AGP Executive Report

Telecom Resilience: Regulators in Dominica and Saint Lucia say the Flow outage that left customers offline for nearly 19 hours was linked to a fibre fault on a route between Guadeloupe and Antigua, and they’ve asked Flow for a full incident report while urging businesses and households to set up backup communication plans. Chlordecone Justice: A Paris appeals court has upheld the dismissal of a long-running criminal case tied to chlordecone contamination in Guadeloupe and Martinique, a move victims’ lawyers call a major setback for accountability despite recognition of the “health scandal” and lasting harm. OECS Integration: OECS leaders marked 45 years of regional cooperation in Antigua and Barbuda, with a chairmanship handover to Gaston Browne and renewed calls for faster, bolder implementation on trade and connectivity. Agri-Charity & Tourism Economy: Bananas of Guadeloupe & Martinique will return to the Tour de France with its KM 97 QR-code charity drive (donating bananas to Restos du Cœur) and a sector presence across stages, reinforcing a high-visibility link between agriculture and the visitor economy. Regional Climate Adaptation: A new look at the Lesser Antilles highlights how islands are rethinking energy, water, land and tourism as extreme weather accelerates, including geothermal and disaster-risk lessons relevant to the wider Caribbean.

Telecom Resilience: Dominica and Saint Lucia regulators, with ECTEL, say Flow’s near-19-hour outage (June 21–22) was triggered by a fibre fault on the Guadeloupe–Antigua route, and they’ve asked Flow for a full incident report. Consumer Readiness: Regulators are urging businesses and households to set up backup communication options while Flow rolls out alternative connectivity, route resiliency reviews, and extra fibre paths. Chlordecone Justice: A Paris appeals court has upheld the dismissal of a long-running criminal case tied to chlordecone contamination in Guadeloupe and Martinique, closing the door on criminal accountability after decades of proceedings. OECS Integration: OECS leaders marked 45 years of regional cooperation in Antigua, with a chairmanship handover to Gaston Browne and renewed calls for stronger trade, connectivity, and implementation. Banana Sector Spotlight: Bananas of Guadeloupe & Martinique will return to the Tour de France with 31 tons of fruit and the KM 97 QR-code charity drive supporting Restos du Cœur.

Film & Media Push: A new look at the Caribbean’s screen potential argues the region could capture more of the $250B global film/TV spend by building on local talent, production capacity, and distribution links—turning Caribbean stories and locations into a bigger industry draw. Climate Resilience & Energy: Coverage highlights how Lesser Antilles islands are rethinking energy, water, food, land and tourism as extreme weather rises—featuring Dominica’s geothermal build and research into how volcanoes could power recovery. Chlordecone Justice in Focus: France’s court has rejected efforts to reopen the probe into chlordecone contamination tied to banana plantations in Guadeloupe and Martinique, after decades of proceedings; the ruling closes criminal avenues while acknowledging long-term health and environmental harm. Regional Integration at 45: As the OECS marks its 45th anniversary, the spotlight falls on practical regional gains—like the OECS Economic Union and the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union—relevant to business mobility across member territories including Guadeloupe. Banana Sector & Tour de France: Bananas of Guadeloupe & Martinique will return to the Tour with its KM 97 charity drive, distributing fruit along the route and using a QR-code scan model to trigger donations to Restos du Cœur. Protest for Colonial Toxins: In Paris, demonstrators renewed calls for justice and compensation for victims of Agent Orange and chlordecone, pointing to ongoing legal steps and long-term impacts on health and the environment.

