AGP Executive Report

Hotel Workers’ Fight: In Anse Marcel, the union for the 122 staff left jobless after the abrupt closure of the former Secrets Hotel—now Saint Martin Beach Resort—calls the situation a “human catastrophe,” alleging the shutdown was used to justify cutting over 90% of the workforce, despite claims that no closure order was issued. Airlift Boost for Guadeloupe: Air Canada will launch a new weekly nonstop Quebec City–Pointe-à-Pitre route starting Dec. 17, 2026, adding another winter gateway to the French Caribbean. Regional Travel Made Easier: LIAT 2020 and Air Caraïbes signed an interline deal for single-ticket, through-checked itineraries across Eastern Caribbean and Guadeloupe/Martinique/French Guiana links. Sports Spotlight (Guadeloupe Connection): Guadeloupe winger Taïryk Arconte is drawing transfer interest, with reports linking him to Celtic amid summer window talk. Environment Watch: France announced three new marine protection zones, including one in Guadeloupe to safeguard coral reefs and sea turtles. Caribbean Airlift Partnerships: New interline agreements involving Winair, Contour, LIAT and Air Caraïbes aim to reduce the hassle of hopping between nearby islands.

Air Canada Expansion: 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 Canadian gateway to Guadeloupe. Marine Protection: France announced three new marine protection zones, including one in Guadeloupe to protect coral reefs and sea turtles, pushing protected waters to 14.68% with a goal of 14.8% by year-end. Regional Airlift Push: LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes signed an interline deal to let passengers book combined itineraries on one ticket with checked baggage through—aimed at making island-hopping across the Caribbean easier. Health & Justice in the French Caribbean: A French lower-house vote backs a bill recognizing the harm from chlordecone in Guadeloupe and Martinique, setting goals for decontamination, compensation, and renewed research. Football & Local Talent: Celtic are linked with Guadeloupe international winger Taïryk Arconte, while Guadeloupe’s presence keeps surfacing in European transfer talk. Travel Disruption Watch: A wave of airline collapses tied to fuel shocks continues, with European Cargo entering administration and redundancies reported.

New Air Route to Guadeloupe: Air Canada will launch a weekly nonstop Quebec City–Pointe-à-Pitre service, running Thursdays from Dec. 17, 2026 to April 8, 2027, with 17 round trips in the winter season. Marine Protection Push: France says it has boosted strict marine protection to 14.68% of its waters, creating three new protected zones including one in Guadeloupe to safeguard coral reefs and sea turtles. Chlordecone Law in the French Caribbean: France’s lower house backed a bill recognizing responsibility for health, environmental and economic harm from chlordecone in Guadeloupe and Martinique, setting goals for decontamination and compensation. Regional Travel Connectivity: New interline deals aim to make island-hopping easier, including LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes offering single-ticket journeys across the Eastern and French Caribbean. Sports Transfer Buzz: Guadeloupe international Taïryk Arconte is drawing interest from Celtic as the summer window approaches. Aviation Industry Pressure: Reports highlight airline collapses tied to soaring fuel costs, with travelers facing cancellations and job losses.

New Air Link to Guadeloupe: Air Canada will launch a new weekly nonstop route between Quebec City and Pointe-à-Pitre, starting Dec. 17, 2026, with Thursday flights running through April 8, 2027—another boost for eastern Canada–Guadeloupe travel. Marine Protection Push: France announced three new marine protection zones, including one in Guadeloupe to safeguard coral reefs and sea turtles, bringing protected waters to 14.68% and aiming for 14.8% by year-end. Chlordecone Accountability in Parliament: French lawmakers unanimously voted to recognize the state’s “share of responsibility” for health, environmental and economic harm from chlordecone in Guadeloupe and Martinique, with cleanup and victim support measures now on the agenda. Caribbean Travel Made Easier: LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes signed an interline deal allowing one-ticket, through-checked itineraries across their combined networks, including Air Caraïbes services from Guadeloupe. Regional Connectivity Project: Partners of the KARULINK initiative met in Guadeloupe to plan new maritime routes and smoother transport links across several Eastern Caribbean territories. Sports & Local Talent: Celtic are linked with Guadeloupe international Taïryk Arconte, a Rodez winger, as transfer talk heats up.

