AGP Executive Report

Airlift Boost for Guadeloupe: Air Canada will launch a new weekly nonstop route between Quebec City and Pointe-à-Pitre, starting Dec. 17, 2026 through April 8, 2027, adding another gateway for eastern Canada to the French Caribbean. EU Trade & Industry: EU ministers agreed to tighten when the bloc can suspend its carbon fee on imports, a move aimed at giving more certainty for low-carbon investment while keeping pressure on high-emissions goods. Local Jobs Under Pressure: In Saint Martin, the union says the closure of the former Secrets Hotel (Saint Martin Beach Resort) has become a “human catastrophe,” alleging the shutdown was used to justify large-scale job cuts despite no formal closure order. Marine Protection Push: France announced three new marine protection zones, including one in Guadeloupe to safeguard coral reefs and sea turtles, lifting protected waters to 14.68% and targeting 14.8% by year-end. Regional Connectivity Deals: New interline agreements involving LIAT and Air Caraïbes (plus other Caribbean partners) aim to make island-hopping easier with single-ticket journeys and through-checked baggage. Energy Storage Costs Watch: France’s energy regulator picked Corsica storage projects and noted battery costs are falling, with costs lower than earlier rounds in Guadeloupe and other islands. Caribbean Spotlight in Global Culture: A report argues the Caribbean could capture more value from film and TV production, pointing to talent and production capacity as the base for a stronger media hub.

Labor & Social Crisis: Saint Martin Beach Resort in Anse Marcel remains shut after the December 2025 closure of the former Secrets Hotel, and the CSE union calls it an “exceptional gravity” scandal—alleging the owners used a disputed safety-commission claim to justify a plan cutting over 90% of jobs, while the register and prefecture say no closure order was issued. Airlift & Tourism Connectivity: Air Canada launches a new weekly nonstop Quebec City–Pointe-à-Pitre route from Dec. 17, 2026 to Apr. 8, 2027, adding another Canadian gateway to Guadeloupe. Regional Travel Ease: New interline deals aim to reduce Caribbean travel friction, including LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes selling combined itineraries with checked-through baggage. Aviation Stress in 2026: The wider airline sector keeps cracking under fuel shocks and macro pressures, with European Cargo among carriers entering administration and redundancies reported. Ocean & Environment: France announced three new marine protection zones, including in Guadeloupe to protect coral reefs and sea turtles, pushing protected waters to 14.68% toward a 14.8% end-year target. Sports & Local Spotlight: The Fiji Surf Pro highlights Antoine Martin of Guadeloupe as a headline competitor, with live regional broadcasting.

Airlift Boost for Guadeloupe: Air Canada will launch a new weekly nonstop Quebec City–Pointe-à-Pitre route, starting Dec. 17, 2026 through April 8, 2027, adding another Canadian gateway to the French Caribbean. Regional Connectivity Push: LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes signed an interline deal to let passengers book combined itineraries on one ticket with checked baggage through, easing costly, fragmented island-to-island travel. Maritime Integration in the Caribbean: Partners of the EU-backed KARULINK project met in Guadeloupe to plan new regular passenger routes, better transport connections, and more sustainable mobility for tourism and commerce. Health & Compensation in Guadeloupe: France’s lower house backed a bill acknowledging responsibility for chlordecone harm in Guadeloupe and Martinique, aiming at decontamination, victim support, and a path toward future reparations. Energy Storage Watch: France’s energy regulator selected five Corsica storage projects (about 48 MW total), with costs noted as lower than prior storage rounds in Guadeloupe and other islands. Aviation Industry Pressure: Another airline collapse in 2026 highlights how fuel-cost shocks tied to the Strait of Hormuz are squeezing carriers and raising fares.

