AGP Executive Report

Code Noir Repeal: France’s National Assembly voted 254-0 to repeal the 1685 Code Noir, the slavery-era decree that treated enslaved people as “movable property,” a rare moment of unanimity that still leaves reparations unresolved. Chlordecone Accountability: Parliament also backed a bill recognizing the state’s “share of responsibility” for the health, environmental and economic harm from chlordecone (Kepone) in Guadeloupe and Martinique, with decontamination and support for affected fishermen and farmers. Regional Connectivity by Sea: In Guadeloupe, partners of the EU-backed KARULINK project met to plan new maritime routes and more seamless travel between islands, aiming for greener, stronger mobility. Air Links Boost: LIAT Air and Air Caraïbes signed an interline agreement for single-ticket travel across the Caribbean and onward to Paris-Orly, while LIAT announced direct Guadeloupe–Jamaica flights starting July 14. Local Disruption: A fishermen’s strike in Guadeloupe blocked Pointe-à-Pitre port, disrupting ferry services to Dominica. Health & Environment: An OECS delegation is visiting Martinique and Guadeloupe to study sargassum management, and France also reported mosquito-borne cases imported from overseas, including the French Caribbean.

Chlordecone Accountability: France’s National Assembly has unanimously backed a bill saying the state shares responsibility for the health, moral, environmental and economic harm caused by chlordecone in Guadeloupe and Martinique, where more than 90% of adults are contaminated; the law also sets decontamination goals and points to compensation work. Colonial Law Repeal: France also voted 254-0 to repeal the 1685 Code Noir, ending a slavery-era rule that treated enslaved people as “movable property” (symbolic, but now headed to the Senate). Regional Aviation Boost: LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes signed an interline deal for single-ticket travel across their networks, including Air Caraïbes services from Guadeloupe and Martinique, with through-checked baggage. Guadeloupe-Dominica Disruption: A fishermen’s strike in Guadeloupe blocked Pointe-à-Pitre port, disrupting ferry services to Dominica. Connectivity Upgrade in the Region: Flow says it invested over US$1 million in network upgrades to tackle mobile interference affecting northern Dominica, with equipment due to arrive mid-June. Arbitration for Business: OHADAC and CARO will launch June 10 training on arbitration and ADR across the Eastern Caribbean, including Guadeloupe and Martinique.

Regional Air Links: LIAT Air and Air Caraïbes have signed an interline agreement to make Caribbean travel easier, with one ticket, through-checked baggage, and smoother connections into Europe via Paris-Orly, including Air Caraïbes services from Guadeloupe and Martinique. New Route to Jamaica: LIAT Air says it will launch direct flights between Guadeloupe (Pointe-à-Pitre) and Jamaica (Montego Bay) from July 14, with service twice weekly in each direction. Connectivity Disruption in the Region: A fishermen’s strike in Guadeloupe has disrupted ferry services to Dominica by blocking the port of Pointe-à-Pitre. Chlordecone Accountability: France’s Parliament has adopted a bill recognizing the State’s “share of responsibility” in the chlordecone health scandal affecting Guadeloupe and Martinique, while stressing that compensation will need a specific legal framework. Tourism Beyond the Resort: A new travel show highlights St. Lucia’s community-led access around Gros Piton, pushing visitors to spend deeper and more responsibly across the Caribbean. Telecom Fix in the Eastern Caribbean: Flow says it invested over US$1 million in network upgrades to tackle mobile interference affecting northern Dominica, with equipment expected to arrive between June 5 and June 15.

Aviation & Tourism: LIAT Air will launch a twice-weekly direct service between Guadeloupe and Jamaica starting July 14, with flights from Pointe-à-Pitre to Montego Bay on Tuesdays and Saturdays, and the return on Wednesdays and Sundays—timed ahead of Jamaica’s 2026 Reggae Festival. Regional Connectivity: LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes have signed an interline agreement to let passengers book on one ticket with through-checked baggage across both airlines’ Caribbean networks, including Air Caraïbes services from Guadeloupe, Martinique and French Guiana. Health & Accountability: France’s Parliament has adopted a bill acknowledging the State’s “share of responsibility” in the chlordecone scandal, citing contamination affecting most adults in Guadeloupe and Martinique and pointing to long-term health damage. Environment: An OECS delegation is visiting Martinique and Guadeloupe to study sargassum management approaches and develop value-added uses for the seaweed, supported by the EU and OECS. Justice & History: France’s National Assembly voted unanimously to repeal the Code Noir, the 1685 slavery decree that treated enslaved people as property—still awaiting Senate approval.

