AGP Executive Report

Water Pressures: Nearly 94,000 people in mainland France remain under emergency drinking-water measures as drought persists. Guadeloupe has faced its own acute strain, with drought and leaks disrupting supplies and sewage problems affecting bathing areas. Route du Rhum: The transatlantic race starts November 1, with 115 boats bound for Pointe-à-Pitre. The high-speed trimaran Gitana 18 is set for its first major competitive test. Cycling: Guadeloupe riders featured prominently at the Caribbean championships in Santo Domingo. Samuel Luidgy Horn won the under-23 time trial, while Benjamin Le Ny and Julien Chane placed among the top five in the road race. Marine Restoration: Guadeloupe is among nine islands in a five-year, EU-funded project to test local solutions for restoring seas and waters. Tourism: A new winter travel feature spotlights Guadeloupe’s island-hopping appeal, from Grande-Terre and Basse-Terre to ferry trips to La Désirade, Marie-Galante and Terre-de-Haut.

Route du Rhum: The 100-foot foiling trimaran Gitana 18 is preparing for its first major test in the race, which starts November 1 in Saint-Malo and finishes in Pointe-à-Pitre. This year’s edition has 115 entrants. Island Hopping: A new travel guide highlights Guadeloupe’s mix of Grande-Terre beaches, Basse-Terre rainforest and ferry links to La Désirade, Marie-Galante and Les Saintes. Cycling: Guadeloupe’s Samuel Ludgy Horn won the under-23 time trial at the Elite Caribbean Road Championships. Trinidad and Tobago’s Jadian Neaves took the under-23 road-race title, with Guadeloupe riders Benjamin Le Ny and Julien Chane fifth and sixth overall. Sea Restoration: Guadeloupe will join eight other islands in a five-year, €16.2 million EU project to test local solutions for restoring coastal waters. Football: Guadeloupe’s team lost twice to Saint Lucia in Nations League play, leaving them third in Group B with four points.

Cycling: Trinidad and Tobago’s Jadian Neaves won the Caribbean U-23 road-race title in Santo Domingo. Guadeloupe’s Benjamin Le Ny and Julien Chane finished fourth and fifth overall. Guadeloupe’s Samuel Luidgy Horn had claimed U-23 time-trial gold the day before. Football: Guadeloupe lost twice to Saint Lucia in Nations League play, leaving the team third in League B Group B on four points. Marine Restoration: Guadeloupe is among nine islands in a new €16.2-million EU project to develop locally led plans to restore seas and waters. Business and Connectivity: Pointe-à-Pitre-based Agence MAO has launched its AI administrative-assistance software internationally. Separately, EllaLink is developing a submarine cable linking Guadeloupe with French Guiana and other Caribbean islands, with service targeted for 2029.

Cycling: Guadeloupe’s Samuel Luidgy Horn won the under-23 time trial at the Elite Caribbean Road Championships in Santo Domingo, finishing the 34.8-kilometre course in 44:51. Football: Guadeloupe sit third in their Nations League group after back-to-back losses to Saint Lucia. November’s final matches will shape the team’s Gold Cup qualification chances. Ocean Restoration: Guadeloupe is one of nine islands in a new €16.2 million EU project to restore marine environments. A local “Living Lab” will bring authorities and other partners together to test solutions. Business: Pointe-à-Pitre-based Agence MAO has launched its AI administration service internationally, targeting tradespeople and small businesses in French-speaking markets. History: A report on Indian indentured workers in the French Caribbean recounts the deadly 1888 voyage of the Nantes-Bordeaux to Guadeloupe and the harsh plantation conditions that followed.

Cycling: Guadeloupe’s Samuel Luidgy Horn won the under-23 time trial at the Elite Caribbean Road Championships in Santo Domingo, finishing nearly a minute ahead of Trinidad and Tobago’s silver medallist Jadian Neaves. Indentureship History: A new account traces the brutal journey of 597 Indian workers bound for Guadeloupe in 1888, where plantation labour followed the deadly voyage. Local Business: Pointe-à-Pitre-based Agence MAO is taking its AI administration and virtual-assistant tools to French-speaking markets in Europe and North America. Route du Rhum: Irish sailor Pamela Lee is preparing for the solo Atlantic race, which starts in Saint-Malo on November 1 and finishes in Pointe-à-Pitre. Football: Guadeloupe lost twice to Saint Lucia in Nations League play, leaving the Gwada Boyz third in Group B with four points. Marine Restoration: Guadeloupe is one of nine islands taking part in a five-year EU-funded project to test local solutions for restoring seas and waters.

Guadeloupe Business: Pointe-à-Pitre-based Agence MAO has launched its AI virtual-assistance and admin software internationally, targeting tradespeople and small businesses across French-speaking markets. Football: Guadeloupe’s Nations League campaign took a hit after two defeats to Saint Lucia left the team third in Group B on four points; Caribbean sides now face decisive November matches, with Gold Cup places at stake. History: A new account of Indian indentured workers highlights the brutal conditions they faced in Guadeloupe, from deadly sea voyages to abuse on sugar plantations. Environment: Guadeloupe is among nine islands in a new €16.2 million EU project to restore marine ecosystems, with local authorities and communities set to help develop solutions. Coming Up: Irish sailor Pamela Lee is preparing to race solo from Saint-Malo to Pointe-à-Pitre in the Route du Rhum, which begins November 1. On Screen: The BBC has begun filming more Death in Paradise episodes in Guadeloupe, with Don Gilet returning as DI Mervin Wilson.

