AGP Executive Report

Martinique Court Ruling: Martinique’s administrative court annulled the municipal election of Basse-Pointe, ordering a new vote unless an appeal overturns it, citing campaign breaches that could have affected the integrity of the ballot. Chlordecone Accountability Closed: In a major blow for victims across Guadeloupe and Martinique, France’s appeals court confirmed the dismissal of the long-running chlordecone criminal case, effectively ending criminal investigations tied to the pesticide scandal. Regional Governance: OECS leaders marked 45 years of integration and pushed an “OECS renaissance,” with chairmanship shifting to Antigua and Barbuda’s Gaston Browne and a focus on trade, connectivity, and economic resilience. Air Connectivity for the French Antilles: Fly Dutch Caribbean will operate from Grand Case Airport from July 1, with plans to expand routes and discussions on traffic rights involving Guadeloupe and Martinique. Tourism & Culture: Aman at Sea opened reservations for Amangati’s inaugural Caribbean voyages (Nov 21, 2027–Jan 2, 2028), with stops including Martinique and other Antilles ports.

Chlordecone Legal Fallout: A Paris appeals court has upheld the dismissal of a long-running criminal case over chlordecone, leaving Guadeloupe and Martinique victims without criminal accountability even as contamination remains widespread. Public Health Snapshot: A new Public Health France study reports chlordecone traces in 81.3% of Guadeloupe adults and 85.5% in Martinique, with about one in six above the health threshold. Local Governance: Martinique’s administrative court annulled the municipal election in Basse-Pointe after campaign irregularities, setting up a rerun unless an appeal succeeds. Regional Policy Push: OECS leaders marked 45 years of integration and called for an “OECS renaissance,” with chairmanship shifting to Antigua and Barbuda’s Gaston Browne and a focus on trade, connectivity, and resilience. Air Links & Trade: Fly Dutch Caribbean will start operating from Grand Case Airport on July 1, aiming to reopen routes to the Dutch Caribbean; St. Vincent also launched a regional cargo service to boost tourism and exports. Travel & Culture: Aman at Sea opened reservations for its first Caribbean season aboard Amangati (Nov 2027–Jan 2028), with itineraries calling at Martinique and other Antilles ports. Sports Spotlight: Martinique-born hurdler Dimitri Bascou received a four-year ban for steroids, extending his suspension until April 2028.

Chlordecone Fallout: A new Public Health France survey says chlordecone remains in the blood of most adults in Guadeloupe and Martinique, with about one in six above health thresholds—while a Paris appeals court has also upheld the dismissal of a long-running criminal case, closing the door on accountability. Martinique Local Politics: Martinique’s administrative court annulled the March 15 municipal election in Basse-Pointe due to campaign irregularities, ordering a new vote unless an appeal succeeds. Regional Governance: OECS leaders marked 45 years of integration and pushed an “OECS renaissance,” with chairmanship shifting to Antigua and Barbuda’s Gaston Browne and a focus on trade, connectivity, and economic resilience. Air Links & Trade: Fly Dutch Caribbean will operate from Grand Case Airport from July 1, aiming to reopen routes to the Dutch Caribbean; St. Vincent also announced a new Executive Air cargo service to boost tourism imports and help farmers export. Tourism & Culture: Grenada kicked off Diaspora Homecoming 2026 with a welcome reception at Belmont Estate, while OECS-wide travel buzz continues around new Caribbean itineraries and longer-stay tourism pushes.

Chlordecone Legal Fallout: France’s Court of Appeal has upheld the dismissal of a long-running chlordecone case, effectively closing the door on criminal accountability over the pesticide’s contamination of Guadeloupe and Martinique, where new Public Health France data says most adults still carry traces. Local Politics: Martinique’s administrative court annulled the municipal election of Basse-Pointe after campaign irregularities, setting up a rerun unless an appeal overturns it. Regional Integration: OECS leaders marked 45 years of cooperation in Antigua, with a new chairmanship calling for an “OECS renaissance” focused on implementation, trade, connectivity, and resilience. Martinique Spotlight in Culture: Euzhan Palcy—born and raised in Martinique—was discussed in Paris in an interview-style piece recalling her early Venice connections with June Givanni. Sports & Doping: Martinique-born hurdler Dimitri Bascou received a four-year ban after a positive steroid test. Water Management: Martinique’s assembly voted unanimously to create a single authority to centralize water and sanitation management across the island.

