AGP Executive Report

OECS Sports & Business Links: Saint Lucia’s bridge team brought home six podium finishes at the OECS Bridge Championships in Dominica, with a Martinique squad taking third in both pairs events and winning the OECS Teams title—showing how regional sport continues to draw sponsors and cross-island participation. Weather & Risk for Martinique: A tropical wave is expected to bring heavy rain, thunderstorms, gusty winds and a higher risk of localized flooding for Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique from late Monday into Tuesday, with authorities monitoring conditions closely. France–OECS Economic Cooperation: France renewed its diplomatic partnership with the OECS by accrediting Ambassador Marie-Noëlle Duris, highlighting support for climate resilience, public health, maritime security, education mobility and innovation—key themes for the French Caribbean economy. Air Connectivity for Trade: Fly Dutch Caribbean will operate from Grand Case Airport from July 1, starting with small aircraft and aiming to expand capacity—while also discussing potential links to Guadeloupe and Martinique. Regional Cargo Boost: St. Vincent and the Grenadines launched Executive Air’s new air cargo service, aiming to strengthen tourism supply chains and help local farmers export more easily. Martinique in Culture & Film: Euzhan Palcy’s career is revisited in Paris, spotlighting her Martinique roots and how her early work “Sugar Cane Alley” helped put the island’s sugarcane history on the global screen.

OECS Bridge Championships: Saint Lucia’s 10-member bridge team brought home six podium finishes, including three wins, at the Fort Young Hotel in Dominica; a Martinique pair and team also placed, with Martinique taking third in the OECS Pairs and winning the OECS Teams. Weather Watch: A tropical wave is expected to bring heavy rain, thunderstorms, gusty winds and a higher risk of localized flooding to Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique from late Monday into Tuesday. France–OECS Partnership: France renewed its diplomatic and development push in the Eastern Caribbean, accrediting Ambassador Marie-Noëlle Duris to the OECS and highlighting cooperation on climate resilience, public health, maritime security, education mobility and innovation—key for the French Caribbean economy. Air & Trade Links: Fly Dutch Caribbean will operate from Grand Case Airport from July 1, with plans to expand routes and capacity; meanwhile, Air Canada is adding premium lounge capacity for Caribbean-bound business travelers. Regional Integration: The OECS marked 45 years of integration and called for an “OECS renaissance,” stressing faster implementation of shared goals.

Caribbean Trade & Tourism: Air Canada keeps pushing into the Caribbean, opening a new premium Air Canada Café at Québec City Jean Lesage Airport to serve business and leisure travelers heading to destinations including Martinique and Guadeloupe. Regional Diplomacy & Business Links: France and the OECS deepen ties with the accreditation of Ambassador Marie-Noëlle Duris, highlighting cooperation on climate resilience, public health, maritime security, education mobility and innovation—key themes for regional economic growth. Aviation & Logistics: Fly Dutch Caribbean will operate from Grand Case Airport from July 1, starting with small aircraft and aiming to expand routes and capacity, with talks also pointing toward potential links involving Guadeloupe and Martinique. Legal & Consumer/Environment: A French appeals court upheld the dismissal of a landmark criminal case over chlordecone, closing the door on criminal accountability tied to the pesticide scandal affecting Guadeloupe and Martinique. Regional Integration: OECS leaders marked 45 years of integration and called for an “OECS renaissance,” stressing stronger implementation to tackle shared challenges. Local Economy & Trade Promotion: Saint-Martin’s participation at the ACS Council of Ministers spotlighted the TIPO network to promote trade and investment by Caribbean SMEs/VSEs.

Regional Trade & Investment: Saint-Martin’s First Vice-President Alain Richardson and external affairs commissioner Cyrielle Cuirassier took part in the ACS Council of Ministers in Panama City, highlighting the TIPO network meant to boost trade and investment by Caribbean SMEs and VSEs. France–OECS Ties: The OECS formalized a renewed diplomatic bond with France via the accreditation of Ambassador Marie-Noëlle Duris, with priorities including climate resilience, public health, maritime security, education mobility and innovation—an angle that matters for Martinique’s economic and connectivity links. OECS Governance Push: At the 78th OECS Authority meeting in Antigua, leaders called for an “OECS renaissance,” with chairmanship shifting to Gaston Browne and a focus on stronger implementation across shared regional goals. Legal/Environment: A French appeals court upheld the dismissal of a long-running criminal case tied to chlordecone impacts in Guadeloupe and Martinique, closing a major route to criminal accountability. Air & Connectivity: Fly Dutch Caribbean will operate from Grand Case Airport from July 1, starting small but aiming to expand routes and links to the Dutch Caribbean, including potential connections involving Guadeloupe and Martinique.

