AGP Executive Report

Jazz Live: Dr. Julian’s Yes Yes, a new eclectic jazz project led by ethnomusicologist Julian Gerstin, is set to light up Stage 33 Live in Bellows Falls on Aug. 15 at 7 p.m., bringing an audience-friendly mix of adventurous rhythms and melodies with a rotating lineup of major players. Caribbean Arts Exchange: The Waitukubuli Artist Association wrapped a three-week residency in Dominica featuring Martinican visual artist Kevin Jérémie (JKing), exploring climate resilience, biodiversity, identity, and nature—ending with a permanent mural, school collaborations, and driftwood sculptures. Martinique Culture & Community: A sustainable land and soil management initiative in Petite Martinique is underway, aiming to restore degraded landscapes after Hurricane Beryl with support from UNEP and the Global Environment Facility. Fashion Retail Watch: Sfera, owned by El Corte Inglés, is expanding via franchising—while reportedly closing its Martinique stores as part of a selective reshuffle. Volcano Update: Mount Pelée is showing increased seismic activity, with the observatory reporting more volcanic earthquakes and ongoing summit swelling, while stressing an eruption isn’t imminent.

Live Music: Dr. Julian’s Yes Yes brings its new, audience-friendly jazz project to Stage 33 Live in the latest Martinique-linked spotlight, with the show set for Saturday, Aug. 15 at 7 p.m. Arts & Culture Exchange: The Waitukubuli Artist Association says Martinican visual artist Kevin Jérémie (JKing) has wrapped a three-week residency in Dominica, creating a permanent mural, school-linked workshops, and driftwood sculptures while exploring climate resilience, biodiversity, and cultural identity. Film/Streaming: Netflix is rolling out a new action series, “Wrath,” a hard-hitting MMA thriller about a prizefighter piecing together a violent past. Community & Heritage: In Petite Martinique, a sustainable land and soil management initiative is moving forward with restoration plans aimed at improving water security and easing drought impacts. Local Interest (Martinique): Mount Pelée is under close watch after increased seismic activity, though scientists say an eruption isn’t considered imminent.

Arts & Culture: Waitukubuli Artist Association says Martinican visual artist Kevin Jérémie (“JKing”) just wrapped a three-week Dominica–Martinique residency, building a permanent mural, school collaborations, and driftwood sculptures while exploring climate resilience, biodiversity, and Carnival craft. Entertainment & Streaming: Netflix is rolling out a new action series, “Wrath,” an MMA thriller about a prizefighter piecing together a violent past. Music: Dr. Julian’s Yes Yes (Julian Gerstin’s new jazz project) is set for Stage 33 Live on Aug. 15 in a lineup built for adventurous, audience-friendly rhythms. Local Nature Watch: Mount Pelée is showing increased seismic activity, with the observatory reporting 124 volcanic earthquakes in a week and stressing an eruption is not imminent. Sports: International Carnival Sevens—Rugby In Paradise crowned Martinique Jokers (men) and Blue Ice (women) in finals featuring teams from across the region. Fashion/Business: Sfera (El Corte Inglés) is expanding via franchises but reportedly closing its Martinique stores. Community & Heritage: A Petite Martinique land-and-soil project kickoff targets restoration and drought resilience for 400 people, with women and girls making up over half the beneficiaries.

Arts & Culture: Waitukubuli Artist Association wrapped a three-week Martinique–Dominica residency, bringing visual artist JKing (Kevin Jérémie) to Dominica for workshops, Carnival costume know-how, and a community mural plus driftwood sculptures—highlighting climate resilience, biodiversity, and cultural identity. Music & Live Performance: Dr. Julian’s Yes Yes, a new jazz project led by Julian Gerstin, is set for Stage 33 Live in the U.S. on Aug. 15, promising audience-friendly melodies and rhythm-driven surprises. Martinique Spotlight (Travel/Sea): A Martinique sailing promo spotlights mooring diversity from Le Marin to Atlantic coves, pitching the island’s marine services and “art de vivre” from the water. Sports (Regional Rugby): International Carnival Sevens—Rugby In Paradise crowned Martinique Jokers (men) and Blue Ice (women) in finals featuring teams from across the region. Local Community (Youth Craft): Carriacou youth built six hand-made Optimist boats through a Camp Flame boatbuilding class, with a planned launching ceremony. Science Watch: Mount Pelée is under closer monitoring after increased seismic activity and ground swelling, though officials say an eruption isn’t imminent. Health (Cross-island care): Calvin Ayre Foundation and MBS supported urgent medical travel to Martinique for specialized cardiac treatment.

