AGP Executive Report

France-OECS Diplomacy: France has renewed its ties with the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States by accrediting Ambassador Marie-Noëlle Duris, with talks focused on climate resilience, public health, maritime security, education mobility, French language training, and connectivity. OECS Integration Push: At the OECS Authority’s 45th anniversary meeting in Antigua, leaders called for an “OECS renaissance,” with chairmanship shifting to Gaston Browne and emphasis on stronger regional implementation. Chlordecone Fallout in the French Antilles: A new Public Health France study says chlordecone remains widespread in Guadeloupe and Martinique, with most adults still showing traces and some above health thresholds, while a Paris appeals ruling has closed a major criminal case. Martinique/Caribbean Air Links: Fly Dutch Caribbean will operate from Grand Case Airport from July 1, aiming to reopen routes to the Dutch Caribbean and potentially expand links toward Guadeloupe and Martinique. Regional Trade & Cargo: St. Vincent announced Executive Air’s new regional cargo service to boost tourism supply chains and help farmers export. Tourism & Culture: Aman at Sea opened bookings for Amangati’s first Caribbean voyages, and Dominica launched its Bike Fest 2026 for July 31–Aug 3.

France-OECS Diplomacy: France has renewed its ties with the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States by accrediting Ambassador Marie-Noëlle Duris, with talks focused on climate resilience, public health, maritime security, education mobility, French language training, and tech-led growth—an effort that matters for Martinique, Guadeloupe and Saint Martin, home to nearly 800,000 French citizens. OECS Leadership Push: At the OECS Authority’s 45th-anniversary meeting, chairmanship shifted to Antigua and Barbuda’s PM Gaston Browne, who called for an “OECS renaissance” and faster, bolder implementation to strengthen regional resilience. Chlordecone Fallout in the French Antilles: A new Public Health France study says chlordecone contamination remains widespread in Guadeloupe and Martinique, with most adults still showing traces and a significant share above health thresholds, while France’s courts have closed the door on a major criminal case. Regional Air Connectivity: Fly Dutch Caribbean will start operating from Grand Case Airport on July 1, and St. Vincent announced a new Executive Air cargo service aimed at boosting trade and helping farmers reach international markets.

Regional Diplomacy: France has renewed its partnership with the OECS after presenting Letters of Credence to OECS Director General Dr. Didacus Jules, pledging deeper cooperation on climate resilience, public health, agriculture, education and regional connectivity, with a reminder that nearly 800,000 French nationals live across Martinique, Guadeloupe and Saint Martin. OECS Leadership: At the OECS 45th anniversary meeting, Chairmanship shifted to Antigua and Barbuda PM Gaston Browne, who called for an “OECS renaissance” and stronger implementation of shared goals to face today’s global pressures. Health & Justice in the French Caribbean: A Paris appeals court upheld the dismissal of a long-running chlordecone case tied to banana pesticide contamination in Guadeloupe and Martinique, while a new Public Health France study reports most adults still have traces in their blood and some exceed health thresholds. Local Governance: Martinique’s administrative court annulled municipal elections in Basse-Pointe. Travel & Connectivity: Fly Dutch Caribbean will operate from Grand Case Airport from July 1, and Air Canada continues expanding Caribbean routes while opening a new premium lounge in Québec City.

Martinique Court Ruling: Martinique’s administrative court annulled the municipal election in Basse-Pointe, ordering a new vote unless an appeal succeeds, after finding campaign breaches that could have affected the vote’s integrity. Chlordecone Accountability: A Paris appeals court upheld the dismissal of a major chlordecone case tied to toxic pesticide contamination in Guadeloupe and Martinique, closing the door on criminal accountability and reigniting calls for justice. Regional Governance: OECS leaders marked the organisation’s 45th anniversary and pushed an “OECS renaissance,” with chairmanship shifting to Antigua and Barbuda’s Gaston Browne and a focus on stronger implementation for resilience and shared goals. Tourism & Air Links: Fly Dutch Caribbean will start operating from Grand Case Airport on July 1, aiming to open routes toward the Dutch Caribbean and potentially connect further with Guadeloupe and Martinique. Caribbean Travel Demand: Air Canada expanded its Caribbean network and opened a new premium lounge in Québec City, highlighting growing Canadian travel interest in Martinique and nearby islands.

