AGP Executive Report

Maritime Connectivity: The KARULINK project held its first steering committee in Guadeloupe (June 2–3) to push more regular passenger routes, better links between transport modes, and greener shipping across Antigua & Barbuda, Dominica, Saint Kitts & Nevis, and Guadeloupe, backed by the EU INTERREG Caribbean programme. Telecom & Local Impact: Flow says it invested over US$1 million in network upgrades to tackle mobile interference in northern Dominica, blaming external interference from a mobile operator in Guadeloupe; equipment is due to arrive between June 5–15. Transport Disruption: Ferry services to Dominica were disrupted after a fishermen’s strike in Guadeloupe blocked the port of Pointe-à-Pitre, leaving passengers to be accommodated by operators/agents. Aviation Deal: LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes signed an interline agreement to sell single tickets with through-checked luggage, improving travel links across the English, French, and Dutch-speaking Caribbean and onward to Paris Orly. Legal & History: France’s National Assembly unanimously repealed the 1685 Code Noir, a slavery-era law that treated enslaved people as property—symbolic progress, but reparations and systemic inequality remain unresolved. Business Expansion: IMM acquired Atlantic Refit Center in La Rochelle, expanding its refit and repair capacity (up to 150m) and adding a stronger European base alongside its Caribbean operations including Guadeloupe. Disaster Readiness: The Antilles Armed Forces ran “Operation Caribbean 26” through June 4, training multinational disaster response for a simulated major cyclone, with engineering, route recovery, rescue, and protection units including RSMA from Martinique and Guadeloupe.

Regional Connectivity: The EU-backed KARULINK project held its first steering committee in Guadeloupe (June 2–3) to plan new regular passenger routes, better intermodal links, and greener maritime transport across Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Saint Kitts and Nevis, and Guadeloupe. Telecom & Infrastructure: Flow says it has invested over US$1 million in specialized network upgrades to eliminate mobile interference in northern Dominica, with equipment due to arrive between June 5–15 and installation/commissioning to follow. Shipping Disruption: Ferry services to Dominica were disrupted after a fishermen’s strike in Guadeloupe blocked the port of Pointe-à-Pitre, leaving passengers to be accommodated by operators. Aviation Deal: LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes signed an interline agreement for single-ticket travel and through-checked baggage, linking English/French Caribbean networks and onward connections to Paris Orly. Legal & Justice: France’s National Assembly unanimously repealed the Code Noir (Black Code), a slavery-era law that had never been formally removed, with Guadeloupe-linked voices highlighting the symbolic but incomplete nature of the move. Maritime Services: IMM acquired Atlantic Refit Center in La Rochelle, expanding refit capacity for vessels up to 150m and adding a stronger European base to its Caribbean operations.

Regional Connectivity: KARULINK partners met in Guadeloupe (June 2–3) to push new maritime routes, better intermodal links, and greener transport across Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Saint Kitts and Nevis, and Guadeloupe, backed by EU INTERREG Caribbean funding. Telecom & Local Impact: Flow says it invested over US$1 million in network upgrades to tackle mobile interference in northern Dominica, which it links to an operator in Guadeloupe; equipment is due to arrive mid-June. Shipping Disruption: A fishermen’s strike in Guadeloupe blocked Pointe-à-Pitre port, disrupting ferry services to Dominica and leaving passengers to be accommodated by operators. Aviation Deal: LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes signed an interline agreement for single-ticket travel and through-checked baggage, including connections involving Guadeloupe and Martinique. Legal & Justice in France: France’s National Assembly unanimously repealed the Code Noir, a slavery-era law that kept colonial slavery “on the books,” with overseas reactions including from Guadeloupe. Maritime Industry: IMM acquired Atlantic Refit Center in La Rochelle, expanding Caribbean refit capacity and bringing more repair work up to 150m into its network.