Martinique Volcanology Watch: Mount Pelée is showing fresh signs of unrest, with the observatory reporting 124 volcanic earthquakes from July 24–31 and continued summit swelling; officials say an eruption isn’t considered imminent, but medium-term changes can’t be ruled out. Caribbean Health & Travel: The Calvin Ayre Foundation, working with the Medical Benefits Scheme, backed urgent overseas care for Ulysis James, sending him to CHU de Martinique for specialised cardiac treatment after a heart attack. Fashion Retail Shift (Martinique): Sfera, the El Corte Inglés-owned fashion chain, is expanding via franchising but has reportedly closed its Martinique stores as part of a pullback from weaker markets. Maritime Culture (Petite Martinique): A sustainable land and soil management initiative is underway in Petite Martinique, aiming to restore degraded areas and improve water security after Hurricane Beryl, with support from UNEP and the Global Environment Facility. Sports & Community: International Carnival Sevens in “Rugby in Paradise” crowned Martinique Jokers (men) and Blue Ice (women), with finals featuring tight regional competition.

Martinique Volcanology Watch: Mount Pelée is showing increased unrest, with the observatory reporting 124 volcanic earthquakes from July 24–31 and continued summit swelling; scientists say an eruption is not imminent, but medium-term changes can’t be ruled out. Local Culture & Sport: International Carnival Sevens in “Rugby In Paradise” crowned Martinique Jokers (men) and Blue Ice (women), with finals played Aug. 1 at Francis Baba Lastic Grounds. Health & Regional Care: The Calvin Ayre Foundation and Antigua’s MBS backed urgent medical travel for Ulysis James to Martinique for specialist cardiac treatment at CHU de Martinique. Sustainable Development (Petite Martinique): A new land and soil management initiative launched in Petite Martinique aims to restore degraded areas after Hurricane Beryl, supporting 400 people over three years. Fashion/Business (Martinique link): Sfera’s parent El Corte Inglés says franchise-led expansion is accelerating, while the brand has closed its Martinique stores. Entertainment/Streaming: Netflix is rolling out a new action series, “Wrath,” an MMA thriller built around a prizefighter with lost memories. Maritime Heritage (Carriacou/Windward): Youth in Windward built six hand-crafted Optimist boats, with a planned launching ceremony to honor local boatbuilding traditions.

Volcanology Watch: Martinique’s Mount Pelée is under closer monitoring after 124 volcanic earthquakes were recorded from July 24–31, with ground swelling continuing—scientists say an eruption isn’t imminent, but medium-term changes can’t be ruled out. Local Culture & Sports: Jokers and Blue Ice won the men’s and women’s titles at International Carnival Sevens – Rugby In Paradise, with close finals and strong regional participation. Community & Heritage (Boats): In Carriacou’s Windward, youth built 6 Optimist boats through a Camp Flame programme, with a planned launching ceremony to honor maritime traditions. Health & Solidarity: The Calvin Ayre Foundation, with the Medical Benefits Scheme, helped Ulysis James travel to Martinique for urgent cardiac care at CHU de Martinique. Environment & Farming: A new Petite Martinique project is set to strengthen sustainable land and soil management, aiming to restore degraded areas and support 400 people, including women and girls. Martinique in the News (Business): Campari says it will streamline its spirits portfolio by end-2026, including negotiations tied to its agricultural rum brands in Martinique. Travel & Access: Yacht owners at Tyrell Bay Marina in Carriacou say they’re stuck after access to the launch area was blocked in a land dispute, with losses reported above US$85,000.

Martinique Culture & Travel: Martinique’s tourism push leans into sailing as an “art de vivre,” highlighting moorings, marinas, and sheltered bays that make Le Marin and Atlantic coves easy to reach for both charter guests and seasoned sailors. Volcano Watch: Mount Pelée is under closer monitoring after 124 volcanic earthquakes were recorded between July 24–31, with ground swelling continuing; scientists say eruption risk in the short term is low, but medium-term changes can’t be ruled out. Local Community Projects: Petite Martinique’s sustainable land and soil management initiative is underway, aiming to help 400 people (over half women and girls) with restoration, heat-tolerant nurseries, and farmer-managed plots after Hurricane Beryl impacts. Sports (Regional): Rugby in Paradise crowned Martinique Jokers (men) and Blue Ice (women) as champions at International Carnival Sevens. Health Support (Martinique link): The Calvin Ayre Foundation and Antigua’s MBS backed urgent overseas travel for Ulysis James to receive specialised cardiac care at CHU de Martinique. Carriacou Marina Dispute: Yacht owners at Tyrell Bay Marina say they’re being blocked from relaunching due to the Tyrell Bay land dispute, with reported losses topping US$85,000. Entertainment (Global): Netflix’s new action series “Wrath” is being pitched as a hard-hitting MMA thriller built around a fighter with lost memories.

