AGP Executive Report

Youth Football (CFU U-14): Martinique’s U-14s faced a tough start in the CFU Challenge Series in the Dominican Republic, falling 5-0 to the host nation on Match Day 2, while the tournament schedule keeps rolling with multiple group fixtures across the Caribbean. Agriculture & Health: 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 the island’s heavy reliance on the controversial herbicide in sugarcane and banana farming. Back-to-School Support: The back-to-school allowance (ARS) is being paid this Tuesday to nearly three million low-income families across mainland France and overseas departments including Martinique, with amounts based on children’s ages. Weather Watch: Meteorologists are tracking a tropical wave expected to bring showers to Martinique and nearby islands, with localized heavy rain possible but development into a major threat considered unlikely. Volcano Update (Mount Pelée): Mount Pelée activity has ramped up, with authorities maintaining heightened vigilance after hundreds of earthquakes and ground swelling near the summit. Rhum Business: French firm Les Bienheureux has agreed to buy Campari Group’s agricole rum portfolio in Martinique, including Trois Rivières, La Mauny and Duquesne, pending land-transfer approval.

Volcanic Watch in Martinique: Mount Pelée has shown a clear uptick in activity, with hundreds of earthquakes and ground swelling near the summit, keeping the island on alert as scientists monitor whether pressure could lead to a renewed eruption. Weather Outlook for the Lesser Antilles: A tropical wave is expected to bring storm-like conditions across islands including Martinique, with heavy rain, gusty winds, and a heightened risk of flooding and landslides, even if major development is considered unlikely. Local Economy & Trade: Campari’s agricole rum brands in Martinique (Trois Rivières, La Mauny, Duquesne) have found a buyer: French firm Les Bienheureux, pending approval tied to agricultural land transfers. Youth Football (CFU U-14): Martinique is in the CFU Boys’ U-14 Challenge Series spotlight, with the tournament schedule featuring a key group match against Bermuda in Tier I Group A. Culture & Tourism: Le Domaine des Bulles in Le Vauclin is drawing attention for its transparent “bubble” hotel rooms in the trees, while CSIFF26 has unveiled a 47-film, 14-country Caribbean-focused selection. Regional Environment: Reports highlight plastic waste from other islands washing onto Jamaica’s shores, raising calls for wider regional cooperation.

Film & Culture: CSIFF26 has unveiled its 2026 official selection: 47 films from 14 countries, including Martinique, will screen in New York Oct. 9–11, with talks and professional development alongside the Caribbean Diaspora spotlight. Weather Watch: Meteorologists are tracking a new tropical wave expected to reach the eastern Caribbean late Monday into Tuesday, bringing showers and gusty seas (some spots 50–75mm), with a weakening trend likely as it crosses islands including Martinique. Youth Football: Bermuda and St. Kitts & Nevis both kick off CFU U14 Challenge Series campaigns in Punta Cana, with Martinique in Bermuda’s group—another week of regional youth sport to watch. Local Safety & Infrastructure: Grenada’s Carriacou airport (Herbert A. Blaize) moved closer to 24-hour operations after a successful night landing test, with regulatory steps now underway. Regional Connectivity: The U.S. announced a submarine cable initiative for the Caribbean and Central America—Cuba excluded—aimed at pushing “trusted” providers and faster links. Environment & Community: A Martinique–Dominica artistic exchange (JKing residency) wrapped after producing a permanent mural and school workshops focused on climate resilience and biodiversity. Sports/Travel Noise: Cruise and TV listings dominated some coverage, but the big Martinique-relevant signals this week were weather, youth sport, and connectivity.

Volcano Watch: Martinique’s Mount Pelée has moved into a higher alert posture after scientists reported hundreds of earthquakes and ground swelling near the summit, raising concern about possible renewed activity even if no immediate eruption is expected. Weather Alerts: A new tropical wave is expected to bring showers and gusty conditions across the Lesser Antilles, with Martinique among the islands in the forecast path; forecasters say development is unlikely, but rain and rough seas are still possible. Regional Youth Football: Martinique is set to face Bermuda in the CFU U14 Challenge Series in Punta Cana, with the young teams using the tournament as a key first step in international competition. Caribbean Sports Calendar: St. Kitts and Nevis’ U14 boys also head to Punta Cana for the same CFU Challenge Series, drawn into Tier I Group B against Jamaica, Curaçao and Aruba. Maritime Safety: A multinational search and rescue operation recovered an overdue boater near Sint Maarten after steering problems left his catamaran adrift, with the man reported safe. Culture & Exchange: A Martinican visual artist (JKing) completed a three-week residency in Dominica, producing a mural, school workshops, and new works tied to climate resilience and biodiversity. Decolonization Push: An International Decolonization Front event in Corsica adopted the “Corte Declaration,” condemning French colonial exploitation mechanisms and calling out repression of anti-colonial activists.

