AGP Executive Report

Chlordecone Accountability: France’s National Assembly has unanimously adopted a bill recognizing the state’s “share of responsibility” for the health, environmental and economic harm caused by chlordecone (Kepone) in Guadeloupe and Martinique, where over 90% of adults are contaminated; the law sets decontamination goals and compensation work, while an interministerial mission is set to assess remediation needs. Regional Aviation Boost: LIAT Air and Air Caraïbes signed an interline agreement to sell single-ticket itineraries with through-checked baggage across their combined networks, linking Guadeloupe/Martinique/French Guiana with the Eastern Caribbean and onward to Europe via Paris-Orly. New Direct Route: LIAT Air will launch direct flights between Guadeloupe (Pointe-à-Pitre) and Jamaica (Montego Bay) from July 14, with two weekly departures each way, timed ahead of Jamaica’s 2026 Reggae Festival. Legal Access for Business: The OHADAC Regional Arbitration Centre (CARO) and the OECS will launch June 10 training on arbitration and ADR across the Eastern Caribbean, aiming to make dispute resolution more predictable for investors and firms. Sargassum Value Chains: An OECS delegation is visiting Martinique and Guadeloupe (June 1–4) to study sargassum management and develop value-added uses, supported by the EU and OECS. Air France Niche Service: Air France continues an unusual Miami–Pointe-à-Pitre Airbus A320 route as part of its island-hopping network connecting the US with French Caribbean departments and beyond.

Regional Air Connectivity: LIAT Air and Air Caraïbes signed an interline agreement to let passengers book on one ticket with through-checked baggage across Guadeloupe/Martinique/French Guiana and the wider Eastern Caribbean, with onward links to Paris-Orly. New Direct Route: LIAT Air will launch a twice-weekly direct service between Guadeloupe (Pointe-à-Pitre) and Jamaica (Montego Bay) from July 14, timed to support the Reggae Festival and boost tourism spending. Telecom Investment: Flow says it invested over US$1 million in specialised network upgrades to tackle mobile interference in northern Dominica, blaming external interference originating from a mobile operator in Guadeloupe. Chlordecone Accountability: France’s National Assembly adopted a bill acknowledging the State’s “share of responsibility” in the chlordecone health and environmental scandal affecting Guadeloupe and Martinique, with an inspection mission planned to assess remediation options. Legal Access for Businesses: OHADAC’s CARO arbitration centre and the OECS will launch training on arbitration and ADR in the Eastern Caribbean, including Guadeloupe, to improve dispute resolution for investors and firms. Sargassum Value Chains: An OECS delegation is visiting Martinique and Guadeloupe to study sargassum management and develop value-added applications, supported by the EU.

Aviation & Tourism Boost: LIAT Air will launch a twice-weekly direct service between Guadeloupe (Pointe-à-Pitre) and Jamaica (Montego Bay) from July 14, 2026, with flights on Tuesdays/Saturdays and Wednesdays/Sundays, timed ahead of Jamaica’s 2026 Reggae Festival to support visitor arrivals and local business activity. Regional Connectivity Deal: LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes signed an interline agreement letting passengers book on one ticket with through-checked baggage across networks that include Guadeloupe, Martinique and French Guiana, plus LIAT’s wider Eastern Caribbean links into Europe via Paris-Orly. Public Health & Accountability: French Parliament has adopted a bill acknowledging the State’s “share of responsibility” in the chlordecone scandal affecting Guadeloupe and Martinique, citing contamination affecting over 90% of adults, while an inspection mission is set to assess remediation measures. Business & Investment Justice: OHADAC’s CARO Regional Arbitration Centre and the OECS will launch June 10 training on arbitration and ADR to strengthen access to economic justice for regional businesses and investors. Environment & Circular Economy: An OECS delegation is visiting Martinique and Guadeloupe (June 1–4) to study sargassum management and value-added uses supported by the EU.

Air Connectivity: Air France is keeping an unusual Miami–Pointe-à-Pitre link alive with Airbus A320 flights up to five times weekly in peak season, part of an island-hopping network that reaches Martinique and French Guiana before continuing to Brazil; the route now flies direct after Air France suspended a Port-au-Prince stop tied to Haiti security and an FAA ban. Regional Aviation Deals: LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes have signed an interline agreement to let passengers book on one ticket with through-checked baggage, connecting Air Caraïbes services from Guadeloupe, Martinique and French Guiana with LIAT’s wider Eastern Caribbean network and onward links to Paris-Orly. Legal & Economic Justice: The OHADAC Regional Arbitration Centre (CARO) and the OECS will launch June 10 training on arbitration and ADR across the Eastern Caribbean, aiming to make dispute resolution more predictable and accessible for businesses and investors. Environment-to-Value: An OECS delegation is visiting Martinique and Guadeloupe (June 1–4) to study sargassum management and develop value-added uses, supported by the EU and OECS. Health & Accountability: France’s National Assembly backed state responsibility for chlordecone (Kepone) harm in Guadeloupe and Martinique, citing long-term health, environmental and economic damage. Historical Governance: France’s National Assembly voted unanimously to repeal the Code Noir slavery-era law (now headed to the Senate), a symbolic but long-awaited step for Guadeloupe and other overseas territories tied to the decree.