Chlordecone Accountability Shut Down: France’s Court of Appeal has upheld the dismissal of a long-running criminal case over chlordecone contamination in Guadeloupe and Martinique, effectively ending hopes for criminal accountability after more than 20 years. Local Governance: Martinique’s administrative court annulled the municipal election in Basse-Pointe (March 15, 2026) over campaign irregularities, meaning a new vote is required unless an appeal overturns it. Regional Integration: OECS leaders marked 45 years of cooperation and pushed an “OECS renaissance” agenda, with chairmanship shifting to Gaston Browne and a focus on trade, connectivity, and resilience. Tourism & Travel: Aman at Sea opened bookings for its inaugural Caribbean season (Nov. 21, 2027–Jan. 2, 2028), with itineraries calling at Martinique and other Antilles islands. Culture & Spotlight: Euzhan Palcy, born and raised in Martinique, was featured in a Paris conversation recalling her early Venice success and meeting filmmaker June Givanni. Business & Lifestyle: Trois Rivières (Martinique) unveiled refreshed packaging for its aged rum range, with design cues from the island’s sugarcane landscape.

Caribbean Tourism & Luxury Travel: Aman at Sea opened bookings for its inaugural Caribbean season on Amangati, with 5- to 8-night voyages running Nov. 21, 2027 to Jan. 2, 2028 across the Leeward Islands, Windward Islands (including Martinique’s Anse d’Arlet), and the Dutch Caribbean, featuring late departures, anchorages, and curated cultural, culinary and nature-led shore experiences. Justice & Environment (Martinique/Guadeloupe): A French appeals court upheld the dismissal of a long-running criminal case over chlordecone contamination, effectively ending criminal accountability for victims in Guadeloupe and Martinique after decades of proceedings. Local Governance (Martinique): Martinique’s administrative court annulled the municipal election in Basse-Pointe (March 15, 2026) due to campaign irregularities, triggering a new vote unless appealed. Regional Integration (OECS): OECS leaders marked 45 years of cooperation in Antigua, with a chairmanship handover to Gaston Browne and renewed calls for stronger implementation on trade and connectivity. Sports & Culture: Martinique-born hurdler Dimitri Bascou received a four-year doping ban, while Bananas of Guadeloupe & Martinique promoted its Tour de France KM 97 charity drive.

Martinique Politics: The administrative court annulled the municipal elections in Basse-Pointe after campaign irregularities, ordering a new vote unless an appeal overturns it. Water & Services: Martinique’s Assembly unanimously backed a single, centralized water and sanitation authority to end fragmented management and tackle long-running drinking-water and sanitation problems. Caribbean Integration: OECS leaders marked 45 years of regional cooperation in Antigua, with a new chairmanship handover and renewed calls for faster, bolder implementation on trade and connectivity. Chlordecone Legal Fallout: In Paris, a bid to reopen the Caribbean chlordecone probe was rejected, closing the door on further criminal investigations even as the health and environmental damage remains acknowledged. Regional Economy & Trade: St. Vincent’s Argyle Airport announced Executive Air’s new regional cargo service, aiming to boost exports for farmers and improve logistics for tourism and hospitality. Tourism & Culture: Grenada pushed a wider tourism pitch for regional visitors—culture, cuisine, wellness, and signature experiences—while also promoting upcoming events and competitions.

Martinique Court Ruling: The administrative court annulled the municipal elections in Basse-Pointe (March 15, 2026), citing campaign breaches that could have affected the vote’s integrity, including an oversized prohibited brochure distribution and non-compliant posters with vehicle loudspeaker messaging; a new election is required unless the decision is appealed. Water Governance: Martinique’s Assembly unanimously voted to create a single, centralized water and sanitation authority to end fragmented management and better coordinate investments, tariffs, and service quality amid recurring drinking-water and sanitation problems. Regional Justice & Toxins: France’s Court of Cassation rejected a bid to reopen the probe into chlordecone contamination in Guadeloupe and Martinique, closing the door to further criminal investigations even as activists and affected communities continue to press for justice. Drug-Trafficking Crackdown: G7 leaders launched a new international ports network and joint action plans aimed at disrupting global drug trafficking, with coordination and anti-money laundering measures highlighted. Culture & Tourism: Martinique’s Reggae Therapy Festival returns for July 11–12 at Stade Louis Achille in Fort-de-France, featuring Tarrus Riley, Julian Marley, Barrington Levy, and Alborosie. Sports & Community: Martinique-born hurdler Dimitri Bascou was banned for four years after a positive steroid test, with the sanction running until April 2028.