Indentureship History: A new account traces the brutal journey of Indian workers recruited to Guadeloupe: 597 people sailed from India in 1888, and seven died before the ship arrived. By 1889, more than 15,000 Indian workers were living in Guadeloupe, many labouring on sugar plantations. Death in Paradise: The BBC has renewed the drama for two more series and two Christmas specials, with filming underway in Guadeloupe. Fans are speculating about a crossover with Beyond Paradise, but none has been confirmed. Marine Restoration: Guadeloupe is one of nine islands in a €16.2 million EU project to restore seas and coastal waters, with local partners set to develop solutions through 2031. Route du Rhum: Irish sailor Pamela Lee is preparing for the solo transatlantic race, which starts in Saint-Malo on November 1 and finishes in Pointe-à-Pitre. Regional Connectivity: EllaLink has launched development of a submarine cable system linking Guadeloupe and Martinique with French Guiana and parts of the Caribbean; service is targeted for 2029.

Screen Tourism: The BBC has renewed Death in Paradise for two series and two Christmas specials, with filming underway in Guadeloupe. Local Business: Pointe-à-Pitre-based Agence MAO is taking its AI virtual-assistant service for small businesses to French-speaking markets in Europe and North America. Investment: France’s new Outre-mer One fund has raised more than its €30 million target to back commercially viable businesses across overseas territories. Marine Restoration: Guadeloupe is one of nine islands in a new €16.2 million EU project testing local solutions to restore seas and waters. Football: Guadeloupe sits third in its Concacaf Nations League group on four points, after back-to-back defeats to Saint Lucia; Barbados leads on 10. On the Water: Irish sailor Pamela Lee is preparing for the November 1 Route du Rhum, a solo Atlantic race from Saint-Malo to Pointe-à-Pitre.

Language and Identity: A dispute over whether Guadeloupe’s prefect told a fisherman not to speak Creole has reignited debate about colonialism, racism and the status of the island’s widely spoken language. Local Business: Pointe-à-Pitre-based Agence MAO has launched its AI-powered virtual-assistance and admin tools internationally, targeting tradespeople and small businesses across French-speaking markets. Marine Restoration: Guadeloupe is one of nine islands in a new five-year, €16.2 million EU project to restore coastal waters, with local authorities and communities helping develop solutions. Football: Guadeloupe sits third in its Concacaf Nations League group after back-to-back defeats to Saint Lucia, 3-0 and 1-0. Handball: Guadeloupe’s under-18 men beat Mexico 32-27 at the regional championship in Puerto Rico. Route du Rhum: Irish sailor Pamela Lee is preparing for the solo Atlantic race, which starts in November in Saint-Malo and finishes in Pointe-à-Pitre.

Football: Guadeloupe ended its Concacaf Nations League window with back-to-back losses to Saint Lucia, 3-0 and 1-0. The team sits third in Group B on four points, behind Barbados and Saint Lucia. Youth Handball: Guadeloupe beat Mexico 32-27 at the regional Under-18 championship in Puerto Rico, while Trinidad and Tobago’s hopes ended after a second heavy defeat. Language Debate: A filmed confrontation involving Guadeloupe’s prefect and a fisherman over the use of Creole has sparked public anger, reopening debate over the island’s language and colonial history. Local Business: Pointe-à-Pitre-based Agence MAO has launched its AI-powered virtual-assistance suite internationally, offering scheduling and administrative tools for small businesses. Marine Restoration: Guadeloupe is among nine islands in a new €16.2 million EU project, which will bring local authorities and partners together to develop long-term plans for healthier seas and waters.

Youth Handball: Guadeloupe beat Mexico 32–27 at the under-18 regional championship in Puerto Rico, while Mexico’s later win over Trinidad and Tobago ended T&T’s gold-medal hopes. Marine Restoration: Guadeloupe is one of nine islands in a new five-year, €16.2 million EU project to restore ocean ecosystems, with local authorities and partners set to develop island-based plans. Language Debate: A dispute after Guadeloupe’s prefect challenged a fisherman for speaking Creole has sparked anger and renewed discussion of the language’s place and the island’s colonial legacy. Local Business: Pointe-à-Pitre-based Agence MAO has launched its AI administrative-assistance software internationally, targeting French-speaking tradespeople and small businesses. Digital Links: EllaLink’s proposed submarine cable would connect French Guiana with Martinique and Guadeloupe, with service targeted for the end of 2029. Football: Saint Lucia beat Guadeloupe twice in the Nations League, 3–0 and 1–0, leaving the Gwada Boyz third in Group B. Route du Rhum: The solo transatlantic race starts November 1 in Saint-Malo and finishes in Pointe-à-Pitre.

