AGP Executive Report

Digital Infrastructure: EllaLink has launched development of a submarine cable linking French Guiana with Martinique and Guadeloupe, with a western branch serving Aruba, Curaçao and Bonaire. Funding and landing agreements are still being finalized; service is targeted for 2029. Tourism Leadership: Alexandre Ventadour was named tourism commissioner by Territorial Collectivity Executive Council President Serge Letchimy, succeeding Bénédicte di Geronimo. Water Supply: Outages in parts of Schœlcher and Fort-de-France exposed pressure on local reserves: utility ODYSSI said restoration depended on reservoir levels and could be gradual amid drought concerns. Public Health: Martinique recorded 401.78 dengue cases per 100,000 people in a regional comparison, among the highest rates reported.

Tourism Leadership: Alexandre Ventadour has been named commissioner of the Martinique Tourism Authority by Territorial Collectivity Executive Council president Serge Letchimy. He succeeds Bénédicte di Geronimo, who is shifting to work on Martinique’s development and European funding. Water Service: ODYSSI imposed cuts affecting parts of Schœlcher and Fort-de-France as it sought to refill reservoirs. The utility said restoration would depend on water levels, amid drought concerns. Digital Infrastructure: EllaLink has moved its proposed Caribbean submarine cable into development. The route would connect French Guiana with Martinique and Guadeloupe, but construction is still subject to partner commitments and financing; service is targeted for 2029.

Water & Utilities: ODYSSI has scheduled water cuts in parts of Schœlcher and Fort-de-France (Oct 2–3), with some neighborhoods already affected; restoration depends on reservoir levels, raising reliability concerns amid drought conditions. Local Governance & Infrastructure: Carriacou and Petite Martinique marked a milestone with the commissioning of G-CREWS water assets at Princess Royal Hospital grounds, adding large storage tanks and upgrades aimed at stronger climate resilience. Tourism Administration: Alexandre Ventadour was named tourism commissioner for the Martinique Tourism Authority, replacing Bénédicte di Geronimo and setting a new push for destination visibility and sustainable growth. Regional Politics (Grenada): Grenada’s PM Dickon Mitchell set a general election for Nov 5 (candidates nominated Oct 15), with opposition leader Emmalin Pierre calling for a national debate ahead of polling. Sports (Martinique in CONCACAF): Martinique’s match context in the Nations League remains tight as Jamaica and Honduras chase qualification, with Martinique referenced in the group standings and results. Culture & Community: The World Creole Music Festival 2026 is confirmed for Oct 23–25 in Dominica, with an official lineup highlighted after earlier misinformation.

Water & Utilities: ODYSSI is cutting water pressure and scheduling outages in Schœlcher and Fort-de-France (Oct 2–3), with restoration tied to reservoir levels and a return that may be gradual. Sister-Island Resilience: In Carriacou and Petite Martinique, the G-CREWS water assets at Princess Royal Hospital were commissioned, adding large storage tanks and strengthening public health and disaster readiness. Local Government Appointments: Martinique’s tourism leadership gets a shake-up as Alexandre Ventadour is named tourism commissioner of the Martinique Tourism Authority. Regional Connectivity: EllaLink formally advances its Caribbean Gateway initiative, targeting service by end-2029 with a carrier-neutral fibre route linking Cayenne to Martinique/Guadeloupe and a western segment for the ABC islands. Sports (Martinique in the mix): In CONCACAF Nations League action, Martinique is involved in Group B permutations as Suriname beats Martinique 2-1 and Jamaica’s qualification race tightens. Culture & Community: The World Creole Music Festival 2026 is confirmed for Oct 23–25 in Dominica, with a “verified official” lineup push amid past misinformation.

Water Security & Public Services: ODYSSI has scheduled water cuts in Schœlcher and Fort-de-France (Oct 2–3), with restoration tied to reservoir levels, raising fresh reliability concerns amid drought conditions. Infrastructure & Resilience: Carriacou and Petite Martinique marked the commissioning of G-CREWS water assets at Princess Royal Hospital grounds, adding large storage tanks and health-linked cistern upgrades to strengthen climate resilience. Regional Connectivity: EllaLink formally advanced its Caribbean Gateway initiative, proposing an open, carrier-neutral submarine cable linking Cayenne to Martinique and Guadeloupe, with a western leg to Aruba, Curaçao and Bonaire, targeting service by end-2029. Local Governance & Tourism Leadership: Martinique named Alexandre Ventadour tourism commissioner of the Martinique Tourism Authority, replacing Bénédicte di Geronimo and signaling a push for stronger international visibility. Sports (Martinique in the spotlight): In CONCACAF Nations League Group B, Suriname beat Martinique 2-1, keeping the race tight as Jamaica and Honduras battle for quarter-final spots. Legal/Property Disputes: A Petite Martinique land case ended with a ruling for Martin Clement, ordering the parties to meet and agree on a financial settlement after a boundary fence dispute.

