AGP Executive Report

Aviation & Connectivity: LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes launched an interline deal that lets travellers book on one ticket with baggage checked through, linking the Eastern Caribbean with Guadeloupe, Martinique, French Guiana and onward to Paris-Orly. Martinique & the Caribbean: Air France keeps an unusual Miami–Pointe-à-Pitre route running on an Airbus A320, part of an island-hopping network that also stops in Martinique and French Guiana before continuing to Brazil. Public Health & Accountability: French lawmakers backed state responsibility for long-term harm from the pesticide chlordecone (Kepone) in Martinique and Guadeloupe, with contamination affecting most residents and links to serious cancers. Justice & History: France’s National Assembly voted unanimously to repeal the 1685 Code Noir, removing a slavery-era law that treated enslaved people as property—symbolic progress, but reparations remain unresolved. Environment: An OECS delegation visited Martinique and Guadeloupe to study sargassum management and ways to turn seaweed into value-added products. Security: A French Navy operation seized 737kg of cocaine from a speedboat in the Caribbean, with suspects detained and the drugs handed to Colombian authorities. Regional Legal Capacity: OECS and OHADAC’s CARO centre will launch training on arbitration and ADR across the Eastern Caribbean, aiming for more predictable access to economic justice. Sports: Saint Lucia’s rugby teams took heavy defeats in friendlies against Martinique and Jamaica, but the union says the matches built valuable experience.

Aviation & Connectivity: LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes signed a new interline agreement, letting passengers book on a single ticket with through-checked baggage—linking Martinique and Guadeloupe with the Eastern Caribbean and onward connections to Paris Orly from June 1. Regional Security: A French Navy operation in the Caribbean seized 737kg of cocaine from a suspect speedboat, with two people detained and the drugs handed to Colombian authorities. Disaster Readiness: The Armed Forces in the Antilles continue “Operation Caribbean 26,” a multinational disaster-response exercise using Martinique’s and Guadeloupe’s RSMA units to rehearse cyclone-scale relief until June 4. Justice & History: France’s National Assembly unanimously repealed the 1685 Code Noir, a slavery-era law that treated people as property—an important symbolic step, but one that still leaves reparations debates unresolved. Local Life & Mobility: A Martinique-linked story highlights how island residents feel “left out” of mainland opportunities, while regional travel and access remain a recurring pressure point for culture and everyday life.

Regional Justice & Business: The OHADAC–CARO training programmes on arbitration and ADR will be officially launched on Wednesday 10 June in the Eastern Caribbean, with Martinique among the participating territories—aimed at making it easier for businesses and investors to resolve disputes across the region. Anti-Drug Operations at Sea: A French Navy operation in the Caribbean, supported by Dutch and Dominican aircraft, seized 737kg of cocaine from a suspect speedboat; two people were detained and the case handed to Colombian authorities. Air Connectivity Boost: LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes signed an interline agreement starting 1 June, letting passengers book on one ticket with through-checked baggage across Eastern Caribbean and French Caribbean routes (including Martinique and Guadeloupe) and onward to Paris-Orly. Martinique in the Spotlight of France’s Past: France’s National Assembly voted 254-0 to repeal the slavery-era Code Noir, a symbolic but historic step that many in Martinique and other overseas territories say still leaves the bigger question of justice and reparations unanswered. Disaster Readiness: “Operation Caribbean 26” continues until 4 June, with Martinique and Guadeloupe’s RSMA units placed under the Antilles Armed Forces for a major simulated cyclone response. Local Life & Culture: A Saint Lucia festival return is planned—Mercury Fest 2026 (Aug 14–16)—with outreach explicitly targeting the French market, including visitors from Martinique.

Code Noir Repeal in France: France’s National Assembly voted unanimously (254-0) to repeal the 1685 slavery-era “Code Noir,” which treated enslaved people as “movable property.” The move is symbolic but emotionally charged, with Martinique lawmaker Steevy Gustave speaking through tears as debate turns to what comes next—especially reparations and how colonial history is taught. Regional Aviation Connectivity: Caribbean travel is getting a reshuffle: 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 networks. St. Kitts Route Shock: Caribbean Airlines’ withdrawal from St. Kitts and Nevis sparked anger after the government said it was not consulted, even as officials seek an alternative partner to protect connections. Disaster Readiness in the Antilles: The Armed Forces in the Antilles continue “Operation Caribbean 26” through June 4, training for large-scale cyclone disaster response, with Martinique and Guadeloupe RSMA units involved. Martinique in the Spotlight: A Martinique-to-Europe cruise stop highlights how the island’s links to France and the wider Caribbean keep shaping travel, culture, and everyday life.

