AGP Executive Report

Regional Health & Safety: A French platoon from Martinique (2nd Company, 33e RIMa) wrapped up training in Curaçao, including amphibious drills and joint exercises at the former St. Elisabeth Hospital complex—showing how regional partners share skills for urban operations. Community Health: Grenada’s Food and Nutrition Council launched a hypertension programme to help people self-monitor blood pressure at home, with validated monitors, healthy recipes, and follow-up support. Public Health Leadership: Dr. Eva Jané Llopis began her PAHO/WHO role as Representative for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean Countries, tasked with strengthening resilient, equitable health systems across the region (including Martinique and other French Caribbean departments). Wellness & Risk Awareness: A retired RAF pilot died after a medical emergency while snorkeling on a Caribbean cruise; post-mortem findings pointed to underlying conditions that may have contributed.

Regional Health Leadership: Dr. Eva Jané Llopis has assumed her role as PAHO/WHO Representative for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean Countries, bringing 25 years of public health experience to help strengthen resilient, equitable, people-centered health systems across the region, including Martinique and other French Caribbean departments. Community Nutrition & NCD Care: The Grenada Food and Nutrition Council launched a hypertension self-monitoring and nutrition awareness programme, aiming to improve blood pressure management through education, cooking demos, home monitoring tools, and follow-up support. Health in the News (Public Safety): A retired RAF pilot, John Jeffrey, died after a medical emergency while snorkeling on a Caribbean cruise; post-mortem findings pointed to likely underlying conditions such as COPD and severe coronary artery disease. Martinique Link (Regional Cooperation): A French platoon based in Martinique completed training in Curaçao with amphibious drills and joint exercises at the former St. Elisabeth Hospital complex, highlighting regional coordination that can also support emergency readiness.

Public Health Leadership: Dr. Eva Jané Llopis has assumed her role as PAHO/WHO Representative for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean Countries, overseeing technical cooperation across the OECS, UK territories, and French Caribbean departments including Martinique, with a focus on stronger, more equitable health systems. Hypertension & Nutrition: The Grenada Food and Nutrition Council launched an Enhancing Self-Monitoring and Nutrition Awareness for Hypertension Management Programme, aiming to help people track blood pressure at home with validated monitors, recipe packs, and follow-up support. Water, Waste & Health: Grenada will host the 35th Caribbean Water and Wastewater Association conference (12–16 Oct 2026), bringing together regional leaders to tackle water security, climate resilience, wastewater, and solid waste—key issues for public health. Health-Adjacent Community Care: Miss World Trinidad and Tobago’s Georgia-Lee Gill secured a Top 40 spot after her Beauty With a Purpose project, The Silver Circle, which advocates for better support for families caring for people with dementia and Alzheimer’s.

Hypertension Care in Focus (Grenada): The Grenada Food and Nutrition Council (GFNC) launched an Enhancing Self-Monitoring and Nutrition Awareness for Hypertension Management Programme, aiming to help people manage high blood pressure through nutrition education, cooking demos, lifestyle support, and home self-monitoring; participants will receive validated blood pressure monitors, healthy recipe collections, and logbooks with follow-up guidance. Regional Health Leadership (PAHO/WHO): Dr. Eva Jané Llopis has assumed duties as PAHO/WHO Representative for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean Countries, bringing 25 years of public health experience to help strengthen resilient, equitable, people-centered health systems across the region, including Martinique and other French Caribbean departments. Health & Wellness via Community Programs (Caribbean): The new GFNC initiative highlights a practical, community-based approach to non-communicable disease prevention and management—especially important where access to monitoring tools can be limited. Sports & Training (Saint Lucia): Denver Alphonse Jr is in a six-week training stint in Canada ahead of the UCI Road World Championships, with nutrition and physiology included in youth cycling education back home—an indirect reminder of how wellness habits start early.