CONCACAF Nations League: Jamaica’s Reggae Boyz got a crucial lifeline as Javon East scored twice to beat El Salvador 2-0, moving them into second place and keeping quarter-final hopes alive ahead of the decisive run-in. Match pressure on the region: With Honduras stunned 2-1 in Martinique, Jamaica now need only a draw to progress, while interim coach Rudolph Speid is juggling fatigue and absences after a depleted squad. Martinique in the standings: Suriname’s form continues to shape Group B, and Martinique’s results remain pivotal as the group fight tightens. Water security for sister islands: In Carriacou and Petite Martinique, the G-CREWS water assets at Princess Royal Hospital were commissioned, adding major storage capacity after the 2010 drought lessons. Connectivity push: EllaLink formally advanced its Caribbean Gateway initiative, targeting service by end-2029 with a submarine cable linking Cayenne to Martinique and Guadeloupe, plus a western leg for the ABC islands. Tourism leadership: Alexandre Ventadour was named tourism commissioner for Martinique’s Tourism Authority, taking over from Bénédicte di Geronimo.

Digital Infrastructure: EllaLink says its EllaLink Caribbean Gateway is moving from design to committed investment, with a submarine cable planned from Cayenne to Martinique and Guadeloupe and a western leg to Aruba, Curaçao and Bonaire, targeting service by end-2029. Water & Utilities: ODYSSI announces water cuts in Schœlcher and Fort-de-France (Oct 2–3), with restart tied to reservoir levels amid drought concerns. Public Health & Resilience: Carriacou and Petite Martinique get a major boost as G-CREWS water assets are commissioned at Princess Royal Hospital grounds, adding large storage tanks to strengthen disaster-ready water security. Local Governance: Justice Agnes Actie orders parties in a Petite Martinique land dispute to meet and settle financially after ruling for Martin Clement over a boundary trespass and damaged fence case. Tourism Administration: Alexandre Ventadour is named tourism commissioner for the Martinique Tourism Authority, succeeding Bénédicte di Geronimo. Football (Regional): Martinique’s Nations League campaign continues in Group B as Suriname beats Martinique 2-1 in Paramaribo, while Jamaica and Honduras results shape the race for qualification.

Water & Utilities: ODYSSI has scheduled water cuts in Schœlcher and Fort-de-France (Oct 2–3, 6pm–6pm) to reduce network pressure, with restoration tied to reservoir levels—raising fresh worries for drought-hit reliability. Sister-Island Infrastructure: Carriacou and Petite Martinique Affairs says the G-CREWS water assets at Princess Royal Hospital in Belair are now commissioned, adding large storage tanks to strengthen climate resilience and public health services. Local Land Justice: A Petite Martinique land dispute (Good Hope) saw High Court judge Justice Agnes Actie rule for Martin Clement, ordering the parties to meet and agree a financial settlement after a boundary fence was demolished. Tourism Leadership: Martinique Tourism Authority names Alexandre Ventadour as tourism commissioner, succeeding Bénédicte di Geronimo, with a push to boost international visibility and sustainable growth. Culture & Media: Grenada mourns calypso legend Slinger Francisco (“The Mighty Sparrow”); meanwhile, Lu Wilson releases a reggae-flavoured cover of Kenny Rogers’ “Lady.” Regional Sports: In CONCACAF Nations League Group B, Suriname beat Martinique 2-1, while Jamaica’s Nations League hopes hinge on results after Honduras’ 1-0 win over Jamaica.

