AGP Executive Report

Sargassum Management in the Caribbean: A Virgin Islands delegation, including Dr Lavon P. Chalwell-Brewley, shared lessons from an OECS–EU study visit in Martinique and Guadeloupe on intercepting, collecting, monitoring, and valorising sargassum—aiming to boost public health preparedness, protect coastal ecosystems, strengthen tourism resilience, and create local economic opportunities. Chlordecone Compensation Moves Forward: In Guadeloupe and Martinique, new legislation formally recognizes the State’s responsibility for long-term chlordecone contamination and opens the door to talks on compensation for victims, with a one-year report to Parliament and funding linked in part to an extra levy on tobacco products. Marine Protection Boost by France: On World Oceans Day, France announced three new marine protection zones, raising strictly protected waters to 14.68%, including coral reef protections in Guadeloupe for sea turtles—while fishing and other activities are banned or heavily restricted in strict zones. EU Carbon Border Fee Rules Tighten: EU ministers agreed to limit when countries can suspend the carbon emission fee on imports, using clear criteria like a 50% price jump over six months, to improve certainty for low-carbon investment. Travel Safety Alert (Bahamas): A US Embassy alert warns Americans about risks tied to jet ski rentals in the Bahamas, citing reports of sexual assaults and weak safety regulation enforcement.

Sargassum Management: A Virgin Islands delegation, including OECS-EU study visit participants from Martinique and Guadeloupe, highlighted practical ways to intercept, collect, monitor and valorise sargassum—linking it to public health preparedness, coastal ecosystem protection, tourism resilience and new economic opportunities. Chlordecone Compensation: In Guadeloupe and Martinique, the State’s responsibility for long-term chlordecone contamination is now formally recognized, opening the door to discussions on compensation and setting priorities like faster cleanup, support for farming and fishing, stronger research, and improved care for victims. Marine Protection in France: On World Oceans Day, France announced three new strictly protected marine zones, raising the share of waters under high protection to 14.68%—including coral reef protections in Guadeloupe—while aiming for 14.8% by year-end. EU Carbon Border Rules: EU ministers agreed to tighten when countries can suspend the carbon emissions fee on imports, with stricter criteria (including a major price jump), aiming to boost certainty for low-carbon investment.

Chlordecone Compensation Moves Forward: A new law has officially recognized the French State’s responsibility for long-term chlordecone contamination in Guadeloupe and Martinique, opening the door to discussions on compensation for victims and setting priorities like faster cleanup, support for farming and fishing, stronger research, and improved care. The government has one year to report to Parliament on extending the compensation scheme, with funding linked in part to an extra levy on tobacco products. Marine Protection Boost for Guadeloupe: On World Oceans Day, France announced three new strictly protected marine zones, including one in Guadeloupe, pushing the share of waters under strict protection to 14.68% and aiming for 14.8% by year-end; strict rules limit fishing, extraction, and some tourism to help ecosystems recover. EU Carbon Border Fee Rules Tighten: EU countries agreed to limit when they can suspend the carbon emissions fee on imports, with suspension only possible if strict criteria are met (including a major price jump), a move meant to give more certainty for low-carbon investment. Travel Safety Alert in the Caribbean: The U.S. Embassy in Nassau issued a security alert warning Americans about risks tied to jet ski rentals in The Bahamas, citing reports of sexual assaults and noting poor enforcement of safety regulations.

Chlordecone Compensation Moves Forward: A new law has officially recognized the French State’s responsibility for the long-term chlordecone contamination in Guadeloupe and Martinique, opening the door to talks on compensation for affected people. The government now has one year to report to Parliament on extending existing support to victims whose illnesses are linked to pesticide exposure, with funding tied in part to an extra levy on tobacco products. The law also sets priorities: faster cleanup, support for agriculture and fishing, stronger research, and better care. Marine Protection Boost for Guadeloupe: On World Oceans Day, France announced three new strictly protected marine zones, including coral reef protections in Guadeloupe for sea turtles, pushing the share of protected waters to 14.68% and aiming for 14.8% by year-end. Strict zones limit fishing, extraction, and some tourism to help ecosystems recover. EU Carbon Border Rules Tighten: EU ministers agreed to make it harder to suspend the carbon fee on imports, requiring clear criteria (including a sharp price jump) before any suspension—aimed at giving more certainty for low-carbon investment.