Regional Diplomacy: Saint-Martin officials took part in the 31st Council of Ministers of the Association of Caribbean States (ACS) in Panama City, highlighting the push for trade and investment support for local SMEs via the new TIPO network. France–OECS Partnership: The OECS marked a renewed diplomatic bond with France as Ambassador Marie-Noëlle Duris presented Letters of Credence, with priorities including climate resilience, public health, maritime security, education mobility and innovation—key themes for Martinique’s regional economy. Legal/Environment: France’s appeals court confirmed the dismissal of a landmark chlordecone case over toxic pesticide impacts in Guadeloupe and Martinique, closing a long-running fight for criminal accountability. Trade & Connectivity: OECS leaders used the 78th Authority meeting to call for an “OECS renaissance” focused on trade, connectivity and economic resilience, with chairmanship shifting to Antigua and Barbuda’s Gaston Browne. Aviation & Logistics: St Vincent announced Executive Air’s new regional cargo service, aiming to strengthen trade links and help farmers export more easily across the Caribbean, including Martinique. Business Travel: Air Canada expanded its Caribbean push and opened a new premium lounge in Québec City, signaling continued demand from Canadian travelers for regional destinations.

Regional Diplomacy & Trade: France has renewed its ties with the OECS by accrediting Ambassador Marie-Noëlle Duris, with leaders pointing to shared priorities like climate resilience, public health, maritime security, education mobility, and connectivity—key themes for Martinique’s business links across the Eastern Caribbean. OECS Economic Push: At the OECS Authority’s 78th meeting marking 45 years of integration, leaders called for an “OECS renaissance,” stressing stronger implementation to protect small-island economies and deepen practical cooperation such as the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union and free movement. Aviation & Logistics: Fly Dutch Caribbean will start operating from Grand Case Airport on July 1, initially with smaller aircraft, aiming to rebuild regional links (including discussions around routes touching Guadeloupe and Martinique). Air Cargo for Exports: St. Vincent launched Executive Air’s regional cargo service to boost tourism supply chains and create export “pipelines” for farmers—an approach that resonates for Martinique’s import/export competitiveness. Legal/Environment: France’s appeals court upheld dismissal of a major chlordecone case tied to Guadeloupe and Martinique pesticide harm, closing a long-running push for criminal accountability. Global Shock (Humanitarian): Venezuela’s earthquake response continues as the death toll climbs and the scale of missing remains uncertain, with the disaster also fueling renewed debate over foreign military involvement.

Disaster & Security: Venezuela’s June 24 double earthquakes have killed at least 1,430 people, with UN officials warning missing could reach 50,000, as families in La Guaira and beyond keep digging through rubble while the US moves troops and equipment under the banner of relief. Regional Diplomacy & Trade: France has renewed its diplomatic partnership with the OECS, with Ambassador Marie-Noëlle Duris presenting credentials and backing cooperation on climate resilience, public health, education mobility, agriculture and regional connectivity—key themes for Martinique’s business links across the Eastern Caribbean. Legal & Environment: France’s appeals court has upheld the dismissal of a long-running criminal case tied to chlordecone (Kepone) contamination in Guadeloupe and Martinique, closing a major route to criminal accountability for one of the Caribbean’s worst pesticide scandals. OECS Integration: At the OECS Authority’s 45th anniversary meeting, leaders called for an “OECS renaissance,” stressing stronger implementation to boost economic resilience, trade and shared governance. Aviation & Logistics: St. Vincent announced Executive Air’s new regional cargo service to strengthen trade flows for tourism, imported goods and farmer exports—an example of how air freight is being positioned as a growth lever across the region.

OECS–France Partnership: France has accredited Ambassador Marie-Noëlle Duris to the OECS, underlining ties with nearly 800,000 French residents across Martinique, Guadeloupe and Saint Martin, with cooperation priorities including climate resilience, public health, maritime security, education mobility and innovation. OECS Integration Push: At the OECS’ 45th anniversary and 78th Authority meeting, leaders called for an “OECS renaissance” and stronger implementation, with chairmanship shifting to Antigua and Barbuda’s Gaston Browne and renewed focus on trade, connectivity and economic resilience. Chlordecone Accountability: A Paris appeals court upheld the dismissal of a long-running criminal case over chlordecone pesticide contamination in Guadeloupe and Martinique, effectively closing a major route to criminal accountability for victims and campaigners. Aviation & Trade Links: Fly Dutch Caribbean will operate from Grand Case Airport from July 1, with plans to expand routes and discussions on traffic rights including Guadeloupe and Martinique; separately, St. Vincent announced Executive Air’s new regional cargo service aimed at boosting tourism supply chains and helping farmers export. Business Travel Demand: Air Canada is expanding Caribbean service and opened a new premium Air Canada Café lounge in Québec City, signaling continued growth in Canada-to-Caribbean travel flows.