Chlordecone Legal Closure: France’s court has rejected a bid to reopen the probe into Caribbean chlordecone contamination, ending the case after decades of proceedings; the ruling acknowledged a “health scandal” and environmental damage affecting residents for years, while lawyers for civil parties called it a “dark day for justice.” Local Elections Upended in Martinique: Martinique’s administrative court annulled the Basse-Pointe municipal election results from March 15, 2026, citing campaign irregularities (including prohibited brochure distribution and non-compliant posters), with a new vote required unless an appeal succeeds. Martinique Water Governance: The Assembly of Martinique unanimously voted to create a single water and sanitation authority to centralize management amid long-running drinking water and sanitation problems. Regional Integration Spotlight (OECS at 45): Coverage marks the OECS’s 45th anniversary, highlighting practical regional gains like the Economic Union and the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union, with Martinique and Guadeloupe included. Tourism & Culture: Martinique’s Reggae Therapy Festival returns July 11–12 in Fort-de-France with major artists; meanwhile, Bananas of Guadeloupe & Martinique will run its KM 97 charity drive during Tour de France Stage 7, donating bananas via QR scans. G7 Drug-Trafficking Push: G7 leaders launched a ports network and joint action plans to curb global drug trafficking, aiming to strengthen coordination and enforcement.

Chlordecone Legal Closure: France’s court has rejected a bid to reopen the long-running probe into chlordecone (Kepone) contamination in Guadeloupe and Martinique, ending the case after 20 years; while criminal convictions are off the table, the ruling still acknowledged a “health scandal” and environmental damage affecting residents for years. Local Elections Upended: Martinique’s administrative court annulled the Basse-Pointe municipal election results from March 15, citing campaign irregularities (a prohibited-style brochure distribution and non-compliant poster messaging), meaning a new vote is required unless an appeal succeeds. Water Governance: The Martinique Assembly unanimously approved creating a single water and sanitation authority to centralize drinking water and sanitation management across the island. Regional Integration Spotlight: As the OECS marks 45 years, coverage highlights achievements like the OECS Economic Union and the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union, with Martinique and Guadeloupe included among members. EU Parliament Funds Probe: A far-right Patriots group was found to have misspent €270k in EU Parliament funds in 2024, with irregularities tied to prohibited donations and tender processes. Culture & Tourism: Martinique’s Reggae Therapy Festival returns July 11–12 in Fort-de-France with major artists, while a Carnival Cruise Line itinerary for 2028 includes stops such as Guadeloupe and Martinique.

Martinique Court Ruling: The administrative court annulled the municipal elections in Basse-Pointe after campaign irregularities were found, meaning a new vote will be needed unless the decision is appealed. Water & Sanitation Overhaul: The Assembly of Martinique unanimously backed creating a single water and sanitation authority to centralize management and tackle long-running drinking-water and sanitation problems. Reggae Therapy Festival: Martinique’s Reggae Therapy returns July 11–12 at Stade Louis Achille in Fort-de-France, with major names like Tarrus Riley, Julian Marley, Barrington Levy and Alborosie. Tourism & Culture Calendar: Carnival Cruise Line announced a 14-day Southern Caribbean Carnaval-focused sailing for February 2028 that includes Martinique. Local Business & Rum: Campari’s Trois Rivières brand unveiled new packaging for its aged rum range, with refreshed bottles now rolling out in France. Regional Justice & Health: In Paris, protesters renewed calls for justice for Agent Orange victims in Vietnam and for chlordecone contamination victims in Guadeloupe and Martinique. Sports: Martinique-born French hurdler Dimitri Bascou received a four-year doping ban, running until April 2028.

Martinique Court Ruling: The administrative court annulled the municipal elections in Basse-Pointe after campaign irregularities, including a prohibited “management report” brochure and non-compliant posters using a vehicle sound system—triggering a new vote unless the decision is appealed. Water & Sanitation Overhaul: Martinique’s Assembly unanimously backed creating a single water and sanitation authority to centralize drinking water and sanitation management, aiming to better coordinate investment, tariffs, and service quality amid ongoing hydraulic problems. Reggae Therapy Festival: Fort-de-France will host the 4th Reggae Therapy Festival on July 11–12 at Stade Louis Achille, with Tarrus Riley, Julian Marley, Barrington Levy and Alborosie among the headline acts. Chlordecone Justice Push (France): In Paris, hundreds protested for justice for Agent Orange and chlordecone victims in French overseas territories, as France’s courts weigh major legal steps tied to compensation and investigations. Local Culture & Tourism: Campari’s Trois Rivières (Martinique) unveiled refreshed packaging for its aged rum range, while Carnival Cruise Line announced a 14-day Southern Caribbean Carnaval itinerary that includes Martinique. Grenada Regional News: Grenada tourism is pitching longer, richer stays for regional travelers, and the G7 backed a ports network to curb drug trafficking—both relevant for the wider Caribbean travel and security picture.