Aviation Connectivity: LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes have signed an interline agreement to make Caribbean travel easier, with single-ticket booking and through-checked baggage. The deal links LIAT’s Eastern Caribbean network (including Antigua) with Air Caraïbes services from Guadeloupe, Martinique and French Guiana, plus Air Caraïbes’ long-haul connection to Paris Orly. Regional Justice & Business Climate: OHADAC’s CARO Regional Arbitration Centre, with the OECS, will launch training on arbitration and ADR on 10 June 2026, co-financed by AFD, aiming to strengthen dispute resolution for businesses and investors across the Eastern Caribbean (including Guadeloupe and Martinique). Local Impact of Network Shifts: Caribbean Airlines’ pullback from St Kitts and Nevis is tied to financial losses, and the tourism minister says the government wasn’t consulted—raising concerns for travellers and regional commuters. Legal & Historical Reckoning: In France, lawmakers voted unanimously to repeal the 1685 Code Noir, a slavery-era law that treated enslaved people as “movable property,” a symbolic step that still leaves reparations unresolved. Guadeloupe Link: The Code Noir repeal is backed by Guadeloupe MP Max Mathiasin, underscoring the overseas department’s role in pushing for formal legal change.

Regional Legal Capacity: The OHADAC–CARO Centre, with the OECS, will officially launch June 10 in the Eastern Caribbean the “OHADAC–CARO training Programmes” on arbitration and ADR, co-financed by France’s AFD and backed by Interreg Caribbean VI, aiming to make dispute resolution more predictable and accessible for businesses and investors across islands including Guadeloupe. Aviation Connectivity: LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes signed an interline agreement starting June 1, letting passengers book on one ticket with through-checked baggage, linking Air Caraïbes services from Guadeloupe, Martinique and French Guiana with LIAT’s wider Eastern Caribbean network and onward connections to Europe. French Overseas Business Climate: France’s National Assembly voted 254-0 to repeal the slavery-era “Code Noir,” a symbolic but important legal clean-up that also requires reporting on the lasting effects of colonial law on racism and discrimination—an issue that directly touches Guadeloupe as part of France’s overseas departments. Health Procurement: PAHO/WHO and OECS-PPS will hold a May 28–29 workshop in Saint Lucia to strengthen access to safe medicines and health technologies, including pooled procurement and better supply-chain planning for OECS member states.

Colonial Reckoning in France: France’s National Assembly voted 254-0 to repeal the 1685 Code Noir, the slavery-era decree that treated enslaved people as “movable property.” The move is largely symbolic but emotionally charged, with Guadeloupe lawmaker Max Mathiasin and Martinique MP Steevy Gustave highlighting the need for remembrance and recognition; the bill now heads to the Senate, and lawmakers stopped short of adding reparations. Regional Aviation Shock: Caribbean Airlines’ pullback is reshaping connectivity for the Eastern Caribbean, including reduced service to Martinique and Guadeloupe and a St. Kitts withdrawal that officials say happened without consultation; the airline says it’s restructuring after route losses. Connectivity Boost via Interline: LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes signed an interline deal starting June 1, letting passengers book one ticket with through-checked baggage across networks spanning the Caribbean and onward to Paris-Orly. Guadeloupe Link in Global News: A Guadeloupe-to-Miami Air France route featuring an Airbus A320 underscores how the island’s status as a French overseas department keeps it tied into broader travel and business flows. Health Procurement in the OECS: PAHO/WHO and OECS-PPS will convene a workshop in Saint Lucia to strengthen access to medicines and health technologies, focusing on pooled procurement and supply chain reliability.

