AGP Executive Report

France-OECS Partnership: France’s new ambassador to the OECS, Marie-Noëlle Duris, presented her credentials to OECS Director General Dr. Didacus Jules, pledging deeper cooperation on climate resilience, public health, education, agriculture and regional connectivity. Earthquake Watch: A magnitude 4.2 quake rattled parts of the Eastern Caribbean, including Guadeloupe (felt in Point-à-Pitre), with no immediate reports of damage or injuries. Chlordecone Update: A new study says chlordecone contamination remains widespread in Guadeloupe and Martinique, with most adults still showing traces in their blood, while France’s courts have further closed the door on criminal accountability for victims. Connectivity & Travel: Regulators say a major Flow outage in Dominica and Saint Lucia was linked to a fibre fault between Guadeloupe and Antigua, and Fly Dutch Caribbean will operate from Grand Case Airport from July 1. Local Sports: Guadeloupe forward Tairyk Arconte has signed for Millwall, and the OECS marks its 45th anniversary with a push for an “OECS renaissance.”

Chlordecone Health Fallout: A new Public Health France survey says 81.3% of adults in Guadeloupe and 85.5% in Martinique still carry traces of the banned pesticide in their blood, with about one in six above the health threshold. Justice Blocked in Court: France’s appeals court has confirmed the dismissal of a long-running criminal case over chlordecone, closing the door on criminal accountability after more than 20 years. Telecom Disruption: Regulators in Dominica and Saint Lucia say a Flow outage was linked to a fibre fault between Guadeloupe and Antigua, and they’re urging customers and businesses to plan backup communications. Regional Integration Push: OECS leaders marked 45 years of cooperation and called for an “OECS renaissance,” with a new chairmanship passing to Antigua and Barbuda’s Gaston Browne. Local Sports: Guadeloupe forward Tairyk Arconte has signed for Millwall, stepping up to the English Championship after a strong Ligue 2 season.

Chlordecone Health Fallout: A new Public Health France study says 81.3% of adults in Guadeloupe and 85.5% in Martinique still have detectable chlordecone in their blood, with about one in six above the health reference threshold. Court Ruling on Toxic Justice: France’s appeals court has also upheld the dismissal of a landmark chlordecone criminal case, closing the door on criminal accountability after years of proceedings. Telecom Disruption: Regulators in Dominica and Saint Lucia say a major Flow outage (linked to a fibre fault between Guadeloupe and Antigua) left customers offline for nearly 19 hours, and they’re urging backup communication plans. Regional Leadership: OECS marked its 45th anniversary and called for an “OECS renaissance,” with chairmanship shifting to Antigua and Barbuda’s PM Gaston Browne. Travel & Connectivity: Fly Dutch Caribbean will operate from Grand Case Airport from July 1, while Air Canada continues expanding Caribbean routes and adds a premium Air Canada Café at Québec City airport. Sports & Local Talent: Millwall signed Guadeloupe forward Tairyk Arconte from Rodez.

Aviation & Connectivity: Fly Dutch Caribbean will start operating from Guadeloupe’s EDEIS Grand Case Airport on July 1, initially with a six-seat Cessna 206, with plans to expand by September and explore links toward Saba, Statia and Curaçao, after Air Antilles’ slow-down. Cruises & Tourism: Aman at Sea has opened bookings for Amangati’s inaugural Caribbean season—five- to eight-night autumn voyages from Nov. 21, 2027 to Jan. 2, 2028—calling at Guadeloupe’s Îles des Saintes among other Antilles stops. Sports (Guadeloupe): Guadeloupe forward Tairyk Arconte has signed for Millwall, moving from Rodez to the Championship on a long-term deal. Health & Justice (Chlordecone): A new study says chlordecone contamination remains widespread in Guadeloupe and Martinique, with most adults still showing traces, while France’s appeals court has confirmed the dismissal of a major criminal case tied to the toxic pesticide. Regional Cooperation: OECS leaders marked 45 years of integration, urging an “OECS renaissance” focused on trade, connectivity and economic resilience. Telecom Disruption: Regulators in Dominica and Saint Lucia say Flow’s outage was linked to a fibre fault between Guadeloupe and Antigua, and are urging backup communication plans.

