AGP Executive Report

Climate Watch: CariCOF warns El Niño is strengthening and Caribbean seas are warming, bringing more intense humid heat, longer drought in parts of the region, and a higher risk of flooding from heavy wet-season downpours—especially in the far north, with heatwave risk peaking into September. Weather Alerts: Grenada authorities are monitoring a tropical wave expected to bring heavy rain, thunderstorms, gusty winds and lightning to Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique from late Monday into Tuesday, with localized flooding a key concern. Regional Diplomacy: France and the OECS formalized a renewed bond with the accreditation of Ambassador Marie-Noëlle Duris, highlighting cooperation on climate resilience, public health, maritime security, education and innovation—pointing to close ties with nearly 800,000 French citizens in Martinique, Guadeloupe and Saint Martin. Culture & Community: In Martinique, Dr. Travis Weekes is running a two-week theatre workshop at Tropiques Atrium, developing his historical drama “Take Me To Mon Repos” with local actors and exploring future film plans. Sports: St Ann Polo Club and the Caribbean Equestrian Academy are set to host a regional showjumping weekend in early July, pairing competition with a Hurricane Melissa recovery fundraiser.

Heatwave Watch: A new heatwave is building, with forecasts pushing toward 100°F on Thursday and Friday, bringing misery for many and a reminder to hydrate and stay cool. Caribbean Equestrian & Community: The St Ann Polo Club and Equestrian Centre at Drax Hall will host a regional showjumping weekend July 4–5, paired with a Hurricane Melissa recovery fundraiser and family-friendly pony rides. OECS Bridge Results: Saint Lucia’s bridge team celebrated six podium finishes at the OECS Bridge Championships in Dominica, with a Martinique team taking third in the pairs and winning OECS Teams. Theatre in Martinique: Dr. Travis Weekes is running a two-week theatre workshop in Martinique at Tropiques Atrium, developing his historical drama “Take Me To Mon Repos” with local actors. Tropical Weather Alert: Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique are bracing for heavy rain, thunderstorms and gusty winds from late Monday into Tuesday, with localized flooding a key concern. France–OECS Links: OECS has renewed its diplomatic partnership with France, with Ambassador Marie-Noëlle Duris presenting credentials and highlighting cooperation on climate, health, education and connectivity.

Caribbean Equestrian Spotlight: The St Ann Polo Club and Equestrian Centre at Drax Hall in Martinique is set to host the Jamaica Challenge 2026 showjumping competition July 4–5, pairing elite regional riding with a Hurricane Melissa recovery fundraiser and family-friendly pony rides. Arts & Culture in Martinique: Dr. Travis Weekes is running a two-week theatre intensive at Tropiques Atrium, working with Martiniquan actors on his acclaimed historical drama “Take Me To Mon Repos,” with talks about staging it locally and developing a film adaptation. Regional Weather Watch: A tropical wave is expected to bring heavy rain, thunderstorms, gusty winds and a flooding risk to Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique starting late Monday into Tuesday. Diplomacy & Regional Links: France and the OECS are deepening ties, with Ambassador Marie-Noëlle Duris presenting credentials and highlighting cooperation on climate resilience, public health, education and maritime security. Local Health Concern: A new Public Health France study reports chlordecone traces in most adults in Martinique and Guadeloupe, with a portion exceeding health reference thresholds.

Chlordecone Health Fallout: A new Public Health France survey says chlordecone traces remain widespread in the French West Indies, with 81.3% of adults in Guadeloupe and 85.5% in Martinique still showing detectable levels, and about one in six above a health threshold. Legal Accountability: The Paris Court of Appeal has confirmed the dismissal of a long-running criminal case tied to the pesticide, effectively closing the door on criminal accountability after a 20-year fight. Regional Diplomacy: France and the OECS strengthened ties with the accreditation of Ambassador Marie-Noëlle Duris, highlighting cooperation on climate resilience, public health, maritime security, education mobility, and innovation—especially relevant to Martinique, Guadeloupe, and Saint Martin. Tropical Weather Watch: Grenada and Petite Martinique are monitoring a tropical wave expected to bring heavy rain, thunderstorms, gusty winds, and localized flooding risk. Culture & Arts in the Region: Dr. Travis Weekes is running a two-week theatre workshop in Martinique, developing his historical drama “Take Me To Mon Repos” with local actors. Local Safety Note: In Florida, a Palm Beach Gardens teen was charged after police said he fired shots during an apartment complex argument.

