AGP Executive Report

Chlordecone Compensation Moves Forward: A new law has officially recognized the French State’s responsibility for long-term chlordecone pollution in Guadeloupe and Martinique, opening the door to talks on compensation for people affected by health and wider damages. The government now has one year to report to Parliament on extending existing support to victims whose illnesses are linked to pesticide exposure, with funding tied in part to an extra levy on tobacco products. The law also sets priorities for faster cleanup, support for agriculture and fishing, stronger disease research, and better victim care. EU Climate Policy Tightens: EU countries agreed to limit when they can suspend the carbon emissions fee on imported goods, aiming to reduce uncertainty for low-carbon investment; the rules require strict criteria, including major price increases, before any suspension is proposed. Carriacou Infrastructure, Climate-Resilient Focus: Grenada’s transport upgrades include fuel and fare support for bus operators and further maintenance cost relief, while Local Infrastructure Planning After Hurricane Beryl highlights aviation, maritime, and road works designed to be more climate-resilient. Culture & Territory: Martinique’s Reggae Therapy Festival returns in July 2026, blending international artists with local food and crafts in Fort-de-France.

EU Climate Policy: EU economy ministers agreed to tighten rules on when countries can suspend the carbon emissions fee on imports, limiting exemptions to cases where prices jump sharply (at least +50% over six months versus a 10-year average), aiming to boost certainty for low-carbon investment. Local Resilience & Transport: In Grenada, the government is backing public transport with fuel tax rebates and fare relief, plus a planned 50% concession on tyres and parts to keep buses safe and affordable. Martinique Culture & Territory: Fort-de-France will host the 4th Reggae Therapy Festival on July 11–12, 2026, bringing major international reggae acts and local food/crafts to a venue positioned close to beaches and markets. Carriacou Infrastructure After Storm Impacts: Carriacou and Petite Martinique Affairs Minister Tevin Andrews toured airport, jetty, and road works, including climate-resilient upgrades linked to Hurricane Beryl recovery. Toxic Legacy in the Caribbean: A France-facing reckoning highlights ongoing impacts of chlordecone contamination in Martinique and Guadeloupe, with traces in most residents and contamination expected to persist for centuries.

EU Climate Policy: EU economy ministers agreed to tighten rules on when countries can suspend the carbon emissions fee on imports, limiting exemptions to cases where prices jump sharply—aimed at giving more certainty for low-carbon investment. Caribbean Transport Support: Grenada’s government says it is backing bus operators with fuel tax rebates and fare relief to keep public transport affordable, plus planned maintenance cost cuts. Carriacou Infrastructure After Hurricane Beryl: Minister Tevin Andrews toured projects including Lauriston Airport expansion and night landing works, Windward Jetty redevelopment, and road drainage and pavement repairs, stressing climate-resilient delivery. Martinique Culture & Territory: Fort-de-France will host the 2026 Reggae Therapy Festival (July 11–12), blending international reggae stars with local food, crafts, and a focus on connecting music to place. Environmental Legacy Reminder: A France-Caribbean slavery remembrance event is paired with renewed attention to long-lasting pesticide contamination in Martinique and Guadeloupe, including chlordecone’s persistence in land and waters.

EU Carbon Border Rules: EU economy ministers agreed to tighten when countries can suspend the carbon emissions fee on imports, limiting exemptions to cases where prices jump sharply (at least 50% over six months vs a 10-year average). The goal is more certainty for low-carbon investment while still protecting EU industry from cheaper, higher-pollution goods. Caribbean Festival & Territory: Fort-de-France will host the 4th Reggae Therapy Festival on July 11–12, 2026, spotlighting Martinique’s culture and local food/crafts alongside major international reggae stars. Climate-Resilient Infrastructure (Carriacou/Petite Martinique): Minister Tevin Andrews toured major works tied to recovery from Hurricane Beryl, including airport expansion and night landing upgrades, Windward Jetty redevelopment, and road drainage and pavement rehabilitation. Legacy Pollution & Health: A France-facing reckoning on slavery symbolism also highlights long-running environmental harm in Martinique and Guadeloupe from chlordecone, with contamination expected to persist for centuries and links to high prostate cancer rates.