Regional Shipping & Connectivity: KARULINK partners met in Guadeloupe (June 2–3) to push new maritime routes, better intermodality, and greener transport links across the Eastern Caribbean, backed by the EU INTERREG Caribbean 2021–2027. Telecoms & Local Impact: Flow says it has invested over US$1 million in network upgrades to tackle mobile interference affecting northern Dominica, which it links to an operator in Guadeloupe; equipment is due to arrive June 5–15. Ferries Disrupted: Fishermen’s strike in Guadeloupe has blocked Pointe-à-Pitre port, disrupting FRS EXPRESS des Îles ferry services to Dominica and leaving passengers to be accommodated. Aviation Link-Up: LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes signed an interline agreement for single-ticket travel with through-checked luggage, including connections to Guadeloupe and Martinique and onward links to Paris Orly. Maritime Services Expansion: IMM acquired Atlantic Refit Center in La Rochelle, expanding refit and repair capacity for vessels up to 150m, with IMM already operating bases in Guadeloupe and the wider Caribbean. Legal & Social Memory: France’s National Assembly unanimously repealed the Code Noir, a slavery-era law that treated enslaved people as property—symbolic progress, but reparations and justice demands remain unresolved. Disaster Readiness: Antilles forces are running Operation Caribbean 26 until June 4, training multinational humanitarian response for a simulated major cyclone scenario.

Regional Shipping & Connectivity: Partners behind the EU-backed KARULINK project met in Guadeloupe (June 2–3) to plan new regular passenger routes, better links between transport modes, and greener maritime solutions across Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Saint Kitts and Nevis, and Guadeloupe. Port Disruption: Ferry services to Dominica were disrupted after a fishermen’s strike in Guadeloupe blocked the port of Pointe-à-Pitre, with operators arranging for stranded passengers. Telecom & Local Impact: Flow says it invested over US$1 million in specialized network upgrades to tackle mobile interference in northern Dominica, which it links to an external operator in Guadeloupe; equipment is due to arrive June 5–15. Aviation Links: LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes signed an interline agreement for single-ticket travel and through-checked baggage, connecting English, French and Dutch-speaking Caribbean routes onward to Paris Orly. Maritime Industry (Yachting): IMM acquired Atlantic Refit Center in La Rochelle to expand refit and repair services, adding a major European base while keeping Caribbean operations. Business & Justice Training: OHADAC–CARO arbitration and ADR training programmes are set to launch June 10, aiming to strengthen dispute resolution for regional businesses and investors. Disaster Response: “Operation Caribbean 26” continues until June 4, training Antilles forces for cyclone-scale humanitarian assistance and engineering recovery. Policy & History: France’s National Assembly voted unanimously to repeal the Code Noir, a slavery-era law that treated enslaved people as property—symbolic progress, but without reparations. Agriculture & Research: Scientists report new findings on where upland cotton was first domesticated, pointing to Mexico’s Yucatán region and linking wild cotton genetics from areas including Puerto Rico and Guadeloupe.

Cotton Science: Scientists say upland cotton was first domesticated in northwestern Mexico’s Yucatán region, using genome comparisons that link wild cotton from places including Puerto Rico and Guadeloupe to the crop that later became the world’s dominant non-food fiber. Telecom & Regional Links: Flow says it has invested over US$1 million in specialized upgrades to stop mobile network interference in northern Dominica, blaming external interference originating from a mobile operator in Guadeloupe; equipment is due to arrive June 5–15. Shipping Disruption: Ferry services to Dominica are disrupted after a fishermen strike in Guadeloupe blocked the port of Pointe-à-Pitre, with operators arranging for stranded passengers. Aviation Connectivity: LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes signed an interline agreement to sell through-tickets with checked baggage across their combined networks, including connections involving Guadeloupe and Martinique. Maritime Industry: International Marine Management (IMM) acquired Atlantic Refit Center in La Rochelle, expanding Caribbean refit capacity with a new European base. Business & Justice Training: OHADAC and CARO launch arbitration and ADR training across the Eastern Caribbean, including Guadeloupe, aiming to improve access to economic justice for businesses and investors.

