AGP Executive Report

Regional Diplomacy: France and Canada plan a symbolic visit to Saint-Pierre-and-Miquelon to back national borders after Donald Trump’s map post that colored parts of the Caribbean and French overseas territories (including Martinique and Guadeloupe) in US colors. EU Outermost Regions: The European Commission unveiled a new strategy and regulatory package for outermost regions—explicitly naming Martinique and Guadeloupe—aimed at adapting EU rules to local realities and boosting resilience, competitiveness, and access to the single market. Infrastructure in the Sister Islands: In Petite Martinique, the Madam Pierre Road was commissioned and blessed as a modern concrete pavement with drainage, replacing a stony track to improve safety and access. Sports (Caribbean Equestrian): The 2025 CEA Show Jumping Challenges results highlight Martinique’s strong team performance, with riders also posting top individual finishes. Health & Governance Watch: St Kitts and Nevis PM Terrance Drew confirmed he suffered a stroke and is recovering in Florida after initial treatment in Martinique, while saying government operations continue via contingency plans.

Diplomacy & Regional Ties: France’s new ambassador to Antigua and Barbuda, Marie-Noëlle Duris, presented credentials and met senior officials, with talks highlighting closer cooperation across climate action, security, health, training, research, and transport, plus stronger links between Guadeloupe/Martinique and the wider Caribbean. EU–Caribbean Focus: The European Commission unveiled a new strategy for the EU’s outermost regions, explicitly including Martinique and Guadeloupe, aiming to adapt EU rules to local realities and boost resilience, competitiveness, connectivity, and access to services. Sovereignty in the Spotlight: Macron and Canada’s Mark Carney are set to visit Saint-Pierre-and-Miquelon in a symbolic show of support for national borders after a US map post flagged territories including Caribbean French overseas areas. Health & Governance: St Kitts and Nevis PM Terrance Drew confirmed he suffered a stroke from a vertebral artery dissection, is out of hospital in Florida, and says rehabilitation is progressing well with contingency plans keeping government running. Culture & Arts: Dominican writer Zephrine Royer, based in Martinique, won the 2026 BCLF Elizabeth Nunez Award for “River Mouth.”

Stroke Update in the Caribbean: St Kitts and Nevis PM Dr Terrance Drew confirmed he suffered a stroke late August, caused by a dissection of the vertebral artery, and says he’s recovering well after being discharged from a Florida hospital and continuing rehab in occupational and physical therapy. He credited swift care in St Kitts, Martinique and the US, and said the administration is functioning with contingency plans while he’s away. Franco-Canadian Sovereignty Push: France and Canada’s leaders will visit Saint-Pierre-and-Miquelon next week to back national borders after Donald Trump’s US-flagged North America map included Caribbean and French overseas territories like Martinique and Guadeloupe. EU Outer Regions Strategy: The European Commission unveiled a new strategy for the EU’s outermost regions—explicitly including Martinique and Guadeloupe—aimed at adapting EU rules to local realities, boosting resilience and competitiveness, and strengthening geostrategic roles. Caribbean Culture & Arts: Dominican writer Zephrine Royer, based in Martinique, won the 2026 BCLF Elizabeth Nunez Award for “River Mouth,” while Martinique artist Lov’nee released “Anonymat,” blending rap and Caribbean rhythms.

Health Update (St. Kitts & Nevis): Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew confirmed he suffered a stroke in late August, caused by a dissection of the vertebral artery, and said he is now out of hospital in Florida and progressing through rehabilitation, while also stressing that government operations are continuing with contingency plans. Franco-Canadian Diplomacy: After Donald Trump’s North America map post appeared to include French overseas territories such as Martinique and Guadeloupe, France and Canada announced a symbolic visit to Saint-Pierre-and-Miquelon by Emmanuel Macron and Mark Carney to reaffirm sovereignty and shared democratic values. EU Outer Regions Focus: The European Commission rolled out a new strategy for the EU’s outermost regions, including Martinique, aiming to adapt rules to local realities and boost resilience, connectivity, and competitiveness. Water & Energy Watch: France selected 109 “electrification territories” for large pilot projects to cut reliance on gas and oil, with Martinique among the included areas. Trade & Sovereignty Tensions: Canada is reportedly exploring closer EU ties, including an “associate member” concept, as Ottawa navigates a trade war with the United States.