Aviation & Connectivity: Air France is keeping an unusual Miami–Pointe-à-Pitre link running with its Airbus A320, part of an island-hopping network that reaches Martinique and French Guiana and then continues to Brazil, with the Miami route now flying direct after security issues and an FAA ban led to suspending the Port-au-Prince stop. Regional Travel Deal: LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes have signed an interline agreement so passengers can book on one ticket across both networks, with through-checked baggage—connecting Guadeloupe, Martinique and French Guiana to LIAT’s wider Eastern Caribbean routes and onward to Paris Orly. Local Disruption: Ferry services to Dominica are disrupted after a fishermen’s strike in Guadeloupe blocked the port of Pointe-à-Pitre, leaving passengers to be accommodated by operators. Health & Environment: A delegation from nine OECS states is visiting Martinique and Guadeloupe to study sargassum management, including turning seaweed into value-added products, as recurring invasions hit ecosystems, public health and local economies. Justice & Governance: France’s National Assembly voted unanimously to repeal the Code Noir (Black Code), a slavery-era law that treated enslaved people as property—an important symbolic step that still needs Senate approval. Public Health Risk: French health authorities report 92 imported mosquito-borne cases in mainland France in May, with many linked to overseas territories including Guadeloupe and Martinique. Legal Training: The OHADAC–CARO Regional Arbitration Centre will launch training on arbitration and ADR in the Eastern Caribbean, aiming to strengthen access to economic justice for businesses and investors.

Aviation & Connectivity: LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes have signed an interline agreement to make Caribbean travel easier, with one ticket and through-checked baggage across both networks—linking LIAT’s Eastern Caribbean routes with Air Caraïbes services from Guadeloupe, Martinique and French Guiana, plus onward connections to Paris Orly. Regional Justice & Business: OHADAC’s CARO Regional Arbitration Centre and the OECS will launch training on arbitration and ADR on 10 June, aiming to strengthen access to economic justice across the Eastern Caribbean, including Guadeloupe and Martinique. French Colonial Reckoning: France’s National Assembly voted 254-0 to repeal the 1685 Code Noir, ending a slavery-era law that treated enslaved people as “movable property,” while debates continue over reparations and how the history is taught. Local Impact on Travel: In St. Kitts and Nevis, Tourism Minister Marsha Henderson says Caribbean Airlines’ withdrawal from the route was announced without consultation, as officials seek an alternative partner to protect regional connections.

Regional Justice & Trade: The OHADAC–CARO training programmes will be officially launched on Wednesday 10 June in the Eastern Caribbean, aiming to boost local capacity in arbitration, mediation and other ADR tools to make cross-border business disputes easier to resolve. Aviation Connectivity: LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes have signed an interline agreement letting travellers book on one ticket with through-checked baggage, linking Air Caraïbes services from Guadeloupe, Martinique and French Guiana with LIAT’s wider Eastern Caribbean network and onward connections to Paris-Orly. France & the Colonial Past: France’s National Assembly voted 254-0 to repeal the slavery-era “Code Noir,” a 1685 decree that treated enslaved people as “movable property,” with the Senate still to approve; the move is widely seen as symbolic but emotionally charged, as Guadeloupe MP Max Mathiasin and others push for remembrance and justice. Public Health Watch: French health authorities reported 92 imported mosquito-borne cases in May (mostly dengue), all linked to travel abroad, as the tiger mosquito remains active across many departments.

Historic Justice in France: 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 largely symbolic but comes with a requirement for reporting on colonial law’s lasting effects, as lawmakers—especially from Guadeloupe and Martinique—spoke emotionally about inherited harm. Regional Aviation Shake-Up: Caribbean Airlines’ St. Kitts withdrawal is drawing backlash after officials said there was “no discussion” with the government, while elsewhere LIAT 2020 and Air Caraïbes signed an interline deal to make Caribbean-to-Europe travel easier from June 1. Health Watch: French authorities reported 92 imported mosquito-borne cases in May (dengue, chikungunya, Zika), with many linked to travel in overseas territories including Guadeloupe and Martinique. Guadeloupe in the Spotlight: A profile highlights how Guadeloupe-born Saint-John Perse’s early life shaped his world-famous poetry.