Martinique Culture & Travel: Martinique’s Mount Pelée is under closer watch after the Martinique Volcanological and Seismological Observatory logged 124 volcanic earthquakes from July 24–31 and noted continued summit ground swelling, though it says an eruption is not considered imminent. Local Arts & Community: Petite Martinique is getting a 3-year sustainable land and soil management push, aiming to help 400 people (with over half women and girls) through landscape restoration, including a seedling nursery and restoration of grasslands and forested areas. Entertainment & Streaming: Netflix is rolling out “Wrath,” a hard-hitting MMA action thriller about a prizefighter who wakes up with no memory and fights to uncover his past. Sports & Human Interest: The sporting community is mourning Trinidad and Tobago athlete Shirnell Ettienne, 31, who died after a crash in Jamaica when her vehicle plunged into the Wag Water River. Martinique Business & Fashion: El Corte Inglés’ Sfera keeps expanding via franchises, but the brand has reportedly exited Martinique among other weaker markets. Health & Care Across Borders: The Calvin Ayre Foundation and Antigua’s Medical Benefits Scheme supported urgent medical travel for Ulysis James to Martinique for specialized cardiac treatment.

Streaming & Film: Netflix drops “Wrath,” a hard-hitting MMA action thriller about a prizefighter who wakes up with no memory—then has to piece together a violent past as the fights get darker. Martinique Arts & Culture: Mount Pelée is under closer watch after the Martinique Volcanological and Seismological Observatory logged 124 volcanic earthquakes in a week and noted summit swelling—scientists say an eruption isn’t imminent, but medium-term changes can’t be ruled out. Local Sports & Community: Rugby in Paradise crowned Jokers (men) and Blue Ice (women) as International Carnival Sevens champions, with teams from across the region battling at Francis Baba Lastic Grounds. Martinique Lifestyle & Tourism: Martinique Tourism Authority highlights sailing as an “art de vivre” experience, from Le Marin’s energy to Atlantic anchorages, with lots of moorings and easy shore access. Entertainment Calendar: Dr. Julian’s Yes Yes brings a new jazz project to Stage 33 Live on Aug. 15 in a lineup built around drum traditions and adventurous, audience-friendly sets.

Sport Tragedy: Trinidad and Tobago athlete Shirnell Ettienne, 31, died after a vehicle plunged into the Wag Water River in Jamaica; reports say she slipped while escaping and was swept away, while the other occupants were treated and discharged. Maritime Heritage: Carriacou youth built six hand-crafted Optimist boats through the Division of Youth’s Camp Flame programme, with a planned launching ceremony featuring traditional blessings. Health & Travel (Martinique): The Calvin Ayre Foundation and the Medical Benefits Scheme backed urgent overseas care for Ulysis James, sending him from Antigua to CHU de Martinique for specialised cardiac treatment. Volcano Watch: Mount Pelée is under closer monitoring after 124 volcanic earthquakes were recorded July 24–31, with scientists saying short-term eruption risk remains low but medium-term changes can’t be ruled out. Rugby in Paradise: Martinique’s Jokers won the men’s title at International Carnival Sevens—Rugby in Paradise, edging Canada’s Pirates 21-19; Blue Ice took the women’s crown. Fashion Business: El Corte Inglés’ Sfera pushed franchise-led growth, but reportedly closed stores in Martinique as it refocuses on stronger markets. Sea & Tourism Alert: A major sargassum bloom is blanketing Caribbean and Gulf coastlines, with scientists warning of marine life impacts and foul-smelling rotting shorelines.

Sports Tragedy: Trinidad and Tobago’s national athlete Shirnell Ettienne, 31, died after her Toyota Corolla Altis plunged into Jamaica’s Wag Water River near the Wag Water Bridge; reports say three others escaped, but Ettienne slipped and was swept away by the current before being pronounced dead at Annotto Bay Hospital. Health & Travel Support: The Calvin Ayre Foundation, with Antigua’s Medical Benefits Scheme, backed urgent overseas care for Ulysis James, sending him to CHU de Martinique for specialised cardiac treatment after a STEMI and recurrent chest pain. Martinique Arts & Culture: A Martinique tourism promo spotlights sailing as a signature island experience, from mooring near Mount Pelée to anchoring along the Atlantic coast, with modern marinas and services. Local Sports Spotlight: Jokers and Blue Ice won the men’s and women’s titles at International Carnival Sevens—Rugby in Paradise, with Martinique Jokers edging Canada’s Pirates 21-19 and Blue Ice taking the deciding game 15-7. Fashion Business Watch: Sfera, owned by El Corte Inglés, expanded via franchises to 547 stores in 17 countries but closed its Martinique locations as it refocuses on stronger markets.