Airlift Boost for Guadeloupe: Air Canada will launch a new weekly nonstop route from Quebec City to Pointe-à-Pitre, starting Dec. 17 and running Thursdays through April 8, 2027, using the Airbus A220-300 (12 business, 125 economy). Ocean Protection Push: France says it has reached 14.68% of its maritime waters under strict protection and is creating three new marine protected zones, including one in Guadeloupe to safeguard coral reefs and sea turtles. Health & Accountability in the French West Indies: France’s National Assembly has unanimously voted to repeal the Code Noir, but a separate major local issue moves forward too—Parliament now recognizes the state’s “share of responsibility” in the chlordecone scandal affecting Guadeloupe and Martinique, with decontamination goals and compensation work on the way. Regional Travel Links: LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes signed an interline deal to let passengers book combined itineraries on one ticket, with baggage checked through between networks.

Chlordecone Reckoning: France’s lower house has unanimously voted to recognize the state’s “share of responsibility” for the health, moral, environmental and economic harm linked to the chlordecone pesticide scandal in Guadeloupe and Martinique, with lawmakers citing contamination affecting over 90% of adults and links to cancers; the bill now heads through the next steps for compensation and cleanup planning. Regional Airlift Boost: LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes have signed an interline deal letting travellers book one ticket and check baggage through across English- and French-speaking islands, including Guadeloupe, Martinique and French Guiana, aiming to cut hassle and duplicate fees. New Direct Route: Liat Air says it will launch direct flights between Guadeloupe and Jamaica starting July 14, with two weekly services timed around major travel demand. Ocean Protection Push: France announced three new marine protection zones, raising protected maritime waters to 14.68%, including a Guadeloupe area to safeguard coral reefs and sea turtles. Connectivity Upgrade in Dominica: Flow says it has invested over US$1 million to tackle mobile network interference in northern Dominica, tracing it to external interference originating from a Guadeloupe operator. Maritime Planning in the Caribbean: Partners of the EU-backed KARULINK project met in Guadeloupe to plan new regular passenger routes and improve sustainable inter-island mobility.

Aviation Shock for Travelers: Eleven airlines have collapsed or entered administration in 2026, with holiday trips cancelled and more job losses expected; European Cargo’s shutdown is reported to cost about 180 roles, as airlines warn that soaring fuel costs could push fares higher. Regional Airlift Boost: LIAT Air (2020) and Air Caraïbes have signed an interline deal, letting passengers book one itinerary across English- and French-speaking islands with checked baggage through and fewer duplicate fees. New Direct Link to Jamaica: LIAT Air says it will launch a direct Guadeloupe–Jamaica service from July 14, with flights between Pointe-à-Pitre and Montego Bay timed around the Reggae Festival. Health & Accountability in the French West Indies: France’s National Assembly has backed a bill recognizing the state’s “share of responsibility” in the chlordecone pesticide scandal affecting Guadeloupe and Martinique, including plans for decontamination and support for affected groups. Environmental Cooperation: OECS partners are visiting Martinique and Guadeloupe to study sargassum management and explore turning seaweed into useful products. Local Disruption: A fishermen’s strike in Guadeloupe has blocked the port of Pointe-à-Pitre, disrupting ferry services to Dominica.

Airlift & Travel Disruptions: Eleven airlines have collapsed into administration in 2026, with holidays cancelled and more pressure on already-stressed travellers as fuel costs surge after the Iran conflict. Regional Connectivity Boost: LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes launched an interline agreement, letting passengers book one itinerary with checked baggage across Guadeloupe, Martinique, French Guiana and LIAT’s wider Eastern Caribbean network. Guadeloupe-Jamaica Route: LIAT Air announced a new direct Guadeloupe–Jamaica service starting July 14, timed ahead of Jamaica’s Reggae Festival. Health & Justice in the French West Indies: France’s parliament voted to recognize the state’s “share of responsibility” in the chlordecone scandal affecting Guadeloupe and Martinique, with plans for decontamination, support for affected farmers and fishermen, and further work on future reparations. Colonial Legacy Update: France’s National Assembly unanimously repealed the Code Noir, a 1685 law that treated enslaved people as property—an important symbolic step, but reparations details remain unclear. Local Impact: A fishermen’s strike in Guadeloupe disrupted ferry services to Dominica by blocking Pointe-à-Pitre port.