Telecom & Connectivity: Flow says it has invested over US$1 million in specialised network upgrades to tackle mobile interference hitting northern Dominica, blaming external interference originating from a mobile operator in Guadeloupe; equipment is due to arrive June 5–15 and should restore normal service after installation. Maritime Disruption: Ferry services to Dominica are disrupted after a fishermen strike in Guadeloupe blocked the port of Pointe-à-Pitre, with FRS EXPRESS des Îles working to manage stranded passengers. Aviation & Trade Links: LIAT 2020 and Air Caraïbes signed an interline agreement to sell one ticket with through-checked luggage across their networks, including connections to Guadeloupe, Martinique and French Guiana, and onward links to Paris Orly. Business Expansion (Yachting Refit): International Marine Management (IMM) acquired Atlantic Refit Center in La Rochelle, expanding refit and repair capacity with a new European base while keeping Caribbean operations in the mix. Regional Justice & ADR: OHADAC and the CARO arbitration centre will launch training programmes in June to strengthen arbitration and mediation access across the Eastern Caribbean, including Guadeloupe and Martinique.

Port 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 rebooked by agents including Whitchurch Shipping/FRS EXPRESS des Îles. Aviation Connectivity: LIAT 2020 and Air Caraïbes signed a new interline agreement to sell single tickets with through-checked baggage, linking Eastern Caribbean routes and improving connections to Guadeloupe, Martinique and French Guiana. Maritime & Yachting Industry: International Marine Management (IMM) acquired Atlantic Refit Center in La Rochelle, expanding refit and repair capacity for vessels up to 150 metres, with IMM already operating bases in Guadeloupe and the wider Caribbean. Business & Justice Training: OHADAC’s CARO Regional Arbitration Centre and the OECS will launch arbitration/ADR training in the Eastern Caribbean on 10 June, including Guadeloupe, to support faster, more predictable dispute resolution for businesses and investors. Disaster Readiness: Antilles Armed Forces’ “Operation Caribbean 26” runs until 4 June, training multinational humanitarian and disaster response with engineering, route recovery and rescue units, including RSMA regiments from Martinique and Guadeloupe. Regional Agriculture Science: Scientists traced the domestication of upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) to Mexico’s Yucatán region, using comparisons with wild cotton from areas including Puerto Rico and Guadeloupe. Culture & Heritage: France’s National Assembly unanimously repealed the 1685 Code Noir, a slavery-era law that treated enslaved people as property—an overdue symbolic step that still leaves calls for deeper justice.

Port Disruption: Ferry services to Dominica are disrupted after a fishermen’s strike in Guadeloupe blocked the port of Pointe-à-Pitre, with FRS EXPRESS des Îles saying operations are hit and Whitchurch Shipping arranging support for stranded passengers. Aviation & Connectivity: LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes signed an interline agreement to sell one ticket across both networks with through-checked baggage, aiming to make travel easier between English, French and Dutch-speaking islands and onward to Europe via Paris Orly. Regional Justice & Business Climate: The OHADAC–CARO training programmes on arbitration and ADR will be officially launched in the Eastern Caribbean on 10 June 2026, with support from France’s AFD and the Interreg Caribbean VI programme, targeting faster, more predictable dispute resolution for regional firms and investors. Disaster Readiness: “Operation Caraïbes 26” continues until 4 June, a multinational Antilles exercise simulating a major cyclone and deploying engineering, route recovery, rescue and protection units including RSMA forces from Martinique and Guadeloupe. Historical Reckoning (France/Overseas): France’s National Assembly unanimously repealed the 1685 Code Noir, a slavery-era law that treated enslaved people as property—an important symbolic step that Guadeloupe-linked voices say still leaves calls for deeper justice unanswered.

Aviation & Connectivity: LIAT Air (2020) and Air Caraïbes signed an interline agreement to make Caribbean travel easier, with single-ticket booking, through-checked baggage, and luggage handled to the final destination—linking networks across the Eastern Caribbean and connecting Guadeloupe, Martinique and French Guiana to Air Caraïbes’ long-haul service via Paris Orly. Regional Justice & Business Climate: The OHADAC–CARO training programmes on arbitration and ADR will be officially launched on 10 June 2026, with coverage including Guadeloupe, aiming to strengthen access to economic justice and make dispute resolution more predictable for regional businesses and investors. Disaster Readiness: “Operation Caraïbes 26” continues until 4 June, a multinational disaster-response exercise simulating a major cyclone and deploying engineering, route recovery, rescue, and protection units, including RSMA forces from Martinique and Guadeloupe. Energy & SMEs: The Bahamas launched a Free Energy Audit Initiative for MSMEs, offering free audits to cut costs and improve efficiency in sectors like manufacturing, hospitality and agribusiness. Historical & Legal Reckoning: France’s National Assembly unanimously repealed the 1685 Code Noir, a slavery-era law that treated enslaved people as “movable property,” a symbolic step that still leaves calls for deeper justice unanswered.