Medical Travel & Community Support: The Calvin Ayre Foundation teamed up with Antigua’s Medical Benefits Scheme to help Ulysis James fly to Martinique for urgent specialist cardiac care at CHU de Martinique after a STEMI and worsening symptoms. Sports Tragedy: Trinidad and Tobago athlete Shirnell Ettienne, 31, died after a crash in Jamaica when her vehicle plunged into the Wag Water River, with three others treated and released. Volcanic Watch in Martinique: Mount Pelée is under closer monitoring after 124 volcanic earthquakes were recorded in a week, alongside summit swelling; officials say eruption risk in the short term remains low. Fashion Business Ripple: El Corte Inglés’ Sfera says it’s accelerating franchise-led growth—yet it also closed stores in Martinique, signaling a shift in where the brand is investing. Rugby in the Region: Jokers and Blue Ice won men’s and women’s titles at Rugby in Paradise’s International Carnival Sevens, with Martinique teams taking center stage. Caribbean Travel & Culture: A Martinique sailing push highlights moorings and marine services for charters, while a separate report spotlights Martinique’s surf and “French Riviera” style getaway appeal.

Martinique Arts & Culture: Mount Pelée is showing fresh signs of unrest, with the Martinique Volcanological and Seismological Observatory reporting 124 volcanic earthquakes from July 24–31 and continued summit swelling; officials stress an eruption isn’t imminent, but say medium-term changes can’t be ruled out. Fashion & Retail: El Corte Inglés’ Sfera keeps expanding fast via franchising, adding 28 stores worldwide to reach 547 in 17 countries—while pulling out of weaker spots including Martinique. Music & Live Events: Dr. Julian’s Yes Yes, a new jazz project led by ethnomusicologist Julian Gerstin, is set for Stage 33 Live on Aug. 15 in a lineup built for adventurous, audience-friendly performances. Sports & Community: Rugby in Paradise crowned Jokers (men) and Blue Ice (women) as champions, with finals decided by tight scores. Local Travel & Lifestyle: A Martinique sailing push highlights the island’s moorings and sheltered bays for charter guests and seasoned sailors alike. Regional Watch: Yacht owners in Carriacou say they’re stuck after access to Tyrell Bay Marina’s launch area was blocked in a property dispute.

Live Music: Dr. Julian’s Yes Yes, a new jazz project led by ethnomusicologist Julian Gerstin, is set for Stage 33 Live (33 Bridge St.) on Saturday, Aug. 15 at 7 p.m., bringing an audience-friendly mix of adventurous rhythms and melodies. Caribbean Surf Travel: A new guide spotlights Atlantic-side surf across the region, including a Martinique “secret spot,” pitching reef breaks and surf towns as vacation-worthy even when you’re not paddling out. Rugby & Carnival Sports: Jokers and Blue Ice won the men’s and women’s titles at International Carnival Sevens – Rugby In Paradise, with close finals and strong regional participation. Martinique Business & Trade: CariCham elected a new executive team, with Martinique Chamber’s Vanessa Victorin stepping into vice-chair leadership as the network pushes trade facilitation and disaster-risk reduction. Maritime Dispute Fallout: Yacht owners in Carriacou say they’re stuck after access to Tyrell Bay Marina’s launch area was blocked in a land dispute, with losses reported at over US$85,000. Local Culture Sponsorship: Republic Bank reaffirmed support for the Carriacou Regatta Festival, marking more than 40 years of backing the island’s sailing heritage.

Martinique Sailing Spotlight: The Martinique Tourism Authority is pitching the island as a top charter destination, with moorings, protected bays, and onboard-to-ashore services that make it easy to explore from Le Marin to Atlantic coves. Regional Rugby Buzz: Jokers and Blue Ice won the men’s and women’s titles at the International Carnival Sevens—Rugby in Paradise, with Martinique teams battling Canada’s Pirates and other regional sides. Carriacou Marina Dispute Hits Yachts: Yacht owners at Tyrell Bay Marina say a blocked launch area has left about eight boats stuck ashore, with losses already topping US$85,000 as embassies warn travel advisories could follow. Business & Trade for the Arts Economy: CARICHAM elected a new chair and vice-chairs, with Martinique’s Chamber of Commerce represented, as the network pushes trade facilitation and disaster-risk resilience. Sports Tourism Calendar: Saint Lucia is welcoming international teams for Rugby in Paradise, including squads from Martinique and local women’s teams Blue Ice and Blue Flames. Caribbean Travel Reads: A surf feature highlights Atlantic-side reef breaks across the region, including a Martinique “secret spot,” aimed at travelers who want waves even beyond resort beaches. Spirits Industry Watch: Campari is selling off several Cognac, tequila, and rum brands, including Martinique-based Bellonnie et Bourdillon Successeurs, as it refocuses on priority brands.