AGP Executive Report

Reggae Festival Buzz (Fort-de-France): Martinique’s fourth annual Reggae Therapy Festival pulled in 20,000+ fans over July 11–12 at Louis-Achille Stadium, with headline sets from Julian Marley, Barrington Levy, Alborosie, Tarrus Riley and more—backed by the Martinique Tourism Authority and powered by local entrepreneurs Josué Charles-Hélène and Michel Almon. Football/Local Pride (Concacaf Nations League): Martinique has been drawn into Group B of League A for the 2026/27 Concacaf Nations League alongside Honduras, Jamaica, Guatemala, Suriname, and El Salvador, setting up September–November 2026 match windows. Sports Travel (Regional): Sky High Dominicana says it will move 1,435+ athletes from Guadeloupe, Martinique, and Cuba to Santo Domingo 2026. Arts & Culture (Documentary Spotlight): An OP-ED highlights a documentary opening that reframes Frantz Fanon and his lifelong struggle, tying his legacy to today’s conversations on justice. Community/Health (Breast Cancer Awareness): A 12-year-old swimmer, Christophe Maleau, made history by crossing Saint Lucia to Martinique to raise breast cancer awareness.

Reggae Spotlight (Martinique): The fourth annual Reggae Therapy Festival in Fort-de-France pulled in 20,000+ fans over two days at Louis-Achille Stadium (July 11–12), with a lineup mixing local and international names like Julian Marley, Barrington Levy, Alborosie, Tarrus Riley and more. Sports & Culture (Martinique on the pitch): Martinique has been drawn into the Concacaf Nations League mix, with the tournament’s group-stage matchups placing the island alongside teams including Suriname and El Salvador (League A format details shared across regional coverage). Community & Arts (Fanon documentary): A new documentary, “Rediscovering Fanon,” is spotlighting Frantz Fanon’s legacy through activism and film, with a focus on how violence shaped his life and the wider struggle for justice. Regional Travel/Events: Sky High Dominicana says it will fly 1,435+ athletes (including from Martinique) to Santo Domingo 2026 for the Central American and Caribbean Games.

Reggae Spotlight: Martinique’s fourth annual Reggae Therapy Festival pulled in 20,000+ fans at Louis-Achille Stadium in Fort-de-France (July 11–12), with headliners including Julian Marley and Barrington Levy, plus Alborosie, Tarrus Riley and more—backed by the Martinique Tourism Authority and driven by local entrepreneurs. Sports & Identity: The Concacaf Nations League draw has Martinique in the spotlight, with the island listed in League A, Group B alongside Honduras, Jamaica, Guatemala, Suriname and El Salvador, setting up September–November 2026 match windows. Community Culture: A new documentary spotlighting Frantz Fanon—“Rediscovering Fanon”—is described as focusing on how violence shaped his life and legacy, using archival material and interviews. Local Human Interest: A 12-year-old swimmer, Christophe Maleau, made history by crossing Saint Lucia to Martinique to raise breast cancer awareness, finishing in 13h 50m 47s. Regional News (for context): CARICOM tax leaders meet in Guyana for COTA’s opening (July 27) under a “smart, data-driven and AI-enabled” theme.

Concacaf Nations League Draw: Martinique’s men’s team has been placed in Group B for the 2026/27 Concacaf Nations League, lining up against Jamaica, Honduras, Guatemala, Suriname and El Salvador, with the League A format set for September-October and November FIFA windows before finals in March 2027. Reggae Spotlight: More than 20,000 fans packed Louis-Achille Stadium for Martinique’s 4th annual Reggae Therapy Festival, featuring Julian Marley, Barrington Levy, Alborosie and Tarrus Riley, among others. Cost-of-Living Relief: Grenada rolled out its Cost of Living Assistance Programme, including a 100% VAT removal on electricity bills from August through December 2026, plus other energy-focused measures. Sports Travel: Sky High Dominicana says it will fly 1,435+ athletes and delegations from Guadeloupe, Martinique and Cuba to Santo Domingo 2026. Culture & Film: A documentary spotlight on Frantz Fanon, “Rediscovering Fanon,” drew attention to his legacy through themes of violence and liberation. Local Human Interest: A 12-year-old swimmer, Christophe Maleau, made history by crossing from Saint Lucia to Martinique to raise breast cancer awareness.