Legal & Trade Access: The OHADAC–CARO Regional Arbitration Centre, with the OECS, will officially launch June 10 in the Eastern Caribbean its training on arbitration, mediation and ADR—backed by France’s AFD and Interreg Caribbean VI—aimed at making cross-island business disputes more predictable and accessible, including for companies operating in Guadeloupe and nearby states. Aviation & Connectivity: A new interline agreement between LIAT 2020 and Air Caraïbes (effective June 1) lands as Caribbean Airlines cuts Dominica, St. Kitts and Ogle-Suriname links and halves frequencies to Martinique and Guadeloupe, reshaping regional routes and pushing the debate on a unified ECCU/Caricom transport strategy. Disaster Response & Infrastructure: “Operation Caraïbes 26” continues in the Antilles until June 4, with multinational forces training for a major cyclone scenario, including engineering, route recovery and rescue units—plus RSMA support from Martinique and Guadeloupe. Health Procurement: PAHO/WHO and OECS-PPS will hold a May 28–29 workshop in Saint Lucia to improve access to safe medicines and health technologies, launching a technical working group to strengthen pooled procurement and supply chains. Energy Costs (MSMEs): The Bahamas rolls out a Green Climate Fund-backed free energy audit initiative for MSMEs, targeting sectors like hospitality, manufacturing and agribusiness to cut bills and boost resilience. Cotton Science: Researchers trace upland cotton domestication to Mexico’s Yucatán region, using comparisons with wild cotton from the Yucatán, Florida and Caribbean islands including Puerto Rico and Guadeloupe.

Code Noir Repeal: France’s National Assembly voted 254-0 to repeal the 1685 Code Noir, a slavery-era law that treated enslaved people as “movable property.” The move is widely seen as symbolic, but lawmakers and observers stressed that it can’t undo centuries of harm. Disaster Response Training: In the Antilles, “Operation Caraïbes 26” runs until June 4, with multinational forces rehearsing humanitarian aid and disaster relief after a simulated Category 4 cyclone, including engineering, route recovery, rescue, and protection units from Martinique and Guadeloupe. Regional Aviation Shake-up: Caribbean Airlines will cut routes and frequencies from June 1, including ending service to Dominica, St. Kitts, and the Ogle–Suriname corridor and reducing Martinique/Guadeloupe to twice weekly, as the wider Eastern Caribbean air market realigns. Health Supply Cooperation: PAHO/WHO and OECS-PPS will convene a workshop in Saint Lucia (May 28–29) to strengthen access to safe medicines and health technologies, focusing on pooled procurement, forecasting, and quality assurance. Guadeloupe-Linked Research: Scientists traced upland cotton domestication to Mexico’s Yucatán region, using genome comparisons that include wild cotton from the Caribbean islands, including Guadeloupe. WASH Capacity in the Region: Antigua and Barbuda’s Red Cross completed regional WASH emergency training in Guadeloupe, building skills for water production, sanitation systems, water-quality monitoring, and community engagement during crises.

Disaster Response Training: Operation Caraïbes 26 is underway until June 4, with Antilles forces running a multinational drill for a simulated Category 4 cyclone, including Guadeloupe and Martinique RSMA units, plus engineering, route recovery, rescue and protection teams to boost cross-border coordination. Regional Aviation Shake-Up: Caribbean Airlines will cut routes and slash frequencies from June 1—ending Dominica, St. Kitts and the Ogle–Suriname corridor, and reducing Martinique and Guadeloupe to twice weekly—after reported route losses, while a new LIAT 2020–Air Caraïbes interline deal takes effect the same day, signaling a wider market realignment around emerging hubs. Health Supply Chain Focus: PAHO/WHO and OECS-PPS will convene a Saint Lucia workshop (May 28–29) to strengthen access to safe medicines and health technologies, launching a technical working group and targeting procurement, forecasting, inventory and pooled purchasing. Energy Efficiency Push: The Bahamas launches a Green Climate Fund-backed Free Energy Audit Initiative offering MSMEs free audits (about US$2,500) to cut costs and improve efficiency across commercial, manufacturing, hospitality and agribusiness. Local Community & Skills: ABRCS reps completed regional WASH emergency training in Guadeloupe (May 18–22), building practical readiness for water production, sanitation systems, quality monitoring and community hygiene support. Culture & Heritage: A 100th birthday celebration for Urbain Javois drew multiple generations at Grand Case Beach Club, highlighting local family history and community ties.

