AGP Executive Report

Chlordecone Compensation Moves Forward: France has brought into force a law formally recognizing the State’s responsibility for long-term chlordecone pollution in Guadeloupe and Martinique, opening the door to compensation talks for affected residents; the government has one year to report to Parliament on extending the existing scheme, with funding linked to an added levy on tobacco products, while priorities include faster cleanup, support for agriculture and fishing, stronger disease research, and improved victim care. Energy Storage for the Region: France’s energy regulator (CRE) selected five electricity storage projects in Corsica (48 MW total) with contracts running into the 2040s–2050s, and CRE says costs for battery storage are trending lower than in Guadeloupe, Martinique and Réunion—an indicator for how storage procurement could evolve locally. Oceans Protection: The French government announced three new marine protected areas, including in Guadeloupe, raising strict-protection coverage in French waters to 14.68% and aiming for 14.8% by year-end. Local Sailing Spotlight: A Guadeloupe-linked sailing angle appears via a Route du Rhum training story: a solo sailor will race from France to Guadeloupe in November before targeting the Vendée Globe 2028. Festival & Culture: The Festival International de Louisiane marked its 40th anniversary and discussed the “future of festivals,” highlighting how major arts events can drive visitor numbers and local spending. EU Trade Rules: EU ministers agreed to tighten when the bloc can suspend the carbon fee on imports, a move aimed at giving more certainty for low-carbon investment. Aviation Pressure Hits Travel: Reports say 11 airlines have collapsed in 2026 amid fuel-cost shocks tied to the Middle East conflict, with knock-on effects for holidaymakers. Rum Recognition: The IWSC named 2026 Gold Outstanding rum winners, with Guadeloupe among the Caribbean islands represented—another win for regional spirits.

Chlordecone Compensation: A new law in France’s Official Journal formally recognizes 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 disease research, and improved care; the government has one year to report to Parliament, with funding linked to an added levy on tobacco products. Energy & Storage: France’s energy regulator (CRE) has picked five Corsica electricity storage projects totaling about 48 MW, including pumped hydro and batteries, with contracts running into the 2040s–2050s; CRE says battery costs are falling and the storage will help integrate renewables. Marine Protection: France announced three new marine protected areas—one in Guadeloupe—raising strict-protection coverage of French waters to 14.68% and aiming for 14.8% by year-end. Festival & Culture: Festival International de Louisiane’s 40th anniversary highlights how arts booking and events can drive major local economic impact, with the team discussing the “Future of Festivals.” Aviation Pressure: Reports of airline collapses tied to fuel shocks continue, with European Cargo among the latest cases and more cancellations expected as jet-fuel costs climb. Sailing Training (Guadeloupe Route): A local sailor is training for the Vendée Globe 2028 and will race the Route du Rhum solo transatlantic from France to Guadeloupe in November. EU Trade Policy: EU ministers agreed to tighten rules on when the bloc can suspend the carbon fee on imports, aiming to reduce uncertainty for low-carbon investment. Rum Spotlight: The IWSC named 2026 Gold Outstanding rum winners, with several top results tied to Caribbean producers including Guadeloupe.

Aviation & Tourism: Airlines are shifting to fuel-efficient, lower-capacity aircraft for more direct routes to “off-the-grid” Caribbean destinations, with coverage highlighting new nonstop access to lesser-known islands—good news for travelers seeking fewer crowds and more local stays. EU Trade & Carbon Costs: EU ministers agreed to tighten when the bloc can suspend its carbon emission fee on imports, limiting exemptions to strict criteria (including a sharp price jump), a move aimed at boosting certainty for low-carbon investment. Energy Storage (Corsica): France’s energy regulator picked five electricity storage projects in Corsica (about 48 MW total) mixing pumped hydro and batteries, with contracts running into the 2040s–2050s and costs noted as lower than prior rounds in Guadeloupe and elsewhere. Marine Protection (Guadeloupe): France announced three new marine protected areas, including one in Guadeloupe, pushing strict limits on fishing and other activities while aiming to raise the share of waters under strong protection. Geothermal Tech: Ormat announced the Ormega100 to scale enhanced geothermal system deployments, targeting faster commercialization of clean baseload power. Aviation Industry Pressure: A wave of airline collapses continues in 2026, with fuel-price shocks tied to geopolitical disruptions driving cancellations and administration cases. Sports & Local Routes: A Guadeloupe-linked sailing angle appears via the Route du Rhum, with training and solo-race preparation spotlighted. Health & Legacy (Guadeloupe): A France-focused piece links national remembrance of slavery to ongoing impacts in the Caribbean, including chlordecone contamination affecting Guadeloupe and Martinique.

