AGP Executive Report

Chlordecone Compensation: France has officially recognized the State’s responsibility for long-term chlordecone pollution in Guadeloupe and Martinique, paving the way for talks on compensation for victims and a one-year report to Parliament on extending the scheme, alongside plans to speed cleanup, support farming and fishing, boost research, and improve care. Marine Protection Push: On World Oceans Day, France announced three new strict marine protection zones, bringing protected waters to 14.68%—including coral reef protections in Guadeloupe for sea turtles—aiming for 14.8% by year-end. Air Connectivity: Air Canada will launch a new weekly nonstop Quebec City–Pointe-à-Pitre route starting Dec. 17, 2026 through April 8, 2027, adding another winter gateway to Guadeloupe. Local Sports & Culture: Saint Martin’s Boardwalk Triathlon crowned Pertusot and Bruneau, while Guadeloupe-based artists helped power St. Maarten’s Summer Classical Concert.

Chlordecone Compensation Moves Forward: France has put into effect a law formally recognizing the State’s responsibility for long-term chlordecone pollution in Guadeloupe and Martinique, paving the way for talks on compensation for victims and setting priorities like faster cleanup, support for farming and fishing, stronger research, and better care. Marine Protection Boost: On World Oceans Day, France announced three new strict marine protection zones, including coral reef protections in Guadeloupe, raising protected waters to 14.68% and aiming for 14.8% by year-end. Air Connectivity for Guadeloupe: Air Canada will launch a new weekly nonstop route from Quebec City to Pointe-à-Pitre, starting Dec. 17, 2026 through April 8, 2027, adding another gateway for eastern Canada. Local Sports Spotlight: The Michelob Ultra Boardwalk Triathlon in Philipsburg drew 100+ participants, with Guadeloupe’s Frédérick Bleuzé taking third in the men’s Olympic race. Tourism & Culture: A “Destination Saint Martin” stamp set was launched by Saint Martin’s tourism office and La Poste, with books printed for both Saint Martin and Guadeloupe.

Chlordecone Compensation Moves Forward: France has brought into force a law officially recognizing the State’s responsibility for the long-term chlordecone pollution in Guadeloupe and Martinique, opening the door to talks on compensation for victims. The government now has one year to report to Parliament on extending the existing scheme to people whose illnesses are linked to pesticide exposure, with funding tied in part to an extra levy on tobacco products. The law also sets priorities for faster cleanup, support for agriculture and fishing, stronger research, and better care as courts are expected to rule soon. Marine Protection Push: On World Oceans Day, France announced three new strictly protected marine zones, bringing the share of waters under strict protection to 14.68%—including a Guadeloupe area protecting coral reefs and sea turtles. The move bans or heavily restricts activities like fishing and extraction, and aims to reach 14.8% by year-end. Air Connectivity for Guadeloupe: Air Canada will launch a new weekly nonstop route between Quebec City and Pointe-à-Pitre, running Thursdays from Dec. 17, 2026 to April 8, 2027, adding another winter gateway for travelers from eastern Canada. Local Sport Spotlight: In Saint Martin, the Boardwalk Triathlon drew 100+ participants, with Guadeloupe’s Frédérick Bleuzé taking third in the men’s Olympic-distance race.

Air Connectivity for Guadeloupe: Air Canada is adding a new weekly nonstop link from Quebec City to Pointe-à-Pitre, starting Dec. 17, 2026 through April 8, 2027, with Thursday service and A220-300 aircraft—another boost for eastern Canada’s access to the French Caribbean. Regional Travel Pressure: A wave of airline failures tied to fuel shocks has already pushed 11 carriers into administration in 2026, with European Cargo the latest, raising fears of more cancelled trips for travellers. Local Tourism & Jobs (Saint Martin): The union at the former Secrets Hotel (Saint Martin Beach Resort) says the abrupt closure has become a “human catastrophe,” alleging no real closure order existed and warning of a major social scandal. EU Climate Policy: EU ministers agreed to tighten when the bloc can suspend the carbon fee on imported goods, setting stricter criteria that could affect costs for low-carbon investment. Ocean Protection (Guadeloupe): France announced new marine protected zones, including one in Guadeloupe to safeguard coral reefs and sea turtles, pushing protected waters to 14.68% and aiming for 14.8% by year-end. Sports (Guadeloupe link): Concacaf confirmed the 2026/27 Nations League format; Guadeloupe is listed among League B teams, with promotion tied to group winners.