Regional Aviation Reshuffle: Caribbean Airlines is cutting routes and frequencies from June 1, exiting Dominica, St. Kitts and the Ogle–Suriname corridor, while trimming Martinique and Guadeloupe to twice weekly—after reporting losses of over US$18.84m on the affected expansion routes; the shift is landing as LIAT 2020 and Air Caraïbes sign an interline deal from June 1 that lets passengers connect across both networks on one ticket with through-checked baggage, signaling a broader rebuild around emerging hubs. Cruise & Tourism Pulse: Emerald Cruises is launching a Dec 13–20, 2026 “Culinary Collection” sailing with celebrity chef Rachel Hargrove, with stops including Guadeloupe and Antigua—another reminder that high-end travel is still betting on island itineraries. Health & Procurement in the Region: PAHO/WHO and OECS-PPS will convene in Saint Lucia (May 28–29) to strengthen access to safe medicines and health technologies, focusing on procurement, supply chains, quality assurance and pooled buying. Disaster Readiness: Antigua and Barbuda’s Red Cross reps completed WASH emergency training in Guadeloupe (May 18–22), boosting regional capacity for water, sanitation and hygiene response. Local Industry Link: France’s Code Noir repeal headlines may be symbolic, but it also keeps attention on Guadeloupe-linked lawmakers and the long legal aftershocks of slavery.

Agriculture & Innovation: Scientists say upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) was first domesticated in Mexico’s northwestern Yucatán region, at least 4,000 years ago, using genome comparisons that also point to wild cotton links across the Yucatán, Florida and Caribbean islands including Puerto Rico and Guadeloupe. Regional Transport & Trade: Caribbean Airlines is cutting routes and frequencies from June 1, ending service to Dominica, St. Kitts and the Ogle–Suriname corridor, and reducing flights to Martinique and Guadeloupe to twice weekly, after reported losses of US$18.84m—sparking debate on how the Eastern Caribbean will manage the airlift gap. Public Health Procurement: PAHO/WHO and OECS-PPS will convene in Saint Lucia (May 28–29) to strengthen access to safe medicines and health technologies, including pooled procurement, supply chain upgrades and quality assurance. Local Resilience & Services: Antigua and Barbuda Red Cross reps completed WASH emergency training in Guadeloupe (May 18–22), focused on preparedness, water production, sanitation systems and hygiene promotion. History & Law (France/Overseas): France’s National Assembly voted 254-0 to repeal the Code Noir, the 1685 slavery-era decree that treated enslaved people as “movable property,” a move framed by lawmakers from Guadeloupe and other Caribbean territories as remembrance and justice.

Code Noir Repeal: France’s National Assembly voted 254-0 to repeal the 1685 Code Noir, ending a slavery-era law that treated people as “movable property” and enabled brutal punishments; the debate was emotional, with Guadeloupe-linked MP Max Mathiasin backing the symbolic removal and President Macron calling the long silence “a form of offense.” Regional Airlift Pressure: Caribbean Airlines will cut routes and frequencies from June 1, including ending service to Dominica and St. Kitts and reducing flights to Martinique and Guadeloupe to twice weekly, after reported losses of about US$18.84m—sparking fresh debate on how the Eastern Caribbean will keep goods and people moving. Health Procurement for the Eastern Caribbean: PAHO/WHO and OECS-PPS will convene in Saint Lucia (May 28–29) to strengthen access to safe medicines and health technologies, launching a technical working group focused on procurement, supply chains, and pooled buying. Guadeloupe Humanitarian Capacity: Antigua and Barbuda’s Red Cross reps completed regional WASH training in Guadeloupe (May 18–22) to boost emergency water, sanitation, and hygiene response planning.