Aviation & Tourism: A new wave of nonstop routes is opening up “safer, off-the-grid” Caribbean destinations, with travel writers pointing to point-to-point flights using more fuel-efficient aircraft—good news for Guadeloupe’s regional tourism links. EU Trade Policy: The EU agreed to tighten when it can suspend its carbon fee on imports, raising certainty for low-carbon investment and limiting carve-outs unless price spikes hit strict thresholds. Energy Storage (Corsica): France’s energy regulator picked five electricity storage projects in Corsica (about 48 MW total, mixing pumped hydro and batteries), with contracts running into the 2040s–2050s—battery costs are reported lower than in Guadeloupe and other islands. Marine Protection (Guadeloupe): France announced new marine protected areas, including in Guadeloupe, pushing stricter limits on fishing and other activities as it targets higher “strong protection” coverage. Geothermal Tech: Ormat says it’s accelerating Enhanced Geothermal System deployments with a new surface power unit (Ormega100), aiming to scale reliable clean baseload power. Aviation Industry Stress: Multiple airlines have collapsed in 2026 amid fuel-cost shocks tied to Middle East disruptions, with fares expected to rise as operators absorb higher jet fuel bills. Local Sailing (Route du Rhum): A Guadeloupe-linked solo sailor is training for the Route du Rhum, using the island as a key stop on a high-profile transatlantic push. Rum & Spirits (IWSC): The IWSC named top rum winners for 2026, highlighting Caribbean producers including Guadeloupe among medalists—another signal of premium spirits demand.

EU Trade & Industry: EU economy ministers agreed to tighten rules on when countries can suspend the carbon emissions fee on imports, limiting exemptions to cases where prices jump at least 50% in six months versus a 10-year average—aimed at boosting certainty for low-carbon investment while protecting EU fertiliser, steel and cement industries. Energy Storage (Corsica): France’s energy regulator CRE picked five electricity storage projects in Corsica (about 48 MW total), mixing pumped hydro and batteries, with costs reported lower than past storage rounds in Guadeloupe, Martinique and Réunion. Marine Protection (Guadeloupe): France announced three new marine protected areas, including in Guadeloupe, pushing strict limits on fishing and extraction and raising high-protection coverage of French waters. Aviation Pressure: More airline collapses in 2026 are linked to fuel shocks after the Strait of Hormuz disruption, with European Cargo among the latest, adding pressure on travel and logistics planning. Geothermal Tech: Ormat unveiled the Ormega100 unit to scale enhanced geothermal, targeting faster links from subsurface development to surface power generation. Local Sailing (Guadeloupe link): A solo sailor’s training for the Route du Rhum includes a leg from France to Guadeloupe, keeping the island in the spotlight for offshore racing. Rum & Exports: The IWSC named 2026 Gold Outstanding rum winners, with multiple top results tied to Caribbean producers including Guadeloupe.

Caribbean Spirits & Exports: The 2026 International Wine & Spirit Competition named Gold Outstanding rum winners, with Barbados’ Foursquare Rum Distillery taking five top medals and nearly half the rare “Gold Outstanding” slots. The wider list also highlights the Caribbean’s pull—ten of the 12 winners come from Barbados, Jamaica and Guadeloupe—showing premium rum is increasingly competing on global provenance and age statements. Energy & Storage Costs: France’s energy regulator (CRE) picked five Corsica electricity storage projects totaling about 48 MW (pumped hydro plus batteries), with battery costs reported lower than earlier rounds in Guadeloupe, Martinique and Réunion—good news for future island-scale storage economics. Marine Protection: France announced three new marine protected areas, including one in Guadeloupe, pushing strict rules on fishing and extraction and aiming to raise “strong protection” coverage across French waters. Trade Policy Watch: EU ministers agreed to tighten when the bloc can suspend its carbon fee on imports, a move meant to protect low-carbon investment certainty for industries facing the carbon border levy. Local Sailing Spotlight: A Guadeloupe-linked Route du Rhum route is in the spotlight as a solo sailor trains for a November transatlantic run to Guadeloupe before the Vendée Globe 2028.