Postal & Tourism: Saint Martin Tourism Office and La Poste launched the “Destination Saint Martin” collector stamp book, with eight stamp designs and a print run of 5,000 books for Saint Martin and 5,000 for Guadeloupe, sold in both territories and valid worldwide. EU Trade Policy: EU ministers agreed to tighten the rules for suspending the carbon emissions fee on imported goods, limiting exemptions to strict conditions (including a 50% price jump over six months), a move aimed at boosting certainty for low-carbon investment. Regional Airlift: Air Canada will add a new weekly nonstop Quebec City–Pointe-à-Pitre route starting Dec. 17, 2026 through April 8, 2027, expanding winter access to Guadeloupe. Sports (Guadeloupe on the map): The 2026 Michelob Ultra Boardwalk Triathlon in Philipsburg crowned Guadeloupe’s Frédérick Bleuzé (men’s Olympic) and highlighted local talent in multiple categories. Ocean Protection: France announced three new marine protection zones, including one in Guadeloupe to safeguard coral reefs and sea turtles, pushing protected waters to 14.68% and targeting 14.8% by year-end.

Air Connectivity for Guadeloupe: Air Canada will launch a new weekly nonstop route between Quebec City and Pointe-à-Pitre, starting Dec. 17, 2026 (every Thursday) through April 8, 2027, adding 17 round trips in winter and building on its growing Guadeloupe network. Local Jobs Under Pressure: In Saint Martin, the union representing employees of the former Secrets Hotel (Saint Martin Beach Resort) says the abrupt closure has become a “human catastrophe,” alleging management acted to justify large-scale job cuts and questioning the basis for the shutdown. Guadeloupe on the Football Map: Celtic are reportedly monitoring Guadeloupe international Tairyk Arconte (Rodez), after he scored 14 goals in Ligue 2, while Guadeloupe’s presence also shows up in Concacaf Nations League planning for the wider region. Sports & Community: The Michelob Ultra Boardwalk Triathlon in Philipsburg crowned Guadeloupe’s Frédérick Bleuzé (men) and Melina Bruneau (women), with multiple age-category highlights. EU Policy Watch: 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. Ocean Protection: France announced new marine protection zones, including one in Guadeloupe to safeguard coral reefs and sea turtles, pushing protected waters to 14.68%.

EU Carbon Border Levy: EU economy ministers agreed to tighten when the bloc can suspend its carbon fee on imports, using criteria like a product price jump of more than 50% over six months—aimed at giving more certainty to low-carbon investment. Saint Martin tourism jobs at risk: A union says the closure of the former Secrets Hotel, now Saint Martin Beach Resort, is a “human catastrophe,” alleging owners acted without a real closure order and may be targeting mass layoffs. Airlift for the French Caribbean: Air Canada will launch a new weekly nonstop Quebec City–Pointe-à-Pitre route from Dec. 17, 2026 to April 8, 2027, adding another gateway for Guadeloupe travelers. Guadeloupe in the spotlight in sport: Guadeloupe international Taïryk Arconte (Rodez) is drawing transfer interest from Celtic and Millwall, with his rise tied to a strong Ligue 2 season. Marine protection in Guadeloupe: France announced new strict marine protection zones, including one in Guadeloupe to safeguard coral reefs and sea turtles, pushing protected waters to 14.68%. Regional football pathway: Concacaf confirmed the 2026/27 Nations League format, with Guadeloupe among League B teams competing for promotion to League A.

Hotel Jobs Crisis in the French Caribbean: The union for 122 workers left jobless after the abrupt closure of the former Secrets Hotel (now Saint Martin Beach Resort) in Anse Marcel says the shutdown is a “human catastrophe,” alleging management used a safety-commission claim to justify cutting over 90% of staff, while the register and prefecture reportedly show no order to close. New Air Link to Guadeloupe: Air Canada will launch a weekly nonstop Quebec City–Pointe-à-Pitre route starting Dec. 17, 2026, running Thursdays through April 8, 2027, adding another Canadian gateway to the island. Guadeloupe on the Sports Map: Guadeloupe’s Frédérick Bleuzé took third in the Michelob Ultra Boardwalk Triathlon Olympic race, while local sailing training continues ahead of the Route du Rhum to Guadeloupe. Football Transfer Buzz: Celtic are reportedly monitoring Guadeloupe international Taïryk Arconte, with interest also linked to Auxerre and Millwall. Ocean Protection Update: France announced three new marine protection zones, including in Guadeloupe, pushing protected waters to 14.68% and aiming for 14.8% by year-end.

