AGP Executive Report

Pesticide Justice in the French West Indies: France’s National Assembly has unanimously adopted a bill recognizing the state’s “share of responsibility” for the long-term health, environmental and economic harm linked to chlordecone (Kepone) in Guadeloupe and Martinique, after lawmakers cited that nearly 90% of adults show contamination and linked the toxin to cancers and other health impacts; the law also sets goals for decontamination and compensation work, with an interministerial mission due to assess cleanup measures. Sargassum Management in Focus: An OECS delegation of nine Caribbean states and territories is visiting Martinique and Guadeloupe (June 1–4) to study local approaches to managing sargassum seaweed and to develop value-added uses, building on SARSEA regional strategies to reduce recurring ecological, public health and economic damage. Regional Maritime Connectivity: Partners in the EU-backed KARULINK project met in Guadeloupe (June 2–3) to plan new maritime routes and more sustainable, connected transport across Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Saint Kitts and Nevis, and Guadeloupe. Extreme Rain Warning for the Region: A new explainer revisits how cloudbursts can trigger sudden flooding, noting that a warming climate may increase extreme rainfall days—highlighting a past chloudburst record tied to Guadeloupe. Disaster Response Drills: “Operation Caraïbes 26” continues in the Antilles until June 4, training multinational forces for cyclone-scale humanitarian aid and disaster relief, including engineering and route-recovery units. Regional Legal Training: OHADAC’s CARO Centre and the OECS will launch June 10 training on arbitration and ADR to strengthen access to economic justice across the Eastern Caribbean, including Guadeloupe.

Extreme Rain Risk: A new explainer links “cloudbursts” to sudden, localized flooding and notes that a warming climate can mean more extreme rainfall days—relevant for islands like Guadeloupe that have seen past gauge spikes. Regional Maritime Connectivity: In Guadeloupe, KARULINK partners (with EU INTERREG support) met to plan more sustainable passenger routes, better transport links, and greener mobility between Caribbean territories. Chlordecone Accountability: France’s National Assembly has unanimously backed a bill recognizing the State’s “share of responsibility” for chlordecone harm in Guadeloupe and Martinique, including health, environmental and economic damage, with an interministerial mission expected to assess cleanup and remediation. Sargassum Management: An OECS delegation visited Martinique and Guadeloupe to study sargassum control approaches and how to turn seaweed into value-added uses, aiming to reduce impacts on biodiversity, public health and local economies. Disaster Response Training: “Operation Caraïbes 26” continues in the Antilles, simulating a major cyclone to improve multinational humanitarian disaster relief coordination, including engineering and route-recovery roles. Legal Access for Businesses: OHADAC’s CARO Centre and the OECS will launch arbitration and ADR training in the Eastern Caribbean, including Guadeloupe, to strengthen access to economic justice. Local Wildlife/Climate Science Note: Cotton domestication research points to Mexico and compares genomes with wild cotton from the Caribbean, including Guadeloupe—useful for understanding regional biodiversity and land-use history.

Extreme Rain & Flood Risk: A new explainer warns that “cloudbursts” can dump heavy rain in minutes, with a documented 1970 case near Les Abymes, Guadeloupe, and notes that a warming climate can raise the odds of more extreme downpours. Pesticide Accountability (Chlordecone): France’s National Assembly has backed a bill recognizing the state’s “share of responsibility” for long-term health, environmental and economic harm from chlordecone in Guadeloupe and Martinique, with decontamination and support measures discussed. Sargassum Management: An OECS delegation is visiting Martinique and Guadeloupe to study sargassum control approaches and how to turn the seaweed into value-added products, building on EU- and OECS-supported regional work. Regional Connectivity (Maritime): KARULINK partners met in Guadeloupe to plan more sustainable maritime routes and better inter-island mobility, supported by the EU’s INTERREG Caribbean programme. Disaster Preparedness: Antilles forces continue “Operation Caraïbes 26,” a multinational training exercise simulating a major cyclone response with units from Martinique and Guadeloupe. Legal Access for Businesses: OHADAC and the CARO arbitration centre will launch training with the OECS to strengthen arbitration and ADR capacity across the Eastern Caribbean.