Franco-Canadian Sovereignty Push: After Donald Trump posted a North America map with multiple countries and French overseas territories—including Martinique—colored in under the US flag, France and Canada are sending a symbolic message: President Emmanuel Macron and PM Mark Carney will visit Saint-Pierre-and-Miquelon next week to reaffirm “sovereignty of nations.” EU Outer Regions Strategy: Brussels unveiled a new plan for the EU’s outermost regions, explicitly including Martinique and Guadeloupe, aiming to adapt EU rules to local realities and boost resilience, connectivity, and access to the single market. Energy Transition in France: France selected 109 “electrification territories” for large pilot projects to cut gas and oil use, with Martinique listed among the included areas. Water Disruption Watch: Some areas of Barbados will face no water or low pressure due to work at the Ionics Desalination Plant, with schedules affecting multiple neighborhoods. Regional Health Update: St Kitts and Nevis PM Terrance Drew confirmed he suffered a stroke and is recovering well after treatment abroad, with rehab underway.

Sovereignty Show of Support: France and Canada plan a symbolic visit to Saint-Pierre-and-Miquelon after Donald Trump’s map post colored parts of the Caribbean and French overseas territories, including Martinique, in US colors—Macron will go Sept. 19-21 with Mark Carney joining Sept. 20 to reaffirm “sovereignty of nations.” EU Outer Regions Push: The European Commission unveiled a new strategy and regulatory package for the EU’s outermost regions—explicitly naming Martinique and others—aimed at adapting EU rules to local realities, boosting competitiveness, resilience, and access to the single market. Water Disruption Watch: Some areas of St Michael, St George and Christ Church are set for no water or low pressure due to work at the Ionics Desalination Plant, with lists of affected neighborhoods published for residents. Energy Transition Pilot: France selected 109 “electrification territories” (including Martinique) for large-scale pilots to cut gas and oil use, accelerating heat pumps and other renewable heating solutions. Regional Air Travel Impact: Flights to Miami were diverted, including one from Fort-de-France (Martinique), after a temporary ground stop at MIA following a runway incident.

Water & Infrastructure: Some areas of St Michael, St George and Christ Church face no water or low pressure for several days due to work at the Ionics Desalination Plant on the Mighty Grynner Highway. EU Outer Regions: The European Commission unveiled a new strategy and regulatory package for the EU’s outermost regions, including Martinique, aiming to adapt rules to local realities and boost resilience, connectivity, renewable energy and access to services. Energy Transition (France): France selected 109 “electrification territories” for large pilot projects to cut reliance on gas and oil, including heat pumps and district heating, with Martinique listed among the recipients. Deforestation Rules (EU): Brussels proposes exempting French Guiana from the EU Deforestation Regulation’s scope using a special procedure, citing enforcement and geographic constraints. Regional Politics (GPG): Grenada’s oil-and-gas debate heats up as the NDC government’s parliamentary technical working group work is challenged after the GPG agreement was torn up. Health Update (Caribbean): St Kitts and Nevis PM Terrance Drew reportedly underwent a successful angiogram and angioplasty after his medical emergency.

EU Outer Regions Strategy: The European Commission unveiled a new strategic vision for the EU’s outermost regions—explicitly naming Martinique and Guadeloupe—plus targeted rule changes aimed at boosting competitiveness, resilience, connectivity and access to services. Energy Transition: France has picked 109 “electrification territories” to speed up replacing gas and oil with electricity, with Martinique included among the recipients. Deforestation Rules for French Guiana: Brussels proposes removing French Guiana from the EU Deforestation Regulation’s scope, arguing its geography and enforcement challenges require tailored treatment. Local Health & Travel Links: Reports say St Kitts and Nevis PM Terrance Drew received treatment in Martinique and later underwent further care overseas; meanwhile, an airport disruption in Miami led to diversions including a flight from Fort-de-France to San Juan. Culture & Community: Brooklyn’s West Indian Day celebrations faced early endings after safety concerns and violence, while the Junior Carnival road march kicked off in Crown Heights with cultural pride front and center. Rum & Tourism: St Barth’s Caribbean Rum Awards are gearing up for blind judging and a “World Championship” showdown, and Southern Caribbean cruises are becoming easier to reach as more itineraries launch.