Weather Watch: A tropical wave moving through the Lesser Antilles has triggered flash flood watches and alerts across several Eastern Caribbean islands, with heavy rain, thunderstorms, and gusty winds expected into Saturday; even with low odds of development, “tropical storm-like” conditions are possible, and residents in places including Martinique are urged to monitor updates. Sports (Youth Football): Bermuda and St. Kitts & Nevis have named Under-14 squads for the CFU Challenge Series in the Dominican Republic, with Martinique in the same group as Bermuda—setting up a quick start for regional rivals. Local Culture & Exchange: A Martinican artist (JKing) completed a three-week residency in Dominica with workshops, school activities, and a new mural tied to climate resilience and biodiversity themes. Regional Environment: Jamaica is sounding the alarm over foreign plastic waste piling up along its coast, including debris linked to islands such as Guadeloupe and Martinique, calling for stronger regional cooperation beyond national cleanups. Infrastructure & Connectivity: The U.S. announced a submarine cable initiative for the Caribbean and Central America, pushing “trusted provider” rules—while Cuba is excluded.

Volcano Watch: Mount Pelée in Martinique has seen a rise in earthquakes and ground swelling, keeping the island on alert as scientists warn pressure could build toward a renewed eruption. Weather Alerts: A tropical disturbance is expected to bring storm-like conditions across the Lesser Antilles into Saturday, with gusty winds and heavy rain raising risks of flooding and landslides for islands including Martinique. Regional Sports: Martinique is set to face Barbados and host rivals in the CFU U14 Challenge Series group stage, with youth football squads from across the Caribbean heading to the Dominican Republic. Aviation Policy: The Dutch Council of State is questioning how a new aviation tax would treat Caribbean destinations differently, including Martinique, based on their legal status. Coast Guard Rescue: A multinational operation helped recover an overdue boater near Sint Maarten, coordinating with a rescue center in Fort-de-France. Culture & Exchange: A Martinican artist residency in Dominica produced a new mural and school workshops, highlighting climate resilience and biodiversity themes across the islands.

Weather Watch: A tropical wave is bringing flash-flood watches and storm-like conditions across the Lesser Antilles, with heavy rain, thunderstorms, and gusty winds expected into Saturday (Aug. 15), and residents in Martinique and nearby islands urged to monitor updates. Volcano Alert (Martinique): Mount Pelée’s activity is reportedly ramping up, with hundreds of earthquakes and ground swelling near the summit; officials keep a yellow alert in place as a precaution for the island’s population. Youth Football (CFU): Martinique is set to face Bermuda in the CFU U14 Challenge Series in the Dominican Republic, with the tournament starting Monday and Martinique listed in Tier 1 Group A. Regional Sports (CFU U12): St. Kitts and Nevis’ U14 boys also head to Punta Cana for the CFU U14 Challenge Series, beginning Aug. 16. Environment & Waste: Jamaica is dealing with a surge of foreign plastic waste washing in from across the region, including material linked to Martinique and other islands—raising calls for cross-border action. Local Development (Petite Martinique): A new UN-backed project is moving forward to restore land and soils, improve water security, and reduce drought impacts, funded by the Global Environment Facility.

Volcanic Watch in Martinique: Mount Pelée’s activity is rising again, with hundreds of earthquakes and ground swelling near the summit prompting a yellow alert for the island’s 400,000 residents, as scientists watch for any medium-term eruption risk after the 1902 disaster. Regional Weather Alert: Forecasters are tracking a strong tropical disturbance moving through the Lesser Antilles into the weekend, with possible storm-like winds (gusts up to 80 km/h), heavy rain, and localized flooding or landslides, including for Martinique. Deeper Monitoring for the Atlantic: Another system, Invest 92L, has high odds to develop into a depression or named storm later this week as it heads toward the eastern Caribbean. Sports for Martinique’s youth: Martinique is drawn into the CFU U14 Challenge Series group stage, with matches against Bermuda and others in the Dominican Republic. Local culture exchange: A Martinican artist (JKing) completed a three-week residency in Dominica, producing a mural and school workshops linking Caribbean themes like climate resilience and biodiversity. Environment beyond borders: Jamaica is raising alarms about plastic waste arriving from other islands, including Martinique, stressing the need for regional cooperation.