Chlordecone Legal Fallout: France’s Court of Appeal has upheld the dismissal of a long-running criminal case tied to chlordecone contamination in Guadeloupe and Martinique, a blow to victims seeking accountability after decades of proceedings. Public Health Impact: A new Public Health France study says chlordecone traces remain widespread—81.3% of adults in Guadeloupe and 85.5% in Martinique still show detectable levels, with about one in six above health thresholds. Local Governance: Martinique’s administrative court annulled the municipal election in Basse-Pointe over campaign irregularities, ordering a new vote unless an appeal succeeds. Regional Cooperation: OECS leaders marked 45 years of integration and called for an “OECS renaissance,” focusing on trade, connectivity, and economic resilience as chairmanship shifted to Gaston Browne. Aviation & Tourism Links: Fly Dutch Caribbean will operate from Grand Case Airport from July 1, aiming to boost routes to the Dutch Caribbean, while Air Canada continues expanding Caribbean travel and upgrades its Québec City airport lounge experience. Business & Travel: Aman at Sea opened reservations for Amangati’s inaugural Caribbean itineraries (Nov. 21, 2027–Jan. 2, 2028), with stops including Martinique.

Chlordecone Legal Fallout: A Paris appeals court has confirmed the dismissal of a long-running criminal case over chlordecone, the toxic pesticide used on banana plantations in Guadeloupe and Martinique, effectively ending criminal accountability and reigniting anger among victims. Public Health Warning: A new Public Health France study says chlordecone remains widespread, with detectable traces in 81.3% of Guadeloupe adults and 85.5% in Martinique, and about one in six above a health threshold. Local Politics in Martinique: Martinique’s administrative court annulled the municipal election in Basse-Pointe due to campaign irregularities, ordering a new vote unless an appeal succeeds. Regional Governance: OECS leaders marked 45 years of integration and called for an “OECS renaissance,” with chairmanship shifting to Antigua and Barbuda’s Gaston Browne. Air Connectivity: Fly Dutch Caribbean will operate from Grand Case Airport from July 1, starting with small aircraft and aiming to expand routes, including talks tied to Martinique and Guadeloupe. Tourism & Luxury Travel: Aman at Sea opened bookings for Amangati’s inaugural Caribbean itineraries, with stops including Martinique and the wider Antilles.

Chlordecone Fallout: France’s Court of Appeal has upheld the dismissal of a long-running criminal case tied to chlordecone, leaving Guadeloupe and Martinique victims without criminal accountability even as a new Public Health France study reports most adults still carry traces of the pesticide. Local Justice: Martinique’s administrative court annulled the municipal election in Basse-Pointe over campaign irregularities, ordering a new vote unless an appeal overturns it. Regional Cooperation: OECS leaders marked 45 years of integration in Antigua, with a new chairmanship calling for an “OECS renaissance” focused on stronger implementation, trade, connectivity, and resilience. Water Governance: Martinique’s Assembly voted unanimously to create a single centralized water and sanitation authority, aiming to fix long-running drinking-water and sanitation problems. Sports & Health: Martinique-born hurdler Dimitri Bascou received a four-year doping ban, while the island’s broader health debate continues amid toxic-chemical and nutrition concerns. Culture & Heritage: A Paris conversation highlights Euzhan Palcy’s Martinique roots and her enduring partnership with June Givanni.

Chlordecone Justice Blocked in Paris: France’s Court of Appeal 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. Martinique Local Vote Annulled: Martinique’s administrative court struck down the Basse-Pointe municipal election results from March 15, 2026, citing campaign breaches that could have affected the vote’s integrity, with a new election required unless appealed. OECS Push for a “Renaissance”: OECS leaders marked 45 years of regional integration in Antigua, with a chairmanship handover to Gaston Browne and calls for bold, transformative leadership focused on resilience, trade, and connectivity. Aman at Sea Caribbean Bookings: Aman at Sea opened reservations for Amangati’s inaugural Caribbean season (Nov. 21, 2027–Jan. 2, 2028), including stops such as Martinique’s Anse d’Arlet. Martinique Culture in Focus: A profile revisits filmmaker Euzhan Palcy’s rise—rooted in her Martinique debut Sugar Cane Alley—and her Paris conversation with June Givanni. Tourism & Business Notes: Executive Air launched a new St. Vincent air cargo service, and Trois Rivières (Martinique) unveiled refreshed packaging for its aged rum range.