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 in Guadeloupe and Martinique, where more than 90% of adults are contaminated; the law also sets decontamination goals and points to compensation and further research, with an interministerial mission due to assess cleanup measures. Sargassum Management: An OECS delegation of nine Caribbean states and territories is visiting Martinique and Guadeloupe (June 1–4) to study how to manage sargassum seaweed and develop value-added uses, building on EU- and OECS-supported regional strategies to reduce impacts on ecosystems, biodiversity, public health and local economies. Regional Connectivity by Sea: Partners behind the KARULINK project met in Guadeloupe on June 2–3 to plan next steps for new maritime routes and better transport connections across Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Saint Kitts and Nevis and Guadeloupe, with a stated focus on sustainability. Access to Economic Justice: The OHADAC–CARO Regional Arbitration Centre in Guadeloupe is set to launch June 10 training with the OECS to strengthen arbitration and alternative dispute resolution across the Eastern Caribbean, aiming for a more predictable and accessible legal environment for businesses and investors. Disaster Response Drills: “Operation Caraïbes 26” continues until June 4, training Antilles forces for a simulated major cyclone response, including engineering, route recovery and rescue capabilities. Regional Aviation Shift: Commentary and reporting highlight a reshaping of Caribbean air links as Caribbean Airlines withdraws from some markets and an interline deal between LIAT 2020 and Air Caraïbes takes effect June 1, affecting connectivity for islands including Guadeloupe and Martinique.

Chlordecone Accountability: France’s National Assembly has unanimously voted to repeal the Black Code’s “ghost text” era and, more urgently for Guadeloupe, lawmakers also formally recognize the State’s “share of responsibility” in the chlordecone/Kepone pesticide scandal—used on banana plantations from 1972 to 1993 despite warnings—acknowledging long-term health, environmental and economic harm, with decontamination and compensation goals and an interministerial mission planned to assess cleanup. Regional Sargassum Response: An OECS delegation of nine Caribbean states and territories is visiting Martinique and Guadeloupe (June 1–4) under SARSEA to study sargassum management and explore turning seaweed into value-added products, aiming to reduce impacts on biodiversity, public health and local economies. Maritime Connectivity in the Caribbean: In Guadeloupe, partners of the EU-backed KARULINK project met June 2–3 to plan new regular passenger routes, better transport connections, and more environmentally friendly mobility options across islands. Disaster Readiness: “Operation Caraïbes 26” continues until June 4, training multinational forces for cyclone-scale humanitarian disaster response, including route recovery and rescue operations. Regional Aviation Shake-up: Commentary and reports highlight shifting airline links—Caribbean Airlines’ withdrawal decisions and new interline arrangements—raising questions for regional connectivity that matters to Guadeloupe travelers and commuters.

Chlordecone Accountability: France’s National Assembly has unanimously voted to recognize the state’s “share of responsibility” for the health, moral, environmental and economic harm caused by chlordecone (Kepone) in Guadeloupe and Martinique, where more than 90% of adults show contamination; the law also sets goals for decontaminating land and water, prioritizes research, and plans support for affected fishermen and farmers, with an interministerial mission due to assess cleanup measures. Sargassum Management: An OECS-backed delegation from nine Caribbean states and territories is visiting Martinique and Guadeloupe (June 1–4) to study how to manage sargassum seaweed and develop value-added uses, supported by the EU and OECS, as the seaweed’s recurring impacts hit ecosystems, biodiversity, public health and local economies. Regional Economic Justice: The OHADAC–CARO Regional Arbitration Centre will launch June 10 training on arbitration and ADR across the Eastern Caribbean with OECS partners, aiming to strengthen access to economic justice for businesses and investors.

