AGP Executive Report

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.

Chlordecone Health Fallout: A new Public Health France study (Kannari 2) finds chlordecone still in the blood of 81.3% of adults in Guadeloupe and 85.5% in Martinique, with about one in six above the reference threshold—renewing pressure on authorities after the pesticide’s long ban and its persistence in soils and waterways. Regional Diplomacy: France’s ambassador to the OECS, Marie-Noëlle Duris, presented Letters of Credence to OECS DG Dr. Didacus Jules, reaffirming cooperation on climate resilience, public health, education, agriculture and connectivity—highlighting shared ties with nearly 800,000 French nationals in Guadeloupe, Martinique and Saint Martin. OECS Leadership Shift: The OECS marked its 45th integration anniversary and opened its 78th Authority meeting with a chairmanship handover to Gaston Browne, calling for an “OECS renaissance” and stronger joint delivery. Tourism & Air Access: Jamaica’s tourism minister Edmund Bartlett said recovery is constrained by room and airlift limits, but more flights are coming—an indirect reminder for the wider region, including Guadeloupe, that connectivity is driving demand. Earthquake Felt in Guadeloupe: A 4.2 quake hit at 7:19 am local time; it was felt in Point-à-Pitre and across nearby islands, with no immediate reports of damage. Sports Spotlight: A Micoud teenager, Ethan Renéau (18), is set for a national boxing debut in Guadeloupe, alongside two experienced teammates.

Chlordecone Health Fallout: A new Public Health France study says chlordecone traces remain widespread in the French West Indies: 81.3% of adults in Guadeloupe and 85.5% in Martinique still test positive, with about one in six above the health threshold—raising fresh pressure on long-delayed remediation and protections. Court Accountability: The Paris Court of Appeal has also confirmed the dismissal of a landmark criminal case tied to the chlordecone scandal, effectively closing the door on criminal accountability after a 20-year fight. Regional Diplomacy: France’s ambassador to the OECS, Marie-Noëlle Duris, presented her Letters of Credence, reaffirming cooperation on climate resilience, public health, education, agriculture, connectivity and innovation—pointing to close ties with Guadeloupe and Martinique. Tourism & Air Access: Jamaica’s tourism minister Edmund Bartlett says recovery is being held back by limited rooms and airlift, but more flights are coming, including enhanced regional connectivity from Guadeloupe. Local Impact: A 4.2 earthquake was felt across the region, including Point-à-Pitre in Guadeloupe, with no immediate reports of damage. Sports Spotlight: A Micoud teenager, Ethan Renéau, is set for a national boxing debut in Guadeloupe as part of a three-man team.

Chlordecone Legal Fallout: A French appeals court has upheld the dismissal of a landmark criminal case tied to chlordecone, effectively closing the door on criminal accountability for the pesticide scandal that has long plagued Guadeloupe and Martinique. Public Health Update: A new Public Health France study says 81.3% of adults in Guadeloupe and 85.5% in Martinique still show detectable chlordecone in their blood, with about one in six above the health threshold. Regional Diplomacy: France reaffirmed its commitment to deepening ties with the OECS after its ambassador presented Letters of Credence, pointing to cooperation on climate resilience, public health, agriculture, education and connectivity. OECS Leadership Shift: At the OECS 78th Authority meeting, chairmanship moved from Godwin Friday to Gaston Browne, who called for an “OECS renaissance” and faster implementation of shared goals. Local Economy & Air Links: Jamaica’s tourism minister said more flights are coming as rooms rebound, including enhanced regional connectivity from Guadeloupe—an indirect signal for regional travel demand.

France-OECS Diplomacy: France’s new ambassador to the OECS, Marie-Noëlle Duris, presented her Letters of Credence to OECS chief Dr. Didacus Jules, reaffirming cooperation on climate resilience, public health, education, agriculture and regional connectivity—while stressing the shared ties of French nationals in Martinique, Guadeloupe and Saint Martin with the wider Caribbean. Chlordecone Health Fallout: A new Public Health France study says chlordecone contamination remains widespread in Guadeloupe and Martinique, with 81.3% of adults in Guadeloupe and 85.5% in Martinique still showing traces in their blood; it also notes that around one in six exceeds health thresholds. Court Ends Criminal Case: Separately, a French appeals court confirmed the dismissal of a landmark chlordecone criminal case, effectively closing the door on criminal accountability after a long legal fight. OECS “Renaissance” Push: At the OECS 78th Authority meeting in Antigua, leaders marked 45 years of integration and handed chairmanship to Gaston Browne, who called for bold, transformative leadership and stronger implementation of shared goals. Regional Connectivity: OECS leaders also focused on trade and economic resilience, while Jamaica’s tourism minister pointed to expanded airlift—including enhanced regional connectivity from Guadeloupe—as rooms and demand recover.

