AGP Executive Report

Toxic Pesticide Justice: France’s Court of Appeal has upheld the dismissal of a landmark chlordecone case tied to the banana pesticide that contaminated more than 90% of adults in Guadeloupe and Martinique, effectively ending a decades-long fight for criminal accountability and reigniting calls for compensation and prevention. Regional Resilience & Connectivity: Telecom regulators in Dominica and Saint Lucia say a major Flow outage (nearly 19 hours) was linked to a fibre fault between Guadeloupe and Antigua, and they’re pushing consumers and businesses to set backup communication plans while Flow reviews route resiliency and adds alternative fibre paths. OECS Leadership for Climate Resilience: At the OECS 45th anniversary and 78th Authority meeting, leaders called for an “OECS renaissance” with stronger implementation to tackle shared challenges like climate resilience and food security, as chairmanship shifted to Gaston Browne. Caribbean Climate Adaptation Lens: A regional feature highlights how islands like Dominica, Montserrat and Antigua are rethinking energy, water, land and tourism as storms, drought and warming seas intensify. Local Environment-Adjacent News: Air Canada continues expanding Caribbean routes and has opened a new premium lounge in Québec City, including service to Guadeloupe among other destinations.

Chlordecone Justice: A Paris appeals court has confirmed the dismissal of a landmark criminal case tied to chlordecone contamination in Guadeloupe and Martinique, closing the door on criminal accountability after decades of legal action—victims’ lawyers called it a “dark day for justice.” Digital Resilience: Telecom regulators in Dominica and Saint Lucia say a major Flow outage (June 21–22) was linked to a fibre fault between Guadeloupe and Antigua, and they’re urging customers and businesses to set up backup communication plans while Flow works on stronger network resilience. Regional Leadership: OECS leaders marked the bloc’s 45th anniversary and pushed an “OECS renaissance,” with new chair Gaston Browne calling for bold, transformative leadership to boost resilience and implementation across the Eastern Caribbean. Climate & Risk Context: A new regional report highlights how extreme weather and tectonic hazards are testing island life across the Lesser Antilles, with adaptation tied to energy, water, food, land and tourism. Caribbean Connectivity & Trade: St Vincent announced Executive Air’s new regional cargo service to help farmers export and improve logistics, including links to Guadeloupe.

Chlordecone Justice: A Paris appeals court has upheld the dismissal of a long-running criminal case tied to chlordecone contamination in Guadeloupe and Martinique, effectively ending prospects for criminal accountability and leaving victims and advocates calling it a “dark day for justice.” Regional Connectivity: Telecom regulators in Dominica and Saint Lucia say Flow’s near-19-hour outage was linked to a fibre fault between Guadeloupe and Antigua, and they’re pressing for stronger network resilience. OECS Leadership: OECS leaders marked 45 years of regional integration in Antigua, with a new chair calling for an “OECS renaissance” focused on bold implementation—especially for climate resilience and food security. Climate Adaptation Lens: A regional roundup highlights how Caribbean islands are rethinking energy, water, land and tourism as extreme weather and warming seas intensify. Local Food & Agriculture Spotlight: Bananas of Guadeloupe & Martinique will return to the Tour de France with its KM 97 QR-code charity drive, donating bananas to Restos du Cœur.

Chlordecone Justice Blocked: A Paris appeals court has upheld the dismissal of a long-running criminal case over chlordecone contamination in Guadeloupe and Martinique, effectively ending prospects for criminal accountability in the scandal that has affected over 90% of adults. Telecom Resilience After Flow Outage: Regulators in Dominica and Saint Lucia say a major Flow service disruption (linked to a fibre fault between Guadeloupe and Antigua) left customers offline for nearly 19 hours, and they’re urging backup communication plans while Flow reviews network resilience. OECS Leadership Push: At the OECS 45th anniversary and 78th Authority meeting, leaders called for an “OECS renaissance,” stressing bold implementation on regional resilience, trade, and connectivity. Regional Cargo Boost: St Vincent announced Executive Air’s new regional cargo service, aiming to strengthen logistics for tourism and help farmers export produce across the Caribbean, including Guadeloupe. Climate Adaptation Spotlight: A regional feature highlights how Caribbean islands are rethinking energy, water, land and tourism to cope with more frequent extreme weather. Banana Sector in the Spotlight: Bananas of Guadeloupe & Martinique will return to the Tour de France with its KM 97 charity initiative, using public QR scans to trigger donations of bananas to Restos du Cœur.

