infrastructure & Connectivity: The U.S. announces a major submarine-cable initiative for the Caribbean and Central America, with Cuba excluded, and offers legal/technical help to governments on “trusted” suppliers. Data Center Concerns: Residents near a proposed WGN transmitter data center site raise worries about noise, wildlife and water use, asking for studies on low-frequency impacts. Regional Environment: Jamaica faces a plastic-waste spillover problem, with foreign debris piling up along its coast and stakeholders calling for cross-island cooperation. Culture & Exchange: Waitukubuli Artist Association reports a successful three-week Martinique–Dominica residency by visual artist JKing, producing workshops and a permanent mural. Local Development: Petite Martinique launches a UNEP/GEF-backed project to strengthen land and soil management, water security and drought resilience, targeting 400 beneficiaries. Travel Deals: Costa Cruises promotes a Labor Day Sale with cabin upgrades on Mediterranean, Caribbean and Canary itineraries.

Aviation Tax Ruling: The Dutch Council of State is challenging how the Netherlands plans to apply a new aviation flight tax, warning that nearby Caribbean destinations could face very different rates based on their legal status—placing Martinique and Saint Barthélemy at the highest category while Sint Maarten lands in the lowest. Data Center Scrutiny: In Elk Grove Village, residents near a proposed WGN transmitter data center raised concerns about continuous noise, wildlife impacts, and water use, pushing for studies on low-frequency effects. Oil & Gas Contract Cut: Grenada’s government says it has ended a contract with a Russian firm (Global Petroleum Group) over alleged failures to meet work commitments, provide required monthly reports, and show available funding. Regional Connectivity Push: The U.S. unveiled a submarine cable initiative for the Caribbean and Central America, urging governments to exclude “untrusted providers,” with Cuba left out. Tourism & Travel Deals: MSC is promoting fly-cruise Caribbean packages for Brazilian travelers, while Costa Cruises is running a Labor Day sale offering cabin upgrades on Caribbean itineraries. Environment & Waste: Jamaica is calling for regional action as foreign plastic waste—linked to multiple islands including Martinique—piles up along its eastern coastline. Local Infrastructure: Carriacou and Petite Martinique’s Herbert A. Blaize Airport moved closer to 24-hour operations after a successful night landing test, now awaiting regulatory approvals. Culture & Exchange: A Martinique artist (JKing) completed a three-week residency in Dominica, producing a permanent mural and school workshops focused on climate resilience and biodiversity.

Aviation Tax Challenge: The Dutch Council of State is questioning the Netherlands’ plan to apply different aviation tax rates to Caribbean destinations, flagging potential unfairness between places at similar distances from Amsterdam—while Martinique and Saint Barthélemy could face the highest rate due to their legal status. Data Centers & Community Impact: Residents near a proposed WGN transmitter data center site in Elk Grove Village raised concerns about continuous noise, wildlife effects and water use, urging more study of low-frequency impacts. Digital Connectivity Push: The U.S. announced a major submarine cable initiative for the Caribbean and Central America, with Cuba excluded, and urged governments to rely on “trusted” providers while offering legal and technical support. Oil & Gas Fallout in Grenada: Grenada’s government says it has ended a contract with a Russian firm (Global Petroleum Group) over missed obligations, including lack of required reporting and failure to meet work and funding commitments. Plastic Pollution Across Borders: Jamaica’s cleanup efforts are highlighting how foreign plastic waste—linked to multiple islands including Martinique—piles up along the eastern coastline, calling for regional cooperation beyond national bans. Local Resilience Project: Petite Martinique stakeholders are backing a 3-year, UNEP-executed project funded by the Global Environment Facility to restore degraded land, improve water security and reduce drought, targeting 400 beneficiaries.

Caribbean Connectivity Push: The U.S. State Department unveiled a submarine cable initiative for the Caribbean and Central America, urging governments to use “trusted providers” and offering legal and technical help—while Cuba is left out. Regional Environment & Waste: Jamaica is facing a growing plastic-waste spillover problem, with foreign debris labeled in Spanish and French piling up along the eastern coastline and threatening marine life and the food chain; experts call for cross-island cooperation. Martinique Cultural Exchange: The Waitukubuli Artist Association says Martinican visual artist JKing completed a three-week Dominica-Martinique residency, producing a permanent mural, school workshops, and driftwood sculptures tied to climate resilience and biodiversity themes. Air Access Upgrade (Carriacou & Petite Martinique): A successful night-landing test at Herbert A. Blaize Airport moves the islands closer to 24-hour operations, with regulators now preparing the licensing steps. Land & Water Resilience (Petite Martinique): A new sustainable land and soil management project is underway, funded by the Global Environment Facility and executed by UNEP, targeting 400 beneficiaries and focusing on drought and land restoration. Oil & Gas Contract Fallout (Grenada): Grenada’s PM says the government ended a Russian offshore oil-and-gas exploration contract after alleged failures to meet obligations, including reporting and funding requirements.

