CCRAG Martinique Trip

The Collectivité of Saint-Martin at the CCRAG in Martinique

President Louis Mussington and First Vice-President Alain Richardson participated in the 18th Regional Cooperation Conference of the French Antilles and Guiana (CCRAG), held from July 1st to 3rd, 2026 in Martinique. At a time when global geopolitical imbalances are creating economic uncertainty, this conference, organized by the French government, represents a strategic platform for inter-institutional and partnership-based dialogue with the Caribbean region.

The CCRAG 2026, offered in a format of plenary sessions and thematic workshops, covers various areas of regional cooperation and aims to identify avenues for common reflection.

In the presence of the Minister for Overseas Territories, Naima Moutchou, and the President of Martinique, Serge Letchimy, the President of the Collectivity of Saint-Martin, Louis Mussington, indicated that in matters of cooperation, actions often precede the law. Saint-Martin's dual geopolitical identity, both European and Caribbean, calls for a creative approach to ensure better local economic integration. This change in method fosters the strengthening of the region's capacity for action, particularly through the Interreg Caribbean cooperation tool, and effective participation in all Caribbean-European Union political consultation bodies.

Recalling the challenges facing the Caribbean (the invasion of sargassum seaweed, healthcare, employment), President Mussington stressed the reduction of the physical accessibility deficit as a prerequisite for endogenous and sectoral economic development.

Island connectivity is indeed one of the common challenges to be met within the region, with the aim of facilitating the movement of goods and people and strengthening trade.

As an example, the workshop on Sargassum highlighted the need for international governance that is political, economic and scientific.

At the initiative of the Collectivité of Saint-Martin and under the leadership of First Vice-President Alain Richardson, a thematic workshop entitled " Cultural and Creative Industries (CCIs) and Regional Cooperation " was held. In emerging countries, CCIs (investment, trade, and film) represent a new driver of growth, including within the greater Caribbean, with tangible results: Arts and culture account for 6.4% of GDP in Jamaica and the Dominican Republic, and cinema generates USD 210 million annually.

Moderated by Cyrielle Cuirassier, Commissioner of Saint-Martin to the OECS, the ICC workshop brought together participants from the Guadeloupe Region, the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), Business France, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of French Guiana, and Martinique Développement. Also present was Joël Ayuk, a filmmaker and producer based in Saint-Martin. These participants were tasked with exploring the potential for better structuring the sector.

Vice-President Alain Richardson emphasized the fundamental role of cultural and creative industries (CCIs) in tourism development. He presented a summary document containing concrete recommendations to the Minister for Overseas Territories at the feedback session on Friday, July 3.

On the sidelines of the CCRAG 2026, France organized a security conference, bringing together all the Caribbean countries concerned by this major issue. These discussions were then relayed within the CCRAG, which is focusing on strengthening cooperation between the French Caribbean regions and their neighbors, and more broadly on enhancing France's and Europe's influence in the Caribbean basin.

In conclusion, the Minister for Overseas Territories, Naima Moutchou, assured participants of regular monitoring of the post-CCRAG state and the implementation of concrete measures based on the conclusions of the joint work. She also indicated that the cultural and creative industries (CCIs) constitute a promising sector, creating jobs and influence.