Reggae & Culture: Martinique’s fourth annual Reggae Therapy Festival wrapped up July 12 at Louis-Achille Stadium, drawing 20,000+ reggae fans from across the Caribbean, Europe and North America, with headliners including Julian Marley, Barrington Levy, Alborosie and Tarrus Riley. Sports & Pride: Concacaf’s 2026/27 Nations League draw puts Martinique in Group B alongside Honduras, Jamaica, Guatemala, Suriname and El Salvador, with matches set for September–November 2026. Tourism & Travel: Sky High Dominicana says it will fly 1,435+ athletes and sports delegations—including from Martinique and Guadeloupe—to Santo Domingo 2026, using Embraer 190s and Boeing 737-700s. Community & Economy: Grenada’s cost-of-living relief plan includes 100% VAT removal on electricity bills from Aug–Dec 2026, plus other targeted energy supports. Arts & Ideas: A new documentary, “Rediscovering Fanon,” spotlights Frantz Fanon’s legacy and lifelong struggle through archival footage and interviews.

Reggae & Culture: Martinique’s fourth annual Reggae Therapy Festival wrapped up July 12 at Louis-Achille Stadium in Fort-de-France, drawing 20,000+ fans from across the Caribbean, Europe, and North America, with big names like Julian Marley, Barrington Levy, Alborosie, Tarrus Riley, and local acts. Sports & Community: The CONCACAF Nations League draw for League A, B, and C is set for July 23, with Martinique listed among League A teams as the competition becomes a pathway to the 2027 Gold Cup. Local Health & Youth: A 12-year-old from Martinique, Christophe Maleau, made history by swimming from Saint Lucia to Martinique in 13 hours 50 minutes 47 seconds to raise breast cancer awareness. Cost of Living (Regional): Grenada announced cost-of-living relief, including 100% VAT removal on electricity bills from August through December 2026, aiming to ease imported inflation pressures. Film & Arts (Regional): Ladj Ly’s “Dumas : Diable noir” has entered post-production after a five-month shoot, with Théo Christine, François Civil, Vincent Cassel, Omar Sy, and Galatéa Bellugi among the headline cast.

Reggae & Live Music: Martinique’s fourth annual Reggae Therapy Festival wrapped up July 12 at Louis-Achille Stadium in Fort-de-France, drawing more than 20,000 reggae fans from across the Caribbean, Europe, and North America, with headliners including Julian Marley, Barrington Levy, Alborosie, Tarrus Riley, and local favorites. Arts & Culture Events: The 27th COTA General Assembly and Technical Conference opening ceremony is set for July 27 in Guyana, with a livestream option via CARICOM social platforms—an international gathering that also signals how regional institutions are leaning into tech-driven futures. Sports Travel & Movement: Sky High Dominicana says it will move 1,435+ athletes and delegation members from Guadeloupe, Martinique, and Cuba to Santo Domingo 2026, using Embraer 190 and Boeing 737-700 flights. Film Spotlight: Ladj Ly’s “Dumas : Diable noir” is in post-production after a five-month shoot, with a star-studded cast including Théo Christine, François Civil, Vincent Cassel, Omar Sy, and Galatéa Bellugi. Community & Health Awareness: A 12-year-old swimmer, Christophe Maleau, made history by crossing from Saint Lucia to Martinique to raise breast cancer awareness, finishing in 13 hours 50 minutes 47 seconds.

Documentary & Culture: Rico Speight’s “Rediscovering Fanon” documentary is spotlighted for opening a sharper view of Frantz Fanon’s lifelong struggle, using archival footage, reenactments, and interviews to trace how violence shaped his work and legacy. Martinique in the Spotlight: A 12-year-old swimmer, Christophe Maleau, made history by crossing from Saint Lucia to Martinique to raise breast cancer awareness, finishing in 13 hours 50 minutes 47 seconds and arriving to cheering crowds. Music & Community Drama: After reggae star Fantan Mojah’s death at 49, rival camps are clashing over who controls his digital platforms and legacy, with accusations flying over authorized representation and funeral-related communications. Film Production Watch: Ladj Ly’s “Dumas : Diable noir” has wrapped its five-month shoot and is now in post-production, with a star-heavy cast including Théo Christine, François Civil, Vincent Cassel, Omar Sy, and Galatéa Bellugi. Sports (Regional): St. Kitts and Nevis swimmers Jonathan Essien and Skyla Connor will make history as the federation’s first Commonwealth Games competitors in Glasgow, starting July 23. Maritime Safety: The Coast Guard continues searching for three fishermen missing at sea after they failed to return from a trip.