Data Center Concerns: Residents near the proposed WGN transmitter data center site in Elk Grove Village raised worries about continuous noise, wildlife impacts and water use during a public comment session, with officials noting limited operational sound after late-night checks. Caribbean Connectivity Push: The U.S. unveiled a submarine cable initiative for the Caribbean and Central America, urging governments to exclude “untrusted providers” and offering legal and technical help; Cuba is left out. Air Connectivity Upgrade: Air France plans a new nonstop Pointe-à-Pitre–Panama City route from 11 Dec. 2026, timed to connect with Fort-de-France and Cayenne, with free Wi‑Fi for Flying Blue members. Regional Culture & Exchange: Martinican visual artist JKing completed a three-week Dominica–Martinique residency, producing a permanent mural and school workshops focused on climate resilience and biodiversity. Plastic Waste Spillover: Jamaica faces a growing pile-up of foreign plastic waste along its eastern coast, including debris linked to Martinique and other islands, prompting calls for region-wide cooperation. Petite Martinique Land Project: A new sustainable land and soil management initiative got underway in Petite Martinique, aiming to restore degraded areas and improve water security for 400 beneficiaries over three years. Health Support to Martinique: The Calvin Ayre Foundation and Medical Benefits Scheme backed urgent medical travel for Ulysis James to CHU de Martinique for specialized cardiac care.

Caribbean Connectivity Push: The U.S. State Department unveiled a major submarine cable initiative for the Caribbean and Central America, urging governments to use “trusted” providers and offering legal/technical help—while Cuba is left out. Regional Environment Pressure: Jamaica is dealing with a surge of foreign plastic waste along its eastern coastline, including debris labeled from multiple islands (including Martinique), raising calls for cross-border cooperation beyond local bans. Local Infrastructure & Energy: Grenada’s PM says the government has ended a contract with a Russian firm (Global Petroleum Group) over offshore oil-and-gas exploration failures, including missed reporting and unmet work commitments. Sustainable Land in Martinique: Petite Martinique’s sustainable land and soil management project is moving forward with UNEP support and GEF funding, targeting land restoration, drought resilience, and capacity-building for 400 beneficiaries. Air Links for the Region: Air France plans a new nonstop Pointe-à-Pitre–Panama City route starting Dec. 11, 2026, with connections designed to feed travel demand from Fort-de-France. Business & Travel Offer: MSC is promoting new fly-cruise Caribbean packages for Brazilian travelers, pairing flights and transfers with cruises from La Romana. Community & Culture: A Martinican artist (JKing) completed a three-week residency in Dominica focused on climate resilience, biodiversity, and cultural exchange, producing murals and school workshops. Health Support: The Calvin Ayre Foundation and Medical Benefits Scheme backed urgent medical travel for a patient from Antigua to CHU de Martinique for specialized cardiac care.

Data Centers & Local Impacts: Residents near the proposed WGN transmitter data center site in Elk Grove Village raised concerns about continuous noise, wildlife effects and water use during a public comment session, with officials noting limited operational noise after late-night checks. Caribbean Connectivity: The U.S. State Department unveiled a submarine cable initiative for the Caribbean and Central America, urging governments to exclude “untrusted providers” and offering legal/technical help—while Cuba is left out. Air Links: Air France will launch a new nonstop Pointe-à-Pitre–Panama City route from 11 Dec 2026, timed to connect with Fort-de-France and Cayenne. Regional Environment: Jamaica’s coastline is seeing plastic waste from other islands, including Martinique, raising calls for cross-island cooperation beyond national bans. Martinique in the Spotlight (Culture & Care): A Martinican artist (JKing) completed a three-week Dominica–Martinique residency producing a permanent mural and school workshops; meanwhile the Calvin Ayre Foundation backed urgent medical travel to Martinique for a cardiac patient. Energy & Governance (Grenada): Grenada’s PM says the government ended a Russian offshore oil-and-gas contract over missed obligations, including reporting failures. Local Development (Petite Martinique): A new UN-backed project will strengthen sustainable land and soil management and water security, targeting 400 beneficiaries with restoration and drought-resilience measures. Business (Martinique Rum): Campari is in talks to sell its agricultural rum portfolio in Martinique (Trois Rivières, La Mauny) as it streamlines its spirits business.