Chlordecone Compensation: France has put in place a new law formally recognizing the State’s responsibility for long-term chlordecone pollution in Guadeloupe and Martinique, opening the door to discussions on compensation for victims and setting priorities like faster cleanup, support for agriculture and fishing, stronger research, and improved care. Marine Protection for Jobs & Food: On World Oceans Day, France announced three new strictly protected marine zones, raising the protected share to 14.68%, including coral reef protections in Guadeloupe—aimed at safeguarding ecosystems that underpin fisheries, tourism, and coastal resilience. Sargassum to Value Chain: A Virgin Islands deputy secretary says the OECS-EU study visit in Martinique and Guadeloupe highlighted practical ways to manage sargassum—boosting public health preparedness, protecting coastal ecosystems, strengthening tourism resilience, and creating economic opportunities through productive use. Tourism & Stamps: Saint Martin and La Poste launched the “Destination Saint Martin” collector stamp book, with a print run shared between Saint Martin and Guadeloupe, linking postal commerce with destination marketing. EU Carbon Fee Rules: EU ministers agreed to tighten when the bloc can suspend the carbon emissions fee on imports, a move meant to reduce uncertainty for low-carbon investment. Local Social Impact: In Saint Martin, a union says the closure of the former Secrets Hotel (Saint Martin Beach Resort) is worsening into a major social scandal, with workers alleging a job-cut plan behind the shutdown.