Chlordecone Fallout: A new Public Health France study says chlordecone contamination remains widespread in Guadeloupe and Martinique, with detectable traces in most adults and around one in six above health reference thresholds, keeping pressure on public health and accountability. Regional Diplomacy: France and the OECS deepened ties with the accreditation of Ambassador Marie-Noëlle Duris, highlighting cooperation on climate resilience, public health, maritime security, education and innovation—an issue closely watched across the French Caribbean. Venezuela Earthquakes: Reports of a rapidly rising death toll and massive destruction after the June 24 earthquakes continue to dominate coverage, with international rescue efforts and allegations of disaster-driven military moves. Local Community Spotlight: Kiwanis leaders from Martinique helped install the Dominica club’s 2025/2026 leadership and welcomed 13 new members, underscoring ongoing regional service links. Caribbean Travel & Business: Air Canada expands its Caribbean network and opens a new premium lounge in Québec City, while Fly Dutch Caribbean Airlines prepares to operate from Grand Case Airport from July 1. Politics in the Region: Grenada’s PM Dickon Mitchell signals no change in government for the next five years as election planning ramps up.

Regional Diplomacy: Saint-Martin’s First Vice-President Alain Richardson and external affairs commissioner Cyrielle Cuirassier attended the 31st ACS Council of Ministers in Panama City, highlighting new ACS momentum and trade/investment support via the TIPO network. France–OECS Ties: The OECS formalised a renewed diplomatic bond with France through the accreditation of Ambassador Marie-Noëlle Duris, pointing to shared work on climate resilience, public health, maritime security, education mobility and innovation—grounded in the close links of nearly 800,000 French citizens across Martinique, Guadeloupe and Saint Martin. OECS Leadership Push: At the 78th OECS Authority meeting in Antigua, leaders marked 45 years of integration and called for an “OECS renaissance,” with chairmanship shifting to Gaston Browne and a focus on trade, connectivity and economic resilience. Chlordecone Fallout in the French West Indies: A new Public Health France study says chlordecone remains widespread in Guadeloupe and Martinique, with most adults still showing traces and a significant minority above health thresholds, as France’s courts continue to close avenues for criminal accountability. Local Travel & Connectivity: Fly Dutch Caribbean will operate from Grand Case Airport from July 1, starting with small aircraft and aiming to expand routes, including discussions about traffic rights for Guadeloupe and Martinique. Caribbean Tourism Watch: Air Canada is adding a new premium lounge at Québec City’s airport and continues expanding Caribbean service, including Martinique and Guadeloupe.

Regional Diplomacy: Saint-Martin’s First Vice-President Alain Richardson and external affairs commissioner Cyrielle Cuirassier attended the 31st ACS Council of Ministers in Panama City, highlighting new cooperation priorities including the TIPO network to boost trade and investment by Caribbean SMEs. OECS-France Ties: The OECS formalized a renewed diplomatic bond with France as Ambassador Marie-Noëlle Duris presented her Letters of Credence, pointing to shared work on climate resilience, public health, maritime security, education mobility and innovation—grounded in the close links of nearly 800,000 French citizens across Martinique, Guadeloupe and Saint Martin. Food & Animal Welfare: A legal dispute over “cage free” egg claims raises fresh questions about how labels are used to justify higher prices, with critics arguing some marketing promises don’t match real living conditions. Caribbean Mobility & Tourism: Air Canada opened a new premium lounge at Québec City, while Fly Dutch Caribbean announced it will operate from Grand Case Airport from July 1, aiming to reconnect the Dutch Caribbean with nearby routes including Martinique and Guadeloupe. Health & Justice in the French West Indies: A new study reports chlordecone contamination remains widespread in Guadeloupe and Martinique, and France’s appeals court has upheld the dismissal of a landmark criminal case tied to the pesticide’s impacts.

OECS–France Diplomacy: The OECS formalized a renewed diplomatic bond with France as Ambassador Marie-Noëlle Duris presented Letters of Credence, highlighting shared work on climate resilience, public health, maritime security, education mobility and innovation—especially given nearly 800,000 French citizens in Martinique, Guadeloupe and Saint Martin. Regional Governance: At the OECS 78th Authority meeting marking 45 years of integration, leaders called for an “OECS renaissance,” with chairmanship shifting to Antigua and Barbuda’s Gaston Browne and a focus on trade, connectivity and economic resilience. Chlordecone Fallout in the French Antilles: A new study says chlordecone contamination remains widespread in Guadeloupe and Martinique, with most adults still showing traces in blood and a significant share above health thresholds; meanwhile, France’s appeals court has upheld dismissal of a landmark criminal case. Venezuela Earthquake Response: After the June 24 double earthquakes, the death toll is reported to have surged, with the US sending troops under the banner of disaster relief as rescue teams continue pulling survivors from rubble. Grenada Diaspora Homecoming: Grenada kicked off Diaspora Homecoming 2026 with a Welcome Reception at Belmont Estate, as officials urged returning nationals to reconnect “with purpose” and support development. Local Community Note: Kiwanis Nature Island Club in Dominica welcomed 13 new members and installed its 2025/2026 executive, with visiting Kiwanis leaders from Martinique taking part.

