AGP Executive Report

Colonial Reckoning in France: France’s National Assembly voted unanimously to repeal the Code Noir, but critics say it’s “memorial theater” since the decree had no legal force—leaving reparations and real repair unresolved. Chlordecone Accountability: France’s parliament adopted a bill recognizing the state’s “share of responsibility” in the chlordecone scandal harming Guadeloupe and Martinique, citing contamination of over 90% of adults and links to cancers; the law sets decontamination and victim support goals while reparations still need a clearer legal framework. Marine Protection Push: France announced three new strict marine protection zones, bringing protected waters to 14.68%—including a Guadeloupe coral reef area—aiming for 14.8% by year-end. Regional Connectivity: Liat Air launched its first direct Pointe-à-Pitre–Montego Bay service starting July 14, a new link for French Caribbean travelers heading to Jamaica. Aviation Shockwaves: Eleven airlines have collapsed into administration in 2026, with European Cargo the latest, as fuel costs and geopolitical disruptions squeeze the sector.

Marine Protection Push: France says it has reached 14.68% of its maritime waters under strict protection, moving toward a 14.8% UN Ocean Conference target, with three new zones including one off Guadeloupe to protect coral reefs and sea turtles. Chlordecone Accountability: France’s lower house has unanimously adopted a bill recognizing the state’s “share of responsibility” for the chlordecone health and environmental disaster in Guadeloupe and Martinique, setting goals for decontamination and compensation work while an interministerial mission prepares remediation assessments. Regional Legal Capacity: The OHADAC Regional Arbitration Centre (CARO) and the OECS will launch training on arbitration and ADR across the Eastern Caribbean, with Guadeloupe among participating territories. New Air Link for Guadeloupe: Liat Air is set to launch the first direct Pointe-à-Pitre–Montego Bay route from July 14, easing travel between the French Caribbean and Jamaica. Colonial Law Repeal: France voted unanimously to repeal the 1685 Code Noir, the “Black Code” that treated enslaved people as property, though the Senate still must approve.

Chlordecone Accountability: France’s National Assembly has unanimously backed a bill recognizing the state’s “share of responsibility” for the health, moral, environmental and economic harm linked to chlordecone in Guadeloupe and Martinique, with MPs citing contamination affecting nearly 90% of adults and long-term cancer risks; the Senate already approved the move and lawmakers point to further work on remediation and future compensation frameworks. Regional Justice & Business Disputes: In St. Lucia, the OHADAC Regional Arbitration Centre (CARO) and the OECS will launch training on arbitration and ADR across the Eastern Caribbean on June 10, with French and regional officials attending, aiming to make dispute resolution more accessible for investors and businesses. New Air Link for the French Caribbean: LIAT is set to launch the first direct Pointe-à-Pitre (Guadeloupe)–Montego Bay (Jamaica) service starting July 14, twice weekly, timed ahead of Reggae Sumfest to ease travel between the two destinations. Colonial Law Repeal: France has voted to repeal the 1685 Code Noir, formally removing the “Black Code” that treated enslaved people as property, a symbolic step that still leaves reparations questions open. Aviation Shock Hits Travel: Eleven airlines have collapsed into administration in 2026, with holiday trips cancelled and job losses reported, as fuel costs surge and fares are expected to rise.

Air Travel Shock: Eleven airlines have collapsed into administration in 2026, with holidaymakers facing cancelled trips; the latest hit is European Cargo (about 180 jobs at risk), as fuel costs surge after the Iran conflict and Iata warns ticket prices will inevitably rise. Colonial Health Accountability: France’s National Assembly has unanimously backed a bill acknowledging the state’s “share of responsibility” in the chlordecone scandal in Guadeloupe and Martinique, tied to long-term contamination and health harms; the law also targets decontamination and compensation planning. Legal Reckoning on Slavery: France voted unanimously to repeal the Code Noir, a 1685 decree that treated enslaved people as property; the move is widely seen as symbolic, with reparations still unresolved. Regional Justice & Trade: The OHADAC Regional Arbitration Centre (CARO) and the OECS will launch training on arbitration and ADR across the Eastern Caribbean, aiming to make dispute resolution more accessible for businesses and investors. Environment & Cooperation: An OECS delegation visited Martinique and Guadeloupe to study sargassum management strategies and value-added uses, supported by the EU and SARSEA. Connectivity Boost: Liat Air announced its first direct Pointe-à-Pitre–Montego Bay flights starting July 14, a new link between the French Caribbean and Jamaica.