Air Connectivity Boost: Air Canada will launch a new weekly nonstop Quebec City–Pointe-à-Pitre route, starting Dec. 17, 2026 through April 8, 2027, adding another gateway for eastern Canadian travelers to Guadeloupe. Regional Transport Push: In Guadeloupe, partners met for the EU-backed KARULINK project to improve maritime and economic connectivity, including feasibility work for new regular passenger routes and better intermodal links for tourism and commerce. Health & Compensation: France’s lower house backed a bill recognizing Guadeloupe and Martinique’s harm from chlordecone (Kepone), setting goals for decontamination, support for affected fishermen and farmers, and a mission to define future reparations. Energy Storage Watch: France’s energy regulator CRE selected five Corsica storage projects totaling about 48 MW, with battery costs noted as lower than in Guadeloupe—useful context for local energy planning. Business Travel Agreements: LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes signed an interline deal enabling single-ticket, through-checked itineraries across English and French Caribbean networks, easing transfers for passengers and businesses.

Airlift Expansion: Air Canada will launch a new weekly nonstop Quebec City–Pointe-à-Pitre route, starting Dec. 17, 2026, running every Thursday through April 8, 2027, adding 17 round-trips in the winter season and using the fuel-efficient Airbus A220-300. Regional Connectivity: LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes signed an interline deal letting passengers book one itinerary across both networks with checked baggage through to the final destination—aimed at cutting the hassle and duplicate fees of island-hopping. Aviation Pressure: The wider airline sector is under strain as 11 carriers have collapsed or entered administration in 2026, with rising fuel costs and macroeconomic shocks cited—an environment that can hit travel demand to the Caribbean. Marine Economy & Tourism Rules: France announced three new marine protection zones, including in Guadeloupe, pushing the share of French waters under strict protection to 14.68% and tightening limits on fishing, extraction and some tourism activities. Health & Compensation: France’s parliament unanimously adopted a bill acknowledging the state’s “share of responsibility” in the chlordecone scandal affecting Guadeloupe and Martinique, with decontamination and compensation frameworks now on the agenda. Energy Investment: France’s energy regulator selected five Corsica storage projects (about 48 MW total), with battery costs lower than in Guadeloupe—useful context for future storage procurement economics.

Aviation & Tourism: Air Canada will launch a new weekly nonstop Quebec City–Pointe-à-Pitre route, operating every Thursday from Dec. 17, 2026 to April 8, 2027, adding 17 round-trips in winter on an Airbus A220-300—another boost for eastern Canada’s access to Guadeloupe. Regional Connectivity: LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes signed an interline deal letting passengers book one itinerary on a single ticket, with checked baggage through—linking LIAT’s Eastern Caribbean network with Air Caraïbes’ Guadeloupe/Martinique/French Guiana services and its Paris-Orly connection. Health & Accountability: France’s National Assembly voted unanimously to repeal the Code Noir, but coverage also highlights the gap between symbolism and action; separately, Parliament adopted a bill recognizing the French state’s “share of responsibility” in the chlordecone scandal affecting Guadeloupe and Martinique, with decontamination and compensation frameworks on the agenda. Energy & Industry: France’s energy regulator CRE selected five Corsica storage projects (about 48 MW total), with battery costs reported lower than in Guadeloupe and other islands—useful context for local energy planning. Maritime & Environment: France announced new marine protection zones, including one in Guadeloupe to protect coral reefs and sea turtles, pushing protected waters to 14.68% and aiming for 14.8% by year-end.

Aviation & Tourism: LIAT Air and Air Caraïbes have signed an interline agreement to let passengers book combined trips on one ticket, with checked baggage through to the final destination—aimed at easing the region’s fragmented airlift and improving connectivity between Guadeloupe, Martinique, French Guiana and the wider Eastern Caribbean network. New Route for Trade & Visitors: LIAT Air will launch a direct Guadeloupe–Jamaica service from July 14, with flights between Pointe-à-Pitre and Montego Bay twice weekly, timed ahead of Jamaica’s 2026 Reggae Festival to support visitor arrivals and local business. Regional Connectivity Project: The EU-backed KARULINK initiative held its first steering committee in Guadeloupe, focusing on new maritime routes, better intermodal links, and more sustainable transport to strengthen people-and-goods movement across partner territories. Health & Accountability: France’s parliament has adopted a bill recognizing the state’s “share of responsibility” in the chlordecone scandal affecting Guadeloupe and Martinique, setting the stage for decontamination goals and compensation discussions. Legal & Business Climate: The OHADAC Regional Arbitration Centre (CARO) will launch an arbitration and ADR capacity-building programme in collaboration with the OECS on June 10, targeting a more predictable dispute-resolution environment for regional investors and businesses.

