AGP Executive Report

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.

Regional Air Connectivity: Caribbean Airlines will cut several routes from June 1, ending flights to Dominica, St Kitts and Nevis, and the Ogle (Guyana)–Suriname corridor, while reducing service to Martinique and Guadeloupe to twice weekly—passengers can expect rebooking, refunds, or travel credit as the airline cites operational reliability and long-term financial stability. Sargassum & Marine Pollution 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. Health Access in the Eastern Caribbean: PAHO/WHO and OECS-PPS will convene a 28–29 May workshop in Saint Lucia to launch a technical working group aimed at improving access to safe, quality-assured medicines and health technologies, including stronger procurement and supply chains. Disaster-Ready Water & Hygiene: ABRCS completed regional WASH training in Guadeloupe (May 18–22) to boost emergency preparedness and humanitarian response skills across the Caribbean. Energy Efficiency Support: The Bahamas launched a Green Climate Fund-backed free energy audit initiative for MSMEs, offering audits to cut costs and improve resilience.

Regional Air Connectivity: Caribbean Airlines will cut several routes from June 1, ending flights to Dominica and St Kitts and Nevis, plus the Ogle (Guyana)–Suriname link, while reducing service to Martinique and Guadeloupe to twice weekly; the airline says it’s targeting long-term financial stability and will offer rebooking, refunds, or travel credit for affected passengers, and is working on a codeshare to widen options. Marine Pollution & Sargassum: SARSEA meetings in Dominica (May 26–28) bring together about 60 regional stakeholders to shape national strategic plans for sargassum management, with field missions planned for Martinique and Guadeloupe starting June 1. Health & Resilience: PAHO/WHO and OECS-PPS will convene a two-day workshop in Saint Lucia (May 28–29) to strengthen access to safe medicines and health technologies across Eastern Caribbean states, including pooled procurement and supply-chain improvements. Disaster Preparedness (WASH): ABRCS reps completed regional WASH training in Guadeloupe (May 18–22) to boost emergency water, sanitation and hygiene response capacity.

Regional Sargassum Response: More than 60 environmental professionals and stakeholders are meeting in Dominica under the SARSEA programme to shape national strategic plans for tackling sargassum, with follow-up field missions planned for Martinique and Guadeloupe starting June 1. Guadeloupe–France Cooperation: The Guadeloupe Region and Expertise France signed an MoU to strengthen coordinated action against the sargassum crisis, aiming for synergy between SARSEA and the SARG’COOP II programme. Health & Medicines Access: PAHO/WHO and the OECS-PPS will convene a 28–29 May workshop in Saint Lucia to improve access to safe, effective medicines and health technologies across Eastern Caribbean states, including pooled procurement and stronger supply chains. Disaster Preparedness (WASH): Antigua and Barbuda Red Cross reps completed regional WASH emergency training in Guadeloupe (May 18–22), boosting skills in water production, sanitation, hygiene promotion, and disaster coordination. Regional Connectivity: Caribbean Airlines will cut routes and reduce flights from June 1, including discontinuing services affecting Dominica and St Kitts and reducing frequency to Martinique and Guadeloupe—an issue for regional mobility and trade.

Sargassum Response: Regional SARSEA meetings in Dominica (May 26–28) are bringing together about 60 environment and fisheries stakeholders to shape National Strategic Plans for sargassum management, with follow-up field missions planned for Martinique and Guadeloupe starting June 1. Guadeloupe Action: Expertise France and the Guadeloupe Region signed an MoU to deepen cooperation against the sargassum crisis, aiming for better coordination between SARSEA and the SARG’COOP II programme. Regional Connectivity Shock: Caribbean Airlines will cut routes and reduce frequencies from June 1, ending Dominica and St Kitts links and the Ogle (Guyana)–Suriname service, while dropping flights to Martinique and Guadeloupe to twice weekly—passengers face rebooking, refunds, or travel credit options. Health & Procurement: PAHO/WHO and OECS-PPS will convene a 28–29 May workshop in Saint Lucia to launch a technical working group and improve access to safe, quality-assured medicines and health technologies across Eastern Caribbean states. Disaster Preparedness (WASH): ABRCS representatives completed regional WASH training in Guadeloupe (May 18–22) to strengthen emergency water, sanitation, and hygiene response capacity.

Regional Air Connectivity: Caribbean Airlines will cut several routes from June 1, ending flights between Dominica and St Kitts and Nevis, and discontinuing the Ogle (Guyana)–Suriname corridor; it will also reduce service to Martinique and Guadeloupe to twice weekly, citing sustained losses and a push for operational reliability, with affected passengers offered rebooking, refunds, or travel credit and a possible codeshare to expand options. Sargassum Response in the French Caribbean: Experts and regional stakeholders are meeting in Dominica under SARSEA to shape national strategic plans for sargassum management, with follow-up field work planned for Martinique and Guadeloupe starting June 1. Guadeloupe Leads Coordination on Sargassum: Expertise France and the Guadeloupe Region signed an MoU to strengthen cooperation against the sargassum crisis, aiming for synergy between SARSEA and the SARG’COOP II programme. Disaster Preparedness (WASH): ABRCS representatives completed regional WASH training in Guadeloupe to improve emergency water, sanitation, and hygiene response capacity across the Caribbean. Local Climate & Health Access: Montserrat’s health strategy highlights a plan for rapid airlift to Guadeloupe for advanced care, targeting faster treatment for high-risk conditions linked to diabetes and hypertension.