Chlordecone Accountability: France’s National Assembly has unanimously voted to repeal the Code Noir and, in a separate but related move, lawmakers also backed a bill recognizing the state’s “share of responsibility” for the chlordecone pesticide scandal in Guadeloupe and Martinique—used on banana plantations until 1993 despite warnings—setting the stage for decontamination goals and compensation discussions. Legal & Justice Capacity: The OHADAC Regional Arbitration Centre (CARO) and the OECS will launch training on arbitration and ADR across the Eastern Caribbean on June 10, with France’s ambassador and Sir Dennis Byron among those attending, aiming to strengthen access to economic justice for regional businesses and investors. Regional Connectivity: LIAT is set to launch the first direct flights between Pointe-à-Pitre (Guadeloupe) and Montego Bay (Jamaica) from July 14, a new link that could reshape travel patterns ahead of Reggae Sumfest. Aviation Link-Up: Air Caraïbes and LIAT have started an interline agreement to sell single tickets and improve multi-island travel between the Eastern Caribbean and French Caribbean destinations. Environment & Sargassum: An OECS delegation is visiting Martinique and Guadeloupe (June 1–4) to study sargassum management and explore value-added uses for the seaweed. Military Preparedness: The Armed Forces in the Antilles continue “Operation Caribbean 26,” a multinational disaster-response exercise simulating a major cyclone and testing humanitarian assistance and relief coordination.

Chlordecone Accountability: France’s National Assembly has unanimously backed a bill recognizing the state’s “share of responsibility” for the health, environmental and economic harm caused by chlordecone in Guadeloupe and Martinique, after lawmakers cited that nearly 90% of adults show contamination and linked the pesticide to cancers and other long-term effects; the law also sets decontamination goals and points to future compensation frameworks. Colonial Law Repeal: In a separate but related reckoning, France voted unanimously to repeal the 1685 Code Noir, the slavery-era decree that treated enslaved people as “movable property,” a symbolic step that still leaves reparations questions open. Regional Aviation Shift: LIAT 2020 and Air Caraïbes announced an interline agreement for single-ticket travel with through-checked baggage across their combined networks, effective June 1, as regional carriers restructure routes affecting Martinique and Guadeloupe. New Direct Link: LIAT is launching the first direct flights between Pointe-à-Pitre (Guadeloupe) and Montego Bay (Jamaica) starting July 14, with twice-weekly service timed ahead of Reggae Sumfest. Disaster Response Drills: The Antilles Armed Forces continue “Operation Caraïbes 26,” a multinational disaster-relief exercise training units for cyclone-scale emergencies, including deployments from Martinique and Guadeloupe.

Chlordecone Accountability: France’s National Assembly has unanimously backed a bill recognizing the state’s “share of responsibility” for the health, moral, environmental and economic harm caused by chlordecone in Guadeloupe and Martinique, after decades of warnings were ignored; the law also targets decontamination, research priorities and support for affected fishermen and farmers, though it stops short of full state liability. Code Noir Repeal: In a separate landmark vote, lawmakers unanimously approved repealing the 1685 Code Noir, the slavery-era decree that legally treated enslaved people as property; the repeal is now headed to the Senate, with many in the French Caribbean calling it a necessary step but not a substitute for reparations. Regional Aviation Shift: LIAT 2020 and Air Caraïbes announced an interline agreement for single-ticket travel across their networks with through-checked baggage, starting June 1—timed alongside Caribbean Airlines’ market exits and frequency cuts affecting regional links including Martinique and Guadeloupe. Direct Guadeloupe–Jamaica Link: LIAT 2020 is launching the first direct flights between Pointe-à-Pitre and Montego Bay from July 14, a new bridge for French Caribbean travelers heading to Jamaica’s major summer events. Sargassum Cooperation: An OECS delegation visited Martinique and Guadeloupe to study sargassum management strategies and explore value-added uses, as regional partners push for coordinated responses to recurring seaweed impacts. Access to Economic Justice: OHADAC’s CARO Regional Arbitration Centre, with the OECS, will launch June 10 training on arbitration and ADR to strengthen predictable, accessible dispute resolution for Eastern Caribbean businesses and investors. Disaster Response Drills: “Operation Caraïbes 26” continues through June 4, training multinational forces—including RSMA units from Martinique and Guadeloupe—for cyclone-scale humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.