PAHO/WHO Leadership in the Caribbean: Dr. Eva Jané Llopis has assumed her new role as PAHO/WHO Representative for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean Countries, overseeing technical cooperation across the region—including Martinique—aimed at strengthening resilient, equitable, people-centered health systems. Hypertension Support at Community Level (Grenada): The Grenada Food and Nutrition Council (GFNC) launched a hypertension self-monitoring and nutrition awareness programme, providing participants with validated blood pressure monitors, healthy recipes, and logbooks, plus follow-up support to help people manage blood pressure and adopt healthier lifestyles. Health-Adjacent Care Spotlight (Miss World): Miss World Trinidad and Tobago Georgia-Lee Gill secured a Top 40 place after her Beauty With a Purpose project, “The Silver Circle,” which focuses on better support and guidance for families caring for people living with dementia and Alzheimer’s. Regional Health Workforce Context: The PAHO/WHO appointment underlines ongoing regional public health capacity-building across Caribbean territories, with Martinique included in the portfolio.

Hypertension & Nutrition Support: Grenada’s Food and Nutrition Council (GFNC) launched a Hypertension Management programme to help people self-monitor blood pressure at home, with validated monitors, healthy recipe packs, and logbooks plus follow-up support to build lasting lifestyle changes. Regional Health Leadership: Dr. Eva Jané Llopis has assumed her PAHO/WHO role for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean Countries, tasked with strengthening resilient, equitable, people-centered health systems across the region, including Martinique and other French Caribbean departments. Local Health Access Pressure: In Carriacou’s Tyrell Bay marina dispute, boat owners say a fence blocks access to the slipway, leaving them unable to relaunch for 129 days while they seek practical help despite the matter being described as a civil issue. Community Health Link via Caregiving: Miss World Trinidad and Tobago’s Georgia-Lee Gill secured a Top 40 place after her “Beauty With a Purpose” project focused on better support and resources for families caring for people with dementia and Alzheimer’s. Health & Wellness Through Lifestyle Events: Dominica’s World Creole Music Festival lineup (Oct 23–25) includes major regional acts including Martinique’s Maurane Voyer—an indirect boost for active, community-focused social life during the Independence season.

PAHO/WHO Leadership in the Region: Dr. Eva Jané Llopis has assumed her role as PAHO/WHO Representative for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean Countries, bringing 25 years of public health experience and a focus on stronger, more equitable health systems across the OECS and nearby territories, including Martinique. Health & Wellness Angle: The new mandate centers on working with health ministries and partners to support resilient, people-centered care—an important signal for regional health priorities that affect everyday wellbeing. Regional Travel & Lifestyle (Indirect Wellness): Grenada’s Tourism Authority has joined ATAS to promote more than beach holidays, highlighting experiences like nature, culture, food and “soft adventure,” which can shape how visitors plan active, restorative trips across the islands.

PAHO/WHO Leadership in the Caribbean: Dr. Eva Jané Llopis has started as PAHO/WHO Representative for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean Countries, bringing 25 years of public health experience and a mandate to support more resilient, equitable, people-centered health systems across Barbados, OECS states, and nearby territories including Martinique. Public Health & Prevention Messaging: In France’s overseas territories, professionals are warning that planned cuts to state communication budgets could weaken prevention campaigns in places like Martinique and French Guiana, with calls for far higher funding to reach residents effectively. Agriculture, Chemicals & Health Risk: New data shows Martinique used 19.4 tonnes of glyphosate in 2023 (down from 20 tonnes in 2022 and 25 in 2021), but stakeholders say the island still faces high exposure and is working toward possible phase-out scenarios for sugarcane and banana farms.