Chlordecone Justice Blocked: A Paris appeals court has upheld the dismissal of a long-running criminal case over chlordecone, the toxic pesticide linked to widespread contamination in Guadeloupe and Martinique, effectively ending prospects for criminal accountability. Regional Resilience Push: At the OECS 45th anniversary meeting, leaders backed an “OECS renaissance” focused on stronger cooperation to face climate resilience and food security challenges, with chairmanship shifting to Gaston Browne. Telecom Outage Fallout: Regulators in Dominica and Saint Lucia say Flow’s near-19-hour outage was linked to a fibre fault between Guadeloupe and Antigua, and they’re urging customers to set up backup communication plans while Flow reviews route resilience and adds fibre paths. Caribbean Climate Adaptation Lens: A regional roundup highlights how extreme weather is rising and how islands are rethinking energy, water, land and tourism to adapt. Local Food & Connectivity: St. Vincent’s airport announced a new Executive Air cargo service, including links to Guadeloupe, aiming to strengthen logistics for farmers and trade.

Toxic Pesticide Justice: A Paris appeals court has upheld the dismissal of a long-running criminal case tied to chlordecone, the pesticide that contaminated more than 90% of adults in Guadeloupe and Martinique—closing the door on criminal accountability and reigniting anger among victims and advocates. Telecom Resilience: Regulators in Dominica and Saint Lucia, with ECTEL, say Flow’s major outage (nearly 19 hours) was linked to a fibre fault on a route between Guadeloupe and Antigua, and they’re pushing for stronger backup connectivity and more resilient network paths. Regional Integration: OECS leaders marked 45 years of cooperation in Antigua and Barbuda, with renewed calls for faster implementation on trade, connectivity, and resilience across member states including Guadeloupe. Climate & Adaptation Lens: A regional roundup highlights how the Lesser Antilles are being tested by storms, drought, and warming seas—showing adaptation as a rethink of energy, water, food, land, and tourism.

Caribbean Screen Ambitions: A new look at the region’s potential beyond sun-and-sea argues the Caribbean could capture more of the global film and TV boom, citing existing talent, production capacity, distribution routes, and a huge audience at home and in the diaspora. Climate Adaptation on the Front Line: The Lesser Antilles are described as both beautiful and exposed, with extreme weather rising, reefs and beaches under pressure, and islands rethinking energy, water, food, land and tourism—highlighting Dominica’s geothermal push and other local resilience efforts. Chlordecone Justice Roadblock: France’s Paris court has rejected a bid to reopen a probe into chlordecone contamination, closing the door to further criminal investigations after decades of legal wrangling, while protesters and victims’ groups continue to press for accountability and compensation. OECS at 45: As the OECS marks its 45th anniversary, coverage points to regional integration wins—like the Economic Union and currency stability—while keeping an eye on cooperation that can also support resilience. Agent Orange & Colonial Poisoning Protest: Hundreds rallied in Paris for justice for AO/dioxin victims and chlordecone-affected communities in Guadeloupe and Martinique, calling for action on health impacts and environmental damage. Tour de France, Bananas & Charity: Bananas of Guadeloupe & Martinique will run its KM 97 QR-code campaign during Stage 7, with donations of bananas to Restos du Cœur.

Chlordecone Justice: France’s Paris court has rejected a bid to reopen the probe into Caribbean chlordecone (Kepone) contamination, closing the door after decades of legal action; the ruling acknowledges a “health scandal” and “environmental damage” that will affect residents for years, with over 90% of adults in Guadeloupe and Martinique reported contaminated. Protest for Compensation: Hundreds marched in Paris on June 20 demanding justice and compensation for victims of Agent Orange and chlordecone, linking long-term health and environmental harm to colonial-era toxic chemicals and urging continued legal and prevention efforts. Sargassum Preparedness: In the OECS-EU study visit on sargassum management in Martinique and Guadeloupe, Virgin Islands officials highlighted practical strategies for coastal ecosystem protection, public health preparedness, and turning recurring sargassum into economic opportunities. Regional Climate Cooperation: The OECS marks its 45th anniversary, spotlighting regional integration achievements that can support shared responses to climate and environmental shocks across member territories including Guadeloupe. Tour de France & Bananas: Bananas of Guadeloupe & Martinique returns with the KM 97 charity initiative during the Tour’s 7th stage, using banana scans to fund Restos du Cœur—an agriculture-linked visibility moment for the islands.