Chlordecone Accountability: France’s National Assembly has unanimously voted to repeal and formally recognize the state’s “share of responsibility” for the health, environmental and economic harm linked to chlordecone (Kepone) in Guadeloupe and Martinique, with lawmakers citing contamination levels affecting most adults and links to cancers and other long-term damage, while an interministerial mission is set to assess remediation and future compensation frameworks. Slavery-Era Legal Cleanup: France also voted 254-0 to repeal the 1685 Code Noir, a slavery law that treated enslaved people as “movable property,” a symbolic but politically charged step that still leaves reparations unresolved. Regional Justice & Business Disputes: The OHADAC Regional Arbitration Centre (CARO) and the OECS will launch training on arbitration and ADR across the Eastern Caribbean on June 10, with French diplomatic participation, aiming to strengthen access to economic justice for investors and businesses. Caribbean Aviation Links: LIAT 2020 and Air Caraïbes announced an interline agreement for single-ticket travel across networks (starting June 1), as regional carriers realign routes affecting connectivity to Martinique and Guadeloupe. Sargassum Management Mission: An OECS delegation is visiting Martinique and Guadeloupe (June 1-4) to study sargassum handling strategies and develop value-added uses for the seaweed.

Aviation Connectivity: LIAT 2020 and Air Caraïbes have signed an interline agreement letting passengers connect across their Caribbean networks on a single ticket with through-checked baggage, starting June 1—timed as Caribbean Airlines pulls back from several markets. Guadeloupe–Jamaica Link: LIAT 2020 is also launching the first direct Pointe-à-Pitre (Guadeloupe)–Montego Bay (Jamaica) flights from July 14, a new, simpler route for the French Caribbean. Regional Legal Access: The OHADAC Regional Arbitration Centre (CARO), with the OECS and France’s support, will launch June 10 training on arbitration and ADR to strengthen economic justice across Eastern Caribbean states, including Guadeloupe and Martinique. Chlordecone Accountability: France’s National Assembly has unanimously adopted a bill acknowledging the state’s “share of responsibility” for chlordecone harm in Guadeloupe and Martinique, with an interministerial mission planned to assess remediation steps. Disaster Preparedness: Antilles forces continue “Operation Caraïbes 26,” a multinational disaster-response exercise simulating a major cyclone and testing coordinated humanitarian relief. Colonial Memory: France moves forward on repealing the Code Noir, a slavery-era law that treated enslaved people as property—another symbolic step in the country’s reckoning with its colonial past.

Chlordecone Accountability: France’s National Assembly has unanimously adopted a bill recognizing the state’s “share of responsibility” for the health, moral, environmental and economic harm linked to chlordecone in Guadeloupe and Martinique, where more than 90% of adults are contaminated and the pesticide has been linked to cancers including prostate cancer—setting up decontamination goals, research priorities and support for affected fishermen and farmers. Code Noir Repeal: In a separate historic vote, lawmakers approved the repeal of the 1685 Code Noir, the slavery-era decree that treated enslaved people as “movable property,” a symbolic step that still leaves reparations debates unresolved as the measure heads to the Senate. Regional Justice Training: OHADAC’s CARO arbitration centre, with the OECS and France’s support, will launch June 10 training on arbitration and ADR across the Eastern Caribbean, aiming to improve access to economic justice for businesses and investors. Disaster Response Drills: The Antilles Armed Forces continue “Operation Caraïbes 26,” a multinational exercise training for cyclone-scale humanitarian aid and disaster relief, with RSMA units from Martinique and Guadeloupe involved. Air Connectivity Watch: Air France’s unusual Miami–Pointe-à-Pitre Airbus A320 service continues as part of its island-hopping network, while regional aviation realignment commentary highlights shifting hubs and interline deals. Local Courts: The Basse-Terre Court of Appeal authorized the extradition of a man arrested in Saint-Martin over a $46m crypto fraud case, with transfer expected after procedure steps.

