AGP Executive Report

Regional Air Connectivity: LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes signed an interline agreement to let passengers book combined itineraries on one ticket with through-checked baggage, linking LIAT’s Eastern Caribbean network (via Antigua) with Air Caraïbes services from Guadeloupe, Martinique and French Guiana, plus onward connections to Paris-Orly. Aviation Market Shift: Commentary highlights a structural realignment in Caribbean aviation as Caribbean Airlines cuts coincide with new hub dynamics and the LIAT–Air Caraïbes deal. Chlordecone Accountability: France’s National Assembly voted unanimously to recognize the state’s “share of responsibility” in the chlordecone pesticide scandal affecting Guadeloupe and Martinique, with plans for decontamination and compensation frameworks. Legal Justice Training: OECS and OHADAC’s CARO Centre will launch arbitration and ADR capacity-building across the Eastern Caribbean, including Martinique and Guadeloupe, aiming to improve access to economic justice for businesses and investors. Climate & Environment: An OECS delegation visited Martinique and Guadeloupe to study sargassum management and value-added uses, supported by the EU under SARSEA. Local Business Finance: First Rock Real Estate reported stable Q1 results, with higher rental income and plans for an additional public offering to fund acquisitions, including in Martinique.

Caribbean Aviation & Connectivity: LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes have signed an interline agreement to let passengers book on one ticket, with through-checked baggage, linking LIAT’s Eastern Caribbean network (from Antigua) with Air Caraïbes services in Guadeloupe, Martinique and French Guiana, plus onward connections to Paris-Orly. Regional Legal & Business Climate: The OHADAC Regional Arbitration Centre (CARO) and the OECS will launch June 10 training on arbitration and ADR across the Eastern Caribbean, aiming to make dispute resolution more predictable and accessible for businesses and investors. Chlordecone Accountability: France’s National Assembly has voted unanimously to recognize the state’s “share of responsibility” for health, environmental and economic harm from chlordecone in Guadeloupe and Martinique, with decontamination and support measures outlined. Real Estate Financing: First Rock Real Estate Investments plans an additional public offering to fund property acquisitions and working capital, targeting growth in recurring rental income. Climate & Water Stress: Caribbean islands face worsening drought and heat linked to strong El Niño conditions, raising pressure on freshwater supplies and agriculture. Culture & History: France moves to repeal the Code Noir, a slavery-era law that had remained on the books, a symbolic step with ongoing calls for deeper justice.

Chlordecone Reparations Push: France’s National Assembly has unanimously voted to recognize the state’s “share of responsibility” for the health, environmental and economic harm caused by chlordecone in Guadeloupe and Martinique, where more than 90% of adults are contaminated; the law sets decontamination and compensation goals and calls for further research and support for affected fishermen and farmers. Aviation Connectivity for the French Caribbean: LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes signed an interline agreement to sell single-ticket itineraries with through-checked baggage, linking LIAT’s Eastern Caribbean network with Air Caraïbes services from Guadeloupe, Martinique and French Guiana to Paris-Orly. Air France’s Miami–Caribbean Link: Air France continues an unusual Airbus A320 route from Miami to Guadeloupe (with onward island-hopping connections including Martinique), reflecting how carriers adapt routes amid security and regulatory constraints. Regional Legal Access: 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 predictable for businesses and investors. Sargassum Management Mission: An OECS delegation is visiting Martinique and Guadeloupe to study sargassum collection and value-added uses, supported by the EU and regional partners. Business Finance Watch: First Rock Real Estate plans an additional public offering to fund property acquisitions and working capital, targeting growth in recurring rental income.

Chlordecone Accountability: France’s National Assembly has unanimously adopted a bill recognizing the State’s “share of responsibility” in the chlordecone pesticide scandal affecting Martinique and Guadeloupe, citing long-term health and environmental harm and pointing to an upcoming inspection mission for remediation. Regional Air Connectivity: LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes have launched an interline agreement, letting passengers book on one ticket with through-checked baggage across networks that include Guadeloupe and Martinique, with onward links to Europe via Paris-Orly. Legal Training for Business Disputes: The OHADAC Regional Arbitration Centre (CARO), with the OECS, will launch June 10 training on arbitration and ADR to strengthen access to economic justice for regional businesses and investors. Real Estate Financing Watch: First Rock Real Estate is planning an additional public offering to fund property acquisitions, including a Martinique target, as it reports stable first-quarter performance and seeks more recurring rental income. Climate & Water Stress: A new water-from-air technology and broader Caribbean drought warnings highlight growing pressure on freshwater supplies and resilience planning across the region. Aviation Route Update: Air France continues its unusual Miami–Guadeloupe service using an Airbus A320, part of an island-hopping network that also touches Martinique and supports regional travel flows.