Chlordecone Health Fallout: A new Public Health France study says chlordecone remains widespread in Guadeloupe and Martinique, with 81.3% of adults in Guadeloupe and 85.5% in Martinique still showing traces in their blood, and about one in six above the health threshold. Court Closes Door on Criminal Case: France’s Court of Appeal has confirmed the dismissal of the long-running chlordecone criminal investigation, ending efforts to hold polluters accountable. Telecom Disruption Watch: Regulators in Dominica and Saint Lucia say a major Flow outage was linked to a fibre fault between Guadeloupe and Antigua, and they’re urging customers and businesses to plan backup communications. Regional Integration Push: OECS leaders marked 45 years of cooperation and called for an “OECS renaissance,” with chairmanship shifting to Antigua and Barbuda’s Gaston Browne. Tourism & Connectivity: Jamaica’s tourism minister Edmund Bartlett says more flights are coming as rooms return, including enhanced regional connectivity from Guadeloupe. Local Business & Culture: Bananas of Guadeloupe & Martinique will back the Tour de France with its KM 97 banana-donation charity drive starting July 1.

Telecom Disruption in the Eastern Caribbean: Dominica and Saint Lucia regulators say Flow’s near-19-hour outage (June 21-22) was linked to a fibre fault between Guadeloupe and Antigua, and they’re urging customers and businesses to plan backup communication options while Flow reviews resilience. Regional Integration Push: OECS leaders marked the organisation’s 45th anniversary and called for an “OECS renaissance,” with new chair Gaston Browne stressing bold, shared action on trade, connectivity and resilience. Chlordecone Justice Closed Off: A Paris appeals court upheld the dismissal of a long-running criminal case over chlordecone contamination in Guadeloupe and Martinique, a blow to victims seeking accountability. Luxury Cruise Bookings for the Antilles: Aman at Sea opened reservations for Amangati’s inaugural Caribbean season (Nov 21, 2027–Jan 2, 2028), with stops including Îles des Saintes (Guadeloupe) and other Leeward/Windward and Dutch Caribbean ports. Guadeloupe Footballer Signs in England: Millwall signed Guadeloupe striker Tairyk Arconte from Rodez on a long-term deal, betting on his goal-scoring form as he adapts to the Championship.

Telecom Resilience: Dominica and Saint Lucia regulators, with ECTEL, say Flow’s near-19-hour outage (June 21–22) was linked to a fibre fault between Guadeloupe and Antigua, and they’re pressing Flow for a full report plus steps like backup connectivity and extra fibre paths. Luxury Travel: Aman at Sea opened bookings for Amangati’s first Caribbean season—five- to eight-night cruises from Nov. 21, 2027 to Jan. 2, 2028—across the Leeward, Windward and Dutch Caribbean, with calls including Îles des Saintes (Guadeloupe) and other Antilles ports. Justice for Chlordecone: A French appeals court has upheld the dismissal of a long-running criminal case over chlordecone contamination affecting Guadeloupe and Martinique, effectively ending criminal accountability. Football (Guadeloupe): Millwall signed Guadeloupe striker Tairyk Arconte from Rodez on a long-term deal after his Ligue 2 scoring run. Regional Spotlight: OECS marked 45 years of integration in Antigua, with a new chairmanship passing to Gaston Browne. Tour de France (Bananas): Guadeloupe & Martinique bananas will return with its KM 97 charity drive during Stage 7, using QR scans to trigger banana donations for Restos du Cœur.

Caribbean Justice & Health: France’s Court of Cassation and Paris courts are in focus again as protesters in Paris demand justice and compensation for victims of Agent Orange and for chlordecone contamination in Guadeloupe and Martinique, after a long legal fight that has already acknowledged a “health scandal” and lasting harm. Local Environment & Accountability: A Paris court has rejected a bid to reopen the probe into Caribbean chlordecone pollution, closing the door to further criminal investigations after decades of proceedings. Regional Cooperation: The OECS marks its 45th anniversary, highlighting achievements like the OECS Economic Union and the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union, with Guadeloupe and Martinique included among member territories. Tourism & Culture: Dominica is rolling out a summer travel push with curated itineraries aimed at longer stays, while Bananas of Guadeloupe & Martinique returns to the Tour de France with its KM 97 banana charity drive. Sports & Identity: DR Congo midfielder Samuel Moutoussamy’s Guadeloupean family link is spotlighted as he prepares for FIFA World Cup 2026.

Chlordecone Legal Twist: France’s top court has rejected a bid to reopen the long-running probe into chlordecone contamination affecting Guadeloupe and Martinique, closing the door on further criminal investigations after decades of proceedings—while activists say the health and environmental damage remains a lived reality. Regional Milestone: The OECS marks its 45th anniversary, highlighting achievements like the Economic Union and the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union, with Guadeloupe and Martinique included among member territories. Tour de France & Bananas: Bananas of Guadeloupe & Martinique will again back the Tour with KM 97, using a QR-code scan to trigger banana donations for Restos du Cœur during Stage 7 (July 1 start; reveal event July 10). Guadeloupe Culture & Pride: Kréyòl Pride is set for late July in Basse-Terre, aiming to unite Guadeloupe’s LGBTQ+ community and allies after past tensions, with organizers linking the event to broader inclusion efforts. Sargassum Cooperation: A Virgin Islands delegation shared sargassum management lessons via an OECS-EU study visit in Martinique and Guadeloupe, focusing on public health, coastal resilience, and turning biomass into opportunity. Dominica Travel Push: Dominica’s tourism authority is promoting longer stays with a new “Summer the Nature Island Way” itinerary collection, including multi-day tours and day trips.