Chlordecone Health Fallout: A new Public Health France study says chlordecone contamination remains widespread in Guadeloupe and Martinique, with 81.3% of adults in Guadeloupe and 85.5% in Martinique still showing traces in their blood, and around one in six above the health threshold. Courts & Accountability: A Paris appeals court has upheld the dismissal of a long-running criminal case tied to the pesticide’s impact, effectively closing the door on criminal accountability for victims seeking justice. France–OECS Cooperation: France’s ambassador to the OECS presented her credentials, reaffirming deeper collaboration on climate resilience, public health, education, agriculture, connectivity and innovation—highlighting shared ties across Martinique, Guadeloupe and Saint Martin. Regional Governance: At the OECS 78th Authority meeting, leaders marked 45 years of integration and called for an “OECS renaissance,” with chairmanship shifting to Gaston Browne and a push for stronger implementation of shared goals. Earthquake Jolt: A magnitude 4.2 quake was felt across several islands including Point-à-Pitre, with no immediate reports of damage or injuries.

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, effectively ending prospects for criminal accountability after more than 20 years; the ruling comes as a new Public Health France study reports 81.3% of Guadeloupe adults and 85.5% in Martinique still carry detectable traces, with about one in six above health thresholds. OECS Regional Push: OECS leaders marked 45 years of integration and launched an “OECS renaissance” agenda at the 78th Authority meeting, with chairmanship shifting to Gaston Browne and priorities including trade, connectivity, economic resilience, climate and public health. France-OECS Partnership: France reaffirmed its commitment to deepen cooperation with the OECS after its ambassador presented Letters of Credence, pointing to shared challenges like climate resilience and regional connectivity. Earthquake Felt in Guadeloupe: A magnitude 4.2 quake hit the region, reportedly felt in Point-à-Pitre and across nearby islands, with no immediate reports of damage. Tourism Connectivity Watch: Jamaica’s tourism minister says recovery is constrained by room and airlift capacity but expects more flights, including enhanced regional connectivity from Guadeloupe.

Chlordecone Legal Fallout: France’s Court of Appeal has upheld the dismissal of a long-running criminal case tied to the chlordecone pesticide scandal, effectively ending prospects for criminal accountability for victims in Guadeloupe and Martinique, even as a new Public Health France study reports 81.3% of Guadeloupe adults and 85.5% in Martinique still carry detectable traces. Regional Diplomacy: France formally renewed its partnership with the OECS as Ambassador Marie-Noëlle Duris presented Letters of Credence, pointing to cooperation on climate resilience, environment, education, agriculture, public health, connectivity and innovation, and noting close ties with nearly 800,000 French nationals in Martinique, Guadeloupe and Saint Martin. OECS Leadership Shift: At the OECS’s 45th anniversary meeting, chairmanship passed from Godwin Friday to Gaston Browne, who called for an “OECS renaissance” and stronger implementation on shared goals. Local Sports Pathway: A Micoud teenager, Ethan Reneau, was selected for a boxing gala in Guadeloupe, alongside two experienced teammates, highlighting regional talent pipelines.

OECS–France Partnership: France’s new ambassador to the OECS, Marie-Noëlle Duris, presented her Letters of Credence to OECS DG Dr. Didacus Jules, reaffirming cooperation on climate resilience, environment, education, agriculture, public health, connectivity and innovation—while stressing shared ties across Martinique, Guadeloupe and Saint Martin. Regional Governance: At the OECS’s 45th anniversary and 78th Authority meeting, chairmanship shifted from Saint Vincent’s Godwin Friday to Antigua’s Gaston Browne, who called for an “OECS renaissance” and stronger implementation of shared goals. Chlordecone Justice and Health: A Paris appeals court upheld the dismissal of a major chlordecone case, closing the door on criminal accountability, as a new Public Health France study reports 81.3% of Guadeloupe adults and 85.5% in Martinique still show traces in their blood. Local Sports Pathway: A Micoud teenager, Ethan Reneau, was selected for a Guadeloupe boxing gala, joining two experienced teammates for the national debut. Disaster Watch: A 4.2 earthquake was felt in Point-à-Pitre and across several islands, with no immediate reports of damage.