Energy Transition: France has picked 109 “electrification territories” from 197 applicants to cut gas and oil use, including Martinique, with pilots like heat pumps, district heating, geothermal and more EV charging, backed by up to €10bn by 2030. EU Outer Regions: The European Commission unveiled a new strategy and rule changes for outermost regions—explicitly naming Martinique and others—aimed at boosting competitiveness, resilience and access to the single market. Deforestation Rules: Brussels also proposed carving out French Guiana from the EU deforestation law’s scope, citing enforcement challenges and special local conditions. Local Health & Regional Links: Reports say St Kitts and Nevis PM Terrance Drew received treatment in Martinique after a suspected stroke, before further checks in South Florida. Aviation Disruption: Some flights to Miami were diverted to San Juan after a temporary ground stop at Miami following a runway incident involving an Amazon Prime Air cargo plane. Culture & Community: Safety concerns led to an early end to Brooklyn’s West Indian Day celebrations, despite the event’s cultural importance.

EU Outer Regions Strategy: The European Commission unveiled a new strategy and regulatory package for the EU’s outermost regions, including Martinique, aiming to adapt EU rules to local realities and boost competitiveness, resilience, connectivity, and social equity. Deforestation Rules for French Guiana: Brussels also proposed removing French Guiana from the territorial scope of the EU Deforestation Regulation, arguing its geography and enforcement challenges justify tailored treatment—while goods shipped to the rest of the EU would still have to comply. Sargassum Microbes in the Caribbean: Barbados says it will seek patent protection for three microorganisms discovered in sargassum, aiming to keep potential commercial and environmental benefits in the region rather than sell outright to multinationals. Cruising Gets Easier for the Southern Caribbean: Cruise lines are expanding itineraries from 2026–2027, making bucket-list ports like Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao more accessible without long repositioning trips. Regional Health Spotlight: St. Kitts and Nevis PM Terrance Drew’s health scare continues to draw attention, with reports of successful angiogram and angioplasty and ongoing recovery updates. Local Service Disruption (Elsewhere): Some areas in Barbados face planned water disruption due to work at the Ionics Desalination Plant.

EU Outer Regions Strategy: The European Commission unveiled a new strategic vision for the EU’s outermost regions, explicitly naming Martinique among territories from the Atlantic to the Caribbean, with plans to adapt EU rules in areas like agriculture, fisheries, migration and taxation, and to boost competitiveness, resilience, connectivity and social equity. Sargassum Microbe Patents: Barbados says it will seek patent protection for microorganisms discovered in sargassum seaweed, aiming to keep commercial and environmental value from being bought outright by multinationals. Cruising Access: A new wave of cruise itineraries is set to make the Southern Caribbean easier to reach, potentially bringing more visitors to rarer ports like Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao. Martinique Links to Regional Care: Reports say St Kitts and Nevis PM Terrance Drew was treated in Martinique after a health scare, with officials later describing his condition as stable while evaluations continue in South Florida. Local Services Disruption (Regional): Some areas across the Caribbean are facing water supply issues due to work at an Ionics desalination plant, with schedules affecting multiple districts.

EU Outermost Regions Strategy: The European Commission unveiled a new strategic vision for its outermost regions—including Martinique—aimed at boosting resilience, competitiveness, and fairer opportunities, with targeted EU-law adaptations for areas like agriculture, fisheries, migration, and taxation. Caribbean Health & Care Link: St. Kitts and Nevis PM Dr. Terrance Drew says he’s in stable condition and “good spirits” after a medical emergency, with treatment first in Martinique and further evaluations in South Florida; reports of a stroke remain unconfirmed by officials. EU–US Sovereignty Tensions: Cuba’s president hit back at Donald Trump’s AI-style “takeover” map covering Cuba and parts of the Caribbean, while the wider dispute over territorial claims continues to draw sharp international reactions. Local Travel Disruption: LMM Airport reported flights diverted after a temporary Miami airport closure, including an American Airlines flight from Fort-de-France (Martinique). Water Supply Disruption: Some areas of St Michael, St George, and Christ Church face no water or low pressure due to work at the Ionics Desalination Plant. Culture & Community: Brooklyn’s West Indian Day parade/J’Ouvert went ahead with major safety concerns after nearby stabbings and shootings, with officials saying the celebration is “here to stay.”