Energy & Storage: France’s energy regulator CRE has picked five Corsica electricity storage projects totaling about 48 MW (two pumped hydro and three battery systems), scheduled to come online between 2029 and 2030, with contracts running into the 2040s–2050s; CRE says battery costs are trending lower than in Guadeloupe, Martinique and Réunion, and the storage is meant to cut solar curtailment. Marine Protection: France announced three new marine protected areas in Audierne Bay, Guadeloupe, and the French Southern and Antarctic Lands, pushing “high protection” coverage to 14.68% of French maritime waters and aiming for 14.8% by year-end, alongside progress on the high-seas treaty. Aviation Shock: A wave of airline collapses continues in 2026 as fuel costs spike after the Strait of Hormuz disruption, with European Cargo (Bournemouth) entering administration and about 180 jobs at risk; industry groups warn fares may rise as profits get squeezed. Local Sailing & Route du Rhum: A Guadeloupe-linked sailing angle is back as solo racer Scott Shawyer trains for the Vendée Globe 2028 and sails the Route du Rhum from France to Guadeloupe in November, with residents invited to tour his boat. Geothermal Tech: Ormat Technologies says it’s accelerating Enhanced Geothermal System deployments with its Ormega100 unit, aiming to scale binary geothermal power for rising electricity demand.

Maritime & Tourism: Atlas Ocean Voyages is pushing fall sailings with fewer crowds, including a 10-night Reykjavík-to-North-Atlantic itinerary and a 7-night “Colors of the Caribbean” departure from St. Maarten, with limited Afar shore-excursion spots moving fast. Aviation & Fuel Costs: A wave of airline collapses continues in 2026 as the Strait of Hormuz disruption drives fuel costs up, with European Cargo (Bournemouth) entering administration and around 180 jobs at risk; industry groups warn fares may rise as profits get squeezed. Energy Storage (Corsica, but relevant for the region): France’s energy regulator CRE picked five Corsica storage projects totaling nearly 48 MW (pumped hydro plus batteries), with contracts running into the 2040s–2050s and costs noted as lower than earlier rounds in Guadeloupe and nearby islands. Marine Protection (Guadeloupe): France announced three new marine protected areas, including one in Guadeloupe, lifting “strong protection” coverage to 14.68% of French waters and aiming for 14.8% by year-end. Regional Shipping Connectivity (Guadeloupe): Partners of the EU-backed KARULINK project met in Guadeloupe to plan new passenger routes, better transport interconnections, and greener mobility across Caribbean islands. Sports & Local Route: A solo sailor is training for the Vendée Globe 2028 and will race the Route du Rhum from France to Guadeloupe in November, with boat tours planned for locals.

Maritime & Environment: France announced three new marine protected areas in Audierne Bay, Guadeloupe, and the French Southern and Antarctic Lands, pushing “high protection” coverage to 14.68% and aiming for 14.8% by year-end, with strict limits on fishing, extraction, and some tourism. Regional Connectivity: Partners behind the KARULINK project met in Guadeloupe (June 2–3) to plan more regular passenger routes, better transport links, and greener mobility across Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Saint Kitts and Nevis, and Guadeloupe, backed by the EU INTERREG Caribbean programme. Energy Storage: France’s energy regulator (CRE) picked five Corsica storage projects totaling about 48 MW (pumped hydro plus batteries), with contracts running into the 2040s–2050s and battery costs noted as lower than in Guadeloupe and other islands. Aviation Shock: Eleven airlines collapsed into administration in 2026, with cancelled holidays and job losses, as fuel costs are projected to surge and ticket prices rise. Local Sports/Transport: A Collingwood sailor is training for the Vendée Globe 2028 and will sail the Route du Rhum from France to Guadeloupe in November, inviting tours of his IMOCA 60 boat.