Water & Utilities: ODYSSI is cutting water pressure and scheduling outages across Schœlcher and Fort-de-France (including Cabre, Démarche Bas/Haut, La Colline, and Barême/Camp de Balata supply zones), with restoration tied to reservoir levels and drought conditions. Sister-Island Water Security: Grenada’s Carriacou and Petite Martinique Affairs marked the commissioning of G-CREWS water infrastructure at Princess Royal Hospital grounds, adding two 100,000-imperial-gallon storage tanks to strengthen climate resilience. Local Land Justice: A Petite Martinique land dispute between Hoyte Ollivierre and Martin Clement ended with a ruling for Clement, ordering the parties to meet and agree a financial settlement. Tourism Leadership: Alexandre Ventadour was named tourism commissioner for Martinique’s Tourism Authority, succeeding Bénédicte di Geronimo. Regional Politics & Governance: Saint-Martin’s Executive Council approved education funding and a major payment schedule tied to a Computech dispute. Culture & Community: Facade Foundation unveiled “The Little Prince” installation on Martinique Hotel scaffolding in New York, running through spring 2027. Sports (Martinique in CONCACAF): Martinique’s Nations League campaign continues amid results that keep the group tight, with Suriname beating Martinique 2-1 in Paramaribo.

Martinique Football: Suriname beat Martinique 2-1 in Group B of the Concacaf Nations League in Paramaribo, with Justin Lonwijk and Gyrano Kerk scoring before Boris Moltenis pulled one back late (81’). Jamaica vs El Salvador: Javon East scored twice as Jamaica won 2-0 over El Salvador, moving them into second place and setting up a decisive finale against Honduras. Regional Sports Context: Honduras edged Jamaica 1-0 earlier, while Guatemala routed El Salvador 6-0—results that keep the Group B race tight for Martinique’s next matches. Tourism Leadership: Alexandre Ventadour was named tourism commissioner for the Martinique Tourism Authority, tasked with boosting Martinique’s international visibility and partnerships. Connectivity Plan: EllaLink advanced its Caribbean Gateway initiative into the development phase, proposing a carrier-neutral submarine link connecting Cayenne to Martinique and Guadeloupe, with a western segment to Aruba, Curaçao and Bonaire, aiming for service by end-2029. Public Finance Watch: The Territorial Collectivity of Martinique is rolling out a €69m recovery plan for 2027-2028 to tackle a debt near €1bn, including spending controls, selective staffing reductions, and asset sales. Health Note: A Dominican Republic report highlights dengue at 8.57 cases per 100,000, while listing Martinique among higher-rate territories in the regional comparison.

Tourism Leadership: Alexandre Ventadour has been named tourism commissioner for the Martinique Tourism Authority, taking over from Bénédicte di Geronimo and promising a push for stronger international visibility, partnerships, and a sustainability-focused tourism strategy. Public Finance: The Territorial Collectivity adopted a €69 million recovery plan to tackle a debt near €1 billion, including spending controls, selective staff reductions, asset sales, and a new mobility levy to protect investment capacity. Regional Sports (CONCACAF): Martinique’s Nations League campaign hit another snag as Suriname beat Les Matinino 2-1 in Paramaribo, with Martinique scoring late; the wider Group B race remains tight. Connectivity & Economy: EllaLink advanced its Caribbean Gateway into the development phase, targeting service by end-2029 with a carrier-neutral submarine system linking Cayenne to Martinique and Guadeloupe, plus a western leg to the ABC islands and onward routes. Culture & Language: A new piece explores how French-based Creoles developed into distinct languages with their own histories and structures, not just “broken” French.

Tourism Leadership: Alexandre Ventadour has been named tourism commissioner of the Martinique Tourism Authority, taking over from Bénédicte di Geronimo and promising a push for stronger international visibility, deeper industry partnerships, and a sustainability-first tourism vision. Public Finance & Austerity Debate: The Territorial Collectivity adopted a €69 million recovery plan for 2027–2028 to tackle a debt near €1 billion, using spending control, slower hiring, grant reductions, asset sales, and a planned mobility levy—while critics warn of austerity impacts. Regional Football (CONCACAF): Martinique’s Nations League campaign continues to struggle after a 2-1 loss to Suriname in Paramaribo, with Boris Moltenis scoring late for Les Matinino; the group fight remains tight as Suriname leads Group B. Connectivity & Digital Infrastructure: EllaLink advanced its Caribbean Gateway into the development phase, proposing an open-access submarine cable linking Cayenne to Martinique and Guadeloupe, with a western segment to Aruba, Curaçao and Bonaire, targeting service by end-2029. Health Watch: A regional dengue comparison highlights Martinique among higher-incidence territories, underscoring the need for continued prevention and community action.