Film & Media Push: A new discussion asks what it would take for the Caribbean to capture more of the $250B global film and TV spend, arguing the region already has talent, production capacity, distribution routes, and audience reach—plus iconic locations for everything from features to reality TV. Chlordecone Justice Update: In Paris, a court has rejected a bid to reopen the probe into chlordecone contamination linked to banana plantations in Guadeloupe and Martinique (1972–1993), with the case dismissed after years of proceedings; organizers and lawmakers still call it a health scandal with long-term damage. Regional Integration at 45: As the OECS marks its 45th anniversary, coverage highlights practical gains like the OECS Economic Union and the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union, including easier movement for citizens and currency stability through shocks. Banana Sector & Tour de France Charity: Bananas of Guadeloupe & Martinique will return to the Tour with its KM 97 campaign—QR-code scans trigger banana donations to Restos du Cœur, with fruit and events planned along the route. Community Mobilization in France: A Paris protest renewed calls for justice and compensation for victims of toxic chemicals, including chlordecone in the French Antilles, alongside Agent Orange victims in Southeast Asia. Guadeloupe Culture & Inclusion: Kréyòl Pride is set for late July in Basse-Terre, aiming to unite LGBTQIA+ people, locals, and allies around visibility and anti-homophobia efforts.

Chlordecone Legal Closure: A Paris court has rejected a bid to reopen the probe into chlordecone (Kepone) contamination in Guadeloupe and Martinique, ending a case that began in 2008 after complaints from farmers and health and environmental groups; the court said too much time had passed for criminal convictions, while still acknowledging a “health scandal” and long-lasting environmental damage. Banana Sector & Tour de France: Bananas of Guadeloupe & Martinique is back with its KM 97 charity drive during Tour de France Stage 7, with a public QR-code campaign (each scan triggers a banana donation) supporting Restos du Cœur, plus fruit distribution and events along the route. Regional Integration Spotlight: As the OECS marks its 45th anniversary, coverage highlights practical gains for member territories, including the OECS Economic Union and the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union—relevant for Guadeloupe’s regional ties. Justice Mobilization in France: A Paris protest at Place de la Bastille renewed calls for justice and compensation for victims of Agent Orange and chlordecone contamination, with legal developments expected around appeals tied to both cases. Guadeloupe Community Life: Kréyòl Pride is set for late July in Basse-Terre, aiming to bring together LGBTQIA+ people, allies, and the wider public around unity and inclusion.

Chlordecone Legal Closure: A Paris court has rejected a bid to reopen the probe into Caribbean chlordecone (Kepone) contamination, effectively ending a case that began in 2008 after complaints from farmers and health and environmental groups; the ruling follows earlier dismissals based on the long time elapsed, even as judges acknowledged a “health scandal” and lasting environmental damage affecting Guadeloupe and Martinique. Protest for Colonial Poisoning Victims: Hundreds marched in Paris on June 20 demanding justice and compensation for victims of Agent Orange and chlordecone, with legal developments also in focus ahead of a June 22 appeal decision on the chlordecone investigation. Regional Integration Spotlight: As the OECS marks its 45th anniversary, coverage highlights the bloc’s practical integration gains, including the Economic Union and the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union—relevant for regional business and mobility. Guadeloupe Community & Inclusion: Kréyòl Pride is set for late July in Basse-Terre, bringing together LGBTQIA+ groups and allies with support from local and regional inclusion partners.

Toxic Chemicals Justice: Hundreds marched in Paris on June 20 demanding justice and compensation for victims of Agent Orange/dioxin in Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia, and for people affected by chlordecone pesticide pollution in Guadeloupe and Martinique, as France’s Court of Cassation reviews an appeal linked to Tran To Nga and a Paris court is set to rule June 22 on a chlordecone criminal investigation suspension. Local Rights & Community Life: Guadeloupe’s first Kréyòl Pride is set for July 25–26 in Basse-Terre, organized by local LGBTQ groups with the Maison des Diversités et de l’Inclusion, aiming to unite LGBTQIA+ people, allies and the diaspora after years of tensions. Entertainment & Culture: The Guadeloupe-set crime drama “Saint-Pierre” has been renewed for season 3, with filming starting next month and a likely 2027 release window, keeping Joséphine Jobert at the center.