Chlordecone Justice Fight: France’s court has rejected a bid to reopen the probe into chlordecone (Kepone) contamination affecting Guadeloupe and Martinique, ending a case that began in 2008; while criminal action is closed, the ruling acknowledged a “health scandal” and long-lasting environmental damage. Protest for Colonial Poisoning Victims: Hundreds marched in Paris on June 20 demanding justice and compensation for victims of Agent Orange and chlordecone, with legal developments expected soon, including a June 22 appeal linked to the chlordecone investigation. Regional Integration Spotlight (OECS at 45): As the OECS marks its 45th anniversary, coverage highlights achievements like the OECS Economic Union and the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union, with Guadeloupe and Martinique included among member territories. Guadeloupe Culture & Pride: Organizers announced Kréyòl Pride in Guadeloupe, aiming to bring together LGBTQIA+ people, locals, and allies on July 25/26. Tourism & Environment (Sargassum): An OECS-EU study visit in Martinique and Guadeloupe focused on practical sargassum management, with lessons aimed at public health, coastal resilience, and tourism. Sport & Local Connections: DR Congo midfielder Samuel Moutoussamy, linked to Guadeloupean heritage, drew attention ahead of FIFA World Cup 2026 action.

Chlordecone Legal Closure: After 20 years, a Paris court has rejected a bid to reopen the probe into chlordecone (Kepone) contamination in Guadeloupe and Martinique, with lawyers for civil parties calling it a “dark day for justice”; the pesticide was used on banana plantations from 1972 to 1993, and France’s health agency says over 90% of adults in the two islands are contaminated. Regional Integration Spotlight: As the OECS marks its 45th anniversary, a new commentary argues the bloc has delivered real results, including the OECS Economic Union and the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union, with Guadeloupe and Martinique among members. Caribbean Travel & Tourism: Discover Dominica is rolling out “Summer the Nature Island Way,” eight curated itineraries aimed at longer stays, while Carnival Cruise Line is promoting a 14-day Southern Caribbean Carnaval-focused sailing that includes Guadeloupe and Martinique. Community & Culture: Guadeloupe’s inaugural Kréyòl Pride is set for July 25–26, bringing together LGBTQIA+ groups and allies in Basse-Terre. Environment & Public Health: An OECS-EU study visit on sargassum management in Martinique and Guadeloupe highlights practical strategies for coastal resilience, health preparedness, and tourism protection across the region.

Justice & Health: Hundreds marched in Paris on June 20 demanding justice and compensation for Agent Orange/dioxin victims in Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia, and for chlordecone contamination victims in Guadeloupe and Martinique, as France’s top courts weigh related appeals and a June 22 ruling is expected. Tourism & Travel: Carnival Cruise Line is preparing a 14-day “Carnival Journeys” sailing on Carnival Firenze in 2028 that includes Guadeloupe and other Southern Caribbean stops, with bookings opening later this week. Environment & Resilience: A Virgin Islands deputy secretary highlighted practical sargassum management ideas after an OECS-EU study visit in Martinique and Guadeloupe, focusing on interception, collection, monitoring and use. Local Culture & Community: Guadeloupe’s inaugural Kréyòl Pride is set for July 25 (Basse-Terre), aiming to bring LGBTQIA+ people, locals and allies together under a unity-focused platform. Sports & Identity: DR Congo midfielder Samuel Moutoussamy, with Guadeloupean family roots, drew attention at the FIFA World Cup 2026 as his background and surname origins were discussed. Entertainment: Fans of Guadeloupe-set “Death in Paradise” marked milestones and look ahead as “Saint-Pierre” is renewed for season 3, with filming expected to restart soon.

Chlordecone Justice in Focus: A new law in France has officially recognized the State’s responsibility for long-term chlordecone pollution in Guadeloupe and Martinique, paving the way for talks on compensation, with a one-year report to Parliament and funding linked to an extra levy on tobacco. Courtroom Pressure on Colonial Poisoning: In Paris, hundreds protested at Place de la Bastille demanding justice for Agent Orange victims in Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia, and for chlordecone victims in the French overseas territories, as legal rulings are expected soon. Guadeloupe Pride & Inclusion: Kréyòl Pride is set to bring LGBTQIA+ people and allies together in Guadeloupe on July 25, aiming to build unity and continue the fight against homophobia. Sargassum Preparedness: A Virgin Islands deputy secretary highlighted practical strategies for public health preparedness, coastal ecosystem protection, and tourism resilience using sargassum management, after an OECS-EU study visit in Martinique and Guadeloupe. Ocean & Environment: France announced new marine protection zones, including strictly protected areas around Guadeloupe, pushing the strictly protected share of waters higher. Carnaval Cruise Buzz: Carnival Cruise Line is promoting a 14-day Southern Caribbean Carnaval-themed sailing that includes Guadeloupe and Martinique, with bookings opening later this week.