Search & Rescue: The U.S. Coast Guard and regional partners are searching for 58-year-old Peter Baron, overdue after departing Tortola on a 45-foot catamaran bound for Sint Maarten, with no sightings reported since Thursday. Volcano Watch (Martinique): Mount Pelée has ramped up activity, with hundreds of earthquakes and ground inflation near the summit; authorities keep a yellow alert as residents are reminded of the 1902 disaster risk. Tropical Weather: The Atlantic’s named storm Cristobal formed, but attention shifts to Invest 92L, which has a high chance to develop and could bring conditions to the Eastern Caribbean this weekend. Regional Environment: Jamaica is dealing with a surge of foreign plastic waste washing in from other islands, including Martinique, raising calls for cross-island cooperation. Local Development (Petite Martinique): A new sustainable land and soil management project is underway after consultations, aiming to restore degraded land and improve water security for 400 people, including many women and girls. Transport & Connectivity: Air France adds a winter route from Guadeloupe to Panama City, timed to help travelers from Fort-de-France via Pointe-à-Pitre. Sports (Youth): Martinique is set to take part in the CFU U14 Challenge Series, with matches in the Dominican Republic starting Aug. 16.

Volcanic Watch: Mount Pelée in Martinique is showing a surge in seismic activity, with hundreds of volcanic earthquakes and ground swelling near the summit, keeping the island on yellow alert as scientists watch for possible medium-term eruption risk. Regional Weather: The Atlantic’s Tropical Storm Cristobal has formed and is already fading, while Invest 92L has a high chance to develop into a depression or named storm and could bring conditions to the eastern Caribbean this weekend into early next week. Air Connectivity: Air France is adding a winter link from Pointe-à-Pitre (Guadeloupe) to Panama City starting Dec. 11, timed to help travelers from Fort-de-France and other French Caribbean hubs connect via Guadeloupe. Local Resilience & Farming: A new sustainable land and soil management project is underway in Petite Martinique, funded by the Global Environment Facility and executed by UNEP, aiming to restore degraded land and improve water security after Hurricane Beryl. Sports (CFU U14): Martinique is set to face Bermuda in the CFU U14 Challenge Series group stage in Punta Cana, with the tournament running Aug. 16–23. Culture & Exchange: A Martinican artist, JKing (Kevin Jérémie), completed a three-week residency in Dominica focused on climate resilience, biodiversity, and Caribbean identity, leaving murals and community artworks behind.

Volcano Watch: Mount Pelée in Martinique is showing a clear uptick in activity, with hundreds of volcanic earthquakes and ground swelling near the summit; scientists say an immediate eruption is unlikely, but the yellow alert reflects rising concern for the island’s roughly 400,000 residents. Storm Outlook: The Atlantic is watching Invest 92L, with high odds it could become a tropical depression or named storm as it heads toward the Eastern Caribbean this weekend, while another system (Cristobal) has already formed and is not expected to threaten land. Air Connectivity: Air France is adding a new winter link between Guadeloupe (Pointe-à-Pitre) and Panama City from Dec. 11, timed to connect travelers from Fort-de-France and Cayenne via Guadeloupe. Regional Youth Football: Martinique is drawn into the CFU U14 Challenge Series Tier I groups, with matches in Punta Cana starting Aug. 16. Sustainable Land & Water: A Petite Martinique project is underway to restore degraded land and improve drought resilience, funded by the Global Environment Facility and executed by UNEP. Tourism & Travel Notes: Air France expands its Caribbean network, while MSC promotes new fly-cruise Caribbean packages for Brazilian guests and a new MSC private destination near La Romana is set to open in November 2026.

Volcano Watch: Mount Pelée in Martinique is showing a surge in activity, with hundreds of volcanic quakes and ground swelling near the summit; authorities keep an elevated “yellow” alert as scientists say the short-term chance of eruption remains low but the risk is being closely tracked. Storm Outlook: Tropical Storm Cristobal has formed in the Atlantic with no land threat, while Invest 92L is now the main concern for the Eastern Caribbean, with conditions seen as favorable for development toward the Lesser Antilles this weekend. Regional Environment: Jamaica is dealing with a growing pile-up of foreign plastic waste on its eastern coastline, including debris linked to Guadeloupe and Martinique, raising calls for cross-island cooperation beyond local cleanups. Transport & Connectivity: Air France expands the French Caribbean network with a new Pointe-à-Pitre–Panama City route from Dec. 11, timed to connect travelers from Fort-de-France; separately, the U.S. announced a submarine cable push for the region, excluding Cuba. Local Development: A sustainable land and soil project is underway in Petite Martinique to restore degraded areas and improve water security, funded by the Global Environment Facility and delivered with UNEP. Sports (CFU): Martinique is set to face Bermuda in the CFU U14 Challenge Series after the teams were drawn into Tier I groups in Punta Cana.