Chlordecone Accountability: France’s National Assembly voted unanimously to repeal the Code Noir and also backed a bill recognizing the state’s “share of responsibility” in the chlordecone pesticide scandal harming Guadeloupe and Martinique—where over 90% of adults carry traces and health impacts include links to prostate cancer—while lawmakers say reparations need a clearer legal framework. Regional Air Connectivity: LIAT Air and Air Caraïbes launched an interline deal letting passengers book combined routes on one ticket with checked baggage through, linking Guadeloupe and Martinique to the wider Eastern Caribbean and onward to Paris-Orly. New Direct Route: LIAT Air will start a direct Guadeloupe–Jamaica service on July 14, with flights from Pointe-à-Pitre to Montego Bay and back, timed ahead of Jamaica’s Reggae Festival. Mobile Network Fix in Dominica: Flow says it invested over US$1 million to address mobile interference in northern Dominica caused by an operator in Guadeloupe, with equipment arriving mid-June. Maritime Integration: Partners of the EU-backed KARULINK project met in Guadeloupe to plan new passenger routes and smoother inter-island transport. Sports & Local Talent: Celtic are linked with Guadeloupe international Taïryk Arconte, while transfer chatter continues across European and Scottish football.

Aviation Connectivity: LIAT Air and Air Caraïbes have launched a new interline deal, letting passengers book one itinerary on a single ticket with through-checked baggage across the combined networks—linking Guadeloupe, Martinique and French Guiana with LIAT’s wider Eastern Caribbean routes and onward connections to Paris-Orly. Regional Mobility Planning: The EU-backed KARULINK project held its first steering meeting in Guadeloupe, aiming to improve maritime routes, inter-island transport links, and more sustainable passenger and cargo movement across partner territories. Health & Justice: France’s National Assembly has unanimously voted to repeal the Code Noir, a slavery-era law that kept enslaved people legally classified as property—an important symbolic step as debate continues over how to address colonial harms. Public Health Accountability: Lawmakers also backed a bill recognizing the state’s “share of responsibility” in the chlordecone pesticide scandal affecting Guadeloupe and Martinique, with decontamination and compensation measures now on the table. Sports (Local Talent): Guadeloupe international Taïryk Arconte is drawing transfer interest, with reports linking him to Celtic and other clubs after his standout season at Rodez.

Regional Aviation: LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes have signed an interline deal to let passengers book combined trips on a single ticket, with baggage checked through—linking Eastern Caribbean routes with Air Caraïbes services from Guadeloupe, Martinique and French Guiana, plus onward connections to Paris-Orly. New Routes: LIAT Air says it will launch direct flights between Guadeloupe and Jamaica starting July 14, with two weekly services boosting tourism around Jamaica’s Reggae Festival. Connectivity Project: Caribbean partners met in Guadeloupe for the KARULINK steering committee, aiming to improve maritime links and reduce barriers to movement across islands, with EU INTERREG support. Health & Justice: France’s National Assembly has unanimously voted to recognize the state’s “share of responsibility” in the chlordecone (Kepone) pesticide scandal affecting Guadeloupe and Martinique, setting goals for cleanup and compensation work. Sports: Concacaf confirmed the 2026/27 Concacaf Nations League format, with Guadeloupe’s wider region watching as Guyana competes in League B and the finals set for March 2027.

Regional Aviation & Connectivity: LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes have launched an interline agreement letting travellers book combined trips on a single ticket with through-checked baggage, linking Guadeloupe, Martinique and French Guiana with LIAT’s wider Eastern Caribbean network and onward connections to Paris-Orly. New Route for Guadeloupe: LIAT Air says it will start direct flights between Guadeloupe and Jamaica on July 14, with service from Pointe-à-Pitre to Montego Bay twice weekly and the return twice weekly, timed ahead of Jamaica’s 2026 Reggae Festival. Local Disruption: A fishermen’s strike in Guadeloupe has blocked the port of Pointe-à-Pitre, disrupting ferry services to Dominica and leaving passengers to be accommodated by operators. Health & Accountability: France’s parliament has voted to acknowledge the state’s “share of responsibility” in the chlordecone (Kepone) pesticide scandal affecting Guadeloupe and Martinique, with plans for decontamination and support measures. Legal History: France’s National Assembly has unanimously voted to repeal the slavery-era Code Noir, a symbolic step that still awaits Senate approval.