Chlordecone Justice: France’s Paris court has rejected a bid to reopen the probe into Caribbean chlordecone (Kepone) contamination, closing the door after decades of legal action; the ruling came despite judges acknowledging a “health scandal” and “environmental damage” affecting residents for years, with over 90% of adults in Guadeloupe and Martinique reported contaminated by Anses. Solidarity March: In Paris, hundreds protested at Place de la Bastille demanding justice and compensation for victims of toxic chemicals, linking Agent Orange/dioxin cases to chlordecone impacts in Guadeloupe and Martinique, and calling for prevention of future disasters. Sargassum Management: A Virgin Islands deputy secretary says the OECS-EU study visit in Martinique and Guadeloupe offered practical strategies for public health preparedness, coastal ecosystem protection, tourism resilience, and using sargassum productively. Regional Integration: OECS marks 45 years, highlighting achievements like the Economic Union and Eastern Caribbean Currency Union—relevant for shared climate and disaster resilience across member territories including Guadeloupe.

Toxic Chemicals & Justice for the Caribbean: Hundreds marched in Paris on June 20 demanding justice and compensation for victims of Agent Orange/dioxin in Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia, and for communities affected by chlordecone pesticide contamination in Guadeloupe and Martinique, as France’s Court of Cassation reviews an appeal tied to Agent Orange and a June 22 ruling is expected on a chlordecone criminal investigation. Sargassum Management in the Eastern Caribbean: A Virgin Islands deputy secretary says the OECS–EU study visit in Martinique and Guadeloupe (May 31–June 5) offered practical strategies to improve public health preparedness, protect coastal ecosystems, boost tourism resilience, and create economic opportunities through sargassum interception, collection, monitoring and use. Regional Integration Spotlight: As the OECS marks its 45th anniversary, a commentary highlights achievements like the Economic Union and the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union—pointing to stability and freer movement across member territories including Guadeloupe. Ocean & Climate-Linked Sport: The DRHEAM-CUP/Grand Prix de France au Large 2026 press conference in Cherbourg announced 120+ registered crews for a July 9–18 race, with two courses to Lorient—an event that keeps attention on ocean conditions and resilience. Local Environment Debate (Outside the Region): Greece’s Milos municipal council unanimously opposes geothermal activity, citing threats to the island’s natural landscape, culture and tourism identity.

Toxic Chemicals Justice: Hundreds marched in Paris on June 20 demanding justice and compensation for victims of Agent Orange/dioxin in Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia, and for people affected by chlordecone pesticide contamination in Guadeloupe and Martinique, as France’s Court of Cassation reviews an appeal by activist Tran To Nga and a Paris court is set to rule June 22 on a chlordecone criminal investigation suspension. Sargassum Management: A Virgin Islands deputy secretary said the region can use practical strategies to improve public health preparedness, protect coastal ecosystems, boost tourism resilience and create jobs by using sargassum, after an OECS-EU study visit in Martinique and Guadeloupe focused on interception, collection, monitoring and valorisation. Ocean & Climate Sports: The DRHEAM-CUP/Grand Prix de France au Large 2026 was announced in Cherbourg with over 120 boats registered for July 9–18, highlighting the race’s growing community and its links to ocean-focused sailing.

Chlordecone Justice in the French West Indies: 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 and setting a one-year deadline for a report to Parliament on extending existing support to more victims; it also points to faster cleanup, stronger research, better care, and help for farming and fishing, with funding linked in part to an added levy on tobacco. Marine Protection for Guadeloupe’s Reefs: France has designated new strictly protected marine zones, pushing the strictly protected share of its waters to 14.68%; the plan includes coral reef protections in Guadeloupe that shelter sea turtles, with strict rules that can ban or heavily restrict fishing, extraction, and tourism in those areas. Sargassum Management Push in the Caribbean: A Virgin Islands deputy secretary says the region can use practical strategies to improve public health preparedness, protect coastal ecosystems, strengthen tourism resilience, and create jobs by making productive use of sargassum, following an OECS-EU study visit in Martinique and Guadeloupe focused on interception, collection, monitoring, and utilisation. Agent Orange and Colonial Poisoning Claims: In Paris, hundreds protested for justice and compensation for Agent Orange/dioxin victims in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia, while also backing chlordecone victims in Guadeloupe and Martinique; the march came alongside major court moves, including France’s Court of Cassation reviewing an appeal linked to Tran To Nga and a Paris appeal expected June 22 on a chlordecone criminal investigation suspension.