Caribbean Tourism: Aman at Sea opened reservations for Amangati’s inaugural Caribbean season (Nov. 21, 2027–Jan. 2, 2028), with 5- to 8-night trips across the Leeward Islands, Windward Islands (including Martinique’s Anse d’Arlet and Soufrière in St. Lucia), and the Dutch Caribbean, featuring late departures, anchorages, and curated cultural, culinary and nature-led shore experiences. Justice & Environment: France’s appeals court upheld the dismissal of a long-running chlordecone case tied to banana pesticide contamination in Guadeloupe and Martinique, closing the door on criminal accountability after decades of proceedings. Local Governance: Martinique’s administrative court annulled the municipal election in Basse-Pointe (March 15, 2026) over campaign irregularities, triggering a new vote unless appealed. Regional Cooperation: OECS leaders marked 45 years of integration in Antigua, with a chairmanship handover to Gaston Browne and renewed calls for stronger implementation on trade, connectivity and economic resilience. Martinique Business: Campari’s Trois Rivières unveiled refreshed packaging for its aged rum range, with new bottle design inspired by southern Martinique sugarcane fields.

Martinique Politics: Martinique’s administrative court annulled the municipal election of Basse-Pointe (March 15, 2026) after finding campaign irregularities that could have affected the vote’s integrity, meaning a new election will be needed unless the ruling is appealed. Regional Integration: OECS leaders marked 45 years of regional cooperation at the 78th Authority meeting in Antigua, with a chairmanship handover to Antigua and Barbuda’s Gaston Browne and a push for stronger implementation of the integration agenda. Environment & Health Justice: A Paris court rejected a bid to reopen the probe into Caribbean chlordecone contamination, closing the door to future criminal investigations even as lawmakers and campaigners continue to press for accountability and support for affected communities. Local Governance (Water): Martinique’s Assembly voted unanimously to create a single, centralized water and sanitation authority to coordinate drinking water and sanitation management across the island, aiming to better align investment, tariffs, and service quality. Sports & Doping: Martinique-born French hurdler Dimitri Bascou was banned for four years after a positive steroids test, extending his suspension until April 2028.

Martinique Politics: The administrative court annulled the municipal elections in Basse-Pointe after campaign irregularities, including a large prohibited brochure distribution and non-compliant poster activity via a vehicle with loudspeakers; a new vote is required unless an appeal overturns the ruling. Water & Infrastructure: Martinique’s Assembly unanimously backed creating a single centralized water and sanitation authority to coordinate investments, harmonize tariffs, and tackle long-running drinking-water and sanitation problems. Culture & Tourism: Reggae Therapy returns for its fourth edition on July 11–12 at Stade Louis Achille in Fort-de-France, with major acts including Tarrus Riley, Julian Marley, Barrington Levy and Alborosie, positioning the festival as a key cultural draw for visitors. Regional Justice & Health: In France, courts have rejected efforts to reopen a probe tied to chlordecone contamination in Guadeloupe and Martinique, with protesters in Paris renewing calls for compensation for victims of colonial poisoning. Sports & Local Talent: Martinique-born hurdler Dimitri Bascou was banned for four years after a positive steroid test, extending his suspension until April 2028.

Chlordecone Legal Closure: France’s court has rejected a bid to reopen the probe into chlordecone contamination in the French Caribbean, ending 20 years of proceedings; lawyers for civil parties called it a “dark day for justice,” while the case had already been dismissed in 2023 due to delays, even as judges acknowledged a “health scandal” and long-lasting environmental damage. Local Elections Upended: Martinique’s administrative court annulled the municipal election in Basse-Pointe after campaign irregularities, including prohibited campaign-style distribution of a brochure and non-compliant poster activity; a new vote is required unless an appeal succeeds. Water Governance: Martinique’s Assembly unanimously voted to create a single water and sanitation authority to centralize management, aiming to better coordinate investment, tariffs, and service quality amid ongoing drinking-water and sanitation problems. Regional Integration Spotlight: The OECS marks its 45th anniversary, highlighting achievements like the OECS Economic Union and the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union, with Martinique and Guadeloupe included among member territories. Tourism & Culture: Reggae Therapy returns to Fort-de-France on July 11–12 with major artists including Tarrus Riley, Julian Marley, Barrington Levy, and Alborosie, as Martinique pushes culture-led tourism. Sports & Community: Bananas of Guadeloupe & Martinique will bring back the Tour de France’s KM 97 charity initiative on Stage 7 (July 1 start of public campaign), with QR scans triggering donations to Restos du Cœur.