Maritime & Connectivity: The EU-backed KARULINK partners met in Guadeloupe (June 2–3) to push new regular passenger routes, better intermodal links, and greener transport options across the Caribbean, aiming to cut barriers to mobility for tourism and trade. Energy Storage: France’s energy regulator CRE picked five Corsica storage projects totaling about 48 MW (pumped hydro plus batteries), with contracts running into the 2040s–2050s; CRE notes battery costs are trending lower than earlier rounds in Guadeloupe and other islands. Marine Protection: France announced three new marine protected areas—including Guadeloupe—raising strict-protection coverage of French waters to 14.68%, as it also accelerates work on the high-seas treaty. Telecoms: Flow says it invested US$1m+ in network upgrades in Dominica to tackle mobile interference traced to a Guadeloupe operator, with equipment arriving mid-June. Geothermal & Power: Ormat Technologies unveiled the Ormega100 unit to scale enhanced geothermal, linking subsurface development to surface power generation. Aviation Costs: Eleven airlines collapsed in 2026, with fuel-price shocks tied to the Iran conflict driving higher ticket prices and squeezed profits. Local Sports & Tourism: A Guadeloupe-linked sailing angle: a solo racer will sail the Route du Rhum from France to Guadeloupe in November after training for the Vendée Globe 2028.

Energy & Storage: France’s energy regulator (CRE) has picked five Corsica electricity storage projects totaling about 48 MW (pumped hydro plus batteries), with service due in 2029–2030; CRE notes battery costs are trending lower than in Guadeloupe, Martinique and Réunion, and the storage is meant to cut solar curtailment. Marine Protection: France announced three new marine protected areas—in Audierne Bay, Guadeloupe, and the French Southern and Antarctic Lands—pushing “high protection” coverage to 14.68% of maritime waters and aiming for 14.8% by year-end. Regional Connectivity: Partners behind the EU-backed KARULINK project met in Guadeloupe to plan new regular passenger routes, better intermodal links, and greener transport options across Caribbean territories. Telecoms & Local Impact: Flow says it invested over US$1 million in network upgrades in Dominica to tackle mobile interference traced to an operator in Guadeloupe, with equipment arriving mid-June. Maritime Services: IMM acquired Atlantic Refit Center in La Rochelle, expanding refit and repair capacity for yachts up to 150 metres, while keeping a Caribbean footprint including Guadeloupe.

Energy Storage Watch: France’s energy regulator CRE picked five Corsica storage projects totaling ~48 MW (two pumped hydro, three battery systems) due online 2029–2030, with battery costs reported lower than earlier rounds in Guadeloupe, Martinique and Réunion—aimed at cutting solar curtailment. Regional Shipping Disruption: A fishermen’s strike in Guadeloupe blocked the port of Pointe-à-Pitre, disrupting ferry services to Dominica; FRS EXPRESS des Îles says arrangements will be made for stranded passengers. Telecom Fix in the Caribbean: Flow says it invested over US$1 million in network upgrades to eliminate mobile interference in northern Dominica, tracing the disruption to an external operator in Guadeloupe; equipment is due June 5–15. Air Connectivity Boost: LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes launched an interline agreement for single-ticket journeys and through-checked luggage, linking Guadeloupe/Martinique/French Guiana to wider Caribbean routes and onward to Paris Orly. Maritime Integration in Guadeloupe: Partners of the EU-backed KARULINK project met in Guadeloupe (June 2–3) to plan new passenger routes, better intermodality, and greener transport options across Caribbean islands.

Air Travel Shock: Eleven airlines have collapsed into administration in 2026, with holiday trips cancelled; European Cargo (Bournemouth) is the latest, reportedly risking about 180 jobs, as fuel costs surge after the Iran conflict and Iata warns 2026 profits could be cut in half. Maritime Disruption: Ferry services to Dominica are disrupted after a strike by fishermen in Guadeloupe blocked the port of Pointe-à-Pitre, leaving passengers to be rebooked. Regional Connectivity Push: In Guadeloupe, partners behind the EU-backed KARULINK project met to plan new regular passenger routes, better links between transport modes, and greener mobility across islands. Telecom Link Tension: Flow says it invested over US$1 million to tackle mobile network interference in northern Dominica, tracing it to an operator in Guadeloupe and planning equipment delivery and installation soon. Legal/Business Climate: The OHADAC–CARO arbitration and ADR training programme is set to launch in June, aiming to strengthen dispute resolution capacity across the Eastern Caribbean, including Guadeloupe. Aviation Deal for Islanders: LIAT Air and Air Caraïbes signed an interline agreement to sell single tickets, check luggage through to final destinations, and connect Guadeloupe/Martinique/French Guiana to Europe via Paris Orly. Yachting Industry Move: IMM acquired Atlantic Refit Center in La Rochelle, expanding refit and repair services for vessels up to 150 metres, with IMM already operating bases in Guadeloupe and the wider Caribbean.