Chlordecone Accountability: France’s Parliament has unanimously adopted a bill acknowledging the State’s “share of responsibility” in the chlordecone pesticide scandal affecting Guadeloupe and Martinique, citing contamination of over 90% of adults and long-term health and environmental harm, with an interministerial inspection mission planned to assess remediation. Sargassum Management in the Region: An OECS delegation of nine Caribbean states and territories is visiting Martinique and Guadeloupe (June 1–4) to study how to manage recurring sargassum invasions and develop value-added uses, supported by the EU and OECS. Access to Economic Justice: The OHADAC Regional Arbitration Centre (CARO) will launch June 10 training on arbitration and ADR across the Eastern Caribbean with OECS partners, aiming to make dispute resolution more predictable and accessible for businesses and investors. Disaster Response Drills: Antilles Armed Forces continue “Operation Caribbean 26” until June 4, training multinational disaster relief for a simulated major cyclone scenario affecting the region. Tourism & Local Control: A new travel show highlights St. Lucia’s village-led approach to access around UNESCO sites like Gros Piton, arguing it helps protect culture and livelihoods against mass tourism pressures. Regional Aviation Shock: Caribbean Airlines’ St. Kitts withdrawal is reported as made without consultation, pushing officials to seek alternative partners to protect regional connectivity. Climate-Linked Tourism Pressure: The “Beyond the Resort” travel coverage also points to how much Caribbean tourism spending can leak out of the region, raising stakes for sustainability-focused travel models.

Chlordecone Accountability: France’s National Assembly has unanimously adopted a bill recognizing the State’s “share of responsibility” in the decades-long chlordecone pesticide scandal affecting Guadeloupe and Martinique, where lawmakers cite health data showing traces in over 90% of adults; the government says transparency is a step forward, while reparations and compensation still need a specific legal framework and an interministerial mission is set to assess remediation and cleanup. Regional Sargassum Response: An OECS delegation of nine Caribbean states and territories is visiting Martinique and Guadeloupe (June 1–4) to study sargassum management approaches and how to turn the seaweed into value-added products, building on EU- and OECS-supported regional strategies to reduce environmental, economic, and public health impacts. Access to Economic Justice: The OHADAC–CARO Regional Arbitration Centre, with the OECS, will launch training on arbitration and ADR in the Eastern Caribbean on June 10, aiming to strengthen predictable, accessible dispute resolution for businesses and investors across the region. Health Medicines Access: PAHO/WHO and OECS-PPS are holding a Saint Lucia workshop (May 28–29) to improve access to safe, effective, quality-assured medicines, including pooled procurement and better supply chain planning.

Toxic Pesticide Accountability: France’s National Assembly voted unanimously to repeal the Code Noir and, in a separate move, lawmakers also acknowledged the state’s partial responsibility for long-term harm from chlordecone (Kepone) used in Guadeloupe and Martinique banana plantations despite health warnings—research cited by ANSES links widespread contamination to cancers and other health effects. Sargassum Management in the Region: An OECS-backed delegation of nine Caribbean states and territories is visiting Martinique and Guadeloupe (June 1–4) to study sargassum seaweed management and explore value-added uses, supported by the EU and OECS. Disaster Readiness Drills: Armed Forces in the Antilles continue “Operation Caribbean 26” until June 4, training multinational disaster response for a simulated Category 4 cyclone, with RSMA units from Martinique and Guadeloupe involved. Regional Legal Access for Businesses: Guadeloupe-based OHADAC Regional Arbitration Centre (CARO) will launch June 10 training on arbitration and ADR with OECS partners, aiming to improve predictable, accessible economic justice across the Eastern Caribbean. Local Climate-Sport Spotlight: Guadeloupe windsurfer Antoine Martin is among top names set for the Fiji Surf Pro (June 6–14), with live Pacific coverage and finals forecast for very large waves at Cloudbreak.

Sargassum Response in the Eastern Caribbean: Dominica is hosting May 26–28 meetings under the SARSEA programme to tackle the growing sargassum problem, with plans for field missions starting June 1 in Martinique and Guadeloupe. Disaster Readiness in the Antilles: “Operation Caraïbes 26” runs until June 4, training multinational forces for humanitarian and disaster relief after a simulated Category 4 cyclone, with Guadeloupe and Martinique RSMA units placed under the FAA. Access to Medicines: PAHO/WHO and OECS-PPS will hold a 28–29 May workshop in Saint Lucia to improve access to safe, quality-assured medicines and health technologies across OECS states. Energy Savings for Local Businesses: The Bahamas launched a Green Climate Fund-backed Free Energy Audit Initiative for MSMEs, offering free audits to cut costs and boost efficiency. Regional Aviation Shock: Caribbean Airlines’ withdrawal from St Kitts and Nevis and Dominica (from June 1) and reduced flights to Martinique/Guadeloupe are tied to route losses, while an interline deal between LIAT 2020 and Air Caraïbes takes effect June 1. Historic Justice Signal in France: France’s National Assembly unanimously repealed the Code Noir, a major symbolic step that still leaves reparations unresolved.