Public Health & Environment: New figures show Martinique used 19.4 tonnes of glyphosate in 2023, down from 20 tonnes in 2022 and 25 tonnes in 2021, but the island still remains among the French territories most exposed to the herbicide. The report notes ongoing reliance in sugarcane and banana farming, despite health concerns tied to glyphosate’s classification as a probable carcinogen by the WHO, and points to local work like a CIRAD study exploring how producers could phase it out. Regional Health Leadership: Dr. Eva Jané Llopis has taken up her PAHO/WHO role as Representative for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean Countries, tasked with supporting governments and partners to strengthen resilient, equitable health systems across the region, including Martinique. Health-Adjacent Policy Watch: Professionals in the French Antilles and French Guiana are alarmed by a proposed drop in state communication spending, warning that only €1.7 million for public campaigns may be too low for prevention needs on issues like health risks and safety. Culture & Wellness Lifestyle: A’ila Resorts in Saint Lucia is expanding its hospitality and wellness offering, pitching a “lifestyle destination” model that blends spa time, dining, and island activities—an indirect boost for wellness tourism across the wider Caribbean.

PAHO/WHO Leadership: Dr. Eva Jané Llopis has started her new role as PAHO/WHO Representative for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean Countries, tasked with supporting governments and strengthening resilient, equitable health systems across the region, including Martinique. Public Health & Prevention Funding: In the French Antilles and French Guiana, professionals are alarmed by a planned drop in state communication budgets—only €1.7 million for public campaigns—arguing it will weaken prevention messaging on health risks and other urgent issues. Chemical Exposure in Agriculture: New data shows Martinique used 19.4 tonnes of glyphosate in 2023 (down from 20 tonnes in 2022 and 25 tonnes in 2021), but local farming still relies heavily on the controversial herbicide, with CIRAD work exploring possible phase-out scenarios. Cybersecurity & Health-Adjacent Safety: A major DGFiP tax authority cyberattack is raising phishing concerns for residents and property owners, with warnings to avoid fake refund or payment messages and to use secure official channels.

Glyphosate Use in Martinique: 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 heavy reliance in sugarcane and banana farming despite health concerns around the herbicide. Overseas Health Communication Funding: Professionals in the French Antilles and French Guiana are alarmed by a proposed state cut, with only €1.7 million for public campaigns for Guadeloupe, Martinique and French Guiana—far below the €11 million they say is needed for prevention and local realities. Tax Cyberattack Watch: A major cyberattack on France’s tax authority (DGFiP) has raised phishing fears for taxpayers and property owners, with people urged to watch for fake refund or payment messages and to use secure official channels. Wellness Travel Spotlight: A’ila Resorts in Saint Lucia is being promoted as a full lifestyle destination mixing spa, dining and wellness with island experiences—plus a quick nod to Martinique’s “bubble” hotel concept at Le Domaine des Bulles for travelers seeking calmer, nature-focused stays. Festival Lineup (Regional Culture): Dominica’s World Creole Music Festival returns Oct 23–25, 2026 at Windsor Park, with NE-YO headlining alongside Maxi Priest, Machel Montano and Martinique’s Maurane Voyer.

Glyphosate Watch (Martinique): New figures show Martinique used 19.4 tonnes of glyphosate in 2023, down from 20 tonnes in 2022 and 25 tonnes in 2021—yet still highlighting heavy reliance in sugarcane and banana farming, with local work underway to map possible phase-out scenarios. Public Health Messaging (Overseas France): Professionals in Guadeloupe, Martinique and French Guiana are alarmed by a planned drop in state communication spending, warning that only €1.7 million for public campaigns may limit prevention efforts on health risks and other urgent issues. Cybersecurity & Health-adjacent Risk (France): A major DGFiP tax data breach is raising phishing concerns for residents and property owners—so people are urged to watch for fake refund or payment messages and avoid sharing login or banking details. Wellness Travel (Martinique): Le Domaine des Bulles in Le Vauclin offers a wellness-focused stay in transparent “bubble” rooms surrounded by trees, blending accommodation, breakfast and a wellness area for a nature-first reset. Culture & Community (Regional): Dominica’s World Creole Music Festival returns Oct 23–25, 2026 at Windsor Park, with major international names including NE-YO and Martinique’s Maurane Voyer.