Language Debate: Guadeloupe’s prefect faced public backlash after a video showed him accusing a fisherman of disrespect for speaking Creole, reigniting tensions over the language’s place and the island’s colonial legacy. Marine Restoration: Guadeloupe is one of nine islands in a new five-year, €16.2 million EU project. Local authorities and communities will help shape plans to restore surrounding waters and support long-term funding. Football: The Gwada Boyz fell 3-0 and 1-0 to Saint Lucia in back-to-back CONCACAF Nations League matches, leaving them third in Group B. Youth Handball: Guadeloupe’s under-18 team beat Mexico 32-27 in its tournament opener in Puerto Rico, ahead of a match against Trinidad and Tobago. Business and Connectivity: Pointe-à-Pitre-based Agence MAO is taking its AI administrative-assistance service to French-speaking markets abroad. Separately, EllaLink has advanced plans for a submarine cable linking Guadeloupe with Martinique and French Guiana, with service targeted for 2029.

Guadeloupe Language Tensions: A video sparked outrage after Guadeloupe’s prefect, Thierry Devimeux, accused a Black fisherman of disrespect for speaking Creole—reigniting debate over colonialism, racism, and classism on the island where Creole is widely spoken. Youth Sports: In the 2026/27 IHF Youth Men’s Handball Championship in Puerto Rico, T&T’s U-18 side was crushed 17-62 by Canada; Guadeloupe is next up for T&T in the group stage. Regional Football: Saint Lucia’s “Piton Boyz” beat Guadeloupe 1-0 in Barbados to move up in the CONCACAF Nations League, despite Guadeloupe dominating possession. Digital Connectivity: EllaLink officially launched its Caribbean Gateway initiative, planning a submarine cable linking Cayenne to Martinique and Guadeloupe, with a western branch for Aruba, Curaçao and Bonaire, targeting service by end-2029. Local Business Tech: Pointe-à-Pitre-based Agence MAO announced an international launch of its AI virtual assistant for tradespeople, expanding from the French Caribbean to French-speaking Europe and North America.

Football (Concacaf Nations League): Saint Lucia’s “Piton Boyz” beat Guadeloupe 1-0 in Barbados to make it three straight wins, with Kegan Caull scoring early and Saint Lucia limiting Guadeloupe’s chances despite more possession. Sports (Guadeloupe language row in the spotlight): A wider debate is also bubbling around Guadeloupe after a prefect accused a Black fisherman of disrespect for speaking Creole, sparking outrage over colonial-era attitudes and language rights. Business & Tech (Local AI push): Pointe-à-Pitre-based Agence MAO launched its AI virtual assistant suite internationally for French-speaking tradespeople, handling calls, scheduling, quotes, invoicing and admin prep. Connectivity (Caribbean broadband): EllaLink officially launched the “Caribbean Gateway” plan to build a submarine cable linking Cayenne to Martinique and Guadeloupe, targeting service by end-2029. Culture & Tourism (Creole festival chatter): Commentary continues around the World Creole Music Festival and how tourism funding decisions are made, as the 2026 edition draws attention.

Language Tensions in Guadeloupe: A video sparked outrage after Guadeloupe’s prefect, Thierry Devimeux, accused a Black fisherman of disrespect for speaking Creole—renewing debate over colonialism, racism, and classism on the French Caribbean island. Digital Connectivity for the Region: EllaLink officially launched its Caribbean Gateway initiative, planning a new submarine cable linking Cayenne to Martinique and Guadeloupe, with a western leg to Aruba, Curaçao and Bonaire, aiming for service by end-2029. Local Business & AI: Guadeloupe-based Agence MAO announced an international rollout of its AI virtual assistant for tradespeople and very small businesses, handling calls, scheduling, quotes, invoices and accounting prep. Sports Spotlight: Saint Lucia’s “Piton Boyz” beat Guadeloupe 3-0 in the Concacaf Nations League, while Saint Lucia also set up another match against Guadeloupe next. Culture & Travel Buzz: The World Creole Music Festival 2026 is confirmed for Oct 23-25 in Dominica, with a major lineup and official details.

Language & Identity Clash in Guadeloupe: A video of Guadeloupe’s prefect, Thierry Devimeux, accusing a Black fisherman of being disrespectful for speaking Creole has sparked outrage over colonialism, racism and classism, with many arguing Creole is a native language long suppressed. Tech & Business: Pointe-à-Pitre-based Agence MAO says its AI virtual assistant for tradespeople—handling calls, scheduling, quotes, invoicing and accounting prep—is now launching internationally for French-speaking professionals across Europe and North America. Connectivity Boost: EllaLink officially launched its Caribbean Gateway initiative, planning a submarine fibre link from Cayenne to Martinique and Guadeloupe (with a western leg to Aruba, Curaçao and Bonaire), targeting service by end-2029. Sports (Regional): Saint Lucia beat Bermuda 5-2 in the CONCACAF Nations League, with Kegan Caull scoring a first-half hat-trick; Guadeloupe remains part of the wider group picture. Culture & Travel: A travel feature spotlights Basse-Terre’s rainforest and La Soufrière hikes alongside rum estates and seaside lunches.