Aviation Shock: Eleven airlines have collapsed into administration in 2026, with European Cargo the latest casualty; management cites fuel-cost pressure and reduced flying activity, and the fallout includes about 180 redundancies—bad news for travel planning and regional tourism demand. Regional Air Connectivity: LIAT Air and Air Caraïbes signed an interline deal enabling one ticket, one purchase point, and through-checked baggage across English- and French-speaking Caribbean routes, including Guadeloupe, Martinique and French Guiana. New Route to Jamaica: LIAT Air will launch a direct Guadeloupe–Jamaica service from July 14, with flights between Pointe-à-Pitre and Montego Bay timed around major events like Jamaica’s Reggae Festival. Health & Liability: France’s parliament adopted a bill acknowledging the state’s share of responsibility for chlordecone harm in Guadeloupe and Martinique, setting the stage for decontamination and compensation work. Legal/Business Climate: The OHADAC Regional Arbitration Centre (CARO) in Guadeloupe will launch an Eastern Caribbean training programme on arbitration and ADR to improve dispute resolution for investors and firms.

Aviation Shock for Caribbean Travelers: Eleven airlines have collapsed or entered administration in 2026, with holidays cancelled and redundancies reported; the latest is European Cargo (about 180 jobs), as fuel costs surge after the Iran-related oil disruption and Iata warns global airline profits could be cut in half. Regional Air Connectivity: LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes signed an interline deal to sell combined itineraries on one ticket with checked baggage through—linking Guadeloupe, Martinique and French Guiana with the Eastern Caribbean network and onward to Paris-Orly. New Guadeloupe–Jamaica Link: LIAT Air will launch a direct Pointe-à-Pitre–Montego Bay service from July 14, aiming to boost tourism and event travel around Jamaica’s Reggae Festival. Telecom Investment in the Region: Flow says it invested over US$1m in network upgrades in Dominica after interference traced to a Guadeloupe operator affected northern mobile service. Health & Accountability in the French West Indies: France’s parliament adopted a bill recognizing the state’s share of responsibility for chlordecone harm in Guadeloupe and Martinique, with decontamination and victim support measures outlined. Legal Training for Business Disputes: Guadeloupe-based OHADAC Regional Arbitration Centre (CARO) will launch June 10 training with the OECS to expand arbitration and ADR capacity across the Eastern Caribbean.

Chlordecone Accountability: France’s National Assembly has unanimously voted to make the state acknowledge its “share of responsibility” for the health, environmental and economic harm from chlordecone in Guadeloupe and Martinique, with plans for decontamination, research and support for affected farmers and fishermen. Legal & Economic Justice: The OHADAC–CARO Regional Arbitration Centre will launch training on arbitration and ADR in the Eastern Caribbean on June 10, aiming to make dispute resolution more accessible for businesses and investors. Regional Air Connectivity: LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes signed an interline agreement enabling one-ticket travel and checked-through baggage across English, French and Dutch Caribbean networks, including Guadeloupe and beyond to Paris-Orly. New Route for Tourism: LIAT Air will launch a direct twice-weekly service between Guadeloupe (Pointe-à-Pitre) and Jamaica (Montego Bay) from July 14, timed ahead of Jamaica’s Reggae Festival. Telecom Investment: Flow says it has invested over US$1 million in network upgrades to eliminate mobile interference affecting northern Dominica, linked to external signals originating from a Guadeloupe operator. Maritime Integration: Partners of the EU-backed KARULINK project met in Guadeloupe to plan feasibility work for new passenger routes and more sustainable, integrated regional maritime connectivity.