Marine Protection in Guadeloupe: France has announced new strictly protected marine zones, pushing the protected share of its waters to 14.68%, including coral reef protections in Guadeloupe aimed at safeguarding sea turtles. Chlordecone Compensation Move: A new law now formally recognizes the State’s responsibility for chlordecone-related harm in Guadeloupe and Martinique, opening the door to talks on extending compensation to victims whose illnesses are linked to pesticide exposure. LGBTQIA+ Community Event: Kréyòl Pride is set for late July in Basse-Terre, bringing together LGBTQIA+ groups, allies, and the diaspora under a unity-focused banner. Sargassum Management Lessons: A Virgin Islands delegation, including a Guadeloupe-based official, shared practical strategies for sargassum preparedness, coastal resilience, public health, and tourism recovery after an OECS-EU study visit in Martinique and Guadeloupe. Sport & Culture Glimpses: Offshore sailing headlines include the DRHEAM-CUP/Grand Prix de France au Large 2026 press conference with 120+ entries, while Guadeloupe’s wider Caribbean spotlight also includes travel and entertainment updates.

Chlordecone Compensation Moves Forward: A new law has officially recognized the State’s responsibility for long-term chlordecone pollution in Guadeloupe and Martinique, opening the door to talks on compensation for victims and setting priorities like faster cleanup, support for farming and fishing, stronger research, and improved care. Marine Protection Boost: On World Oceans Day, France designated three new strict marine protection zones, including coral reef protections in Guadeloupe, pushing the strictly protected share to 14.68% and tightening limits on fishing, extraction, and some tourism. LGBTQIA+ Pride in Guadeloupe: Kréyòl Pride is set for July 25–26 in Basse-Terre, aiming to bring together LGBTQIA+ people, locals, and allies, with organizers working after earlier community tensions. Sargassum Lessons for the Region: A Virgin Islands delegation, including Dr Lavon P. Chalwell-Brewley, visited Martinique and Guadeloupe to study practical sargassum management and how it can support public health, coastal resilience, tourism, and jobs. Offshore Sailing Spotlight: The DRHEAM-CUP/Grand Prix de France au Large 2026 press conference in Cherbourg confirmed over 120 crews registered for the July 9–18 race, with two courses to Lorient and the full Ocean Fifty fleet among the standout entries. World Cup France-Guadeloupe Links: DR Congo midfielder Samuel Moutoussamy, born in Paris, drew attention for his family roots tied to Guadeloupean origin, as he prepares for DR Congo’s World Cup campaign. Tourism & Travel Watch: Carnival Cruise Line says a 14-day Southern Caribbean sailing on Carnival Pride (including Guadeloupe and Martinique) opens for bookings later this week, while a US Embassy alert warns Americans about jet ski rental risks in the Bahamas.

Sargassum & Public Health: A Virgin Islands deputy secretary says the OECS-EU study visit in Martinique and Guadeloupe offered practical lessons to improve sargassum management, coastal resilience, tourism readiness, and public health preparedness. Chlordecone Compensation: A new law now formally recognizes the State’s responsibility for long-term chlordecone damage in Guadeloupe and Martinique, paving the way for talks on extending compensation to more victims, with cleanup, research, and care priorities ahead. Marine Protection: France announced three new strict marine protection zones for World Oceans Day, including coral reef protections in Guadeloupe, pushing the strictly protected share of French waters to 14.68%. LGBTQIA+ Community: Kréyòl Pride is set for late July in Basse-Terre, aiming to bring together LGBTQIA+ people, locals, and allies under a unity-focused platform. Local Culture & Media: Fans of BBC’s Saint-Pierre are looking ahead as the series is renewed for season 3, with filming starting next month and a likely 2027 screen return. Sports & Identity: DR Congo midfielder Samuel Moutoussamy’s Guadeloupean-origin family link is highlighted as he prepares for FIFA World Cup 2026 action. Tourism & Travel: Carnival Cruise Line says a 14-day Southern Caribbean sailing on Carnival Pride (including Guadeloupe and Martinique) will open for bookings later this week. Maritime Sport: The DRHEAM-CUP/Grand Prix de France au Large 2026 (9–18 July) is set for a record with 120+ crews already registered, departing Cherbourg on 12 July for courses to Lorient.