Disaster Preparedness: The Armed Forces in the Antilles are running “Operation Caraïbes 26” until June 4, a multinational drill simulating a Category 4 cyclone hitting the Antilles, with Guadeloupe and Martinique RSMA units placed under FAA command and teams focused on engineering, route recovery, rescue and protection. Sargassum Response: About 60 regional environmental professionals are meeting in Dominica under the SARSEA programme (May 26–28) to shape National Strategic Plans on sargassum, with follow-up field activities planned for Martinique and Guadeloupe starting June 1. Regional Aviation Shock: Caribbean Airlines’ withdrawal from St Kitts and Nevis (and Dominica) takes effect June 1, with officials saying the government was not consulted; the airline also plans reduced flights to Martinique and Guadeloupe, while a new LIAT 2020–Air Caraïbes interline deal starts June 1 to help passengers travel on one ticket. Health Systems & Medicines: PAHO/WHO and OECS-PPS are convening a Saint Lucia workshop (May 28–29) to improve access to safe, quality-assured medicines and health technologies across Eastern Caribbean states, including pooled procurement and stronger supply chains. WASH Emergency Training: Antigua and Barbuda Red Cross completed regional WASH training in Guadeloupe (May 18–22) to boost disaster water, sanitation and hygiene response capacity. Energy Savings for Businesses: The Bahamas launched a Green Climate Fund-backed Free Energy Audit Initiative for MSMEs, offering free audits (about US$2,500) to cut costs and improve efficiency in Abaco, Eleuthera and New Providence.

Disaster Preparedness: Antilles Armed Forces keep training for “Operation Caribbean 26” until June 4, with a simulated Category 4 cyclone hitting the coasts and RSMA units from Martinique and Guadeloupe supporting multinational disaster relief. Sargassum Response: About 60 regional professionals meet in Dominica under SARSEA (May 26–28) to shape National Strategic Plans on sargassum, with missions planned for Martinique and Guadeloupe starting June 1. Regional Health Access: PAHO/WHO and OECS-PPS convene a two-day workshop in Saint Lucia (May 28–29) to improve access to safe, quality-assured medicines and health technologies, including pooled procurement and stronger supply chains. WASH Emergency Capacity: Antigua and Barbuda Red Cross completes regional WASH training in Guadeloupe (May 18–22) to boost disaster water, sanitation and hygiene response. Energy Efficiency Funding: The Bahamas launches a Green Climate Fund-backed Free Energy Audit Initiative for MSMEs, offering free audits to cut costs and improve resilience. Aviation Connectivity Shock: Caribbean Airlines will discontinue routes to Dominica, St Kitts and Ogle–Suriname from June 1 and cut Martinique/Guadeloupe to twice weekly, while officials in St Kitts say the government wasn’t consulted.

Disaster Preparedness: Antilles forces are running “Operation Caribbean 26” until June 4, training multinational disaster relief for a simulated Category 4 cyclone, with Guadeloupe and Martinique RSMA units placed under the FAA and specialized teams focused on engineering, route recovery, rescue, and protection. Sargassum Response: In Dominica, SARSEA meetings (May 26–28) bring together about 60 regional stakeholders to draft national strategic plans for sargassum management, with follow-up field missions planned for Martinique and Guadeloupe starting June 1. Regional Health Access: PAHO/WHO and OECS-PPS will convene a two-day workshop in Saint Lucia (May 28–29) to improve access to safe, quality-assured medicines and health technologies, including pooled procurement and stronger supply chains. WASH Emergency Capacity: Antigua and Barbuda Red Cross reps completed regional WASH training in Guadeloupe (May 18–22) to boost disaster hygiene, emergency water production, sanitation, and coordination skills. Energy Efficiency for Resilience: The Bahamas launched a Green Climate Fund-backed Free Energy Audit Initiative for MSMEs, offering free audits to cut costs and improve efficiency in Abaco, Eleuthera, and New Providence. Air Connectivity Shock: Caribbean Airlines is restructuring routes from June 1—ending services to Dominica and St Kitts and reducing flights to Martinique and Guadeloupe to twice weekly—while governments and partners scramble to protect regional links.