Regional Air Connectivity: LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes signed an interline agreement letting passengers book one itinerary on a single ticket with through-checked baggage, easing transfers across the English, French and Dutch Caribbean and onward to Paris-Orly. New Routes for Guadeloupe: LIAT Air will launch a direct Guadeloupe–Jamaica service from July 14, with flights between Pointe-à-Pitre and Montego Bay timed to support the July Reggae Festival and boost tourism and local business. Aviation Market Pressure: UK freight airline European Cargo Limited entered administration, ending operations and putting 178 jobs at risk, citing financial strain from reduced flying activity and fuel costs. Telecom Investment in the Region: Flow says it has invested over US$1 million in network upgrades in Dominica to tackle mobile interference traced to a Guadeloupe operator, with equipment due to arrive mid-June. Maritime & Trade Integration: The EU-backed KARULINK project held its first steering committee in Guadeloupe to plan new passenger routes and improve inter-island mobility for tourism and commerce. Health & Accountability: France’s parliament adopted a bill recognizing the state’s share of responsibility in the chlordecone scandal affecting Guadeloupe and Martinique, setting decontamination and compensation goals. Legal Training for Businesses: OHADAC–CARO will launch arbitration and ADR training in June to strengthen access to economic justice across the Eastern Caribbean, including Guadeloupe.

Regional Aviation & Connectivity: LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes signed an interline agreement letting passengers book one ticket with through-checked baggage across English, French and Dutch Caribbean networks, linking LIAT’s Antigua hub with Air Caraïbes services from Guadeloupe, Martinique and French Guiana, plus onward connections to Paris-Orly. New Route for Tourism: LIAT Air will launch a direct Guadeloupe–Jamaica service from July 14, with flights between Pointe-à-Pitre and Montego Bay twice weekly, timed to support Jamaica’s July Reggae Festival. Telecom Investment: Flow says it has invested over US$1 million in specialised network upgrades to eliminate mobile interference affecting northern Dominica, attributing the disruption to an external operator in Guadeloupe. Legal & Business Justice: The OHADAC Regional Arbitration Centre (CARO) and OECS will launch June 10 training on arbitration and ADR to strengthen access to economic justice for businesses and investors across the Eastern Caribbean, including Guadeloupe. Public Health & Accountability: France’s National Assembly voted unanimously to recognize the state’s “share of responsibility” in the chlordecone (Kepone) scandal affecting Guadeloupe and Martinique, backing decontamination goals and compensation work while setting up a remediation assessment mission. Maritime Integration: Caribbean partners met in Guadeloupe to advance KARULINK, an EU-backed project to improve passenger and freight mobility via new maritime routes, better transport intermodality, and more sustainable options.

Regional Aviation Connectivity: LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes signed an interline agreement to let passengers book one ticket across both networks, with through-checked baggage and fewer transfer frictions—linking LIAT’s Eastern Caribbean hub at V.C. Bird (Antigua) to Air Caraïbes services from Guadeloupe, Martinique and French Guiana, plus onward connections to Paris-Orly. New Route Boost: LIAT Air announced a direct twice-weekly service between Guadeloupe (Pointe-à-Pitre) and Jamaica (Montego Bay) starting July 14, timed to support the Reggae Festival and improve tourism and business travel. Mobile Network Fix in the Region: Flow says it invested over US$1 million in specialised upgrades to address mobile interference in northern Dominica, which it traced to external interference originating from a mobile operator in Guadeloupe. Maritime Integration in the Caribbean: Partners of the EU-backed KARULINK project met in Guadeloupe to plan feasibility work for new passenger routes, better transport intermodality, and more sustainable mobility for tourism and commerce. Health & Liability Politics: France’s parliament adopted a bill acknowledging the state’s “share of responsibility” in the chlordecone (Kepone) scandal affecting Guadeloupe and Martinique, setting decontamination and compensation goals while keeping reparations tied to further legal work. Legal Access for Businesses: OHADAC Regional Arbitration Centre (CARO) and OECS will launch training in arbitration and ADR across the Eastern Caribbean, including Guadeloupe, to strengthen predictable dispute resolution for investors and firms. Environment & Jobs: An OECS delegation visited Martinique and Guadeloupe to study sargassum management and explore value-added uses for the seaweed, supported by EU and OECS programmes. Sports Talent (Guadeloupe Link): Guadeloupe international Taïryk Arconte of Rodez is reportedly on Celtic’s radar, alongside Auxerre and Millwall, as clubs weigh summer moves.