Venezuela Earthquake Fallout: After the June 24 double quakes, Venezuela’s death toll climbed to 1,430 and UN reports warn up to 50,000 may be missing, as families in La Guaira and beyond keep digging through rubble with little heavy equipment. OECS–France Diplomacy: The OECS formalized a renewed diplomatic bond with France, with Ambassador Marie-Noëlle Duris presenting credentials, spotlighting cooperation on climate resilience, public health, maritime security, education and innovation—especially given nearly 800,000 French citizens across Martinique, Guadeloupe and Saint Martin. OECS at 45: At the 78th OECS Authority meeting, leaders marked 45 years of integration and pushed an “OECS renaissance,” with chairmanship shifting to Antigua and Barbuda’s Gaston Browne. Chlordecone Legal Blow (Martinique/Guadeloupe): A Paris appeals court upheld dismissal of a landmark chlordecone case, closing the door on criminal accountability while new findings show widespread contamination. Grenada Diaspora Homecoming: Grenada kicked off Diaspora Homecoming 2026 with a welcome reception at Belmont Estate, and launched National Spice Replanting Day to restore crops devastated by past hurricanes. Regional Transport: Fly Dutch Caribbean will begin operating from Grand Case Airport from July 1, aiming to reopen links to the Dutch Caribbean.

France-OECS Diplomacy: France has renewed its ties with the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States by accrediting Ambassador Marie-Noëlle Duris, with talks focused on climate resilience, public health, maritime security, education mobility, and regional connectivity—an effort that matters for Martinique, Guadeloupe and Saint Martin, home to nearly 800,000 French residents. OECS Leadership Push: At the OECS Authority’s 45th-anniversary meeting, chairmanship shifted to Antigua and Barbuda’s Gaston Browne, who called for an “OECS renaissance” and faster, bolder implementation to tackle shared challenges. Chlordecone Fallout in the French Antilles: A new Public Health France study says chlordecone contamination remains widespread—detectable in 81.3% of adults in Guadeloupe and 85.5% in Martinique—while a Paris appeals court has upheld the dismissal of a long-running criminal case, closing the door on accountability. Regional Air Links: Fly Dutch Caribbean will operate from Grand Case Airport from July 1, aiming to reopen routes toward Saba, Statia and possibly Curaçao, and to explore links including Martinique and Guadeloupe. Tourism & Culture: OECS-wide and French-Caribbean connections also featured in broader regional coverage, while Martinique’s place in the wider cultural landscape was highlighted through Euzhan Palcy’s legacy tied to post-abolition sugarcane life in her home island.

France-OECS Diplomacy: France has renewed its ties with the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States by accrediting Ambassador Marie-Noëlle Duris, with leaders pointing to shared priorities like climate resilience, public health, and maritime security, plus education and connectivity for the French Caribbean. OECS Leadership Push: At the OECS’ 45th anniversary and 78th Authority meeting, chairmanship shifted to Antigua and Barbuda’s Gaston Browne, who called for an “OECS renaissance” and faster, bolder implementation of regional goals. Chlordecone Fallout in Martinique/Guadeloupe: A new Public Health France study says chlordecone traces remain widespread—81.3% of adults in Guadeloupe and 85.5% in Martinique—while the Paris appeals court has upheld the dismissal of a major criminal case, closing the door on further criminal accountability. Regional Air Links: Fly Dutch Caribbean will start operating from Grand Case Airport from July 1, and St Vincent announced a new Executive Air cargo service aimed at boosting tourism and exports, including routes that include Martinique.

OECS-France Partnership: France’s new ambassador to the OECS, Marie-Noëlle Duris, presented her Letters of Credence to OECS Director General Dr. Didacus Jules, reaffirming plans to deepen cooperation on climate resilience, environment, education, agriculture, public health, connectivity and innovation—highlighting the shared ties of nearly 800,000 French nationals in Martinique, Guadeloupe and Saint Martin. Chlordecone Fallout: A fresh Public Health France study says chlordecone contamination remains widespread in Guadeloupe and Martinique, with detectable traces in 81.3% of adults in Guadeloupe and 85.5% in Martinique, and about one in six above health reference thresholds; meanwhile, France’s appeals court has upheld the dismissal of a landmark criminal case, closing the door on criminal accountability. Local Governance: Martinique’s administrative court has annulled the municipal elections in Basse-Pointe. Regional Leadership: OECS leaders marked 45 years of integration, calling for an “OECS renaissance” focused on bold implementation, trade, connectivity and economic resilience.