Chlordecone Compensation: A new law now formally recognizes the French State’s responsibility for the long-term chlordecone pollution in Guadeloupe and Martinique, opening the door to talks on compensation for affected people; the government has one year to report to Parliament on extending existing support to victims whose illnesses are linked to pesticide exposure, with cleanup, farm and fishing support, stronger research, and better care set as priorities. Marine Protection: On World Oceans Day, France announced three new strictly protected marine zones, including coral reef protections in Guadeloupe, pushing the share of protected waters to 14.68% and aiming for 14.8% by year-end; strict rules would limit fishing, extraction and some tourism to help ecosystems recover. EU Carbon Border Rules: EU ministers agreed to tighten when countries can suspend the carbon fee on imports, requiring conditions like a 50% price jump over six months, to give more certainty for low-carbon investment. Aviation Fuel Shock: Airlines continue to collapse amid fuel shortages linked to the Strait of Hormuz disruption, with more cancellations and job losses reported. Geothermal Push: Ormat announced a new enhanced geothermal surface unit (Ormega100) to speed up scaling of clean baseload power.

Chlordecone Compensation: A new law has officially recognized the French State’s responsibility for the long-term chlordecone contamination in Guadeloupe and Martinique, opening the door to talks on compensation for affected people; the government has one year to report to Parliament on extending existing support to victims whose illnesses are linked to pesticide exposure, with funding tied in part to an extra levy on tobacco products. Marine Protection: On World Oceans Day, France announced three new marine protection zones, pushing strictly protected waters to 14.68% (including coral reef protections in Guadeloupe), with strict limits on fishing, extraction and some tourism, as France aims for 14.8% by year-end. EU Carbon Border Rules: EU ministers agreed to narrow when countries can suspend the carbon emission fee on imports, tightening the carbon border tax framework for goods like fertilisers and steel—aimed at boosting certainty for low-carbon investment. Aviation Fuel Shock: Airlines continue to collapse amid fuel shortages linked to the Strait of Hormuz disruption, with rising costs and cancelled travel ripple effects across the industry. Caribbean Climate Legacy: A broader reflection on France’s slavery commemoration also highlights the ongoing chlordecone health and environmental burden in the French Caribbean, underscoring how historical responsibility still shapes today’s reality.

Marine Protection in the French Caribbean: France announced three new marine protected areas, including in Guadeloupe, and tightened rules that restrict fishing, extraction and some tourism to help curb ocean degradation; the share of French waters under strong protection now stands at 14.68%, with a 14.8% target by year-end. EU Climate Trade Rules: EU economy ministers agreed to limit when countries can suspend the carbon emissions fee on imports, aiming to boost certainty for low-carbon investment; the suspension would only be possible if strict conditions are met, including a sharp price jump. Caribbean Climate Health Legacy: A new reflection on France’s slavery commemoration highlights ongoing impacts in the French Caribbean, pointing to widespread chlordecone contamination in Guadeloupe and Martinique and long-lasting environmental and health risks. Aviation Disruptions: Fuel shortages linked to the Strait of Hormuz disruption have contributed to airline collapses, with European Cargo among the latest, raising concerns for travelers and supply chains.

Marine Protection in Guadeloupe: France announced three new marine protected areas, including in Audierne Bay and Guadeloupe, tightening rules on fishing, extraction and some tourism as ocean health keeps slipping; the share of French waters under strong protection now stands at 14.68%, with a 14.8% target by year-end. EU Carbon Border Rules: EU ministers agreed to limit when countries can suspend the carbon fee on imports, with a key trigger: prices must rise 50% over six months versus the prior 10-year average—aimed at boosting certainty for low-carbon investment. Caribbean Toxins & Health: A new reflection on France’s slave-trade legacy also spotlights ongoing harm in the French Caribbean: chlordecone contamination linked to long-lasting pollution and very high prostate cancer rates in Martinique and Guadeloupe. Aviation Fuel Shock: Airlines continue to collapse amid fuel-price pressure after the Strait of Hormuz disruption, with European Cargo among the latest, raising the risk of higher travel costs and more cancellations.

EU Climate Policy: EU economy ministers agreed to tighten the rules for suspending the carbon emissions fee on imports, limiting exemptions to cases where prices jump sharply (at least +50% over six months versus the prior 10-year average), aiming to boost certainty for low-carbon investment. Marine Protection in Guadeloupe: France announced three new marine protected areas, including in Guadeloupe, raising the share of French waters under strong protection to about 14.68% and targeting 14.8% by year-end, with strict limits on fishing and other activities. Toxic Legacy in the Caribbean: A new look at France’s slave-trade commemoration also spotlights ongoing harm from chlordecone in Martinique and Guadeloupe, where traces are widespread and contamination is expected to persist for centuries. Aviation & Fuel Pressure: Airlines continue to collapse amid fuel-cost shocks linked to the Strait of Hormuz disruption, with higher ticket prices expected as costs surge. Geothermal Push: Ormat announced the Ormega100 unit to scale enhanced geothermal power, betting on rising electricity demand for baseload clean energy.