Chlordecone Accountability: France’s National Assembly has unanimously adopted a bill recognizing the State’s “share of responsibility” in the chlordecone pesticide scandal affecting Guadeloupe and Martinique, citing contamination levels of nearly 90% of adults and long-term health and economic harm, with an interministerial inspection mission planned to assess remediation. Regional Aviation Connectivity: LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes have launched an interline agreement to let passengers book on one ticket with through-checked baggage across both networks, linking Eastern Caribbean routes with Air Caraïbes services from Guadeloupe, Martinique and French Guiana and onward to Paris-Orly. Cruise Trade Sales: MSC Cruises’ North America trade sales SVP Erin Douglas discussed how the line is expanding in the U.S. while keeping travel advisors engaged through “MSC curious” outreach. Real Estate Financing: First Rock Real Estate is preparing an additional public offering (APO) after stable first-quarter results, targeting new income-generating acquisitions including commercial properties in Martinique and Costa Rica. Legal & History: France moved to repeal the Code Noir slavery edict (254-0 in the National Assembly), a major symbolic step that still leaves reparations debates unresolved. Environment & Water Security: A Nobel Prize-winning scientist’s “water-from-air” technology could produce up to 1,000 litres of drinking water daily, while a regional OECS mission in Martinique and Guadeloupe focuses on sargassum management and turning seaweed into value-added products.

Regional Air Connectivity: LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes signed an interline agreement to let passengers book on a single ticket and point of sale, with through-checked baggage, linking LIAT’s Eastern Caribbean network (from Antigua) with Air Caraïbes services from Guadeloupe, Martinique and French Guiana, plus Air Caraïbes’ Paris-Orly link. Local Aviation Route Watch: Air France is also running an unusual Miami–Guadeloupe Airbus A320 service that forms part of an island-hopping network reaching Martinique and French Guiana before onward connections to Brazil. Legal & Historical Accountability: France’s National Assembly voted unanimously (254-0) to repeal the 1685 Code Noir, removing the slavery-era law that treated enslaved people as property; the move is widely seen as symbolic, with no reparations plan included. Public Health & Environment: French lawmakers acknowledged state responsibility for long-term harm from chlordecone (Kepone) in Martinique and Guadeloupe, where contamination affects most residents and has been linked to serious cancers. Business & Investment: First Rock Real Estate reported stable first-quarter results, supported by higher rental income, and says it is pursuing acquisitions in Costa Rica and Martinique worth about US$28 million. Trade & Justice Capacity: OECS and OHADAC’s CARO Centre will launch training on arbitration and ADR to strengthen access to economic justice across the Eastern Caribbean, including Martinique and Guadeloupe. Sargassum Management: An OECS delegation is visiting Martinique and Guadeloupe to study sargassum handling and develop value-added uses, backed by the EU and OECS.

Aviation Connectivity: LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes signed an interline agreement to let passengers book on a single ticket and check baggage through to the final destination, linking Eastern Caribbean routes with Air Caraïbes services from Guadeloupe, Martinique and French Guiana, plus long-haul to Paris Orly. Regional Aviation Realignment: A wider regional aviation shake-up continues as Caribbean Airlines cuts routes and other carriers adjust networks, while analysts point to emerging hub focus around Antigua, Barbados and Sint Maarten. Legal & Business Climate: France’s National Assembly unanimously voted to repeal the 1685 Code Noir, removing slavery-era rules that treated enslaved people as “movable property”; the move is symbolic and reparations are not included, but it directly affects how colonial history is handled in law and education. Trade & Justice Access: OHADAC and the CARO Regional Arbitration Centre will launch training on arbitration and ADR across the Eastern Caribbean, aiming to make commercial dispute resolution more predictable for businesses and investors, including in Martinique. Tourism & Investment: First Rock Real Estate reported stable first-quarter performance and is pursuing new income-generating acquisitions in Costa Rica and Martinique, targeting about US$28 million in deals. Community & Social Economy: Martinique-based partners helped deliver nearly 4,000 recycled eyewear pairs to support visually impaired people in Saint Lucia, reinforcing cross-island solidarity.

Regional Aviation Connectivity: LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes have signed an interline agreement letting passengers book on a single ticket with through-checked baggage, linking LIAT’s Eastern Caribbean network (via Antigua) with Air Caraïbes services from Guadeloupe, Martinique and French Guiana plus its Paris-Orly link. Hurricane Readiness: Liberty Caribbean says it is ready for the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, pointing to strengthened network resilience and emergency response after Hurricane Melissa’s impact. Real Estate Returns: First Rock Real Estate reports stable Q1 performance, with net profit around US$522,000, driven by higher rental income, and says it is pursuing acquisitions in Costa Rica and Martinique totaling about US$28 million. Public Finance Pushback (GDB): Grenada Development Bank rejects online claims about its 2024 results, saying the loss was mainly due to software write-offs and loan-loss provisions. Trade & Cooperation: A working session in Haiti reviewed about 15 French-backed development projects, while Saint Lucia and Martinique move to deepen trade ties aimed at EU export access. Colonial Legacy in France: France’s National Assembly voted 254-0 to repeal the slavery-era Code Noir, a symbolic step that still leaves reparations details unclear.