France–OECS Partnership: France’s new ambassador to the OECS, Marie-Noëlle Duris, presented her credentials to Dr. Didacus Jules, pledging deeper cooperation on climate resilience, public health, education, agriculture, and regional connectivity—highlighting the shared ties of French nationals in Martinique, Guadeloupe and Saint Martin. OECS Leadership Reset: At the OECS 45th anniversary and 78th Authority meeting, leaders called for an “OECS renaissance,” with chairmanship shifting to Gaston Browne and a push for stronger implementation on shared goals. Chlordecone Justice Dead-End: In Paris, the Court of Appeal confirmed the dismissal of a landmark chlordecone criminal case, while a new Public Health France study reports 81.3% of Guadeloupe adults and 85.5% in Martinique still carry traces—keeping pressure on accountability and health protections. Local Human Interest: A Micoud teenager, Ethan Reneau, is set for a national boxing debut in Guadeloupe, joining two experienced teammates for the Friday gala. Regional Disruption: A 4.2 earthquake was felt in Guadeloupe and nearby islands, with no immediate damage reported.

France–OECS Partnership: France’s ambassador to the OECS, Marie-Noëlle Duris, presented her letters of credence to OECS Director General Dr. Didacus Jules, pledging deeper cooperation on climate resilience, environment, education, agriculture, public health, connectivity and innovation—while stressing shared ties with French nationals in Martinique, Guadeloupe and Saint Martin. Chlordecone Justice Dead-End: France’s Court of Appeal has upheld the dismissal of a long-running criminal case over chlordecone, closing the door on criminal accountability for the banana-pesticide scandal. Public Health Alarm: A new Public Health France study says 81.3% of Guadeloupe adults and 85.5% in Martinique still have detectable chlordecone in their blood, with about one in six above the health threshold. Regional Governance: OECS leaders marked 45 years of integration and pushed an “OECS renaissance” as chairmanship shifted to Gaston Browne, with trade, connectivity and economic resilience on the agenda. Local Sports: A Micoud teenager, Ethan Renéau, is set for a national boxing debut in Guadeloupe as part of a three-man team. Earthquake Felt in Guadeloupe: A 4.2 quake was reported felt in Point-à-Pitre and across nearby islands, with no immediate damage reported.

Chlordecone Justice Blocked: France’s Court of Appeal has upheld the dismissal of a landmark criminal case over chlordecone, effectively ending criminal accountability for the pesticide scandal that has left most adults in Guadeloupe and Martinique with detectable traces. Public Health Alarm: A new Public Health France study says 81.3% of Guadeloupe adults and 85.5% in Martinique remain contaminated, with about one in six above health reference thresholds, keeping pressure on authorities and victims’ groups. Regional Diplomacy: OECS leaders marked the bloc’s 45th anniversary and pushed an “OECS renaissance,” with chairmanship shifting to Antigua and Barbuda’s Gaston Browne and a focus on trade, connectivity, and resilience. Tourism Connectivity: Jamaica’s tourism minister says recovery is being aided by more flights and improved regional air links, including enhanced connectivity from Guadeloupe. Earthquake Felt Locally: A magnitude 4.2 quake hit the region early Friday, reportedly felt in Point-à-Pitre and other nearby islands, with no immediate reports of damage. Sports Spotlight: A Micoud teenager from Saint Lucia is set for a national boxing debut in Guadeloupe, alongside two more experienced teammates.

