Chlordecone Health Fallout: A new Public Health France study (Kannari 2) finds chlordecone still detectable in 81.3% of adults in Guadeloupe and 85.5% in Martinique, with about one in six above the reference health threshold—raising renewed pressure on authorities as the pesticide’s persistence in soils and waterways is expected to last for centuries. Regional Diplomacy: France reaffirmed its commitment to the OECS as Ambassador Marie-Noëlle Duris presented Letters of Credence, pointing to cooperation on climate resilience, public health, education, agriculture, and regional connectivity—while noting the shared ties between French nationals in Martinique, Guadeloupe and Saint Martin and their Caribbean neighbours. OECS Leadership Shift: The OECS marked its 45th anniversary and opened its 78th Authority meeting with a chairmanship handover from Saint Vincent’s Godwin Friday to Antigua’s Gaston Browne, who called for an “OECS renaissance” and faster, bolder implementation of shared goals. Earthquake in the Region: A magnitude 4.2 quake hit at 7:19 am (10 km deep), felt in Point-à-Pitre and across nearby islands, with no immediate reports of injuries or damage. Tourism Connectivity Watch: Jamaica’s tourism recovery debate highlighted how airlift and room availability still shape regional travel—citing enhanced connectivity including services from Guadeloupe as airlines expand routes into 2027.