EU Climate Policy: EU economy ministers agreed to tighten when the bloc can suspend its carbon fee on imports, using stricter conditions (like a big price jump) and likely scaling back the suspension clause—aimed at giving more certainty for low-carbon investment. Marine Protection in the Caribbean: France announced three new marine protected areas, including in Guadeloupe, and boosted protections across French waters to about 14.68%, with tighter limits on fishing and other activities to curb biodiversity loss and plastic pollution. Climate Risk & Extreme Rain: A report revisits how cloudbursts can trigger sudden flooding, noting past heavy-rain events linked to Guadeloupe, and warns that a warming climate could increase extreme rainfall days. Caribbean Energy Tech: Ormat announced progress toward scaling enhanced geothermal systems with a new surface power unit, pitching geothermal as reliable clean baseload power. Local Health & Legacy Pollution: A piece highlights ongoing impacts of chlordecone contamination in Guadeloupe and Martinique, linking it to long-lasting environmental presence and serious health concerns. Sports & Nature Spotlight: The Fiji Surf Pro will be broadcast live across the Pacific, with Guadeloupe’s Antoine Martin among the headline competitors—an example of how ocean events can bring attention to marine environments.

Marine Protection in Guadeloupe: France announced three new marine protected areas, including one in Guadeloupe, and tightened rules that restrict fishing, extraction and some tourism—pushing France’s “high protection” share of maritime waters to 14.68% and aiming for 14.8% by year-end. Climate Risk & Extreme Rain: A new explainer links cloudbursts to heavy, localized downpours and notes that a warming climate can mean more extreme rainfall days, with flooding impacts for infrastructure—highlighting how intense rain can hit fast in the Caribbean region. Aviation Fuel Shock: Airlines continue to collapse amid global fuel shortages tied to the Strait of Hormuz disruption, with knock-on effects like higher fares and cancelled trips—an indirect pressure on travel and regional economies. Geothermal Push: Ormat says it’s accelerating enhanced geothermal system deployments with its Ormega100 unit, aiming to scale reliable clean baseload power as electricity demand rises. Caribbean Legacy & Health: A reflection on France’s slavery commemoration points to long-lasting impacts in Guadeloupe and Martinique, including chlordecone contamination and high cancer rates, keeping environmental harm and justice in the spotlight.

Marine Protection: France announced three new marine protected areas in Audierne Bay, Guadeloupe, and the French Southern and Antarctic Lands, pushing strict limits on fishing, extraction and some tourism, as it targets a near-14.8% share of waters under strong protection. Plastic Pollution: The move is framed as part of a broader push to curb plastic pollution and slow ongoing ocean degradation. Caribbean Health & Reparations: A French lower-house vote backs a bill recognizing France’s responsibility for health, moral, environmental and economic harm from chlordecone used on banana plantations in Guadeloupe and Martinique (1972–1993), with goals for decontamination, compensation and renewed research. Extreme Rain Risk: A report on cloudbursts highlights how sudden, intense downpours can trigger flooding, and warns that a warming climate may increase extreme rainfall days—relevant for island storm preparedness. Regional Transport: Partners of the EU-backed KARULINK project met in Guadeloupe to plan more sustainable maritime connectivity, including feasibility studies for regular passenger routes and better intermodal links. Aviation Fuel Shock: Fuel shortages tied to the Strait of Hormuz disruption have contributed to airline collapses and cancelled trips, with European Cargo among the latest cases.

Marine Protection: France announced three new marine protected areas in Audierne Bay, Guadeloupe, and the French Southern and Antarctic Lands, pushing “high protection” coverage of French waters to 14.68% and aiming for 14.8% by year-end, with strict limits on fishing, extraction and some tourism. Pesticide Reparations: France’s lower house backed a bill recognizing responsibility for health, moral, environmental and economic harm from chlordecone in Guadeloupe and Martinique; Santé Publique France says over 90% of adults show contamination, with Anses linking exposure to prostate cancer, and the law sets decontamination and compensation goals plus support for affected fishermen and farmers. Extreme Rain Risk: A report on cloudbursts highlights how sudden, heavy downpours have hit Guadeloupe before (notably in 1970 near Les Abymes) and warns that a warming climate can mean more extreme rainfall days and flooding impacts. Regional Transport: Partners of the EU-backed KARULINK project met in Guadeloupe to plan new regular passenger maritime routes, better intermodal connections, and more sustainable transport options across Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Saint Kitts and Nevis, and Guadeloupe. Caribbean Climate-Linked Health Context: A piece reflecting on France’s slavery-commemoration also points to lingering pesticide contamination in Guadeloupe and Martinique and its long-term health consequences.