Disaster Response Drills: The Armed Forces in the Antilles keep training for “Operation Caraïbes 26,” a multinational exercise running until June 4, with a simulated Category 4 cyclone and Martinique/Guadeloupe RSMA units placed under FAA command to practice rescue, route recovery, and cross-border coordination. Aviation Shock in the Region: In St. Kitts and Nevis, Tourism Minister Marsha Henderson says Caribbean Airlines’ withdrawal from the St. Kitts route was announced without consulting the government, even as officials move to secure alternative service. Connectivity Boost for Travelers: LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes signed an interline deal effective June 1, letting passengers book on one ticket with through-checked baggage across Eastern Caribbean and French Caribbean links to Europe. Martinique in the Spotlight: A French National Assembly vote (254-0) moves to formally repeal the slavery-era “Code Noir,” a law that treated enslaved people as property—an issue with direct historical weight for Martinique and other French overseas territories. Health Watch: France reported 92 imported mosquito-borne cases in May (dengue, chikungunya, Zika), with Martinique and other overseas territories among travel links. Culture & Tourism: Saint Lucia’s Mercury Fest returns Aug. 14–16, with outreach aimed at the French market, including visitors from Martinique.

Aviation & Tourism: St. Kitts and Nevis says Caribbean Airlines pulled out of its route without consulting the government, while officials now scramble to secure an alternative carrier to protect regional links. Regional Connectivity: LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes signed an interline deal starting June 1, letting passengers book one ticket with through-checked baggage across the two networks, including Martinique and Guadeloupe. Humanitarian Solidarity: Lions Clubs and Saint Lucia’s consulate in Martinique helped deliver nearly 4,000 recycled eyewear pairs to support visually impaired people in Saint Lucia. Martinique in the Spotlight: A Martinique–linked cultural piece highlights how local audiences feel “France” is out of reach, with artists from Guadeloupe drawing big interest on the island. French Law & Memory: France’s National Assembly voted 254-0 to repeal the slavery-era “Code Noir,” a 1685 legal framework that treated enslaved people as property; the Senate still must approve. Health Watch: France reported 92 imported mosquito-borne cases in May, with dengue the majority, including links to overseas territories such as Martinique and Guadeloupe.

Aviation & Connectivity: LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes signed an interline deal starting June 1, letting passengers book on one ticket, check baggage through to the final destination, and connect more easily between the Eastern Caribbean and French Caribbean hubs like Martinique and Guadeloupe. Regional Air Tensions: St. Kitts and Nevis says Caribbean Airlines withdrew from its route without consulting the government, prompting talks to secure an alternative partner to protect travel links. French Colonial 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 still to vote next; the debate was emotionally charged, including a Martinique MP’s tearful remarks. Public Health Watch: France reported 92 imported mosquito-borne cases in May (mostly dengue), with infections linked to travel abroad and the tiger mosquito active across many departments. Martinique Life & Education: A report highlights how education on the island can mean “exile,” with young people pushed away to mainland France for opportunities. Culture & Sport: Saint Lucia announced Mercury Fest 2026 (Aug 14–16) with a focus on drawing the French market, while rugby brings a Saint Lucia vs Jamaica Tier 3 Test and a Martinique U-19 clash.

Slavery Law Repeal: France’s National Assembly voted 254-0 to formally repeal the 1685 “Code Noir,” the slavery-era rules that treated enslaved people as “movable property,” with lawmakers in tears and no reparations included—though the bill now heads to the Senate and would require reporting on the law’s lasting impact on racism and education in French overseas territories like Martinique. Regional Air Connectivity: LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes signed an interline deal starting June 1, letting passengers book one ticket with checked-through baggage across Martinique/Guadeloupe and the wider Eastern Caribbean to Europe. Tourism & Travel Disruption: In St. Kitts and Nevis, Tourism Minister Marsha Henderson says Caribbean Airlines withdrew service without consulting the government, prompting talks to secure an alternative partner. Health Watch: France reported 92 imported mosquito-borne cases in May (dengue, chikungunya, Zika), all linked to travel abroad, as the tiger mosquito remains active across many departments. Martinique Daily Life: A report highlights how young people in Martinique feel “exile” in education and limited access to culture and live events compared with mainland France. Business: First Rock Real Estate Investments says it’s negotiating income-generating commercial property acquisitions in Martinique and Costa Rica worth about US$28m as it returns to profit.