Martinique Water Overhaul: The Assembly of Martinique unanimously backed creating a single water and sanitation authority, aiming to end fragmented management and better coordinate investment, tariffs, and service quality amid long-running drinking-water and sanitation problems. Reggae Therapy Festival: Fort-de-France will host the 4th Reggae Therapy Festival on July 11–12 at Stade Louis Achille, with Tarrus Riley, Julian Marley, Barrington Levy and Alborosie among the headline acts, positioning the event as a major cultural-tourism draw. Chlordecone Compensation Move: A new law in the French West Indies formally recognizes the State’s responsibility for chlordecone-related harm, opening the door to discussions on compensation for victims and setting a one-year timeline for a report to Parliament. Grenada Tourism Push: Grenada is pitching itself beyond beaches, promoting culture, cuisine, wellness and year-round events for regional travelers, including its underwater sculpture park and growing food tourism. Grenada Mega Rally Politics: Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell’s NDC plans a Mega Rally in Grenada, Carriacou & Petite Martinique, betting on a big turnout to signal it’s not ready to surrender power. Petroleum Prices (Grenada): Gasoline and diesel stay unchanged, while kerosene drops; LPG cylinder and bulk prices also fall in parts of the tri-island state. Property Tax Reminder (Grenada): The Inland Revenue Division urges owners to pay by June 30 for a 5% discount on 2026 property tax.

Martinique Water & Sanitation: The Assembly of Martinique unanimously backed a single, centralized water and sanitation authority, aiming to end fragmented management and better coordinate investments, tariffs, and service quality amid recurring drinking-water and sanitation problems. Reggae Therapy Festival: Martinique is gearing up for the 4th Reggae Therapy Festival on July 11–12 at Stade Louis Achille in Fort-de-France, with Tarrus Riley, Julian Marley, Barrington Levy, and Alborosie among the headline acts. Chlordecone Compensation Move: A new law in the French West Indies formally recognizes the State’s responsibility for chlordecone-related harm in Guadeloupe and Martinique, opening the door to discussions on compensation and setting priorities for cleanup, support for agriculture and fishing, research, and victim care. Sargassum Management (Regional): A Guadeloupe-hosted OECS-EU study visit highlighted practical strategies for sargassum interception, collection, monitoring, and use, with lessons aimed at improving public health preparedness and coastal resilience. Grenada Election Rally (Regional Politics): In Grenada, the ruling NDC plans a major Mega Rally at Morne Rouge to mark its 4th anniversary, a potential defining moment for the next general election outcome. Petroleum Prices (Grenada): Grenada’s petroleum price notice shows gasoline and diesel unchanged, while kerosene drops and LPG cylinder prices fall for larger cylinders.

Water & Sanitation Reform: Martinique’s Assembly has unanimously backed creating a single water and sanitation authority to centralize drinking-water and sanitation management, aiming to better coordinate investment, tariffs, and service quality. Reggae & Tourism: The Reggae Therapy Festival returns for its 4th edition on July 11–12 at Stade Louis Achille in Fort-de-France, with Tarrus Riley, Julian Marley, Barrington Levy and Alborosie headlining. Chlordecone Compensation: A new law in the French West Indies formally recognizes the State’s responsibility for chlordecone-related harm in Guadeloupe and Martinique, opening the way for compensation discussions and a report to Parliament within a year. Ports vs Drug Trafficking: G7 leaders agreed to intensify action against drug trafficking, including launching a new ports network to improve coordination among major maritime hubs. Petroleum Prices (Grenada): Grenada’s retail fuel notice shows gasoline and diesel unchanged, while kerosene drops to $14.99; LPG cylinder and bulk prices also fall for larger sizes. Property Tax Discount (Grenada): Grenada’s Inland Revenue Division reminds owners of a 5% property tax discount if paid by June 30, with an objection option for damage-related reassessments. Rum Packaging (Martinique): Campari’s Trois Rivières has unveiled refreshed aged-rum packaging inspired by southern Martinique’s sugarcane fields, with new bottle design details and updated availability in France.

Martinique Water & Sanitation: The Assembly of Martinique unanimously voted to create a single, centralized water and sanitation authority to end fragmented management and better coordinate investment, tariffs, and service quality amid recurring drinking-water and sanitation problems. Reggae Therapy Festival: Martinique is gearing up for the 4th Reggae Therapy Festival on July 11–12 at Stade Louis Achille in Fort-de-France, with major international names including Tarrus Riley, Julian Marley, Barrington Levy, and Alborosie, alongside local talent, under a theme of peace, love, and unity. Chlordecone Compensation Move: A new law in the French West Indies formally recognizes the State’s responsibility for chlordecone-related harm in Guadeloupe and Martinique, paving the way for compensation discussions and setting priorities like faster cleanup, support for farming and fishing, stronger research, and improved care for victims. Sports & Martinique Connections: French hurdler Dimitri Bascou, Martinique-born, received a four-year doping ban after a positive steroid test, while Curacao’s historic 2026 World Cup debut puts another small Caribbean island in the spotlight. Local Economy & Culture: Campari’s Trois Rivières (Martinique) unveiled refreshed packaging for its aged rum range, with new bottle design details and updated availability in France.