Regional Aviation Connectivity: LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes signed an interline agreement letting passengers book combined itineraries on one ticket with through-checked baggage, linking LIAT’s Eastern Caribbean network (via Antigua) with Air Caraïbes services from Guadeloupe, Martinique and French Guiana plus its Paris-Orly long-haul. New Route for Tourism & Trade: LIAT Air will launch a direct Guadeloupe–Jamaica service from July 14, with flights between Pointe-à-Pitre and Montego Bay timed to support Jamaica’s 2026 Reggae Festival and boost visitor flows. Telecom Investment in the Region: Flow says it invested over US$1 million in specialised network upgrades in northern Dominica to address mobile interference traced to an operator in Guadeloupe, with equipment due to arrive mid-June. Legal & Business Climate: The OHADAC Regional Arbitration Centre (CARO Centre) in Guadeloupe will launch June 10 training with the OECS to strengthen arbitration and ADR access for Eastern Caribbean businesses and investors. Health & Accountability: France’s parliament adopted a bill acknowledging the state’s share of responsibility in the chlordecone (Kepone) pesticide scandal affecting Guadeloupe and Martinique, setting decontamination and compensation goals. Symbolic Justice on Slavery Law: France’s National Assembly voted unanimously to repeal the Code Noir, removing a slavery-era legal framework that had remained on the books.

Regional Air Connectivity: LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes signed an interline agreement to let passengers book combined itineraries on one ticket with through-checked baggage, linking LIAT’s Eastern Caribbean network (via Antigua) with Air Caraïbes services from Guadeloupe, Martinique and French Guiana, plus onward connections to Paris-Orly. New Route for Tourism & Trade: LIAT Air will launch a direct Guadeloupe–Jamaica service from July 14, with flights between Pointe-à-Pitre and Montego Bay timed to support Jamaica’s 2026 Reggae Festival. Maritime Integration: Caribbean partners met in Guadeloupe for the KARULINK project steering committee, aiming to expand regular passenger routes, improve transport intermodality, and develop greener maritime links under EU INTERREG funding. Public Health & Accountability: France’s National Assembly adopted a bill recognizing the state’s “share of responsibility” in the chlordecone scandal affecting Guadeloupe and Martinique, setting goals for decontamination and compensation work. Digital & Mobile Networks: Flow says it invested over US$1 million in Dominica network upgrades to eliminate mobile interference traced to an operator in Guadeloupe. Legal & Business Justice: The OHADAC–CARO arbitration training programme is set to launch June 10 in collaboration with the OECS to strengthen dispute resolution for regional businesses and investors.

Regional Connectivity Push: Guadeloupe hosted the first Steering Committee of the EU-backed KARULINK project, bringing together Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, St. Kitts and Nevis and Guadeloupe to plan new maritime routes, better intermodal links, and more sustainable transport for people and goods. Aviation for Business & Tourism: LIAT Air will launch direct flights between Guadeloupe and Jamaica on July 14 (Pointe-à-Pitre–Montego Bay twice weekly), while LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes signed an interline deal to sell one ticket with through-checked baggage across Guadeloupe, Martinique, French Guiana and the wider Eastern Caribbean network. Health & Accountability: France’s Parliament adopted a bill recognizing the State’s “share of responsibility” in the chlordecone (Kepone) scandal affecting Guadeloupe and Martinique, aiming at decontamination, research priorities, and support for fishermen and farmers. Legal Access for Investors: OHADAC’s CARO Centre and the OECS will launch training on arbitration and ADR in the Eastern Caribbean on June 10, including Guadeloupe, to improve dispute resolution for businesses and investors. Telecom Upgrade in the Region: Flow says it invested over US$1 million to fix mobile interference in northern Dominica, tracing the disruption to a mobile operator in Guadeloupe. Justice & History: France’s National Assembly voted 254-0 to repeal the slavery-era Code Noir, a symbolic but major legal clean-up tied to colonial legacies in the French Caribbean.