Air & Tourism Shock: Eleven airlines have collapsed into administration in 2026, with holiday trips cancelled and jobs at risk, as airlines warn that jet fuel costs could jump sharply this year—pushing fares higher. Energy & Industry: Ormat Technologies announced the Ormega100 geothermal unit to scale enhanced geothermal power, aiming to meet rising electricity demand with more reliable baseload clean energy. Maritime Connectivity: KARULINK partners met in Guadeloupe to plan new regular passenger routes, better intermodal links, and greener transport across the Caribbean, backed by EU INTERREG funding. Telecoms & Local Impact: Flow says it invested over US$1 million to fix mobile network interference in northern Dominica, tracing the disruption to an external operator in Guadeloupe and scheduling equipment delivery and installation soon. Shipping Disruption: A fishermen’s strike in Guadeloupe has blocked Pointe-à-Pitre port, disrupting ferry services to Dominica and leaving passengers to be rebooked. Legal & Governance: France’s National Assembly unanimously repealed the Code Noir, a major symbolic step for the Caribbean’s historical justice debate. Arbitration & Business Climate: OHADAC and CARO will launch training programmes in arbitration and ADR across the Eastern Caribbean, including Guadeloupe, to strengthen access to economic justice.

Reparations Debate in France: France’s National Assembly unanimously repealed the 1685 Code Noir, ending a law that treated enslaved people as property—an important symbolic step, but one that still leaves Guadeloupeans and other Caribbean descendants pressing for real justice beyond gestures. Health & Agriculture Fallout: The same French Caribbean legacy keeps showing up in daily life, with authorities flagging widespread chlordecone contamination linked to banana plantations and long-term health impacts. Regional Transport Push: In Guadeloupe, partners of the EU-backed KARULINK project met to plan more regular maritime routes and better inter-island connectivity for tourism and commerce. Air Travel Deal: LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes signed an interline agreement to let passengers book with one ticket and check luggage through to final destinations, including Guadeloupe/Martinique links and onward connections to Paris Orly. Maritime Disruption: Ferry services to Dominica were disrupted after a fishermen’s strike in Guadeloupe blocked Pointe-à-Pitre port, with operators arranging for stranded passengers. Telecom Fix in the Region: Flow says it invested over US$1 million to address mobile network interference in northern Dominica, blaming external interference originating from a Guadeloupe operator. Legal Training for Businesses: OHADAC and CARO will launch arbitration and ADR training across the Eastern Caribbean, aiming to make dispute resolution more predictable for companies and investors. Maritime Industry Expansion: IMM acquired Atlantic Refit Center in La Rochelle to expand refit and repair services for vessels up to 150 metres, with bases including Guadeloupe.

Maritime Connectivity: KARULINK partners met in Guadeloupe (June 2–3) to push a more integrated regional transport plan, including new passenger routes, better intermodality, and EU-backed sustainability work under INTERREG Caribbean 2021–2027. Telecom & Cross-Island Impact: Flow says it invested over US$1 million in specialized upgrades to fix mobile interference in northern Dominica, blaming external interference originating from a mobile 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 Links: LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes signed an interline agreement from June 1, enabling single-ticket travel and through-checked luggage across their combined Caribbean networks, including connections to Guadeloupe and onward to Paris Orly. Legal & History: France’s National Assembly unanimously repealed the 1685 Code Noir, a slavery-era law that classified enslaved people as property—symbolic progress, but reparations and systemic inequality demands remain. Disaster Readiness: Antilles Armed Forces continue “Operation Caraïbes 26” through June 4, training multinational disaster response with engineering, route recovery, rescue, and protection units.