Chlordecone Accountability: France’s National Assembly has unanimously backed a bill recognizing the state’s “share of responsibility” for the health, moral, environmental and economic harm caused by chlordecone in Guadeloupe and Martinique, with a Senate vote next and an interministerial mission planned to assess cleanup and remediation. Slavery Law Repeal: In a rare 254-0 vote, lawmakers moved to repeal the Code Noir, the 1685 decree that treated enslaved people as “movable property”; the Senate still must approve, and reparations remain politically contested. Regional Justice Training: OHADAC’s CARO Arbitration Centre, with the OECS and France’s ambassador in attendance, will launch June 10 training to strengthen arbitration and ADR access across the Eastern Caribbean. Air Links for Guadeloupe: Liat Air will launch a direct Pointe-à-Pitre–Montego Bay route from July 14, while Air France continues its unusual Miami–Guadeloupe Airbus A320 service as part of a wider island-hopping network. Disaster Response Drills: “Operation Caraïbes 26” continues training multinational forces for cyclone-scale humanitarian relief, with RSMA units from Martinique and Guadeloupe under the FAA for the exercise. Regional Aviation Politics: A St. Kitts tourism minister says Caribbean Airlines’ withdrawal from St. Kitts and Nevis was made without consultation, even as talks to secure a replacement airline move forward.

Chlordecone Accountability: France’s National Assembly voted unanimously to recognize the state’s “share of responsibility” for the health, moral, environmental and economic harm caused by chlordecone (Kepone) in Guadeloupe and Martinique, with the Senate already approving; the law sets decontamination goals, research priorities, and support for affected fishermen and farmers, while an interministerial mission is set to assess remediation. Regional Justice Training: OHADAC’s CARO arbitration centre, with the OECS and France’s support, will launch June 10 training on arbitration and ADR across the Eastern Caribbean, aiming to make dispute resolution more accessible for businesses and investors. Aviation Links & Disruptions: Air France continues an unusual Miami–Pointe-à-Pitre Airbus A320 route, while regional carriers’ reshuffling is also reshaping connectivity, including LIAT 2020 and Air Caraïbes’ new interline deal effective June 1. Security & Disaster Readiness: Antilles forces are running Operation Caraïbes 26, a multinational disaster-response exercise simulating a major cyclone and involving RSMA units from Martinique and Guadeloupe. Symbolic Colonial Reform: France moved closer to fully repealing the Code Noir after the National Assembly’s 254-0 vote, a step tied to ongoing debates over reparations and how slavery’s legacy is addressed. Travel to Jamaica: Liat Air is launching the first direct Pointe-à-Pitre–Montego Bay flights starting July 14, twice weekly, timed ahead of Reggae Sumfest.

Direct Air Link: Liat Air is launching the first-ever nonstop service between Pointe-à-Pitre (Guadeloupe) and Montego Bay (Jamaica) starting July 14, with flights twice weekly each way, timed ahead of Reggae Sumfest. Chlordecone Accountability: France’s Parliament has unanimously adopted a bill recognizing the State’s “share of responsibility” in the chlordecone pesticide scandal affecting Guadeloupe and Martinique, citing widespread contamination and long-term health harm, while stopping short of full liability and pushing compensation into a separate legal framework. Air Connectivity Watch: Air France’s Miami–Pointe-à-Pitre Airbus A320 route continues as part of its island-hopping network, while regional aviation realignment accelerates amid carrier withdrawals and new interline arrangements. Regional Justice Training: The OHADAC Regional Arbitration Centre and the OECS will launch June 10 training on arbitration and ADR across the Eastern Caribbean, including Guadeloupe and Martinique, aiming to strengthen access to economic justice. Disaster Response Drills: “Operation Caraïbes 26” continues through June 4, training multinational forces for cyclone-scale humanitarian assistance, with RSMA units from Martinique and Guadeloupe under FAA command. French Colonial Law: France’s National Assembly voted 254-0 to repeal the Code Noir slavery decree, a symbolic but emotionally charged step with Guadeloupe and Martinique lawmakers pushing for recognition beyond symbolism. Guadeloupe/Martinique Sargassum Mission: An OECS delegation is visiting Martinique and Guadeloupe June 1–4 to study sargassum management and value-added uses, supported by the EU and OECS. Legal Transfer in Guadeloupe: The Basse-Terre Court of Appeal authorized the extradition of John Daghita to the United States over an alleged $46 million cryptocurrency fraud.