Airlift Shock: Iran’s Strait of Hormuz disruption has triggered global fuel shortages and helped push 11 airlines into administration, including UK-based European Cargo, leaving hundreds facing job losses and cancelled trips. New Route to Guadeloupe: Air Canada will add a weekly nonstop Quebec City–Pointe-à-Pitre link from Dec. 17, 2026 to April 8, 2027, boosting winter access to the French Caribbean. Regional Connectivity Push: LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes signed an interline deal for single-ticket travel across the Eastern Caribbean and Guadeloupe/Martinique/French Guiana, with baggage checked through. Local Sports Spotlight: Guadeloupe’s Frédérick Bleuzé and other island athletes featured in the Michelob Ultra Boardwalk Triathlon in Philipsburg, with Pertusot and Bruneau taking top Olympic titles. Guadeloupe Football Rumours: Celtic are reportedly monitoring Guadeloupe winger Taïryk Arconte (Rodez), while other clubs also circle the 22-year-old as his stock rises. Ocean Protection: France announced three new marine protected zones, including one in Guadeloupe to safeguard coral reefs and sea turtles.

Sports Spotlight: The 2026 Michelob Ultra Boardwalk Triathlon in Philipsburg crowned Gregory Pertusot and Melina Bruneau, with Guadeloupe’s Frédérick Bleuzé taking third in the men’s Olympic race. Local Sailing & Routes: Scott Shawyer, training in Georgian Bay for the Vendée Globe 2028, will first race the Route du Rhum from France to Guadeloupe in November—then invites visitors to tour his IMOCA 60 boat. Airlift for Guadeloupe: Air Canada launches a new weekly nonstop Quebec City–Pointe-à-Pitre route from Dec. 17, 2026 to April 8, 2027, adding another Canadian gateway to the island. Regional Travel Ease: LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes signed an interline deal for single-ticket, through-checked itineraries across the Eastern Caribbean and Guadeloupe/Martinique/French Guiana. Guadeloupe in Football Transfer Talk: Celtic are reported to be monitoring Rodez striker Taïryk Arconte, the Guadeloupe international who switched allegiance after France U19. Ocean Protection: France announced three new marine protection zones, including one in Guadeloupe to safeguard coral reefs and sea turtles.

Air Connectivity: Air Canada is launching a new weekly nonstop route between Quebec City and Pointe-à-Pitre (Guadeloupe), running Thursdays from Dec. 17, 2026 to April 8, 2027, adding to its growing Guadeloupe network. Regional Travel Ease: LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes have signed an interline deal to let passengers combine flights on one ticket with checked baggage through, including links via Guadeloupe, Martinique and French Guiana. Sports & Local Talent: Celtic are reportedly tracking Guadeloupe international Taïryk Arconte (Rodez), after his Ligue 2 breakout (14 goals) and with his stock rising ahead of the summer window. Environment & Oceans: France announced three new strict marine protection zones, including one in Guadeloupe to protect coral reefs and sea turtles, pushing protected waters to 14.68%. Culture: A Summer Classical Concert in St. Maarten featured Caribbean-based artists, including multiple performers based in Guadeloupe. Colonial Legacy Debate: France repealed the Code Noir in a unanimous vote, but critics say it’s symbolic without real reparations—an issue that resonates across the Caribbean.

Air Connectivity: Air Canada is adding a new nonstop Quebec City–Pointe-à-Pitre route, weekly on Thursdays from Dec. 17, 2026 to April 8, 2027, giving eastern Canada another direct gateway to Guadeloupe. Regional Travel Ease: LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes have signed an interline deal to sell combined itineraries on one ticket, with baggage checked through—linking Eastern Caribbean islands with Guadeloupe, Martinique and French Guiana. Sports & Local Talent: Celtic are reportedly monitoring Guadeloupe international Taïryk Arconte (Rodez), after his Ligue 2 breakout (14 goals) and with his profile drawing interest from multiple clubs. French Colonial Reckoning: France’s National Assembly voted to repeal the Code Noir, a symbolic step with no legal force, while separate coverage highlights ongoing pressure over slavery and colonial legacies. Health & Justice: France’s parliament has also backed a bill acknowledging the state’s responsibility for chlordecone harm in Guadeloupe and Martinique, including decontamination goals and compensation planning. Ocean Protection: France announced three new marine protection zones, including one in Guadeloupe, pushing protected waters to 14.68% of French maritime areas.