Mount Pelée Watch: Martinique’s volcano is showing a clear uptick in unrest, with the observatory reporting 124 volcanic earthquakes in the week to July 31 and continued ground swelling near the summit; officials stress an eruption is not imminent, but the medium-term risk “cannot be excluded,” keeping the alert at yellow. Hurricane Monitoring: Forecasters are tracking a tropical wave that could become Storm Cristobal later this week, with the most likely window for development running from Thursday into the weekend as models disagree on whether it heads toward the eastern Caribbean or turns north. Regional Decolonization: The International Decolonization Front adopted the “Corte Declaration,” condemning French colonial exploitation mechanisms and calling out economic pressure, forced displacement, and repression of peaceful activists. Air Connectivity: Air France is expanding its Caribbean network with a new Pointe-à-Pitre–Panama City route from Dec. 11, timed to connect travelers from Fort-de-France. Health Support: The Calvin Ayre Foundation and MBS backed urgent medical travel to Martinique for a cardiac patient needing specialist care. Youth & Culture: A Martinique artist, JKing, completed a Dominica-Martinique residency producing a permanent mural and school workshops, while Martinique-linked youth football teams prepare for the CFU U14 challenge series.

Volcano Watch: Mount Pelée has shown a sharp jump in activity, with 124 volcanic earthquakes recorded in the week to July 31 and continued ground swelling near the summit. The Martinique Volcanological and Seismological Observatory keeps the alert at YELLOW: an eruption isn’t expected soon, but medium-term risk “cannot be excluded,” given the volcano’s 1902 disaster that killed nearly 30,000. Weather Alert: Forecasters are tracking an Atlantic tropical wave that could become Storm Cristobal later this week, with the best chance to organize from Thursday into the weekend. Models differ on whether it stays weak and heads toward the eastern Caribbean or curves north. Regional Connectivity: The U.S. is pushing a major submarine cable initiative for the Caribbean and Central America, while Cuba is excluded. Air Links: Air France plans a new winter route linking Guadeloupe and Panama City from Dec. 11, timed to connect travelers from Martinique via Pointe-à-Pitre. Local Infrastructure: Carriacou’s Herbert A. Blaize Airport is one step closer to 24-hour operations after a successful night landing test, moving into the licensing process.

Volcanic Watch for Martinique: Mount Pelée is back in the spotlight after a sharp rise in activity, with 124 volcanic earthquakes recorded in the week to July 31 and 331 across July; the Martinique Volcanological and Seismological Observatory keeps alert level at YELLOW, saying the chance of eruption in the short term remains low, but unrest over weeks to months can’t be ruled out. Air Connectivity: Air France adds a new winter link from Guadeloupe to Panama City starting Dec. 11, timed to connect travelers from Fort-de-France (Martinique) and French Guiana via Pointe-à-Pitre. Regional Youth Football: Martinique is drawn into the CFU U14 Challenge Series Tier I group that includes Barbados and hosts Dominican Republic—setting up a Martinique opener against Bermuda. Culture & Exchange: Waitukubuli Artist Association says Martinican visual artist JKing completed a three-week residency in Dominica, producing a permanent mural and school workshops on climate resilience and biodiversity. Health Support: The Calvin Ayre Foundation and Antigua’s Medical Benefits Scheme helped a patient travel to CHU de Martinique for urgent cardiac care. Sustainable Land Project (Petite Martinique): A new UN Environment Programme-backed initiative is underway to restore degraded land after Hurricane Beryl, with seedling nurseries and farmer-managed plots for 400 beneficiaries.

Volcanic Watch for Martinique: Mount Pelée is back in the spotlight after a surge in activity, with the Martinique Volcanological and Seismological Observatory reporting 124 volcanic earthquakes in the week to July 31 (nearly triple the prior week) and 331 for all of July; scientists say the short-term chance of eruption remains low, but medium-term unrest “cannot be excluded,” with ground swelling continuing and alert level staying YELLOW. Air Connectivity for the French Caribbean: Air France adds a new winter link from Guadeloupe to Panama City starting Dec. 11, twice weekly, timed to connect travelers from Fort-de-France (Martinique) and Cayenne. Health Support Across Borders: The Calvin Ayre Foundation and Antigua’s Medical Benefits Scheme helped move Ulysis James to CHU de Martinique for urgent cardiac care after a STEMI. Local Resilience in Petite Martinique: A UNEP/GEF-funded project is underway after a stakeholder workshop to restore degraded land, improve water security, and reduce drought impacts, targeting 400 beneficiaries (over half women and girls). Indigenous Rights Spotlight: The Baku Initiative Group marked Aug. 9 by reaffirming support for Indigenous peoples, explicitly naming Kalinago and other Indigenous Peoples of Guadeloupe and Martinique. Carriacou Airport Progress: Carriacou’s Herbert A. Blaize Airport cleared a key step toward 24-hour operations after a successful night landing test, with licensing steps now underway. Regional Environment Alert: A report warns of worsening plastic waste and marine harm across the Caribbean, highlighting how debris from multiple islands—including Guadeloupe and Martinique—can pile up far from where it starts.