Toxic Chemicals & Justice: Hundreds marched at Place de la Bastille in Paris on June 20 demanding justice and compensation for victims of Agent Orange/dioxin in Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia, and for chlordecone contamination victims in Guadeloupe and Martinique, as France’s Court of Cassation reviews an appeal tied to Tran To Nga and a Paris ruling on a chlordecone criminal investigation is expected June 22. Chlordecone Policy Update: A new law recognizing the State’s responsibility for long-term chlordecone pollution has entered into force, opening talks on compensation, with government required to report to Parliament within a year and funding linked to an extra levy on tobacco products; priorities include faster cleanup, support for agriculture and fishing, stronger research, and better care for victims. Community & Inclusion: Guadeloupe’s inaugural Kréyòl Pride is set for July 25–26 in Basse-Terre, organized by local LGBTQ groups with the Maison des Diversités et de l’Inclusion, aiming to bring together queer people, allies, and the diaspora.

Chlordecone Compensation Moves Forward: France has officially recognized the State’s responsibility for long-term chlordecone pollution in Guadeloupe and Martinique, with the law now in force after publication in the Official Journal. It opens talks on extending existing compensation to victims whose illnesses are linked to pesticide exposure, and gives the government one year to report to Parliament on how to expand the scheme, funded in part by an added levy on tobacco products. The law also sets priorities: faster cleanup, support for affected agriculture and fishing, stronger research, and better care for victims. Community & Culture (Local Pride): Guadeloupe’s inaugural Kréyòl Pride is set for late July in Basse-Terre, organized by local LGBTQ groups with support from the Maison des Diversités et de l’Inclusion and regional partners, aiming to bring together LGBTQIA+ people, residents, and allies after years of tensions.

Chlordecone Compensation Move: France has officially recognized the State’s responsibility for long-term chlordecone pollution in Guadeloupe and Martinique, opening the door to talks on compensation for victims whose illnesses are linked to pesticide exposure; the government has one year to report to Parliament on extending the existing scheme, with funding tied in part to an added levy on tobacco products, alongside priorities like faster cleanup, support for agriculture and fishing, stronger disease research, and improved care. Queer Community & Pride: Guadeloupe’s first Kréyòl Pride is set for late July in Basse-Terre, organized by local LGBTQ groups with support from the Maison des Diversités et de l’Inclusion and regional partners, aiming to bring together LGBTQIA+ people, locals, allies, and the diaspora. Local Culture & Arts: The Festival International story highlights how major regional festivals can drive tourism and jobs—useful context for Guadeloupe’s own cultural and event planning. Energy & Land-Use Debate (Context): A municipal council in Greece rejected geothermal development, a reminder that local identity and tourism can clash with industrial energy projects.

Chlordecone Compensation: A new law recognizing the State’s responsibility for long-term chlordecone pollution in Guadeloupe and Martinique has taken effect, opening the door to talks on compensation for victims whose illnesses are linked to pesticide exposure; the government has one year to report to Parliament, with funding tied in part to an added levy on tobacco products, alongside priorities like faster cleanup, support for agriculture and fishing, stronger research, and improved care. LGBTQIA+ Community Life: Kréyòl Pride is set to bring unity to Guadeloupe’s queer community on July 25–26 in Basse-Terre, organized by local groups with support from the Maison des Diversités et de l’Inclusion and regional partners, aiming to build bridges with the wider population and allies. Local Culture & Media: Saint-Pierre (the Guadeloupe-set crime drama) has been renewed for season 3, though no release date is confirmed yet; filming is expected to start next month, with new episodes likely landing in 2027. Tourism & Travel Trends: A week of travel coverage highlights how direct flights and smaller-capacity aircraft are making “off-the-grid” Caribbean islands more reachable, feeding demand for less crowded destinations. Sports Spotlight: World Cup coverage spotlights players with Caribbean and diaspora connections, including Iraq’s Aymen Hussein and DR Congo’s Samuel Moutoussamy.

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 affected victims; the law also sets priorities like faster cleanup, support for agriculture and fishing, stronger disease research, and improved care. EU Trade & Climate Rules: EU ministers agreed to tighten when the bloc can suspend its carbon border fee on imports, aiming to give more certainty for low-carbon investment while keeping pressure on high-emission goods. Guadeloupe Pride & Inclusion: Kréyòl Pride is set to bring together LGBTQIA+ people, locals, and allies in Basse-Terre on July 25, with organizers linking the event to broader unity efforts and local support structures. Tourism & Connectivity (Regional): Coverage highlights how more direct flights are opening up “off-the-grid” Caribbean destinations—useful context for regional travel demand and port/air access planning.