EU Climate Policy: EU economy ministers agreed to tighten when the bloc can suspend its carbon emissions fee on imports, aiming to give more certainty for low-carbon investment while still negotiating final rules that may scale back the suspension clause. Caribbean Environment & Health: A new reflection on France’s Caribbean legacy highlights how chlordecone contamination persists across Martinique and Guadeloupe for centuries, with very high prostate cancer rates linked to the pesticide’s spread through rivers, coasts, and farmland. Carriacou Infrastructure After Hurricane Beryl: The minister for Carriacou and Petite Martinique reports major aviation, maritime, and road projects are progressing toward completion targets, with climate-resilient works including Windward Jetty redevelopment and airport night-landing upgrades. Local Climate Resilience in Practice: The infrastructure updates are framed as “building back stronger,” focusing on safer connectivity and durability after Hurricane Beryl’s impacts.

Aviation Fuel Shock: Airlines keep collapsing as global fuel shortages bite after the Strait of Hormuz disruption, with European Cargo among the latest failures and rising costs expected to push ticket prices higher. Marine & Security in the Caribbean: A nearly 10-month deployment by Marines and sailors returned to Camp Lejeune, including maritime interception operations across the Caribbean—an angle that matters for regional sea conditions and environmental risk management. Chlordecone Legacy in Martinique: A France-wide reckoning over slavery’s memory is paired with a stark local reality: chlordecone contamination in Martinique and Guadeloupe is linked to long-lasting pollution of rivers, coasts, and farmland, with major health impacts still being studied. Sustainable Seafood Spotlight: Chef Marcel Ravin’s 2026 return highlights “Jardin Marin” cooking that adapts to what local fishermen catch—fresh, seasonal seafood as a conservation-friendly model. Tourism With a Sustainability Push: Grenada’s tourism agenda targets site upgrades and community benefits, including improvements around national parks and natural attractions, with an emphasis on safer, more authentic, and more sustainable visitor experiences.

Aviation Fuel Shock: Airlines continue to collapse as global fuel shortages bite after the Strait of Hormuz was closed, with rising costs, longer routes and delays pushing carriers into administration (including a UK-based cargo operator that halted operations before filing). Chlordecone Reparations in the French Caribbean: France’s lower house backed a bill recognizing responsibility for the health, moral, environmental and economic harm from chlordecone contamination in Martinique and Guadeloupe, setting goals for decontamination of land and water, compensation, and renewed research. Marine & Regional Security: Marines and sailors returned after nearly 10 months deployed in support of Operation Southern Spear, including maritime interception operations across the Caribbean. Sustainable Seafood & Marine Cuisine: Chef Marcel Ravin’s Martinique roots are spotlighted in Monaco’s “Jardin Marin” concept, where the menu follows what local fishermen catch—fresh, often lesser-known species, tied to the sea. Tourism & Nature Sites: Grenada outlined a 12–24 month tourism agenda focused on upgrading key attractions (including national parks and waterfalls), improving visitor amenities and digital marketing, and supporting sustainable investment.

Pesticide Reckoning: France’s lower house has voted to formally recognize its responsibility for the health, moral, environmental and economic harm linked to chlordecone contamination in Guadeloupe and Martinique, with the Senate already approving—over 90% of adults are believed contaminated, and the law sets goals for decontaminating land and water, compensating victims, and boosting research plus support for affected fishermen and farmers. Marine & Security: Marines returning after nearly 10 months with the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit carried out maritime interception operations across the Caribbean and embassy reinforcement missions in Haiti and Venezuela, underscoring ongoing regional pressure on illicit trafficking routes. Local Food & Sea Life: Chef Marcel Ravin’s Martinique roots are highlighted in Monaco with a “Jardin Marin” menu that changes with what local fishermen catch, pushing a conservation-minded approach to seafood and biodiversity.

Pesticide Reparations in the French West Indies: France’s lower house has unanimously voted to recognize the state’s “share of responsibility” for the long-term health, environmental and economic harm linked to chlordecone (Kepone) in Guadeloupe and Martinique, with more than 90% of adults reported to carry traces; the law also sets goals for decontaminating polluted land and water and points to compensation and research priorities. Marine Life Protection: In Grenada, the Caribbean Youth Environment Network is urging residents and visitors to protect sea turtles during nesting season, warning that noise, artificial lighting and disturbance can make turtles abandon nests, and offering clear do’s and don’ts for beachgoers. Climate Adaptation Planning (Grenada): Grenada hosted a validation workshop for a revised Citizen’s Guide to Climate Change Adaptation (2025–2030), aiming to make adaptation actions more accessible and practical for communities across Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique. Regional Environment & Governance (Eastern Caribbean): The OHADAC Regional Arbitration Centre (CARO) announced a June 10 training programme on arbitration and ADR with OECS support, framed as strengthening economic justice for regional stakeholders.