US-Cuba Tensions: Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel hit back at Donald Trump’s AI-style “takeover” map, saying Cuba “will never again” be a colony and vowing to defend sovereignty, as the post reportedly paints Cuba and even Martinique and Guadeloupe under a US flag. Regional Health Update: St. Kitts and Nevis PM Dr. Terrance Drew remains in stable condition in South Florida after treatment that included care in Martinique; he says doctors are still investigating after nausea, neck pain, dizziness and balance issues, and later reports claim an angiogram and angioplasty. Caribbean Aviation Disruption: Flights were diverted to San Juan after a temporary ground stop at Miami following an incident involving an Amazon Prime Air plane; Aerostar says operations at SJU continued while monitoring impacts. Water Supply Notice: Some areas of Barbados face no water or low pressure for several days due to work at the Ionics Desalination Plant, affecting parts of St Michael, St George and Christ Church. Culture & Youth: Junior Caribbean Carnival kicked off in Crown Heights with colorful costumes and a push to keep children connected to culture as the school year begins. Local Economy Watch: Grenada’s parliament is set to consider a large supplemental appropriation tied to Hurricane Beryl recovery and new challenges.

Health Update (St. Kitts & Nevis): St. Kitts and Nevis PM Dr. Terrance Drew says he’s in “good spirits” and stable in South Florida after a medical scare that began with nausea, vomiting, neck pain, dizziness and balance trouble; Martinique media had reported a stroke and treatment at the University Hospital of Martinique, but the diagnosis wasn’t officially confirmed, and details of findings remain undisclosed. Local Health Care Spotlight (Martinique): Reports say Drew was treated in Martinique first, then transferred to Miami for further checks, with Drew thanking local clinicians and indicating he may discuss healthcare quality with CARICOM leaders. Water Disruption (Grenada): Some areas in St Michael, St George and Christ Church face no water or low pressure for several days due to work at the Ionics Desalination Plant. Culture & Community (Caribbean): Junior Caribbean Carnival festivities kicked off with a Crown Heights road march ribbon-cutting, highlighting youth participation and cultural connection. Aviation Disruption (Caribbean): Flights to Miami were diverted to San Juan after a temporary ground stop at MIA following an incident involving an Amazon Prime Air cargo plane.

Health Update Across the Region: St. Kitts and Nevis PM Terrance Drew says he’s in “good spirits” and stable in South Florida after a weekend illness that Martinique media had linked to a stroke; he reports persistent nausea, vomiting, neck pain, dizziness and balance trouble, was treated first in Martinique, and doctors are still running tests. Regional Healthcare Spotlight: Drew’s team and officials say his care involved specialists in Martinique before further evaluation in the U.S., with Drew thanking local medical staff and signaling he may discuss the quality and availability of care with CARICOM leaders. Water Disruption in the Caribbean: Some areas of St Michael, St George and Christ Church face no water or low pressure due to work at the Ionics Desalination Plant. Culture & Youth: Junior Caribbean Carnival grand marshals kicked off the Junior road march in Crown Heights, with organizers stressing cultural connection for children ahead of the school year. Aviation Disruption: Flights to Miami were diverted to San Juan after a temporary ground stop tied to an incident at Miami International Airport.

Health Update (Caribbean Leadership): St. Kitts and Nevis PM Terrance Drew says he is in “good spirits” and stable in South Florida, after a weekend illness that Martinique media had reported as a stroke; he was treated first in Martinique, then travelled to Miami for further tests, and urged people not to ignore warning signs. Regional Healthcare Spotlight: Martinique’s University Hospital care is at the center of the story, with Drew thanking medical staff and saying he plans to raise the quality and availability of services with CARICOM leaders. Water Disruption (Local Impact): Some areas in St Michael, St George and Christ Church face no water or low pressure for several days due to work at the Ionics Desalination Plant. Aviation/Travel Disruption: Flights to Miami were diverted after a temporary ground stop at MIA following an incident involving an Amazon Prime Air plane; operations at San Juan were monitored. Culture & Business (Rum): The World Championship-style Caribbean Rum Awards St Barth are nearing, with blind judging bringing together rhum agricole and molasses rums, including top “Uber-Premium” expressions.