Chlordecone Compensation: France has now formally recognized the State’s responsibility for the 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 affected agriculture and fishing, stronger disease research, and better care. EU Trade Rules: EU ministers agreed to tighten when the bloc can suspend its carbon emissions fee on imports, aiming to give more certainty for low-carbon investment; the carbon border levy targets emissions tied to goods like fertilisers, steel, and cement. Local Culture & Inclusion: Guadeloupe’s first Kréyòl Pride is set for late July, organized by local LGBTQ groups with support from the Maison des Diversités et de l’Inclusion, aiming to bring together queer people, locals, and allies. Food & Drink Spotlight: The IWSC named 2026 Gold Outstanding rum winners, with several top results tied to Caribbean producers including Barbados, Jamaica, and Guadeloupe.

Chlordecone Compensation Moves Forward: France has officially recognized the State’s responsibility for long-term chlordecone pollution in Guadeloupe and Martinique, opening the door to talks on compensation for affected people; the law also sets priorities for faster cleanup, support for agriculture and fishing, stronger disease research, and improved care, with an extra levy on tobacco products earmarked to fund the measures. EU Trade Rules on Carbon Costs: EU ministers agreed to tighten when the bloc can suspend its carbon emissions fee on imports, limiting exemptions to cases meeting strict criteria (including a major price jump), a move aimed at boosting certainty for low-carbon investment. Guadeloupe Pride Calendar: Kréyòl Pride is set to bring LGBTQIA+ people, locals, and allies together in Basse-Terre on July 25, 2026, organized by multiple groups with support from the Maison des Diversités et de l’Inclusion. Local Culture & Talent: Saint-Pierre (Death in Paradise spin-off) has been renewed for season 3, with filming starting next month and a likely 2027 screen return. Industry & Tourism Angle: A new rum awards roundup highlights Gold Outstanding winners, with Guadeloupe among the Caribbean islands taking top recognition.

Chlordecone Compensation: France has put in place a new law formally recognizing the State’s responsibility for long-term chlordecone pollution in Guadeloupe and Martinique, opening the door to compensation talks for victims and setting priorities like faster cleanup, support for agriculture and fishing, stronger research, and improved care. EU Carbon Border Rules: EU ministers agreed to tighten when the bloc can suspend the carbon emissions fee on imported goods, with suspension only possible if strict conditions are met (including a sharp price jump), aiming to boost certainty for low-carbon investment. Guadeloupe Pride: Kréyòl Pride is set to bring together LGBTQIA+ people, locals, and allies in Basse-Terre on July 25, 2026, backed by multiple community groups and the Maison des Diversités et de l’Inclusion. Arts & Culture: The Festival International de Louisiane marks its 40th anniversary, highlighting how music and arts draw major crowds and local economic impact. Sports Spotlight: Iraq’s Aymen Hussein made headlines at the World Cup with a key equalizer against Norway, despite the match ending in defeat.

Chlordecone Compensation Moves Forward: France has put into force a law formally recognizing the State’s responsibility for long-term chlordecone pollution in Guadeloupe and Martinique, opening the door to talks on compensation for victims and setting priorities like faster cleanup, support for agriculture and fishing, stronger disease research, and better care. EU Trade & Climate Rules: EU ministers agreed to tighten when the bloc can suspend the carbon emission fee on imports, aiming to reduce uncertainty for low-carbon investment; suspension would only be proposed if strict criteria are met, including a major price jump. Local Energy Debate: On Greece’s Milos island, the municipal council unanimously opposed any geothermal activity, citing risks to the inhabited island’s environment, quality of life, culture, and tourism—an example of how local identity can shape energy projects. Community & Culture: Guadeloupe’s inaugural Kréyòl Pride is set for late July, with organizers saying the goal is unity across LGBTQIA+ people, locals, allies, and the diaspora.