AGP Executive Report

Caribbean Climate Watch: CariCOF warns El Niño is strengthening as Caribbean Sea temperatures keep rising, bringing more intense heat, longer drought in parts of the Lesser Antilles, and a higher risk of flooding from heavy rain during the 2026 wet season. Sargassum Response: OECS is scaling up sargassum management after a study tour in Martinique and Guadeloupe, supported by the EU RIGHT programme and SARSEA, aiming to cut coastal impacts and develop “blue economy” uses. Pesticide Health Concern: Saint Lucia ranks sixth globally for pesticide use intensity, with regional research in Guadeloupe/Martinique linking higher pesticide exposure to higher prostate cancer and blood cancer risks. Disease Control Alert: Scientists report genetic changes in the schistosomiasis parasite that may reduce response to praziquantel, calling for ongoing genomic surveillance to protect treatment effectiveness. Regional Integration Debate: After CARICOM’s 51st meeting, analysts say the focus must shift from vision to measurable returns—especially on operational issues like connectivity. Regional Security, Broader Lens: OECS and partners discuss security beyond policing, including climate resilience, cybersecurity, food/energy security, and maritime protection.

Climate Outlook: CariCOF warns El Niño is strengthening as Caribbean Sea temperatures keep rising, bringing hotter, more humid conditions, recurrent heatwaves (especially in the north), slower-than-usual drought recovery in parts of the Lesser Antilles, and a continued risk of heavy rainfall and flooding during the 2026 wet season. Sargassum Response: OECS says a June 1–5 study tour to Martinique and Guadeloupe is shaping a more coordinated, solution-focused sargassum plan across nine member states, supported by the EU RIGHT Programme and SARSEA, including collection and “valorisation” to turn the seaweed into economic opportunities. Pesticides & Health: An Economist piece citing FAO data ranks Saint Lucia sixth globally for pesticide use intensity (27.6 kg per hectare of cropland) and points to health concerns; it also recalls Guadeloupe/Martinique research linking higher pesticide exposure in banana workers to higher prostate and blood cancer risks. Disease Watch: Scientists report genetic changes in the schistosomiasis parasite that may reduce response to praziquantel, urging ongoing genomic surveillance to protect long-term treatment effectiveness. Regional Security: At an Antilles Regional Security Conference, OECS-linked leaders call for security to include climate resilience, cybersecurity, food/energy security, and maritime protection—not just policing. Local Ports & Blue Economy: OECS and EU-backed efforts highlight French Caribbean know-how as a model for regional integration and practical environmental management. Caribbean Reparations: A Caricom-backed delegation in London pushes reparations that include decolonisation demands, including Britain giving up overseas territories. Cruise Tourism: Oceania Cruises promotes late-2026 Caribbean itineraries featuring Pointe-à-Pitre, with adults-only ships and limited-time perks like airfare and a pre-cruise hotel.

Sargassum Response Boost: OECS delegates are using lessons from Martinique and Guadeloupe to reshape a more coordinated, solution-first approach to recurring sargassum, supported by the EU’s RIGHT programme and the SARSEA project, with a push to also turn seaweed into economic value. Heat and Rain Risk Alert: CariCOF warns that strengthening El Niño plus warmer Caribbean Sea temperatures could bring more intense humid heat, longer drought in parts of the Lesser Antilles, and a higher risk of flooding from heavy downpours during the 2026 wet season. Pesticides and Health Spotlight: A new ranking based on FAO 2025 data puts Saint Lucia 6th globally for pesticide use intensity, raising concerns for public and environmental health; regional research links high pesticide exposure in Guadeloupe/Martinique banana workers to higher cancer risks. Disease Control Warning: Scientists report genetic changes in the schistosomiasis parasite that may reduce response to praziquantel, urging ongoing genomic surveillance to protect long-term treatment effectiveness. Regional Security, Broader Lens: At an Antilles regional security conference, leaders including Roosevelt Skerrit called for security planning that fully includes climate resilience, food and energy security, cybersecurity, and maritime protection. Marine Biodiversity Note: A newly discovered Caribbean sea slug was named Aldisa vozinhai after research near Cuba and Guadeloupe, adding another biodiversity story to the region’s scientific record.