Caribbean Air Links: LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes have signed an interline deal to let passengers book one itinerary and check baggage through across networks spanning the Eastern Caribbean and French Caribbean (including Guadeloupe and Martinique), with the collaboration already active since June 1. New Direct Route: LIAT Air will launch the first direct flights between Pointe-à-Pitre (Guadeloupe) and Montego Bay (Jamaica) starting July 14, twice weekly, a boost for travel between the French Caribbean and Jamaica. Regional Connectivity Project: Partners of the EU-backed KARULINK project met in Guadeloupe to plan new regular passenger maritime routes and better inter-island transport links. Health & Justice: France’s parliament has voted to acknowledge the state’s responsibility for chlordecone harm in Guadeloupe and Martinique, setting goals for decontamination and compensation. Environment: France announced three new marine protection zones, including one in Guadeloupe to protect coral reefs and sea turtles. Sports (Guadeloupe in the spotlight): Celtic are reportedly tracking Guadeloupe international Taïryk Arconte after his Ligue 2 breakout season.

Local Culture: The Summer Classical Concert at Belair Community Center in St. Maarten brought opera magic to the stage, with Guadeloupe-based artists (including cellist Lucile Mauchoffé, pianist Dominic Boulianne and soprano Marie Marsolle) sharing the spotlight and earning a standing ovation. Airlift & Travel: Liat Air is set to launch the first direct flights between Pointe-à-Pitre (Guadeloupe) and Montego Bay (Jamaica) from July 14, twice weekly, a long-awaited link for easier regional travel and festival plans. Regional Connectivity: LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes signed an interline deal to let passengers book one itinerary across networks with checked baggage through, cutting the hassle of multi-island transfers. Health & Accountability: France’s National Assembly adopted a bill recognizing the state’s “share of responsibility” in the chlordecone scandal affecting Guadeloupe and Martinique, with plans for remediation and a mission to assess cleanup measures. Sports (Guadeloupe in the spotlight): The Fiji Surf Pro will be broadcast live by FBC, featuring Antoine Martin of Guadeloupe among the headline competitors.

Airlift Shock for Travelers: Eleven airlines have collapsed into administration in 2026, with holiday trips cancelled and redundancies reported—European Cargo is the latest, blamed on soaring fuel costs after the Iran-related oil disruption. Regional Connectivity Boost: LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes have signed an interline deal to sell one ticket and check baggage through across their combined Caribbean networks, including Air Caraïbes links to Guadeloupe and French Guiana. New Direct Route: Liat Air will launch the first-ever direct service between Pointe-à-Pitre and Montego Bay on July 14, twice weekly, timed to help Jamaica’s Reggae Sumfest crowds. Health & Justice in Guadeloupe/Martinique: France’s parliament has adopted a bill recognizing the state’s “share of responsibility” in the chlordecone pesticide scandal, with plans for decontamination and support for affected residents. Sport & Local Talent: Celtic are linked with Guadeloupe international Taïryk Arconte as a possible summer target, while another Guadeloupe player, Mathias Phaeton, is reportedly nearing a move to Turkey.

Health & Accountability: France’s National Assembly has unanimously adopted a bill acknowledging the state’s “share of responsibility” in the chlordecone (Kepone) scandal, after decades of pesticide use in Guadeloupe and Martinique despite health warnings; lawmakers cite contamination affecting almost 90% of adults and links to serious illnesses, with an interministerial mission now set to assess cleanup and remediation. Air Connectivity: LIAT Air and Air Caraïbes have signed an interline agreement to let passengers connect across the Caribbean and to Europe on a single ticket, with baggage checked through and fewer hassles at transfers. New Route for Islanders: LIAT Air is also launching the first direct service between Pointe-à-Pitre (Guadeloupe) and Montego Bay (Jamaica) from July 14, twice weekly, timed ahead of Reggae Sumfest. Regional Mobility: The EU-backed KARULINK project held its first steering meeting in Guadeloupe to plan more regular passenger maritime routes and better inter-island transport links. Sports (Local Talent): Scottish clubs are tracking Guadeloupe international Taïryk Arconte (Rodez) as a potential summer transfer target.