Regional Aviation & Connectivity: Caribbean Airlines is cutting routes and frequencies from June 1, including exits from Dominica, St Kitts and Ogle-Suriname, plus reduced service to Martinique and Guadeloupe—while St Kitts and Nevis says it wasn’t consulted. Airline Partnerships: LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes signed an interline deal starting June 1, letting passengers book on one ticket with through-checked baggage across English- and French-speaking Caribbean links. Trade & Investment (Martinique link): Saint Lucia is pushing new trade partnerships with Martinique, aiming to boost export collaboration and align product testing, certification and logistics under a CARIFORUM-EU framework. Tourism & Business Growth: MSC Opera will base in the Southern Caribbean (including Martinique) for summer cruises from late 2026, while Grenada prepares an InterContinental resort opening in November 2026. Real Estate: First Rock targets about US$28m in income-generating property deals across Costa Rica and Martinique as it returns to profit. Social & Historical Policy: France’s National Assembly voted 254-0 to repeal the slavery-era Code Noir, a symbolic but high-profile step that still leaves reparations undecided. Climate Risk: Caribbean islands face drought pressure and extreme heat linked to strong El Niño conditions, threatening water, farming and tourism infrastructure.

Regional Aviation Shake-Up: Caribbean Airlines is cutting routes and frequencies, including withdrawing from St. Kitts and Nevis and Dominica from June 1, while reducing service to Martinique and Guadeloupe to twice weekly—sparking complaints that St. Kitts officials were not consulted and raising concerns for tourism and business travel. Connectivity Fixes: At the same time, LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes signed an interline deal starting June 1, letting passengers book on one ticket with through-checked baggage across English- and French-speaking Caribbean networks and onward to Europe. Local Trade & Exports: Saint Lucia is pushing new trade links with Martinique, aiming to strengthen exports to the EU through practical work on product readiness, certification, and compliance. Real Estate Investment: First Rock Real Estate Investments says it has returned to profit and is negotiating income-generating commercial property acquisitions in Costa Rica and Martinique worth about US$28m. Climate & Water Pressure: Caribbean islands are facing drought stress and extreme heat tied to a strong El Niño pattern, threatening agriculture, ecosystems, and tourism infrastructure. France’s Colonial Law Repeal: France’s National Assembly voted 254-0 to repeal the slavery-era Code Noir, a symbolic but significant step that still leaves the Senate to approve.

Regional Aviation Shake-Up: Caribbean Airlines is cutting routes and frequencies from June 1, including exits from Dominica, St Kitts and the Ogle–Suriname corridor, while halving service to Martinique and Guadeloupe—moves that are already sparking political and business concern about connectivity. New Connectivity Deal: LIAT 2020 and Air Caraïbes have signed an interline agreement starting June 1, letting passengers book on one ticket with through-checked baggage across both networks, linking the French islands (Guadeloupe, Martinique, French Guiana) with the Eastern Caribbean. Local Business & Investment: First Rock Real Estate Investments says it has returned to profit and is negotiating property acquisitions in Costa Rica and Martinique worth about US$28m to boost recurring income. Trade Links with Martinique: Saint Lucia is pushing new trade and investment cooperation with Martinique, aiming to improve export readiness and operationalize CARIFORUM-EU cooperation. Social & Community Support: Saint Lucia’s Department of Equity received nearly 4,000 recycled eyewear pairs via Lions Clubs and partners in Martinique, supporting visually impaired people. Climate Pressure: Caribbean islands face worsening drought and heat stress in 2026, threatening water supplies, farming and tourism infrastructure. France’s Colonial Law Repeal: France’s National Assembly voted 254-0 to repeal the Code Noir slavery edicts, a symbolic but historic step with overseas territories including Martinique at the center.

French Parliamentary Move on Colonial Law: France’s National Assembly voted 254-0 to repeal the 1685 “Code Noir,” the slavery-era decree that treated enslaved people as “movable property,” with the bill now headed to the Senate; lawmakers stressed remembrance and justice, while reparations were not included, and the government would have to report on impacts on overseas territories and how slavery is taught. Regional Air Connectivity Shock: Caribbean Airlines is cutting regional routes and reducing service to French overseas territories, including discontinuing flights to Dominica and St Kitts and cutting frequencies to Martinique and Guadeloupe from June 1, raising concerns for travellers and businesses. Business Travel Link-Up: LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes signed an interline agreement to sell one-ticket itineraries across English- and French-speaking Caribbean networks, with baggage checked through and easier access to Europe via Paris-Orly. Trade Talks for Martinique–Saint Lucia: Saint Lucia is advancing plans to strengthen trade and investment with Martinique, including import-export facilitation for 15 products and work on market-readiness steps like certification and logistics. Real Estate Investment Push: First Rock Real Estate Investments says it is negotiating acquisitions in Costa Rica and Martinique worth about US$28m as it returned to profit in 2025.