OECS–France Partnership: France has formally renewed ties with the OECS by accrediting Ambassador Marie-Noëlle Duris, with talks focused on climate resilience, public health, maritime security, education mobility, French language training and tech-driven growth—an effort backed by AFD and EU support, with nearly 800,000 French citizens living in Martinique, Guadeloupe and Saint Martin. OECS Economic Push: At the OECS 45th anniversary and 78th Authority meeting, leaders called for an “OECS renaissance,” stressing stronger implementation on trade, connectivity and economic resilience as chairmanship shifted to Gaston Browne. Chlordecone Legal Fallout (Martinique/Guadeloupe): A French appeals court upheld the dismissal of a long-running criminal case over chlordecone contamination, closing the door on criminal accountability and reigniting anger among victims and campaigners. Aviation & Trade Links: Fly Dutch Caribbean will operate from Grand Case Airport from July 1, while St. Vincent announced Executive Air’s new regional cargo service aimed at boosting tourism supply chains and helping farmers export. Business Travel Upgrade: Air Canada opened a new premium lounge at Québec City airport, reflecting continued growth in Caribbean-bound Canadian travel, including service to Martinique and Guadeloupe.

OECS-France Partnership: France’s new ambassador to the OECS, Marie-Noëlle Duris, presented her credentials to OECS Director General Dr. Didacus Jules, reaffirming cooperation on climate resilience, environment, education, agriculture, public health, connectivity and innovation—highlighting the shared ties with nearly 800,000 French nationals in Martinique, Guadeloupe and Saint Martin. OECS Integration Push: OECS leaders marked the bloc’s 45th anniversary and called for an “OECS renaissance,” with Heads of Government focusing on trade, connectivity and economic resilience as chairmanship passed to Gaston Browne. Chlordecone Legal Fallout: In a major blow for victims in Guadeloupe and Martinique, France’s Court of Appeal confirmed the dismissal of a long-running chlordecone criminal case, closing the door on criminal accountability tied to the pesticide scandal. Air Cargo for Trade: St. Vincent’s Argyle International Airport announced Executive Air’s new regional cargo service, aiming to boost tourism supply chains and create export routes for local farmers, including links to Martinique and Guadeloupe. Regional Air Access: Fly Dutch Caribbean will operate from Grand Case Airport from July 1, with plans to expand routes and discuss traffic rights for Guadeloupe and Martinique. Travel & Business Tourism: Air Canada opened a new premium lounge at Québec City airport, underscoring growing Canadian demand for Caribbean destinations including Martinique and Guadeloupe.

Caribbean Air Connectivity: Air Canada is expanding its Caribbean network and has opened a new premium Air Canada Café at Québec City Jean Lesage Airport, with Martinique listed among the destinations served. Regional Aviation & Trade: Fly Dutch Caribbean will operate from Grand Case Airport from July 1, starting with small aircraft and aiming to add capacity by September; the plan also targets routes toward Guadeloupe and Martinique. OECS Economic Push: OECS leaders marked the bloc’s 45th anniversary and called for an “OECS renaissance,” with trade, connectivity and economic resilience high on the agenda as chairmanship shifts to Antigua and Barbuda’s Gaston Browne. St. Vincent Logistics: St. Vincent’s Argyle International Airport announced Executive Air’s new regional cargo service, designed to support tourism supply chains and help farmers export. Legal & Health Accountability: France’s Court of Appeal confirmed the dismissal of a long-running chlordecone case tied to Guadeloupe and Martinique pesticide contamination, reigniting calls for justice and compensation. Business & Society: MTN Group chair Mcebisi Jonas condemned xenophobia in South Africa during the funeral of activist Thokozani Damasane, arguing the crisis is driven by state failure rather than foreigners.

Aviation & Tourism: Air Canada is expanding its Caribbean network and, in a sign of growing demand from Canada, has opened a new premium Air Canada Café at Québec City Jean Lesage Airport—97 seats with power and USB-C charging, built with Plaza Premium. Regional Air Connectivity: Fly Dutch Caribbean will start operating from Grand Case Airport on July 1, beginning with smaller aircraft and aiming to grow capacity by September; the plan also targets routes toward Saba, Statia, Curaçao and potential traffic rights for Guadeloupe and Martinique. Trade & Logistics: St. Vincent’s Argyle International Airport has launched Executive Air’s new regional cargo service, designed to strengthen tourism supply chains and create “export pipelines” for local farmers—routes include Martinique and Guadeloupe among many destinations. OECS Economic Agenda: OECS leaders marked 45 years of integration and called for an “OECS renaissance,” with renewed focus on trade, connectivity and economic resilience as chairmanship shifts to Antigua and Barbuda’s Gaston Browne. Justice & Public Health: A French appeals court upheld the dismissal of a major chlordecone case tied to contamination in Guadeloupe and Martinique, closing a long-running push for criminal accountability. Local Business Reminder (Grenada): Grenada’s Inland Revenue Division offers a 5% property tax discount if paid by June 30, with online payment options and a process for reassessing hurricane-damaged properties.