Health & Drug Resistance: Scientists report genetic changes in wild Schistosoma mansoni populations that could weaken the parasite’s response to praziquantel, the only treatment for schistosomiasis—prompting calls for ongoing genomic surveillance across Africa and the Caribbean. Climate Outlook: CariCOF warns El Niño is strengthening, with hotter Caribbean seas raising risks of heatwaves, slower-to-recover drought in parts of the Lesser Antilles, and flooding from heavy rain later in 2026. Sargassum Response: OECS delegates, backed by the EU’s RIGHT programme and SARSEA, are using lessons from Martinique and Guadeloupe to scale up coordinated sargassum collection and “valorisation” into a blue-economy opportunity. Pesticides & Cancer Risk: Saint Lucia ranks sixth globally for pesticide use intensity, and regional research links high pesticide exposure (including in Guadeloupe/Martinique banana workers) to higher prostate and blood cancer risks. Regional Security: At a Martinique conference, OECS leaders urged a broader, integrated approach to security that includes climate resilience, cybersecurity, food/energy security, and maritime protection. Marine Biodiversity: A new tiny red sea slug species was named Aldisa vozinhai after Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha, discovered near Cuba and Guadeloupe.

Climate Risk Watch: CariCOF warns El Niño is strengthening alongside warmer Caribbean Sea temperatures, raising the odds of heatwaves, slower-to-recover drought in parts of the Lesser Antilles, and flooding risk from heavy rain during the 2026 wet season. Sargassum Response: OECS delegates, after a mission through Martinique and Guadeloupe, are pushing a more coordinated sargassum management plan across member states, supported by the EU RIGHT Programme and SARSEA, with a focus on collection and turning seaweed into economic products. Pesticide & Health: A FAO-based ranking highlighted Saint Lucia’s high pesticide use intensity, and the report links heavy exposure to serious health concerns, including findings from regional research involving banana plantation workers in Guadeloupe and Martinique. Regional Security & Climate: At a Martinique conference, OECS leaders stressed that security must include climate resilience, food and energy security, cybersecurity, and maritime protection—not just policing. Biodiversity Spotlight: A new sea slug species, Aldisa vozinhai, was named after Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha, with the discovery tied to Caribbean waters near Cuba and Guadeloupe. Reparations Push: Caribbean reparations advocates expanded their London outreach to build public education and civil society partnerships, including new US involvement via Dr. Ron Daniels.

Climate Risk Watch: CariCOF says strengthening El Niño plus warmer Caribbean Sea temperatures could mean more intense heat, slower-to-recover drought in parts of the Lesser Antilles, and a higher risk of flooding from heavy rain later in the 2026 wet season. Sargassum Response (OECS): OECS delegates are pushing a more coordinated, solution-first approach after a June 1–5 study tour of Martinique and Guadeloupe, supported by the EU RIGHT programme and SARSEA, to improve collection and explore turning sargassum into economic products for the “blue economy.” Pesticides & Health (Saint Lucia/region): FAO-linked data highlighted Saint Lucia as 6th globally for pesticide use intensity, raising concerns about environmental and public health impacts; regional research cited links between higher pesticide exposure and increased cancer risk among banana workers in Guadeloupe/Martinique. Regional Security & Climate: At the Antilles Regional Security Conference in Martinique, OECS partners—including PM Roosevelt Skerrit—called for security to include climate resilience, cybersecurity, food/energy security, and disaster-ready maritime protection. Local Marine Discovery (Guadeloupe waters): A newly found red sea slug, Aldisa vozinhai, was discovered near Cuba and Guadeloupe and named after Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha.

Climate Risk Watch: CariCOF says strengthening El Niño plus steadily warmer Caribbean Sea temperatures could mean more intense heat, slower-to-recover drought in parts of the Lesser Antilles, and a higher risk of flooding from heavy rain later in the 2026 wet season, with recurrent heatwaves expected into September. Sargassum Response: OECS delegates just returned from a study tour in Martinique and Guadeloupe, backed by the EU RIGHT Programme and SARSEA, to push a more coordinated, solution-focused sargassum plan across nine member states—aiming to cut impacts on coasts, health and tourism while exploring ways to turn seaweed into economic value. Pesticide Pressure: A new ranking based on FAO data puts Saint Lucia sixth globally for pesticide use intensity (27.6 kg per hectare of cropland), raising fresh concerns about public and environmental health. Regional Security Talks: At a Martinique conference, OECS and partners discussed security as broader than policing—linking maritime protection, cybersecurity, food and energy security, and climate resilience. Marine Life & Biodiversity: A newly discovered red sea slug has been named Aldisa vozinhai after Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha, with the species found in Caribbean waters near Cuba and Guadeloupe.