Chlordecone Accountability: French MPs voted unanimously to force the state to acknowledge partial responsibility for the long-term harm caused by the chlordecone pesticide in Guadeloupe and Martinique, after health warnings were ignored for decades; with nearly 90% contamination cited, the bill links the toxin to cancers and other serious health effects. Regional Justice Training: The OHADAC Regional Arbitration Centre (CARO) and the OECS will launch June 10 training on arbitration and ADR across the Eastern Caribbean, with French officials and Sir Dennis Byron attending, aiming to make dispute resolution more accessible for businesses and investors. Sargassum Study Mission: An OECS delegation is visiting Martinique and Guadeloupe June 1–4 to review local sargassum management and explore value-added uses, supported by the EU and OECS. Air Connectivity Watch: Air France keeps an unusual Miami–Guadeloupe Airbus A320 route, while regional aviation continues to shift amid airline pullouts and new interline deals. Code Noir Repeal: France’s National Assembly voted 254-0 to repeal the 1685 Code Noir slavery edict, a symbolic but historic step as the Senate still must approve. Guadeloupe Court Case: A Basse-Terre Court of Appeal authorized the extradition of John Daghita to the United States over a reported $46 million cryptocurrency fraud. Disaster Response Drills: “Operation Caraïbes 26” continues through June 4, training Antilles forces for multinational disaster relief after a simulated major cyclone.

French Colonial Reckoning: France’s National Assembly voted unanimously (254-0) to repeal the 1685 Code Noir, the slavery-era decree that legally treated enslaved people as “movable property.” The move is largely symbolic—slavery was abolished in 1848—but lawmakers were shocked the law stayed on the books, and the debate turned emotional, with Guadeloupe and Martinique lawmakers speaking as descendants of those affected. The bill now heads to the Senate; it stops short of reparations, though it would require reporting on the legacy of colonial law and how slavery is taught in schools. Regional Justice & Capacity: In the Eastern Caribbean, OHADAC’s arbitration centre (CARO) and the OECS will officially launch training programmes on arbitration and ADR in Guadeloupe, Martinique and other member states on June 10, backed by the EU and AFD. Disaster Response Drills: The Armed Forces in the Antilles continue “Operation Caraïbes 26” until June 4, training multinational humanitarian disaster relief after a simulated major cyclone, with RSMA units from Martinique and Guadeloupe under FAA command. Regional Aviation Shockwaves: Caribbean Airlines’ pullout from St. Kitts and Nevis is reported to have happened without consultation, raising concerns about connectivity; regional observers also point to a wider realignment in Caribbean air travel around emerging hubs. Sargassum Cooperation: A nine-state OECS delegation is visiting Martinique and Guadeloupe June 1–4 to study sargassum management and develop value-added uses, supported by the EU.

French Politics & Justice: France’s National Assembly voted 254-0 to repeal the 1685 “Code Noir,” the slavery-era decree that treated enslaved people as “movable property.” The move is widely seen as symbolic, with no reparations included, but it now heads to the Senate and would require reporting on slavery’s lasting impact on racism, discrimination, and how the history is taught. Regional Security & Disaster Response: In the Antilles, Armed Forces are running “Operation Caribbean 26” until June 4, a multinational disaster-relief exercise simulating a major cyclone and involving units from Martinique and Guadeloupe under the FAA. Regional Aviation: Caribbean Airlines’ pullout from St. Kitts and Nevis is sparking political fallout, with tourism minister Marsha Henderson saying the government wasn’t consulted; officials now seek an alternative airline partner. Regional Legal Training: OHADAC and the CARO Regional Arbitration Centre will officially launch training programmes on arbitration and ADR across the Eastern Caribbean on June 10, including Guadeloupe and Martinique.