Martinique Finances Under Pressure: The Territorial Collectivity adopted a €69m recovery plan to tackle a debt near €1bn, mixing spending control, selective staff reductions, asset sales, and a new mobility levy to protect investment capacity. Regional Connectivity Push: EllaLink moved its Caribbean Gateway into the development phase, targeting a Cayenne–Martinique–Guadeloupe cable with a western branch to Aruba, Curaçao and Bonaire, aiming for service by end-2029. Sports—Martinique’s Nations League Test: Suriname beat Martinique 2-1 in Paramaribo, with Martinique scoring late via Boris Moltenis; the result keeps Group B tight as Fabien Mercadal looks for points. Church Leadership Fallout (MFD): Disciple-Making Mission Church dismissed pastor Axel Levi and his wife after internal turmoil, with Levi admitting adultery while denying assault claims. Health Watch (Dengue): Dominican Republic reported one of the lowest dengue rates in the Americas (8.57 per 100,000), while Martinique is cited among higher-rate territories, underscoring ongoing prevention efforts. Culture & Community: Tributes followed the death of calypso legend Slinger Francisco (“The Mighty Sparrow”), alongside festival and arts updates across the wider Caribbean.

Martinique’s Finances Under Pressure: The Territorial Collectivity adopted a €69 million recovery plan for 2027–2028 to tackle a debt near €1 billion, including spending controls, selective staff reductions, grant cuts, and asset sales—aimed at restoring investment capacity amid criticism of austerity. Regional Connectivity Push: EllaLink formally launched its Caribbean Gateway initiative, moving from design to committed investment: a carrier-neutral submarine system linking Cayenne to Martinique and Guadeloupe, with a western segment to Aruba, Curaçao and Bonaire, targeting service by end-2029. Sports—Nations League Shock for Martinique: Suriname beat Martinique 2-1 in Paramaribo, leaving Martinique searching for points after a tough start. Culture & Community: Facade Foundation unveiled “The Little Prince” installation on the Martinique Hotel exterior in New York, turning New York scaffolding into public art through spring 2027. Governance Elsewhere in the Leeward Islands: Saint-Martin’s Executive Council approved education funding and a projected €1.49 million payment schedule in the Computech dispute, while continuing legal action over the final amount owed.

Martinique Finance & Recovery: The Territorial Collectivity of Martinique adopted a €69m recovery plan to tackle a debt near €1bn, mixing spending control, selective staff reductions, asset sales/divestments, and a new mobility levy to protect investment capacity. Saint-Martin Governance: Saint-Martin’s Executive Council approved €2.84m in EU education funding plus a projected €1.49m court-ordered payment schedule, while also setting a plan to pay Computech under litigation. Caribbean Connectivity: EllaLink moved its Caribbean Gateway into the development phase, targeting service by end-2029 with a Cayenne–Martinique/Guadeloupe trunk and a western leg to Aruba, Curaçao and Bonaire. Church Accountability: MFD Church dismissed pastor Axel Levi and his wife after “very serious facts,” as Levi admitted adultery but denied assault claims. Culture & Public Art: Facade Foundation unveiled “The Little Prince” in New York, turning city scaffolding into a major public artwork running through spring 2027. EU Visa Pressure on CIPs: Saint Lucia’s PM says the EU is demanding OECS CIPs end by 2028 or face loss of Schengen visa-free access. Sports (Regional): Suriname beat Martinique 2-1 in Nations League Group B, while Honduras edged Jamaica 1-0.

Martinique Finances: The Territorial Collectivity adopted a €69m recovery plan for 2027-2028 to tackle a debt near €1bn, pairing spending control, selective non-replacement of retiring staff, grant cuts, and asset sales with a new employer mobility levy to protect investment capacity. Regional Connectivity: EllaLink launched its Caribbean Gateway initiative, moving from letters of intent to committed investment for a fiber route from Cayenne to Martinique and Guadeloupe, with a western segment serving Aruba, Curaçao and Bonaire, aiming for service by end-2029. Sports & Identity: In CONCACAF Nations League Group B, Suriname beat Martinique 2-1 in Paramaribo, while Martinique’s first points remain elusive; the wider group fight continues as teams chase quarterfinal spots. Local Governance Watch: The week also carried political heat in the wider Caribbean, with Grenada signaling its election date process (conch shell set for 4 October) as parties intensify campaigning—an echo of how quickly regional politics can move. Culture: Tributes poured in after the death of calypso legend Slinger Francisco (“The Mighty Sparrow”), a reminder of the region’s shared cultural stakes.