Aviation & Connectivity: Caribbean Airlines’ network shake-up is hitting the region hard: St. Kitts and Nevis says it wasn’t consulted before the carrier’s withdrawal, while Trinidad and Tobago points to route losses and a restructuring that also cuts frequencies to Martinique and Guadeloupe. Regional Market Rewiring: In parallel, LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes have signed an interline deal starting June 1, letting passengers book on one ticket with through-checked baggage—aimed at easing the “disjointed journey” across English- and French-speaking Caribbean links. Policy & Governance: France’s National Assembly voted 254-0 to repeal the slavery-era “Code Noir,” a symbolic but long-awaited legal cleanup tied to colonial history; the bill now heads to the Senate. Local Justice & Finance: In Guadeloupe, French authorities approved the extradition of a U.S. man accused of a $46 million cryptocurrency fraud, following his arrest in Saint-Martin. Health Systems: PAHO/WHO and OECS-PPS will convene in Saint Lucia to strengthen access to safe medicines and health technologies across Eastern Caribbean states via coordinated procurement and supply planning.

Regional Aviation Shake-Up: Caribbean Airlines is cutting routes from June 1, including withdrawals from Dominica and St Kitts and Nevis, plus reduced service to Martinique and Guadeloupe—sparking concerns for tourism and business travel. Government Pushback: In St Kitts and Nevis, Tourism Minister Marsha Henderson says the government was not consulted before the pullout, while officials move to secure alternative airline capacity. Connectivity Deal: LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes signed an interline agreement effective June 1, letting passengers book on one ticket with through-checked baggage across networks spanning Eastern Caribbean islands and Air Caraïbes’ French overseas routes. Crypto Justice in Guadeloupe: French authorities approved the extradition of John Daghita, accused in the U.S. of a $46 million cryptocurrency fraud, after his arrest in Saint-Martin. French Legal Reform with Local Links: France’s National Assembly voted 254-0 to repeal the Code Noir slavery-era law; Guadeloupe MP Max Mathiasin backed the measure, while the Senate still must approve.

Regional Air Connectivity: Caribbean Airlines is cutting routes and frequencies from June 1, discontinuing services to Dominica and St Kitts & Nevis and the Ogle–Suriname corridor, while reducing flights to Martinique and Guadeloupe to twice weekly—moves tied to route losses and a push for a more sustainable network. Interline Deal: LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes signed an interline agreement to sell combined itineraries on one ticket with through-checked baggage, linking Air Caraïbes’ Guadeloupe/Martinique/French Guiana network to LIAT’s Eastern Caribbean routes and onward connections to Paris-Orly. Guadeloupe in French Politics: France’s National Assembly voted 254-0 to repeal the slavery-era “Code Noir,” a symbolic but long-awaited legal cleanup that still requires Senate approval; Guadeloupe MP Max Mathiasin backed the measure while debates on reparations continue. Justice Case (Crypto): French authorities approved the extradition of John Daghita from Saint-Martin to the United States over an alleged $46m cryptocurrency fraud. Local Angle: A Guadeloupe-born architect, Elodie Postel, is expanding her workforce recruitment venture SOS Archis into Atlantic Canada with a Halifax launch event.

Aviation & Connectivity: Caribbean Airlines is cutting regional links from June 1, ending flights to Dominica and St. Kitts & Nevis and the Ogle–Suriname corridor, while reducing service to Martinique and Guadeloupe to twice weekly—moves tied to route losses (Guadeloupe cited at about US$1.86m). The airline says affected passengers will be contacted and rebooked via alternatives and partners. Regional Air Links: LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes signed an interline agreement to sell single-ticket itineraries with through-checked baggage, connecting Air Caraïbes’ Guadeloupe/Martinique/French Guiana network to LIAT’s Eastern Caribbean routes and onward links to Paris-Orly. Legal & Heritage: In France, lawmakers voted 254-0 to repeal the Code Noir slavery-era edicts that treated enslaved people as “movable property,” a symbolic step now headed to the Senate; the bill was backed by a Guadeloupe MP and comes amid renewed debate on colonial legacies. Crypto Justice: Guadeloupe authorities approved the extradition of John Daghita to the United States over an alleged US$46m cryptocurrency fraud case.

Aviation & Connectivity (Guadeloupe link): Air France surprised aviation fans in Miami with an Airbus A320 arriving from Guadeloupe, highlighting the island-hopping “Caribbean network” that connects the U.S. with French overseas departments and even extends onward toward Brazil. Regional Airlift (Eastern Caribbean impact): Caribbean Airlines is cutting routes and frequencies from June 1, ending services to Dominica and St. Kitts and the Ogle (Guyana)–Suriname corridor, while reducing flights to Martinique and Guadeloupe to twice weekly; affected passengers will be rebooked, refunded, or offered travel credit, as the airline also works on a codeshare to widen options. Colonial Legacy & Law (France/Guadeloupe MP): France’s National Assembly voted 254-0 to repeal the 1685 Code Noir slavery decree, a symbolic but emotional step led by Guadeloupe lawmaker Max Mathiasin; the bill now moves to the Senate, with lawmakers also set to require reporting on lasting impacts and school teaching.