Code Noir Repeal: France’s National Assembly voted 254-0 to formally repeal the 1685 “Code Noir,” the slavery-era decree that treated enslaved people as “movable property.” The debate turned emotional, with Martinique lawmaker Steevy Gustave breaking down as MPs acknowledged the law lingered on the books for nearly 180 years after abolition. The bill now heads to the Senate, and would also require reporting on the lasting effects of colonial law and how slavery is taught in schools. Public Health Watch: In mainland France, authorities recorded 92 imported mosquito-borne cases in May (mostly dengue), all linked to travel abroad, as the tiger mosquito remains active across many departments. Air Connectivity Pressure: Caribbean Airlines is cutting routes and reducing flights to Martinique and Guadeloupe to twice-weekly service, while discontinuing several other regional links from June 1—raising fresh concerns for intra-Caribbean travel. Trade Links With Martinique: Saint Lucia is moving to strengthen trade, investment, and cultural cooperation with Martinique, aiming to operationalize regional export partnerships. Martinique Education Reality: A new report highlights how education in Martinique can come with “exile,” reflecting the island’s ongoing pull toward the mainland for opportunities. Business Brief: First Rock is negotiating commercial property acquisitions in Costa Rica and Martinique worth about US$28 million as it returns to profit.

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,” with MPs including Martinique’s Steevy Gustave speaking emotionally about the harm that still echoes today; the bill now heads to the Senate. Regional Trade Push (Martinique–Saint Lucia): Saint Lucia is stepping up trade, investment and cultural cooperation with nearby Martinique via talks with a French delegation, aiming to boost exports and streamline market-readiness for specific products. Aviation Shock for the Eastern Caribbean: Caribbean Airlines will cut routes and reduce service from June 1, including discontinuing flights to Dominica and St Kitts and Nevis and halving frequencies to Martinique and Guadeloupe, citing losses and restructuring. Health & Medicines Access: PAHO/WHO and OECS-PPS will hold a workshop in Saint Lucia to strengthen access to safe, quality-assured medicines and health technologies across Eastern Caribbean states. Sargassum Coordination: Dominica hosted SARSEA meetings to shape regional sargassum management plans, with field activities planned for Martinique and Guadeloupe starting June 1.

France and the Caribbean legacy: France’s National Assembly voted unanimously (254-0) to formally repeal the “Code Noir” (Black Code), the 17th-century slavery edicts that treated enslaved people as “movable property.” The move is largely symbolic but emotionally charged, with the bill now heading to the Senate; it also stops short of reparations demands while requiring reporting on the lasting effects of colonial law on racism and education. Regional trade links: Saint Lucia is pushing to deepen trade, investment, and cultural cooperation with nearby Martinique, including practical steps to boost exports and align with EU market requirements. Aviation shake-up hitting Martinique: Caribbean Airlines will cut routes and reduce frequencies from June 1, discontinuing services to Dominica and St Kitts and reducing flights to Martinique and Guadeloupe to twice weekly, citing major losses and a network overhaul. Health cooperation: PAHO/WHO and OECS-PPS will hold a workshop in Saint Lucia (May 28–29) to improve access to safe medicines and health technologies across the Eastern Caribbean. Environment: SARSEA meetings in Dominica (May 26–28) focus on sargassum management, with follow-up field activities planned for Martinique and Guadeloupe starting June 1.

Caribbean Airlift Shock: Caribbean Airlines will cut several regional routes from June 1, ending flights to Dominica and St Kitts and discontinuing the Ogle (Guyana)–Suriname corridor, while reducing service to Martinique and Guadeloupe to twice weekly; the airline says the changes target long-term financial stability and operational reliability, with affected passengers offered rebooking, refunds or travel credit, and it is working toward a codeshare to widen destination access. Local Trade Links: Saint Lucia is moving to strengthen trade, investment and cultural cooperation with Martinique after meetings with a French delegation, focusing on practical export growth and meeting standards like testing, packaging, transport and certification. Regional Health Access: PAHO/WHO and the OECS-PPS will convene a workshop in Saint Lucia (May 28–29) to improve access to safe medicines and health technologies across the Eastern Caribbean, including launching a technical working group. Sargassum Coordination: SARSEA meetings in Dominica (May 26–28) will shape national plans for sargassum management, with follow-up field missions planned for Martinique and Guadeloupe starting June 1. France’s Colonial Reckoning: France is set to debate repealing “Black Code” laws that treated enslaved people as “moveable goods,” a symbolic step as the country confronts its slavery legacy.