Martinique Politics: Martinique’s administrative court annulled the municipal election of Basse-Pointe, ordering a rerun unless the ruling is appealed, citing campaign breaches that could have affected vote integrity. Regional Integration: OECS leaders marked 45 years of cooperation at the 78th Authority meeting in Antigua, with a chairmanship handover to Gaston Browne and a push for an “OECS renaissance” focused on trade, connectivity, and resilience. Toxic Pesticide Fallout: A Paris appeals court upheld the dismissal of a landmark chlordecone case tied to Guadeloupe and Martinique contamination, while a new Public Health France study reports most adults still show traces in their blood. Caribbean Mobility & Trade: Fly Dutch Caribbean will begin operating from Grand Case Airport on July 1, and St Vincent announced Executive Air’s new regional cargo service aimed at boosting exports and tourism supply chains. Xenophobia Debate: MTN chair Mcebisi Jonas condemned anti-foreigner sentiment in South Africa during a funeral address, arguing it reflects state failure exploited by politicians.

Caribbean Air Access: Air Canada is expanding its Caribbean network and has opened a new premium Air Canada Café at Québec City’s airport, a sign of growing Canadian demand for regional travel that includes Martinique. Regional Aviation: Fly Dutch Caribbean will operate from Grand Case Airport starting July 1, with plans to grow routes and connect the Dutch islands and possibly traffic rights for Guadeloupe and Martinique. OECS Push for Resilience: OECS leaders marked the organisation’s 45th anniversary and called for an “OECS renaissance,” focusing on trade, connectivity and stronger implementation. Chlordecone Fallout: A Paris court has upheld the dismissal of the long-running chlordecone criminal case, while a new study reports widespread contamination in Guadeloupe and Martinique. Local Governance: Martinique’s administrative court annulled the municipal election in Basse-Pointe due to campaign irregularities, triggering a rerun unless appealed. Tourism & Culture: Grenada kicked off Diaspora Homecoming 2026 at Belmont Estate, while OECS-wide celebrations and new travel offerings keep the region in the spotlight.

Aviation & Connectivity: Fly Dutch Caribbean will operate from EDEIS Grand Case Airport starting July 1, beginning with a six-seat Cessna 206 and aiming to expand capacity by September, with plans to strengthen links to the Dutch Caribbean and beyond. Tourism & Luxury Travel: Aman at Sea has opened bookings for Amangati’s inaugural Caribbean season—five- to eight-night autumn voyages from Nov. 21, 2027 to Jan. 2, 2028—threading the Antilles with stops including Martinique, Guadeloupe and the Dutch Caribbean. Public Health & Justice: A new study says chlordecone contamination remains widespread in Guadeloupe and Martinique, while a Paris appeals court ruling has closed the door on a long-running criminal case tied to the pesticide’s impact. Local Governance: Martinique’s administrative court annulled the municipal election in Basse-Pointe, ordering a new vote due to campaign irregularities. Regional Integration: OECS leaders marked 45 years of cooperation and called for an “OECS renaissance,” with new chairmanship passing to Antigua and Barbuda’s Gaston Browne.

Chlordecone Fallout: A new Public Health France study says chlordecone still contaminates most adults in Guadeloupe and Martinique, with 81.3% and 85.5% respectively showing traces in blood, and about one in six above health thresholds—while a Paris appeals court has confirmed the dismissal of a long-running criminal case, closing the door on prosecutions. Local Justice: Martinique’s administrative court annulled the municipal election in Basse-Pointe over campaign irregularities, ordering a rerun unless an appeal overturns it. Regional Integration: OECS leaders marked 45 years of cooperation and called for an “OECS renaissance,” with chairmanship shifting to Antigua and Barbuda’s Gaston Browne and a focus on trade, connectivity, and resilience. Tourism & Business Links: St. Vincent’s Argyle International Airport announced Executive Air’s new regional cargo service, aiming to boost imports for tourism and help farmers export produce across the Caribbean, including Martinique. Sports & Doping: Martinique-born hurdler Dimitri Bascou received a four-year ban after a positive steroid test. Culture & Heritage: Campari’s Trois Rivières rum brand unveiled refreshed packaging for its aged range, inspired by Martinique’s sugarcane fields.