Sports Spotlight: St. Kitts and Nevis swimmers Jonathan Essien and Skyla Connor will make history as the first athletes from their federation to compete at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, with events starting July 23. Comic/Pop Culture Buzz: Marvel’s “X-Men: Hellfire Murder” kicks off a locked-room mystery at the Hellfire Gala, with Wolverine and Jubilee investigating as a new Brotherhood of Evil Mutants storyline reshapes the mutant future. Caribbean Music & Culture: A dispute over Fantan Mojah’s legacy has erupted after the reggae singer’s death at 49, with rival camps trading claims about who controls his digital platforms and funeral communications. Martinique Human Interest: Christophe Maleau, 12, made history by swimming from Saint Lucia to Martinique in 13 hours 50 minutes to raise breast cancer awareness, arriving to cheers in Sainte Anne. Regional Travel/Entertainment: LIAT reconnects Guadeloupe and Jamaica with an inaugural Pointe-à-Pitre to Montego Bay route, aiming to boost tourism links. Arts & Film: Ladj Ly’s “Dumas : Diable noir” has wrapped its five-month shoot and is now in post-production. Community & Lifestyle: Grenada’s GRENED marks its 30th anniversary with an event in Grenville, celebrating rural youth education and leadership.

Reggae Loss: Jamaican roots singer Fantan Mojah has died at 49 in Kingston after heart-related complications, just weeks before his 50th birthday and ahead of a planned Reggae Jam Festival run in Germany; tributes are pouring in as reports also recall a serious 2024 hospital stay in Martinique. Caribbean Culture & Travel: LIAT launched a new twice-weekly Montego Bay–Pointe-à-Pitre (Guadeloupe) route, aiming to reconnect the French and English-speaking Caribbean and boost tourism links. Martinique Spotlight (Health & Community): A 12-year-old swimmer, Christophe Maleau, made history by crossing from Saint Lucia to Martinique to raise breast cancer awareness, finishing in 13 hours 50 minutes. Regional Arts/Film Buzz: Ladj Ly’s Dumas: Diable noir wrapped its five-month shoot and is now in post-production with a star-studded cast. Regional Policy (Reparations): CARICOM’s reparations push includes a call for Britain to relinquish territories, including Bermuda, as part of its Ten-Point Plan. Sports Safety: Grenada’s Sandals National Learn to Swim Week drew 720 kids into free lessons, with more sessions continuing through 24 July.

Reggae in Mourning: Jamaican singer Fantan Mojah has died at 49 in Kingston after heart-related complications, just weeks before his 50th birthday. Reports say his health worsened rapidly after returning from the U.S., with family and management still not confirming an official cause. Legacy Fight: In the wake of his death, rival camps are disputing who controls his digital platforms and funeral/estate communications, with one side distancing itself from former manager Ray “Vertex” Stephens. Martinique Regional Spotlight: Martinique hosted the 19th Antilles-Guyane Regional Cooperation Conference and a regional security conference, with leaders pushing deeper integration and more autonomy talks with France and the EU. Caribbean Connectivity: LIAT launched a new twice-weekly route from Pointe-à-Pitre (Guadeloupe) to Montego Bay, with plans to ramp up frequency as demand grows. Local Inspiration: A 12-year-old swimmer, Christophe Maleau, made history by crossing from Saint Lucia to Martinique to raise breast cancer awareness. Community & Culture: GRENED marked its 30th anniversary event in Grenville, while OECS delegates shared sargassum management strategies after a study tour through Martinique and Guadeloupe.

Caricom Reparations Push: The CARICOM Reparations Commission is presenting a revised reparations manifesto to the UK and the UN, now explicitly including Britain’s Overseas Territories, with another round of talks underway after the St Lucia summit. Breast Cancer Awareness Swim: 12-year-old Christophe Maleau made history by swimming from Saint Lucia to Martinique in 13 hours 50 minutes to raise awareness for breast cancer, arriving to cheering crowds in Sainte Anne. Reggae Shock & Legacy Fight: Jamaican reggae star Fantan Mojah died at 49 after heart-related complications, and almost immediately rival camps began disputing who controls his digital platforms and funeral/estate messaging. Martinique Regional Integration: Martinique hosted the Antilles-Guyane Regional Cooperation Conference and security conference, with leaders calling for deeper regional integration and more autonomy discussions. Sports for All (Grenada): Sandals National Learn to Swim Week wrapped up in Grenada with 720 children taking free lessons, with more sessions continuing through 24 July.