Chlordecone Legal Fallout: France’s Paris Court of Appeal has upheld the dismissal of a landmark criminal case tied to chlordecone, effectively closing the door on criminal accountability after a 20-year fight—while a new Public Health France study says 81.3% of Guadeloupe adults and 85.5% in Martinique still show traces in their blood, with about one in six above health reference thresholds. Regional Integration Push: OECS leaders marked the 45th anniversary of the Treaty of Basseterre with an “OECS renaissance” call as chairmanship shifted to Gaston Browne, emphasizing bold leadership and faster implementation on shared goals. Tourism & Connectivity: Jamaica’s tourism minister Edmund Bartlett told parliament that recovery is being held back by room and airlift limits, but more flights are coming—highlighting how regional connectivity, including enhanced links from Guadeloupe, can shape visitor returns. EU Funds Scrutiny: A probe into Patriots for Europe alleges misspent EU money, including funding linked to groups in Guadeloupe, raising questions about procurement and whether EU rules were followed. Local Sports Spotlight: A Micoud, Guadeloupe teenager, Ethan Reneau, has been selected for a national boxing team heading to a gala in Guadeloupe, alongside Kyle Marcel and Danaii Cooman.

Chlordecone Justice Closed: France’s Court of Appeal has upheld the dismissal of a long-running criminal case over chlordecone contamination in Guadeloupe and Martinique, effectively ending the bid for criminal accountability after more than 20 years; civil parties denounced it as a “dark day for justice.” Public Health Alarm: A new Public Health France study says 81.3% of Guadeloupe adults and 85.5% in Martinique still show detectable chlordecone in their blood, with about one in six above the health reference threshold—raising renewed pressure on the state and polluters. OECS Leadership Reset: OECS leaders marked the bloc’s 45th anniversary and called for an “OECS renaissance,” with chairmanship shifting to Antigua and Barbuda’s Gaston Browne and a focus on trade, connectivity, and resilience. EU Funds Probe Touches the Region: Allegations that Patriots for Europe misspent EU money in 2024 include funding linked to groups in Guadeloupe and Martinique, with scrutiny now centered on compliance with EU rules. Tourism Connectivity Signal: Jamaica’s tourism minister says more flights are coming as rooms return, with enhanced regional connectivity including from Guadeloupe—an indirect read-through for regional travel demand. Local Sports Spotlight: A Micoud teenager, Ethan Reneau, has been selected for a national boxing debut in Guadeloupe, joining two experienced teammates for Friday’s gala.

Tourism & Connectivity: Jamaica’s tourism recovery is being held back by limited rooms and airlift, but minister Edmund Bartlett says more flights are coming—Virgin Atlantic from Heathrow, British Airways from Gatwick, Copa from Panama, plus new links via regional carriers including enhanced connectivity from Guadeloupe—aimed at keeping demand ready as capacity returns. OECS Regional Agenda: OECS leaders marked the 45th anniversary of the Treaty of Basseterre with a push for an “OECS renaissance,” as chairmanship shifted from Godwin Friday to Gaston Browne, with priorities including trade, connectivity, and economic resilience. Chlordecone Justice & Health Impact: A Paris appeals court has upheld the dismissal of a long-running criminal case over chlordecone, effectively closing the door on criminal accountability, while a new Public Health France study reports that 81.3% of Guadeloupe adults and 85.5% in Martinique still have detectable traces, with around one in six above health thresholds. EU Funding Scrutiny: A separate controversy in Europe alleges the Patriots for Europe group misspent EU funds in 2024, with claims that some money flowed to organizations in Guadeloupe and Martinique, raising questions about compliance with EU rules.

OECS Leadership Shift: The OECS marked its 45th anniversary at the 78th Authority meeting in Antigua and Barbuda, with Chairmanship moving from Saint Vincent’s Godwin Friday to Antigua’s Gaston Browne, who urged an “OECS renaissance” and faster, bolder implementation of shared goals. Chlordecone Justice Blocked: In Paris, the Court of Appeal upheld the dismissal of a long-running chlordecone case tied to Guadeloupe and Martinique, effectively ending criminal accountability after decades—sparking renewed anger from victims’ lawyers. EU Funds Probe Hits Patriots: A new EU-related controversy alleges the Patriots for Europe may have to repay nearly €277,000 for misspent EU Parliament funds in 2024, with claims of improper donations and procurement rule breaches that also point to support reaching groups in Guadeloupe. Regional Resilience Agenda: OECS heads of government also focused on trade, connectivity, and economic resilience—linking regional cooperation to climate and food-security pressures facing small island states.