Chlordecone Accountability: France’s lower house 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, with more than 90% of adults reported to carry traces of the pesticide and links to prostate cancer cited; the law also points to land and water decontamination goals and compensation work. Pesticide Legacy: Lawmakers and MPs stress France allowed chlordecone use in the islands despite warnings, keeping contamination in rivers, coastal waters and farmland for centuries. Climate Adaptation in the Region: Grenada advanced its climate resilience agenda by validating a Citizen’s Guide to Climate Change Adaptation for Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique, tied to its National Adaptation Plan 2025–2030. Marine Biodiversity Watch: Grenada’s Caribbean Youth Environment Network is urging residents and visitors to protect sea turtles during nesting season by reducing noise and artificial light, keeping beaches clean, and reporting nests or injured turtles. Local Food & Sea Connection: Chef Marcel Ravin’s Martinique roots are highlighted in Monaco’s “Jardin Marin” concept, where menus change with what local fishermen catch—fresh seafood tied to the sea’s rhythms.

Chlordecone Accountability: France’s National Assembly has unanimously voted to repeal the “Code Noir” and, more directly for Martinique, lawmakers also recognised the state’s “share of responsibility” for the chlordecone pesticide scandal—used on banana plantations despite health warnings—linked to widespread contamination and serious long-term harm, with decontamination and compensation goals now on the table. Sargassum Management (Regional): An OECS delegation visited Martinique and Guadeloupe to study sargassum seaweed monitoring and collection, and how to turn it into value-added products, supported by the EU and aimed at reducing ecological, public health and economic impacts. Marine Life Protection: Caribbean Youth Environment Network in Grenada urged residents and visitors to protect sea turtles during nesting season by keeping noise and lights low, staying back, and avoiding disturbance. Climate Adaptation (Grenada): Grenada hosted a validation workshop for a Citizen’s Guide to Climate Change Adaptation for Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique, feeding into its National Adaptation Plan. Disaster Readiness (Comms): Liberty Caribbean said it is ready for the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, citing lessons from Hurricane Melissa and continued investments in network resilience.

Chlordecone Accountability: France’s National Assembly has unanimously voted to repeal the Code Noir and, in a separate move, to formally acknowledge the state’s “share of responsibility” for the health, environmental and economic harm caused by chlordecone in Martinique and Guadeloupe—where more than 90% of adults carry traces of the pesticide and it has been linked to cancers and other long-term effects. Regional Sargassum Response: An OECS delegation visited Martinique and Guadeloupe to study local sargassum management and how to turn the seaweed into value-added products, supported by the EU and SARSEA. Legal Access in the Caribbean: The OHADAC–CARO Centre and OECS are set to launch training on arbitration and ADR across the Eastern Caribbean, including Martinique and Guadeloupe, aiming to make dispute resolution more predictable for businesses and investors. Marine Conservation (Grenada): CYEN Grenada is urging residents and visitors to protect sea turtles during nesting season by reducing noise, avoiding lights and keeping dogs away. Climate Adaptation (Grenada): Grenada validated its Citizen’s Guide to Climate Change Adaptation, aligning it with the National Adaptation Plan 2025–2030 and pushing clearer, more practical guidance for communities.

Chlordecone Accountability: France’s National Assembly has unanimously voted to repeal the “Code Noir” and, separately, to recognize the state’s “share of responsibility” in the chlordecone pesticide scandal affecting Guadeloupe and Martinique—where more than 90% of adults carry traces—pushing decontamination and compensation goals back into the spotlight. Sargassum Management: An OECS delegation visited Martinique and Guadeloupe to study sargassum seaweed collection and how to turn it into value-added products, with SARSEA support and a focus on reducing ecological, economic, and public health impacts. Marine Life Protection: CYEN Grenada is urging residents and visitors to protect sea turtles during nesting season, warning that noise, artificial lighting, and beach disturbance can cause turtles to abandon nests. Climate Adaptation Planning: Grenada hosted a validation workshop for its Citizen’s Guide to Climate Change Adaptation (for Grenada, Carriacou, and Petite Martinique), aiming to make adaptation actions clearer and more actionable for communities. Regional Capacity Building: OHADAC and the CARO Regional Arbitration Centre, with the OECS, are set to launch training to strengthen arbitration and ADR across the Eastern Caribbean—supporting more secure conditions for regional economic activity.