Record Swim for Breast Cancer Awareness: 12-year-old Christophe Maleau made history by becoming the youngest swimmer to cross from Saint Lucia to Martinique, finishing in 13 hours 50 minutes 47 seconds and arriving at Sainte Anne to cheering crowds. Reggae in Mourning: Jamaican roots singer Fantan Mojah died at 49 in Kingston after heart-related complications, with reports of a rapid decline in his final days; tributes are pouring in as fans remember hits like “Hail the King.” Legacy Fight in the Spotlight: In the wake of Mojah’s death, rival camps are disputing who controls his digital platforms and funeral/estate communications, with accusations flying over representation. Martinique Regional Security Talk: OECS and French Caribbean partners gathered in Martinique for the Antilles-Guyane cooperation and regional security conference, where Roosevelt Skerrit urged a broader, integrated approach to security beyond policing. Regional Integration, Culture & Sport: Martinique and Barbados signed a cooperation agreement covering cultural and creative industries, education, vocational training, sport, health, tourism, fisheries, and trade. Caribbean Connectivity Boost: LIAT launched a new Pointe-à-Pitre to Montego Bay route, aiming to reconnect the region and grow tourism links. Martinique Film Production Update: Ladj Ly’s “Dumas : Diable noir” wrapped a five-month shoot and is now in post-production. Community Education Milestone: Grenada’s GRENED marked its 30th anniversary with an event in Grenville.

Reggae News: Jamaican singer Fantan Mojah has died at 49 after heart-related complications, with reports saying his health deteriorated rapidly in the days before his passing at UHWI in Kingston—just weeks ahead of his planned return to the stage and a Germany Reggae Jam Festival appearance. Legacy Fight: In the wake of his death, rival camps are trading accusations over who controls his digital accounts and funeral/estate communications, with one group claiming authorization and distancing itself from former manager/booking agent Ray “Vertex” Stephens. Regional Culture & Cooperation: Martinique hosted the 19th Antilles-Guyane Regional Cooperation Conference and Antilles Regional Security Conference, with Martinique’s leadership pushing deeper regional integration and more autonomy discussions with France/EU. Regional Integration (Martinique-Barbados): Martinique and Barbados signed a cooperation agreement covering cultural/creative industries, education, sport, health, tourism, fisheries, and trade—aimed at turning integration into practical projects. Blue Economy Focus: OECS delegates visited Martinique and Guadeloupe to study sargassum management models, using EU-backed support to build a more solution-driven regional response. Travel & Leisure: Seabourn unveiled its 40th-anniversary “Ruby Collection” of 54 voyages for 2028, including Caribbean stops and new expedition experiences.

Caribbean Culture & Travel Buzz: Travel And Tour World just named its Top 30 Food Destinations in the Americas and Caribbean for 2026, spotlighting the region’s culinary heritage and street-food culture. Martinique in the Spotlight: A new Martinique-Barbados cooperation agreement was signed at the CARICOM Summit, with plans spanning cultural and creative industries, education, sport, health, tourism, fisheries, and trade—aimed at turning regional integration into real projects. Regional Security (Martinique Host): PM Roosevelt Skerrit urged a broader, coordinated approach to security at the Antilles Regional Security Conference in Martinique, linking safety to climate resilience, cybersecurity, food/energy security, and maritime protection. Film Production Update: Ladj Ly’s “Dumas : Diable noir” has wrapped its five-month shoot and is now in post-production, with a star-studded cast including Théo Christine, François Civil, Vincent Cassel, Omar Sy, and Galatéa Bellugi. Music Loss: Jamaican reggae singer Fantan Mojah died at 49 after heart-related complications, with tributes pouring in as fans mourn a conscious-reggae voice. Blue Economy Focus: OECS delegates are using lessons from Martinique and Guadeloupe to tackle sargassum management across the Eastern Caribbean. Tourism & Lifestyle: A travel feature highlights Diamant Les Bains in Le Diamant, pitching the Diamond Rock beach view as a standout Martinique stay.

Reggae Loss: Jamaican roots singer Fantan Mojah, real name Owen Moncrieffe, died at 49 at UHWI in Kingston after heart-related complications, with reports saying his health deteriorated rapidly after returning from the US; he was reportedly preparing for Germany’s Reggae Jam Festival. French Caribbean Spotlight: Martinique hosted the 19th Antilles-Guyane Regional Cooperation Conference and a regional security conference, with leaders including Martinique’s President Letchimy pushing deeper autonomy discussions with France/EU and stronger regional integration. Regional Integration (Martinique): Martinique and Barbados signed a cooperation agreement at the CARICOM Summit, targeting cultural and creative industries, education, sport, health, tourism, fisheries, and trade facilitation. Caribbean Travel Buzz: Seabourn unveiled its 40th-anniversary “Ruby Collection” of 54 voyages for 2028, including Caribbean and expedition-style itineraries, now open for booking. Local Tourism Deal: Diamant Les Bains in Le Diamant is being promoted with a Diamond Rock beach stay starting around $177/night. Caribbean Community News: CARICOM’s reparations push includes a plan for Britain to give up territories like Bermuda, framed as reparatory justice. Sports & Youth: Sandals National Learn to Swim Week in Grenada drew 720 children to free lessons, with more sessions continuing into late July.