Chlordecone Legal Fallout: France’s top court has rejected a bid to reopen the probe into Caribbean chlordecone (Kepone) contamination, closing the door to further criminal investigations after decades in court; lawyers for civil parties called it a “dark day for justice,” even as the ruling acknowledged a “health scandal” and long-lasting environmental damage affecting residents in Guadeloupe and Martinique. Local Elections Upended: Martinique’s administrative court annulled the municipal election results in Basse-Pointe, ordering a new vote unless appealed, citing campaign irregularities including prohibited campaign-style distribution of a brochure and non-compliant poster activity. Water & Sanitation Reform: The Martinique Assembly unanimously backed creating a single water and sanitation authority to centralize services across the island, aiming to better coordinate investment, tariffs, and service quality. Cultural Tourism Push: Reggae Therapy returns for its fourth edition on July 11–12 at Stade Louis Achille in Fort-de-France, featuring Tarrus Riley, Julian Marley, Barrington Levy, and Alborosie. Regional Integration Spotlight: As the OECS marks 45 years, coverage highlights achievements like the Economic Union and the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union, with Martinique and Guadeloupe included. EU Parliament Funds Probe: A far-right Patriots group was reported to have misspent €270k in EU Parliament funds in 2024, including irregularities tied to prohibited local donations and tender processes.

Water & Sanitation Reform: Martinique’s Assembly has unanimously voted to create a single, island-wide water and sanitation authority, aiming to end fragmented management and better coordinate investment, tariffs, and service quality amid ongoing drinking-water and sanitation problems. Local Elections Upheld/Reset: The administrative court annulled the municipal election in Basse-Pointe after campaign irregularities were found to have likely affected the vote’s integrity, meaning a new election is required unless the decision is appealed. Culture & Tourism: Martinique is gearing up for the Reggae Therapy Festival (July 11–12 at Stade Louis Achille, Fort-de-France) with major acts including Tarrus Riley, Julian Marley, Barrington Levy, and Alborosie, positioning the event as a key cultural tourism draw. Business & Spirits: Campari’s Trois Rivières (Martinique) has unveiled refreshed packaging for its aged rum range, with new bottle design details and updated availability in France. Sports Discipline: Martinique-born French hurdler Dimitri Bascou received a four-year doping ban, keeping him sidelined until April 2028. Regional Justice & Health: In Paris, protesters renewed calls for justice for Agent Orange victims in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia, and for chlordecone contamination victims in Guadeloupe and Martinique, as major court cases move forward.

Water & Sanitation Reform: Martinique’s Assembly has unanimously backed the creation of a single, island-wide water and sanitation authority, aiming to end fragmented management and tackle long-running drinking-water and sanitation problems. Local Elections: Martinique’s administrative court annulled the municipal election in Basse-Pointe after campaign irregularities that could affect the vote’s integrity, setting up a new election unless an appeal succeeds. Chlordecone & Justice in France: In Paris, protesters renewed calls for justice and compensation for Agent Orange victims in Vietnam and for chlordecone contamination victims in Guadeloupe and Martinique, as major court cases move forward. Culture & Tourism: Martinique is gearing up for the Reggae Therapy Festival (July 11–12) in Fort-de-France with major international acts, positioning the event as a driver of cultural tourism. Sports & Doping: Martinique-born French hurdler Dimitri Bascou received a four-year ban for steroids, extending his suspension until April 2028. Regional Travel Buzz: Carnival Cruise Line announced a 14-day Southern Caribbean Carnaval-focused itinerary for 2028, with Martinique listed among the stops.

Martinique Water Reform: The Assembly of Martinique has unanimously voted to create a single centralized water and sanitation authority, aiming to end fragmented management and tackle long-running drinking-water and sanitation problems, though some observers are watching closely to see how fast it becomes real on the ground. Reggae Tourism Push: Fort-de-France will host the Reggae Therapy Festival on July 11–12 at Stade Louis Achille, featuring Tarrus Riley, Julian Marley, Barrington Levy and Alborosie, with organizers framing it as a major cultural-tourism draw. Chlordecone Compensation Path: France has moved forward on the chlordecone scandal by officially recognizing the State’s responsibility, opening the door to compensation discussions for victims in Guadeloupe and Martinique and setting a one-year timeline for a report to Parliament. Grenada Election Spotlight: In Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique, the ruling NDC plans a Mega Rally ahead of the next general election, betting on a big turnout to signal it won’t be surrendering power. Petroleum Prices Update (Grenada): Grenada’s latest price notice keeps gasoline and diesel unchanged but cuts kerosene and some LPG cylinder prices. Local Business & Culture (Martinique): Campari’s Trois Rivières has unveiled refreshed packaging for its aged rum range, with new bottle design details tied to Martinique’s sugarcane heritage. Regional Environment Link: A sargassum management study visit in Martinique and Guadeloupe highlighted practical strategies for public health, coastal resilience and tourism resilience across the Caribbean.