Chlordecone Accountability: France’s National Assembly has unanimously voted to repeal the Code Noir and, separately, to formally acknowledge the state’s “share of responsibility” for the long-term health, environmental and economic harm linked to chlordecone in Guadeloupe and Martinique—where more than 90% of adults carry traces of the pesticide and it has been linked to serious cancers—setting the stage for decontamination goals, research priorities and compensation discussions. Sargassum Management: An OECS-backed delegation (nine Caribbean states/territories) is visiting Martinique and Guadeloupe to study local sargassum collection and risk-management strategies, with a focus on turning seaweed into value-added products. Marine Biodiversity Protection: In Grenada, CYEN is urging residents and visitors to protect sea turtles during nesting season by reducing noise, avoiding bright lights, keeping beaches clean and staying clear of nests. Regional Climate Adaptation: Grenada hosted a validation workshop for its Citizen’s Guide to Climate Change Adaptation, updating practical guidance under its 2025–2030 National Adaptation Plan. Water Security Innovation: A Nobel Prize-winning scientist’s air-to-water technology is being developed to produce up to 1,000 litres of clean drinking water daily, offering a potential lifeline for water-stressed communities.

Pesticide Accountability: France’s National Assembly has unanimously voted to recognize the state’s “share of responsibility” for long-term harm from chlordecone (Kepone) in Guadeloupe and Martinique, with lawmakers citing contamination affecting nearly 90% of adults and links to serious illnesses, while also setting goals for decontamination and compensation frameworks. Regional Marine Cleanup & Jobs: An OECS delegation visited Martinique and Guadeloupe to study sargassum management under the SARSEA project, focusing on monitoring, collection and turning seaweed into value-added products to reduce impacts on ecosystems, biodiversity, public health and local economies. Disaster Readiness: The Armed Forces in the Antilles ran “Operation Caribbean 26,” a multinational disaster-response drill simulating a major cyclone, with Martinique and Guadeloupe’s RSMA units placed under FAA command to improve coordination for humanitarian assistance and relief. Climate Adaptation Planning: Grenada advanced its climate resilience work by validating a Citizen’s Guide to Climate Change Adaptation for Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique, aiming to make adaptation actions clearer and easier for communities to use. Marine Wildlife Protection: CYEN Grenada urged residents and visitors to protect sea turtles during nesting season, warning that noise, lighting and disturbance can cause turtles to abandon nests. Water Innovation Watch: A Nobel Prize-winning scientist’s air-to-water technology is being developed to produce up to 1,000 litres of clean drinking water daily, offering a potential lifeline for water-stressed regions.

Pesticide Justice in the French West Indies: France’s National Assembly has unanimously voted to recognize the state’s “share of responsibility” for long-term harm from chlordecone (Kepone) in Guadeloupe and Martinique, where lawmakers cite contamination affecting over 90% of adults and links to serious illnesses; the bill also points to land and water decontamination goals and compensation work, with a government mission planned to assess cleanup measures. Sargassum Management, Regional Cooperation: An OECS delegation (nine Caribbean states/territories) is visiting Martinique and Guadeloupe to study how to manage sargassum seaweed and develop value-added uses, building on EU- and OECS-supported SARSEA efforts to reduce ecological, public health, and economic impacts. Sea Turtle Protection in Grenada: CYEN Grenada is urging residents and visitors to protect nesting sea turtles by keeping noise and lighting low, staying back from nests, and reporting sightings—highlighting how disturbance, pollution, and coastal pressures threaten marine biodiversity. Disaster Preparedness Exercise: “Operation Caribbean 26” is running until June 4, training Antilles armed forces for cross-border humanitarian aid and disaster relief, with Martinique and Guadeloupe’s RSMA units directly involved in a simulated major cyclone scenario.