Aviation Shake-Up: Caribbean Airlines will cut several regional routes from June 1, ending flights to Dominica and St Kitts and Nevis, and discontinuing the Ogle (Guyana)–Suriname corridor, while reducing service to Martinique and Guadeloupe to twice weekly—moves tied to losses of more than US$18.84 million linked to the 2023 expansion. Passenger Impact: The airline says affected travellers will be contacted directly and offered rebooking on alternative services, partner connections, full refunds for unused ticket portions, or future travel credit (subject to fare conditions). Regional Debate: Trinidad and Tobago’s Transport Minister Eli Zakour says the route oversight review found some new routes lacked commercial justification, sparking fresh questions across the Eastern Caribbean about who will fill the airlift gap. Environment & Cooperation: In Dominica, SARSEA meetings (May 26–28) bring together regional stakeholders to tackle sargassum management, with plans for field missions in Martinique and Guadeloupe starting June 1. Local Trade Links: France’s Eastern Caribbean ambassador says talks are underway to boost Saint Lucia–Martinique trade, including import-export facilitation for 15 products.

Caribbean Airlines Route Shake-Up: Starting June 1, Caribbean Airlines will stop flights to Dominica, St. Kitts and Nevis, and the Ogle (Guyana)–Suriname corridor, and cut Martinique and Guadeloupe service to twice weekly—a move tied to losses reported by Trinidad and Tobago’s transport minister, Eli Zakour. Passenger Fallout: The airline says affected travelers will be contacted directly and offered rebooking, refunds, or travel credit, plus help via partner connections. Regional Connectivity Debate: The cuts are already reigniting the bigger question of who will fill the intra-Caribbean airlift gap, with talk of codeshare deals and pressure for a more unified transport strategy. Local Angle for Martinique: With CAL reducing frequencies, the spotlight shifts to how quickly trade and mobility can adapt—especially as Saint Lucia and Martinique discuss expanding import-export links. Environment Watch: In Dominica, regional experts are meeting on sargassum management, with field work planned for Martinique and Guadeloupe from June 1.

Caribbean Aviation Shock: Caribbean Airlines is cutting key regional links from June 1, ending flights to Dominica and St Kitts and discontinuing the Ogle (Guyana)–Suriname route, while reducing service to Martinique and Guadeloupe to twice weekly—passengers are being offered rebooking, refunds, or travel credit as the airline cites long-term financial stability. Local Trade Talks: Saint Lucia and Martinique are exploring stronger trade ties, including an import-export facilitation push for 15 products, with both sides seeing room to grow beyond existing business links. Environment & Marine Planning: Dominica hosts SARSEA meetings with regional experts tackling sargassum management, with field work planned for Martinique and Guadeloupe starting June 1. Culture & Community: Caribbean Heritage Month kicks off with a packed mix of film, literature, and legislative focus on diaspora roots and current issues, running through June.

Caribbean Airlines Route Shake-Up: Caribbean Airlines says it will cut several regional links from June 1—ending flights between Dominica and Suriname, St. Kitts and Suriname, and the Ogle (Guyana)–Suriname corridor—while reducing service to Martinique and Guadeloupe to twice weekly, with rebooking, refunds, or travel credit offered to affected passengers and a codeshare push in the works. French Caribbean Connectivity Shock: The changes land as Air Antilles has already been liquidated, leaving fewer options for island-to-island travel across the French West Indies. Saint Lucia–Martinique Trade Talk: France’s Eastern Caribbean ambassador says stronger import-export facilitation for 15 product categories could deepen business ties between the two neighboring islands. Youth Sports Spotlight: Saint-Martin hosted the Sister Islands Basketball Tournament, with Martinique and other territories sending U18 teams and the event framed as a regional development platform. France Politics & Memory: A new letter warns of France “fascitizing” politics, while France continues debate over slavery legacies and reparations language.