Regional Aviation & Tourism: St. Kitts and Nevis says Caribbean Airlines’ pullout from its route was announced without consulting the government, as officials scramble to secure an alternative carrier to protect regional connections. Connectivity Shift: A new LIAT 2020–Air Caraïbes interline deal lets passengers book one ticket with through-checked baggage across English- and French-speaking Caribbean networks, effective June 1 as Caribbean Airlines restructures services including to Martinique and Guadeloupe. Local Relevance (Guadeloupe): Guadeloupe MP Max Mathiasin is central to France’s move to repeal the slavery-era “Code Noir,” a symbolic but overdue step after lawmakers voted 254-0 to remove the law that treated enslaved people as “movable property.” Health Watch: French authorities report 92 imported mosquito-borne cases in May (mostly dengue), with links to travel abroad and heightened vigilance as tiger mosquitoes remain active. Sports (Caribbean): Haiti’s return to the World Cup spotlight continues as they prepare for matches after years of obstacles, including bans on home games due to security issues.

Regional Aviation Shock: St. Kitts and Nevis Tourism Minister Marsha Henderson says Caribbean Airlines’ withdrawal from the St. Kitts route was announced without consulting the government, after the route reportedly lost over US$1.6m—though she insists alternative services will cover the gap. Connectivity Fix: In a bid to keep travel moving, LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes signed an interline deal for single-ticket journeys with through-checked baggage, starting June 1, just as Caribbean Airlines exits several markets and cuts frequencies to Martinique and Guadeloupe. French Overseas Reckoning: France’s National Assembly voted 254-0 to repeal the Code Noir, the 1685 slavery-era law that treated enslaved people as “movable property,” with the Senate next. Health Watch: French authorities reported 92 imported mosquito-borne cases in May (mostly dengue), all linked to travel abroad, as the tiger mosquito remains active across many departments. Guadeloupe Angle: The repeal bill is backed by Guadeloupe MP Max Mathiasin, and the aviation changes directly affect Guadeloupe-linked routes.

Code Noir Repeal: France’s National Assembly voted 254-0 to formally scrap the 1685 “Code noir,” the slavery-era rules that treated enslaved people as “movable property,” with the bill now heading to the Senate; lawmakers said it’s a symbolic step toward remembrance and justice, while debates on reparations were left out of the text. Regional Air Shock: Caribbean Airlines is cutting routes and frequencies from June 1, including discontinuing service to Dominica and St Kitts & Nevis and reducing flights to Martinique and Guadeloupe, as governments and travellers scramble for alternatives. Connectivity Boost: LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes signed an interline deal to let passengers book one itinerary with through-checked baggage across their combined Caribbean and France/Europe links. Health Watch: France reported 92 imported mosquito-borne cases in May (mostly dengue), all linked to travel abroad, as tiger mosquitoes remain active across many departments. Sports & Culture: Saint Lucia rugby hosts Jamaica in a weekend test, while Guadeloupe-linked regional stories also highlight community building and diaspora work.

Code Noir Repeal: France’s National Assembly voted unanimously (254-0) to formally repeal the 1685 Code Noir, the slavery-era decree that treated enslaved people as “movable property,” nearly 180 years after slavery was abolished—an emotional step championed by Guadeloupe MP Max Mathiasin, with President Emmanuel Macron calling the long silence “a form of offense.” Regional Air Connectivity: Caribbean Airlines is cutting routes and frequencies, including withdrawing from St. Kitts and Nevis and Dominica from June 1 and reducing service to Martinique and Guadeloupe to twice weekly, while LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes signed an interline deal to make Caribbean-to-Europe travel easier with single-ticket, through-checked baggage journeys. Public Health Watch: France reported 92 imported mosquito-borne cases in May (mostly dengue), all linked to travel abroad, as the tiger mosquito remains active across many departments. Eastern Caribbean Health Access: PAHO/WHO and OECS-PPS will convene a workshop in Saint Lucia (May 28–29) to improve access to safe medicines and health technologies across OECS states. Sports: Saint Lucia’s men’s rugby team faces Jamaica this weekend in a Tier 3 Test match, with an Under-19 clash against Martinique also on the slate.