Pesticide Health Alarm: A new FAO-based ranking flags Saint Lucia as 6th globally for pesticide use intensity, at 27.6 kg per hectare of cropland, raising concerns for public health and ecosystems; regional research cited links higher pesticide exposure in Guadeloupe and Martinique banana workers to greater risks of prostate and blood cancers. Sargassum Playbook for the Region: OECS says it’s adapting proven sargassum management methods from Martinique and Guadeloupe, after a EU-supported study tour, aiming to cut environmental impacts and explore turning seaweed into economic products for the blue economy. Regional Security Goes Climate-First: At an Antilles-Guyane cooperation and security conference in Martinique, OECS and leaders including PM Roosevelt Skerrit urged a broader security approach that includes climate resilience, food and energy security, cybersecurity, and maritime protection. Marine Biodiversity Spotlight: A Spanish researcher named a newly discovered red sea slug, Aldisa vozinhai, after Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha, with the species found in Caribbean waters near Havana and Guadeloupe. EU–OECS Cooperation: EU Ambassador Fiona Ramsey presented credentials to OECS Director General Dr. Didacus Jules, reaffirming EU support for regional integration and sustainable development.

Regional Security & Climate Resilience: At the Antilles-Guyane Regional Cooperation Conference (CCRAG) and the Antilles Regional Security Conference in Martinique (July 1–3), OECS partners discussed security beyond policing—linking maritime protection, cybersecurity, and food/energy security with climate resilience and disaster preparedness. Local Autonomy in French Caribbean: Martinique also signed an agreement with the French State to open talks on expanding local normative powers, aiming for more autonomy while staying within the French Republic. EU–OECS Cooperation: The EU’s Ambassador to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, Fiona Ramsey, presented her credentials to OECS Director General Dr. Didacus Jules, reaffirming support for regional integration and sustainable development. Caribbean Reparations Push: A Caricom-backed delegation urged Britain to end slavery’s legacy by giving up overseas territories, arguing for political autonomy alongside financial compensation. Biodiversity Spotlight (Guadeloupe link): A newly discovered Caribbean marine mollusk was named Aldisa vozinhai after Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha; the species was found during research in waters near Havana and the island of Guadeloupe.

Caribbean Reparations Push: A Caricom delegation is in London urging Britain to go beyond financial compensation and start decolonising by handing back overseas territories tied to “extractive colonialism,” including Turks and Caicos, Anguilla, Montserrat, the British Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands and Bermuda. Regional Security for Climate Resilience: OECS-linked talks in Martinique saw Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit call for a broader, coordinated approach to security that includes climate resilience, cybersecurity, food and energy security, and maritime protection—not just policing. Marine Biodiversity in the Caribbean: Spanish researcher Jesús Ortea has named a newly discovered red sea slug, Aldisa vozinhai, after Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha; the species was found in Caribbean waters near Havana and the island of Guadeloupe. EU–OECS Partnership: EU Ambassador Fiona Ramsey presented her credentials to OECS Director General Dr. Didacus Jules, reaffirming EU support for regional integration and sustainable development, noting shared maritime challenges with French territories like Martinique and Guadeloupe. Sailing & Weather: The DRHEAM-CUP/Grand Prix de France de Course au Large kicked off in Cherbourg with “champagne sailing,” and race management adjusted the route north to reduce risk from an approaching storm system.

Marine Biodiversity & Guadeloupe Waters: A newly discovered red sea slug has been named Aldisa vozinhai after Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha, with the species found during Spanish biologist Jesús Ortea’s biodiversity research in the Caribbean near Havana and the island of Guadeloupe—an unusual link between sport and marine science. Regional Climate & Health Preparedness: French health guidance highlights which people may need extra monitoring during heat waves, including infants, older adults, people with chronic conditions, and those socially isolated, plus medication types that can make heat adaptation harder (like some diuretics, laxatives, and certain blood-pressure drugs). Caribbean Partnerships: The EU ambassador to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, Fiona Ramsey, formally presented credentials to OECS Director General Didacus Jules, reaffirming support for regional integration and sustainable development—explicitly noting shared maritime challenges across the Caribbean, including French territories like Guadeloupe. Sports & Environment Angle: The DRHEAM-CUP/Grand Prix de France de Course au Large kicked off in Cherbourg with strong winds and “champagne sailing,” and the race is also a qualifier for the Route du Rhum-Destination Guadeloupe, bringing more attention to how weather shapes ocean events.

Heat & health warning: A French health guide flags which medications can raise risk during intense heat waves, urging extra monitoring for infants, older adults, people with chronic conditions, cognitive impairments, and those facing social isolation or extreme-heat work conditions, with special vigilance for diuretics, laxatives, antihypertensives, and some psychotropic drugs. Marine biodiversity & Guadeloupe waters: Spanish researcher Jesús Ortea has named a newly discovered tiny red sea slug “Aldisa vozinhai” after Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha, discovered in Caribbean waters near Havana and the island of Guadeloupe—linking local marine research to global attention on biodiversity. Regional cooperation: The EU ambassador to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, Fiona Ramsey, presented credentials to OECS Director General Didacus Jules, reaffirming EU support for regional integration and sustainable development across the shared maritime space that includes Guadeloupe. Sailing in changing conditions: The DRHEAM-CUP/Grand Prix de France de Course au Large kicked off in Cherbourg with strong winds and “champagne sailing,” while later weather risks forced a course adjustment—another reminder of how fast conditions can shift for ocean racing.