Marine Protection Update: France has designated three new strictly protected marine zones, pushing the strictly protected share of its waters to 14.68%, including coral reef protections in Guadeloupe for sea turtles—while strict areas ban or heavily restrict fishing, extraction, and tourism. Chlordecone Compensation Move: A new law now officially recognizes the State’s responsibility for the long-term chlordecone contamination in Guadeloupe and Martinique, opening the door to compensation discussions for victims linked to pesticide exposure, with a one-year report to Parliament and funding partly via an added levy on tobacco. Sargassum Management Cooperation: A Virgin Islands delegation, including Dr Lavon P. Chalwell-Brewley, took part in an OECS-EU study visit in Martinique and Guadeloupe focused on practical sargassum interception, collection, monitoring, and use to protect public health, coastal ecosystems, and tourism resilience. Local Environment vs Industry: Milos’ municipal council in Greece has unanimously opposed geothermal activity, citing threats to the island’s natural landscape, culture, and tourism identity. On the Water, Safety Note: The U.S. Embassy in Nassau issued a security alert for Bahamas jet ski rentals, citing reports of sexual assaults and warning about weak safety regulation enforcement.

Marine Protection: France added three newly designated marine protection zones on World Oceans Day, pushing strictly protected waters to 14.68%—including coral reef protections in Guadeloupe for sea turtles—while aiming for 14.8% by year-end. Toxic Legacy & Health: A new law now formally recognizes the State’s responsibility for chlordecone contamination in Guadeloupe and Martinique, opening the door to compensation discussions; the government has one year to report to Parliament on extending existing schemes to additional victims, alongside faster cleanup, sector support, research, and improved care. Sargassum Management: An OECS–EU study visit in Martinique and Guadeloupe fed into practical strategies for the Virgin Islands, focusing on sargassum interception, collection, monitoring, and use—linking environmental protection, coastal resilience, and public health preparedness. Local Climate Governance: Milos’ municipal council in Greece unanimously opposed geothermal activity, citing risks to the island’s landscape, culture, tourism, and quality of life. Ocean & Community: The DRHEAM-CUP/Grand Prix de France au Large 2026 was announced in Cherbourg with over 120 boats already registered for July’s 10th anniversary edition, highlighting growing participation across classes and crew types.

Marine Protection in Guadeloupe: France added 3 new marine protection zones on World Oceans Day, pushing strictly protected waters to 14.68%, including coral reef protections in Guadeloupe for sea turtles—while strict areas ban or heavily restrict fishing, extraction, and tourism. Chlordecone Compensation Step: A new law now formally recognizes the State’s responsibility for chlordecone contamination in Guadeloupe and Martinique, opening the way for talks on compensation; the government has one year to report to Parliament on extending existing schemes to additional victims, alongside priorities like faster cleanup and better care. Sargassum Management Push: A Virgin Islands delegation, including Guadeloupe-based OECS-EU study visit participants, highlighted practical ways to manage sargassum—covering interception, collection, monitoring, and use—to support coastal resilience, public health preparedness, and tourism. Local Climate Governance: Greece’s Milos municipal council unanimously opposed geothermal development, citing threats to the island’s natural landscape, cultural identity, and tourism model. Offshore & Oceans Culture: The DRHEAM-CUP/Grand Prix de France au Large 2026 was announced in Cherbourg with over 120 boats registered, including the Ocean Fifty fleet, underscoring continued momentum for ocean-focused sport.

Marine Protection in Guadeloupe: France announced three new strictly protected marine zones for World Oceans Day, pushing its protected share to 14.68%; the list includes coral reef protections in Guadeloupe for sea turtles, with stricter rules that ban or heavily restrict fishing, extraction and some tourism. Chlordecone Compensation Step: A new law now formally recognizes the State’s responsibility for chlordecone contamination in Guadeloupe and Martinique, opening the door to compensation discussions; it also sets priorities like faster cleanup, support for agriculture and fishing, stronger research, and improved care for victims. Sargassum Management Links Across the Region: An OECS-EU study visit in Martinique and Guadeloupe focused on practical sargassum interception, collection, monitoring and use, with Virgin Islands officials highlighting benefits for coastal ecosystems, public health preparedness and tourism resilience. EU Carbon Border Tax Rules: EU ministers agreed to narrow when the bloc can suspend the carbon fee on imports, aiming to reduce uncertainty for low-carbon investment; suspension would only be proposed if strict criteria are met, including sharp price increases. Offshore Sailing Spotlight: The DRHEAM-CUP/Grand Prix de France au Large press conference confirmed a record 120+ boats for 9–18 July, with the race starting 12 July from Cherbourg and featuring two courses to Lorient.