Regional Aviation & Connectivity: Caribbean Airlines is cutting routes from June 1, ending flights to Dominica, St. Kitts and the Ogle (Guyana)–Suriname corridor, and reducing service to Martinique and Guadeloupe to twice weekly—moves tied to long-term financial stability and operational reliability, with refunds, rebooking options, and a planned codeshare to keep passengers connected. Local Impact (Guadeloupe/France islands): The timing overlaps with an interline agreement between LIAT 2020 and Air Caraïbes (starting June 1) that could reshape how travelers route through the region, including via Guadeloupe and Martinique. Marine Pollution & Sargassum: SARSEA meetings in Dominica (May 26–28) are advancing regional plans and national strategic plans to tackle sargassum, with field missions expected to feed into work starting June 1 in Martinique and Guadeloupe. Health Systems (Eastern Caribbean): PAHO/WHO and OECS-PPS will convene a workshop in Saint Lucia (May 28–29) to improve access to safe, quality-assured medicines and health technologies across OECS states. Disaster Preparedness (WASH): ABRCS reps completed regional WASH emergency training in Guadeloupe (May 18–22), strengthening water, sanitation and hygiene response capacity for crises.

Regional Air Connectivity: Caribbean Airlines will cut several routes from June 1, ending flights to Dominica and St. Kitts and discontinuing the Ogle (Guyana)–Suriname service, while reducing flights to Martinique and Guadeloupe to twice weekly; the airline says it’s prioritizing operational reliability and long-term financial stability, and affected passengers will be contacted for rebooking, refunds, or travel credit, with a codeshare partner planned to expand options. Local Governance & Accountability: In St. Kitts and Nevis, Tourism Minister Marsha Henderson says the withdrawal from the St. Kitts route was made without prior consultation, raising concerns for travelers and businesses even as officials point to alternative services. Marine Environment: In Dominica, SARSEA meetings bring together about 60 regional stakeholders to develop national strategic plans for managing sargassum, with follow-up field missions expected to support work in Martinique and Guadeloupe starting June 1. Public Health Procurement: PAHO/WHO and OECS-PPS will convene a regional workshop in Saint Lucia (May 28–29) to strengthen access to safe, quality-assured medicines and health technologies across Eastern Caribbean states. Disaster Preparedness (WASH): Antigua and Barbuda Red Cross completed regional WASH training in Guadeloupe (May 18–22) to boost emergency water, sanitation, and hygiene response capacity.

Regional Air Connectivity Shock: Caribbean Airlines will cut 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—moves tied to long-running losses and a push for “operational reliability” and financial stability; passengers with affected bookings will be contacted and offered rebooking, refunds, or travel credit, and the airline is working toward a codeshare to widen options. Local Governance & Accountability: In St. Kitts and Nevis, Tourism Minister Marsha Henderson says CAL’s withdrawal from the St. Kitts route was made without prior consultation, raising concerns among travellers and businesses even as officials seek a new airline partner. Marine Environment & Sargassum: SARSEA meetings in Dominica (May 26–28) bring together regional experts to shape national strategic plans for sargassum management, with follow-up field missions planned for Martinique and Guadeloupe starting June 1. Disaster-Ready Water Systems: ABRCS representatives completed regional WASH emergency training in Guadeloupe (May 18–22), strengthening preparedness for water, sanitation, and hygiene responses during crises. Health Systems Access: PAHO/WHO and OECS-PPS will convene in Saint Lucia (May 28–29) to improve access to safe, quality-assured medicines and health technologies across Eastern Caribbean states.