Marine Protection: France announced three new marine protected areas—in Audierne Bay, Guadeloupe, and the French Southern and Antarctic Lands—pushing “high protection” coverage of French waters to 14.68% and aiming for 14.8% by year-end, with strict limits on fishing, extraction and some tourism. Plastic & Ocean Health: The move comes as scientists warn oceans keep degrading, alongside France’s push to strengthen the high-seas treaty process toward a January 2027 conference. Toxic Pesticide Accountability: France’s lower house backed a bill recognizing the state’s “share of responsibility” for chlordecone (Kepone) harm in Guadeloupe and Martinique, after decades of use despite warnings; lawmakers cite contamination affecting over 90% of adults and links to serious cancers, with land and water decontamination goals and plans for victim support. Regional Transport & Sustainability: Partners of the KARULINK project met in Guadeloupe to plan new regular passenger maritime routes and more intermodal, environmentally friendly transport across several Caribbean territories, funded via EU INTERREG. Extreme Rainfall Risk: A report revisits how cloudbursts can hit fast and hard—citing a past Guadeloupe case—and notes warming climates may increase extreme rainfall days. Local Biodiversity & Wildlife: The marine protections directly target biodiversity loss, including pressures from human activity in sensitive zones.

Marine Protection Push: France announced three new marine protected areas in Audierne Bay, Guadeloupe, and the French Southern and Antarctic Lands, raising the share of French waters under strict protection to 14.68% and aiming for 14.8% by year-end, with tighter limits on fishing, extraction and some tourism. Pesticide Accountability in the French West Indies: France’s parliament adopted a bill recognizing the state’s “share of responsibility” for the health, environmental and economic harm linked to chlordecone in Guadeloupe and Martinique, where more than 90% of adults are contaminated; the law calls for decontamination goals, support for affected fishermen and farmers, and further work on illnesses and future reparations. Extreme Rain Risk Explained: A new report revisits how cloudbursts can hit fast and hard, including a past case near Les Abymes (1970), and warns that a warming climate can mean more extreme rainfall days and flooding impacts. Regional Green Transport Planning: Caribbean partners met in Guadeloupe to advance the EU-backed KARULINK project, aiming for more sustainable maritime routes, better transport connections, and reduced barriers to mobility across islands. Local Ocean Biodiversity & Plastic Fight: The same French ocean push also targets plastic pollution alongside expanding protected areas.

Chlordecone Accountability: France’s National Assembly has unanimously voted to repeal the “Black Code” and, separately, lawmakers have recognised the state’s “share of responsibility” in the chlordecone (Kepone) pesticide scandal in Guadeloupe and Martinique—used on banana plantations from 1972 to 1993 despite warnings—acknowledging long-term health, environmental and economic harm, with plans for land and water decontamination and support for affected fishermen and farmers. Sargassum Response: An OECS delegation is visiting Martinique and Guadeloupe (June 1–4) to study sargassum management, including monitoring and collection, and to explore turning seaweed into value-added products under the SARSEA regional strategy. Regional Connectivity: Caribbean partners meeting in Guadeloupe (June 2–3) advanced the KARULINK project to improve maritime routes and intermodal transport, with EU INTERREG funding and an explicit push for environmentally friendly solutions. Extreme Rain Risk: A new explainer links cloudbursts—like the 1970 Les Abymes event—to heavier downpours and warns warming climates may increase extreme rainfall days, raising flood risks for infrastructure. Aviation Shock: Eleven airlines have collapsed or entered administration in 2026, with holiday cancellations and rising fuel costs expected to push ticket prices higher. Clean Energy Push: Ormat announced the Ormega100 geothermal unit to scale enhanced geothermal power, aiming to meet rising electricity demand with baseload clean energy. Sports & Climate Spotlight: Windsurfing fans will watch Guadeloupe’s Antoine Martin compete in the Fiji Surf Pro, with organisers forecasting very large waves at Cloudbreak.