Aviation & Connectivity: Air France is running an island-hopping Airbus A320 service that brings the Guadeloupe link into Miami, part of its wider Caribbean network connecting the U.S. with French overseas departments and beyond. Health Watch: France recorded 92 imported mosquito-borne cases in May (mostly dengue), with infections tied to travel to overseas territories including Martinique and Guadeloupe—authorities urge vigilance as the tiger mosquito season runs May to November. Historic Legal Step: France’s National Assembly voted 254-0 to formally repeal the 1685 Code Noir, ending a slavery-era decree that treated enslaved people as “movable property”; the Senate still must act next. Regional Air Shifts: Caribbean Airlines is scaling back routes and cutting frequencies—Dominica and St Kitts services end June 1, and flights to Guadeloupe and Martinique drop to twice weekly—citing losses and route restructuring.

Code Noir Repeal: France’s National Assembly voted 254-0 to formally repeal the 1685 “Code Noir,” a slavery-era decree that treated enslaved people as “movable property” and enabled brutal abuse. The move is largely symbolic but emotionally charged, with Guadeloupe MP Max Mathiasin saying it’s about “remembrance, justice and recognition,” while the Senate still must approve the bill. Regional Airlift Shock: Caribbean Airlines is cutting routes and reducing frequencies from June 1, ending services to Dominica and St Kitts and the Ogle–Suriname corridor, and dropping flights to Martinique and Guadeloupe to twice weekly—after losses tied to its 2023 expansion. Passengers will be rebooked or offered refunds/credits, and the airline says codeshare talks could help widen options. Health & Medicines Access: PAHO/WHO and the OECS-PPS will hold a workshop in Saint Lucia (May 28–29) to strengthen access to safe, quality-assured medicines and health technologies across the Eastern Caribbean. Sargassum Response: SARSEA meetings in Dominica (May 26–28) are shaping regional plans, with field activities planned for Martinique and Guadeloupe starting June 1.

France’s Colonial Reckoning: France’s National Assembly voted 254-0 to repeal the “Code Noir” (Black Code), the 1685 slavery-era edicts that treated enslaved people as “movable property” and enabled brutal punishment—an overdue symbolic step that now heads to the Senate, with lawmakers also set to require reporting on the lasting effects of colonial law and how slavery is taught in schools. Regional Airlift Shock: Caribbean Airlines will cut regional routes from June 1, ending flights to Dominica and St Kitts and the Ogle (Guyana)–Suriname corridor, while reducing service to Martinique and Guadeloupe to twice weekly—moves tied to reported losses of more than US$18.8 million on the 2023 expansion routes, with affected passengers offered rebooking, refunds, or travel credit. Health & Medicines Access: PAHO/WHO and the OECS-PPS will hold a two-day workshop in Saint Lucia (May 28–29) to strengthen access to safe medicines and health technologies across the Eastern Caribbean, including launching a technical working group to coordinate procurement and supply. Guadeloupe Connections: A Guadeloupe-born professional, Elodie Postel, is expanding her workforce recruitment and training company from Guadeloupe to Halifax, aiming to help internationally trained immigrants find work in their fields. Sargassum Response: Regional experts are meeting in Dominica under SARSEA to shape national plans for managing sargassum, with field missions planned for Martinique and Guadeloupe starting June 1.

Regional Airlift Shock: Caribbean Airlines will cut routes and slash frequencies from June 1, withdrawing from Dominica and St. Kitts and ending the Ogle (Guyana)–Suriname service, while reducing flights to Martinique and Guadeloupe to twice weekly—moves tied to reported losses of more than US$18.84 million and a push toward a codeshare deal to widen options. Health & Medicines Access: PAHO/WHO and the OECS-PPS will convene a two-day workshop in Saint Lucia (May 28–29) to strengthen access to safe, quality-assured medicines and health technologies across the Eastern Caribbean. Sargassum Response: SARSEA meetings in Dominica (May 26–28) are shaping national strategic plans, with field missions planned for Martinique and Guadeloupe starting June 1. Guadeloupe Environment: Expertise France and the Guadeloupe Region signed an MoU to coordinate action against the sargassum crisis, aiming for synergy between major regional programmes. Arts & Justice in Guadeloupe: The Pointe-à-Pitre court acquitted Guadeloupean artist François Moulin (“Blow”) and two organizers over a Macron-resembling painting, in a case tied to freedom of expression concerns. Community Milestone: Urbain Javois marked his 100th birthday at Grand Case Beach Club, celebrated by family and officials.