Glyphosate Use in Martinique: 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 heavy reliance in sugarcane and banana farming. Public Health Communication Funding: Professionals in the French Antilles and French Guiana are alarmed by a planned drop in state communication budgets, warning that only €1.7 million for campaigns (including for Martinique) is too low for prevention needs. Cyberattack & Tax Safety: A major DGFiP data breach in France is raising phishing fears for taxpayers and property owners, with reminders to watch for fake refund/payment messages and to use secure online services. Wellness Travel in the Region: A’ila Resorts in Saint Lucia is expanding its hospitality and wellness offering, pitching a full lifestyle destination that blends spa time, food, and island experiences. Martinique Stay Trend: Le Domaine des Bulles in Le Vauclin offers a “transparent bubble” hotel concept with wellness and table d’hôte experiences. Music & Community (Regional): Dominica’s World Creole Music Festival returns Oct 23–25, 2026 at Windsor Park, with NE-YO, Maxi Priest, Machel Montano, and Martinique’s Maurane Voyer among the lineup.

Glyphosate Use in Martinique: New figures show Martinique used 19.4 tonnes of glyphosate in 2023, down from 20 tonnes in 2022 and 25 tonnes in 2021—yet still a high, structural reliance in sugarcane and banana farming, with local research already looking at possible ways to phase it out. Public Health Messaging Budget Worry: In the French Antilles and French Guiana, professionals are alarmed by a proposed state cut: only €1.7 million for public campaigns, while they argue €11 million is needed to properly cover prevention topics like health risks, road safety, and climate impacts. Cyberattack Raises Tax Scam Alerts: A major breach at France’s tax authority (DGFiP) is prompting warnings for residents and property owners to watch for phishing and fake refund/payment messages—especially around the period when taxe foncière bills are due. Wellness & Travel Lifestyle: A Saint Lucia resort expansion leans hard into wellness, while Martinique’s “transparent bubble” hotel concept adds a spa-and-retreat feel to a very unusual stay. Community Health & Workplace Support: A local council statement highlights investments in employee welfare, including health and wellness initiatives and safety gear for constabulary staff. Culture With a Health Angle (Indirect): Dominica’s World Creole Music Festival lineup is set for Oct. 23–25, featuring major international artists—good news for regional travel and community events, with potential knock-on benefits for local hospitality.

Glyphosate Use in Martinique: 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 how strongly sugarcane and banana farms rely on the controversial herbicide. Public Health Communication Funding: Professionals in the French Antilles and French Guiana are alarmed by a proposed state cut, with only €1.7 million for public campaigns for Guadeloupe, Martinique and French Guiana—far below the €11 million they say is needed for prevention messaging. Cyberattack on France’s Tax Authority: A major DGFiP data breach raises phishing fears for taxpayers and property owners, especially around upcoming taxe foncière bills—residents are urged to watch for fake refund/payment requests. Martinique Stay with a Wellness Twist: Le Domaine des Bulles in Le Vauclin offers four transparent “bubble” rooms in a wooded setting, combining a unique sleep experience with breakfast, table d’hôte dining and a wellness area. Local Governance Response: Castries Constituency Council (CCC) publishes a statement defending investments in employee welfare, including health and wellness initiatives and workplace safety. Festival Spotlight (Regional): Dominica’s World Creole Music Festival (Oct 23–25, 2026) announces a star lineup including NE-YO and Martinique’s Maurane Voyer.

Glyphosate Use in Martinique: 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 leaving the island among the French territories most exposed—especially in sugarcane and banana farming. Public Health & Prevention Messaging: Overseas territories are pushing back after a state plan that would leave only €1.7 million for public campaigns in the French Antilles and French Guiana, with professionals calling for €11 million to cover prevention needs like health risks, road safety, and climate impacts. Cybersecurity for Health-Adjacent Households: A major DGFiP tax data breach is raising phishing alarms for people using online services—residents and property owners are urged to watch for fake tax-refund or payment messages and to use secure official channels. Wellness Travel in Martinique: Le Domaine des Bulles in Le Vauclin is offering a distinctive stay with four transparent “bubble” rooms, each with its own outdoor space, plus breakfast and a wellness area.