French Politics & Heritage: France’s National Assembly voted 254-0 to formally repeal the “Code Noir” slavery-era edicts that treated enslaved people as “movable property,” a symbolic but long-awaited step tied to colonial legacy debates; the bill now heads to the Senate, with lawmakers also set to require reporting on lasting impacts on racism and how slavery is taught. Regional Air Connectivity: Caribbean Airlines will cut routes from June 1, ending services to Dominica and St Kitts and the Ogle (Guyana)–Suriname corridor, while reducing flights to Martinique and Guadeloupe to twice weekly; affected passengers will be contacted and offered rebooking, refunds, or travel credit, as the airline works on a codeshare to widen options. Health & Procurement (Eastern Caribbean): PAHO/WHO and OECS-PPS will convene a workshop in Saint Lucia to strengthen access to safe medicines and health technologies, including pooled procurement and supply-chain improvements. Business & Skills (Guadeloupe diaspora): Elodie Postel’s SOS Archis, built from her Guadeloupe-to-Montreal experience, is expanding recruitment and workforce support into Atlantic Canada.

Aviation & Connectivity: Caribbean Airlines will cut regional service from June 1, ending flights to Dominica and St Kitts and withdrawing the Ogle (Guyana)–Suriname route, while reducing frequencies to Martinique and Guadeloupe to twice weekly; the airline says the changes target long-term financial stability after losses tied to its 2023 expansion, and it will contact affected passengers with rebooking options, refunds, or travel credit, plus it is working on a codeshare to widen destination access. Regional Health & Procurement: PAHO/WHO and the OECS-PPS will convene a May 28–29 workshop in Saint Lucia to strengthen access to safe medicines and health technologies across the Eastern Caribbean, including pooled procurement, better supply chains, and improved forecasting. Energy & SMEs: The Bahamas launches a Free Energy Audit Initiative for MSMEs, offering free audits (about US$2,500) to cut costs and boost efficiency in sectors like hospitality and agribusiness. Culture & Work: From Guadeloupe to Halifax, Elodie Postel’s SOS Archis expands recruitment and workforce development for internationally trained professionals. France/Guadeloupe Legacy: France’s National Assembly voted unanimously to repeal the slavery-era “Code Noir,” a symbolic legal cleanup that still heads to the Senate, with Guadeloupe lawmaker Max Mathiasin backing the move.

Caribbean Airlines Network Shake-Up: From June 1, Caribbean Airlines will discontinue flights to Dominica and St Kitts, and end the Ogle (Guyana)–Suriname route, while cutting service to Martinique and Guadeloupe to twice weekly; affected passengers will be contacted and offered rebooking, refunds, or travel credit, as the airline moves to restore financial stability and works toward a codeshare deal. Airlift Pressure for the Region: The cuts follow reported losses tied to the 2023 Eastern Caribbean expansion, with officials citing route performance gaps and renewed debate over who will fill the connectivity shortfall. Sargassum Response in the French Caribbean: Expertise France and the Guadeloupe Region signed an MoU to strengthen coordinated action against the sargassum crisis, building on SARSEA and SARG’COOP II efforts. Health Access Planning: PAHO/WHO and OECS-PPS will convene a regional workshop in Saint Lucia (May 28–29) to improve access to safe medicines and health technologies across Eastern Caribbean states. Tourism & Business Context: A spotlight on Les Saintes’ under-the-radar Hotel Bois Joli highlights how niche travel can still thrive in Guadeloupe’s orbit, even as regional transport tightens.

Caribbean Air Network Shake-Up: Caribbean Airlines will cut several regional routes from June 1, ending flights to Dominica and St Kitts and discontinuing the Ogle (Guyana)–Suriname corridor, while reducing service to Martinique and Guadeloupe to twice weekly; affected passengers will be contacted and can seek rebooking, refunds, or travel credit, as the airline cites losses tied to its 2023 expansion and says it’s working on a codeshare to widen options. Regional Connectivity Debate: The cuts are already reigniting discussion across the Eastern Caribbean about who will fill the airlift gap as carriers struggle and costs bite. Sargassum Cooperation for Guadeloupe: Expertise France and the Guadeloupe Region signed an MoU to strengthen the fight against sargassum, linking SARSEA and SARG’COOP II efforts with about €11m in planned investment. Maritime & Trade Focus: Curaçao hosted a major Caribbean shipping conference on digitalization and regional trade, underlining ports’ role as logistics and energy hubs. Tourism Signals: Antigua and Barbuda reported a 7% rise in stayovers in Q1, pointing to continued demand for regional travel.