Heat & Health: A French health briefing highlights which people need extra monitoring during intense heat and lists medication types that can raise heat-related risk—important for Guadeloupe’s summer planning. Marine Biodiversity: Spanish researcher Jesús Ortea named a newly discovered Caribbean sea slug, Aldisa vozinhai, after Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha; the species was found near Havana and the island of Guadeloupe, tying local waters to global biodiversity research. Regional Climate Cooperation: The EU’s ambassador to the Eastern Caribbean presented credentials to OECS Director General Didacus Jules, reaffirming support for regional integration and sustainable development—relevant to shared maritime and environmental challenges across the French territories including Guadeloupe. Ocean Conditions & Sailing: The DRHEAM-CUP/Grand Prix de France de Course au Large kicked off with strong winds and “champagne sailing,” while race organisers adjusted a waypoint north to reduce storm risk—another reminder of how weather shapes marine activity. Sports & Environment Link: Wingfoil racing in Calabria was disrupted by cloud cover and intense heat, forcing a condensed format—showing how rising heat can affect outdoor events.

Marine Biodiversity & Guadeloupe Links: Spanish researcher Jesús Ortea named a newly discovered red sea slug, Aldisa vozinhai, after Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha; the species was found during biodiversity research in Caribbean waters near Havana and the island of Guadeloupe, tying local marine science to a wider conservation spotlight. Heat Health: A French health guidance roundup warns that some medications can raise heat-related risk by interfering with the body’s cooling responses, urging extra monitoring for infants, older adults, people with chronic conditions, and those facing social vulnerability. Regional Climate/Development Cooperation: The EU’s Ambassador Fiona Ramsey presented credentials to OECS Director General Dr. Didacus Jules, reaffirming support for sustainable development and regional cooperation—highlighting shared maritime challenges across Europe and the Caribbean, including Guadeloupe. Sailing & Route du Rhum Qualifier: The DRHEAM CUP/Grand Prix de France de Course au Large kicked off in Cherbourg with 106 boats and a 1,220-nautical-mile run toward Lorient, serving as a qualifier for the Route du Rhum–Destination Guadeloupe. Sports & Environment Angle: Wingfoil racing in Calabria crowned Alessandro Tomasi and Vaina Picot after weather disruptions and heat affected wind conditions.

Sailing & Climate Resilience: The DRHEAM CUP/Grand Prix de France de Course au Large kicked off in Cherbourg with 106 boats racing a 1,220-nautical-mile route toward Lorient, including a record 11 Ocean Fifty entries. Organisers expect winds building to 20–25 knots, with crews crossing active low-pressure systems later—an early test of how sailors read weather and manage risk as conditions shift. Marine Biodiversity: A Spanish researcher named a newly discovered Caribbean sea slug, Aldisa vozinhai, after Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha; the species was found near Havana and also around Guadeloupe during biodiversity work, linking local waters to global science. Heat & Health: A French medicines safety roundup highlights which people and drug types need extra caution during intense heat waves, including vulnerable groups and medicines that can affect the body’s ability to cool. Regional Cooperation: The EU’s ambassador to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean presented credentials to OECS Director General Dr. Didacus Jules, reaffirming support for sustainable development and regional partnership. Sports & Community: Star Clippers announced a limited-time offer for select early-2028 Caribbean sailings with two free shore excursions per cabin, including options like snorkeling in Tobago Cays and visits across the Grenadines.

Sailing & Climate Resilience: The 6th Drheam Cup/Grand Prix de France de Course au Large kicked off in Cherbourg with 106 boats racing toward Lorient, including a record 11 Ocean Fifty entries, as crews face strengthening winds (up to 20–25 knots) over a 1,220-nautical-mile route—an early test of how maritime teams adapt to fast-changing weather. Marine Biodiversity: A Spanish researcher has named a newly discovered tiny red sea slug, Aldisa vozinhai, after Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha; the species was found in Caribbean waters near Havana and Guadeloupe, linking local marine research to wider biodiversity recognition. Health in Heatwaves: A French medicines safety roundup highlights which people and drug types need extra caution during intense heat—especially vulnerable groups and patients on diuretics, laxatives, certain blood-pressure medicines, and some psychotropic drugs—relevant for island communities facing hotter days. Regional Cooperation: The EU ambassador to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean presented credentials to OECS Director General Didacus Jules, reaffirming support for regional integration and sustainable development, with shared maritime challenges including those faced by French territories like Guadeloupe.