Aviation & Connectivity: Caribbean Airlines is cutting regional links from June 1, ending flights to Dominica and St Kitts and the Ogle–Suriname corridor, while reducing services to Martinique and Guadeloupe to twice weekly—moves tied to reported multi-million-dollar route losses and aimed at stabilizing the network. Regional Air Deals: LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes signed an interline agreement to let passengers book one ticket with through-checked baggage across English- and French-speaking Caribbean routes, plus onward connections to Paris-Orly. Trade & Market Access: Saint Lucia is pushing practical trade and investment cooperation with Martinique, including import-export facilitation for 15 products and work on certification, packaging, logistics and compliance. Business Finance: First Rock Real Estate Investments says it is negotiating income-generating commercial property acquisitions in Costa Rica and Martinique worth about US$28m as it returns to profit. Politics & History: France’s National Assembly voted 254-0 to repeal the slavery-era Code Noir, a symbolic but long-awaited legal clean-up with strong emotional resonance for lawmakers from Martinique.

France Repeals Code Noir: France’s National Assembly voted unanimously (254-0) to formally remove the 1685 “Code Noir” slavery decree from French law, a symbolic but long-awaited step after the text lingered on the books for centuries; the debate was emotional, including Martinique lawmaker Steevy Gustave’s tears as he said, “We are descendants of human beings born free.” The bill now heads to the Senate. Caribbean Airlift Pressure on Martinique: Caribbean Airlines will cut regional services from June 1, ending flights to Dominica and St Kitts and the Ogle–Suriname corridor, while reducing Martinique and Guadeloupe to twice-weekly service; the airline cites losses and says affected passengers will be rebooked, refunded, or offered travel credit, with a codeshare deal in the works. Martinique Trade Links in Focus: Saint Lucia is pushing new trade and investment cooperation with Martinique, aiming to operationalize export facilitation for specific products and strengthen EU market readiness under regional frameworks. Regional Business & Health Cooperation: PAHO/WHO and OECS-PPS will convene a workshop in Saint Lucia to improve access to safe, quality-assured medicines and health technologies across Eastern Caribbean states.

Caribbean Airlift Watch: Caribbean Airlines will cut regional services from June 1, ending flights to Dominica and St Kitts and the Ogle (Guyana)–Suriname corridor, while reducing frequencies to Martinique and Guadeloupe to twice weekly; the airline says the move targets long-term financial stability and operational reliability, with affected passengers offered rebooking, refunds, or travel credit and a planned codeshare to widen destination access. Local Trade Push: Saint Lucia is stepping up trade links with Martinique as a gateway to EU exports, with a French delegation meeting focused on export readiness (testing, packaging, logistics, traceability, certification) and a more structured cooperation framework expected after early-July talks. Regional Environment & Marine Economy: SARSEA meetings in Dominica (May 26–28) are shaping national sargassum plans, with follow-up field activities in Martinique and Guadeloupe starting June 1. France & Overseas Legacy: France’s National Assembly voted unanimously to repeal the slavery-era “Code Noir,” a symbolic legal clean-up that still heads to the Senate, with Martinique lawmakers among those pushing for formal recognition.

France Slavery Law Repeal: France’s National Assembly voted unanimously (254-0) to formally repeal the “Code Noir” (Black Code), the 1685–1724 royal edicts that treated enslaved people as “movable property” and enabled abuse—an overdue symbolic step as France debates colonial legacy and reparations, with the bill now heading to the Senate and requiring a government report on lasting impacts and school teaching. Regional Airlift Shake-Up: Caribbean Airlines will cut routes and reduce frequencies from June 1, discontinuing services to Dominica and St Kitts and the Ogle (Guyana)–Suriname corridor, while slashing flights to Martinique and Guadeloupe to twice weekly; the airline says the changes target long-term financial stability after losses tied to its 2023 expansion and offers rebooking, refunds, or travel credit plus a planned codeshare to widen destination access. Trade Links for Martinique & Neighbours: Saint Lucia’s government says it is advancing practical trade and investment cooperation with Martinique after meetings with French officials, focusing on export readiness (testing, packaging, transport, traceability, certification) and aligning work with the CARIFORUM-EU Economic Partnership Agreement. Health Procurement in the Eastern Caribbean: PAHO/WHO and OECS-PPS will convene a workshop in Saint Lucia (May 28–29) to improve access to safe, quality-assured medicines and health technologies, including launching a technical working group to strengthen procurement and pooled purchasing.