Aviation & Trade Links: Fly Dutch Caribbean will start operating from EDEIS Grand Case Airport on July 1, initially with small aircraft (Cessna 206) and plans to expand capacity by September, aiming to reopen routes toward the Dutch Caribbean (Saba, Statia and possibly Curaçao) and to build traffic-rights discussions for Guadeloupe and Martinique. Regional Cargo & Exports: St. Vincent’s Argyle International Airport announced Executive Air’s new regional cargo service, designed to strengthen logistics for tourism and hospitality and create “export pipelines” for farmers shipping produce to international markets, including connections to Martinique and Guadeloupe. Regional Economic Integration: OECS leaders marked the bloc’s 45th anniversary and pushed an “OECS renaissance,” with renewed focus on trade, connectivity and economic resilience as chairmanship shifts to Antigua and Barbuda’s Gaston Browne. Justice & Environment: A French appeals court confirmed the dismissal of a long-running criminal case over chlordecone contamination affecting Guadeloupe and Martinique victims, closing a major route to criminal accountability. Local Business & Costs (Grenada, relevant regionally): Grenada’s Inland Revenue Division offers a 5% discount on 2026 property tax if paid by June 30, while petroleum retail prices show mixed changes (notably a kerosene decrease).

Regional Trade & Connectivity: OECS leaders marked the bloc’s 45th anniversary and pushed an “OECS renaissance,” with chairmanship shifting from Saint Vincent’s Godwin Friday to Antigua’s Gaston Browne, alongside calls to strengthen trade, connectivity and economic resilience. Environment & Justice: France’s Court of Appeal upheld the dismissal of a long-running chlordecone case tied to pesticide contamination in Guadeloupe and Martinique, dealing a blow to victims seeking criminal accountability. Aviation & Exports: St. Vincent’s Argyle International Airport announced Executive Air’s new regional cargo service, aimed at boosting tourism logistics and creating “export pipelines” for farmers shipping produce to international markets, including routes that cover Martinique. Local Business & Branding: Campari’s Trois Rivières (Martinique) rolled out refreshed packaging for its aged rum range, with new bottle design and updated availability in major French retail chains. Tax Relief (Neighboring Focus): Grenada’s Inland Revenue Division reminded property owners of a 5% property tax discount if paid by June 30, with an objection process for damaged properties. Energy Prices (Neighboring Focus): Grenada published updated retail prices for petroleum products and LPG, including a cut to kerosene and LPG cylinder prices in parts of the tri-island state.

Chlordecone Legal Fallout: France’s appeals court has upheld the dismissal of a landmark criminal case over chlordecone pesticide contamination affecting Guadeloupe and Martinique victims, effectively closing the door on criminal accountability after a legal fight spanning decades. OECS Economic Push: OECS leaders marked the 45th anniversary of regional integration with calls for an “OECS renaissance,” stressing trade, connectivity, and stronger implementation as chairmanship shifts to Gaston Browne. Regional Air Cargo Boost: St. Vincent’s Argyle International Airport announced Executive Air’s new air cargo service, aiming to strengthen logistics for tourism and exports, including routes reaching Martinique and across the Caribbean. Martinique Spirits Update: Campari’s Trois Rivières brand unveiled refreshed packaging for its aged rum range, with new bottle design details and wider availability in France. Local Tax Reminder (Grenada): Grenada’s Inland Revenue Division reiterates a 5% property tax discount for early payment by June 30, with options to object for reassessment if damage warrants it. Fuel Prices (Grenada): Petroleum prices were updated: gasoline and diesel held steady, while kerosene and LPG (100 lb cylinder and bulk) saw decreases.

Chlordecone Justice Blocked: A French appeals court has upheld the dismissal of a long-running criminal case over chlordecone pesticide contamination affecting Guadeloupe and Martinique, effectively ending a fight for criminal accountability after more than 20 years. Regional Economic Push (OECS): OECS leaders marked 45 years of integration in Antigua and Barbuda, with renewed focus on trade, connectivity, economic resilience and stronger implementation under new chairmanship. Air Cargo Boost for the Region: St. Vincent’s Argyle International Airport announced Executive Air’s new regional air cargo service, aiming to strengthen logistics for tourism and create export routes for local farmers, including links to Martinique. Local Business & Culture: Campari’s Trois Rivières (Martinique) unveiled refreshed packaging for its aged rum range, with new bottle design and updated availability in French retail channels. Tax Reminder (Grenada): Grenada’s Inland Revenue Division reminded property owners of a 5% property tax discount for early payment by June 30, with options for online payment and objections after damage.