Chlordecone Accountability: France’s National Assembly unanimously backed a bill recognizing the state’s “share of responsibility” for the health, environmental and economic harm from the chlordecone (Kepone) pesticide in Guadeloupe and Martinique, with lawmakers citing contamination affecting over 90% of adults and links to cancers and other long-term damage; the measure also points to decontamination goals, support for affected fishermen and farmers, and further work on future reparations. Code Noir Repeal: In a separate historic vote, France moved to repeal the 1685 Code Noir that treated enslaved people as “movable property,” a symbolic step that still leaves many pressing for real justice beyond gestures. Regional Travel Boost: LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes signed an interline deal for single-ticket journeys across their combined networks, including Air Caraïbes services from Guadeloupe and Martinique, with through-checked baggage and fewer transfer hassles. Connectivity on the Move: A new direct LIAT Air route is set to launch between Guadeloupe and Jamaica in July, timed to support travel around Jamaica’s Reggae Festival. Maritime Planning in Guadeloupe: Eastern Caribbean partners met in Guadeloupe to advance KARULINK, aiming to improve regional passenger and goods movement with EU-backed feasibility work on new routes and more sustainable transport. Sargassum Strategy Visit: OECS partners are touring Martinique and Guadeloupe to study sargassum management and ways to turn seaweed into value-added products. Sports & Culture: A Guadeloupe-born player, Taïryk Arconte, is again linked to a potential move abroad, while France’s colonial legacy debate continues to ripple through public life and media.

Chlordecone Accountability: France’s National Assembly unanimously backed a bill recognizing the state’s “share of responsibility” for the health, environmental and economic harm from the chlordecone pesticide scandal in Guadeloupe and Martinique, with lawmakers citing contamination affecting over 90% of adults and links to cancers and other long-term effects. Regional Aviation Boost: LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes signed an interline agreement for single-ticket travel across their networks, including Air Caraïbes services from Guadeloupe and onward to Europe via Paris-Orly. Connectivity Planning in the Caribbean: Partners of the KARULINK project met in Guadeloupe to push new maritime routes and better inter-island transport links, supported by EU funding. Sargassum Management Mission: An OECS delegation is visiting Martinique and Guadeloupe to study sargassum seaweed handling and ways to turn it into value-added products. Legal Training for Businesses: OHADAC’s CARO Centre and the OECS will launch arbitration and ADR training in the Eastern Caribbean, aiming to make dispute resolution more accessible for regional investors and firms.

Code Noir Repeal: France’s National Assembly voted 254-0 to repeal the 1685 Code Noir, the slavery-era decree that treated enslaved people as “movable property,” a rare moment of unanimity that still leaves reparations unresolved. Chlordecone Accountability: Parliament also backed a bill recognizing the state’s “share of responsibility” for the health, environmental and economic harm from chlordecone (Kepone) in Guadeloupe and Martinique, with decontamination and support for affected fishermen and farmers. Regional Connectivity by Sea: In Guadeloupe, partners of the EU-backed KARULINK project met to plan new maritime routes and more seamless travel between islands, aiming for greener, stronger mobility. Air Links Boost: LIAT Air and Air Caraïbes signed an interline agreement for single-ticket travel across the Caribbean and onward to Paris-Orly, while LIAT announced direct Guadeloupe–Jamaica flights starting July 14. Local Disruption: A fishermen’s strike in Guadeloupe blocked Pointe-à-Pitre port, disrupting ferry services to Dominica. Health & Environment: An OECS delegation is visiting Martinique and Guadeloupe to study sargassum management, and France also reported mosquito-borne cases imported from overseas, including the French Caribbean.

Chlordecone Accountability: France’s National Assembly has unanimously backed a bill saying the state shares responsibility for the health, moral, 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 work. Colonial Law Repeal: France also voted 254-0 to repeal the 1685 Code Noir, ending a slavery-era rule that treated enslaved people as “movable property” (symbolic, but now headed to the Senate). Regional Aviation Boost: LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes signed an interline deal for single-ticket travel across their networks, including Air Caraïbes services from Guadeloupe and Martinique, with through-checked baggage. Guadeloupe-Dominica Disruption: A fishermen’s strike in Guadeloupe blocked Pointe-à-Pitre port, disrupting ferry services to Dominica. Connectivity Upgrade in the Region: Flow says it invested over US$1 million in network upgrades to tackle mobile interference affecting northern Dominica, with equipment due to arrive mid-June. Arbitration for Business: OHADAC and CARO will launch June 10 training on arbitration and ADR across the Eastern Caribbean, including Guadeloupe and Martinique.