AGP Executive Report

Theatre & Culture: Dr. Travis Weekes is running a two-week theatre intensive in Martinique at Tropiques Atrium, working with Martiniquan actors David Erbel and Syringa Jean-Baptiste on his historical drama “Take Me To Mon Repos,” set in 1794 Saint Lucia and exploring love, resistance, colonial power, identity and creolization, with talks underway to stage it in Martinique and Saint Lucia and develop a film adaptation. Regional Cooperation & Agriculture: France’s ambassador to the OECS, Marie-Noëlle Duris, presented her Letters of Credence to OECS Director General Dr. Didacus Jules, reaffirming support for collaboration on climate resilience, environmental sustainability, education, agriculture, public health, regional connectivity and innovation—highlighting the shared ties of nearly 800,000 French nationals in Martinique, Guadeloupe and Saint Martin with Caribbean neighbours. Food & Livestock Labels: A US court case spotlights “cage free” egg marketing, alleging hens are kept in windowless indoor rooms with minimal space—another reminder that animal-welfare claims can carry big consumer and legal stakes. Industry & Logistics (Regional): St. Vincent’s Argyle International Airport announced Executive Air’s new regional cargo service, aimed at boosting trade and helping tourism, hospitality and local farmers export produce, including connections that list Martinique among destinations.

Chlordecone Legal Fallout: A French appeals court has upheld the dismissal of a long-running criminal case tied to chlordecone (Kepone), the pesticide that contaminated much of Guadeloupe and Martinique, effectively closing a major path to criminal accountability after more than 20 years. Regional Cooperation & Funding: France reaffirmed its partnership with the OECS as its ambassador presented credentials, pointing to new collaboration on climate resilience, environmental sustainability, education, agriculture, public health, connectivity and innovation—key themes for Martinique’s regional links. Cultural & Creative Industries: Theatre coordinator Dr. Travis Weekes is running a two-week intensive workshop in Martinique at Tropiques Atrium, developing his historical drama “Take Me To Mon Repos” with local actors and discussing a Martinique/Saint Lucia production plus a film adaptation. Agriculture & Resilience (Spice): Grenada held National Spice Replanting Day as part of its diaspora homecoming, highlighting how hurricanes devastated spice production and how replanting is meant to rebuild exports and local livelihoods. Aviation Cargo for Trade: St. Vincent announced Executive Air’s new regional cargo service, aiming to strengthen trade and help farmers and tourism/hospitality access imported goods more easily, with Martinique listed among connected destinations.

Toxic Pesticide Justice: A French appeals court has upheld the dismissal of a long-running criminal case tied to chlordecone (Kepone), a pesticide used on banana plantations that contaminated much of Guadeloupe and Martinique, effectively closing the door on criminal accountability after more than 20 years. Regional Cooperation & Agriculture: France renewed its partnership with the OECS, with new focus areas including climate resilience, environmental sustainability, education, agriculture, public health, regional connectivity and innovation—highlighting the shared ties of nearly 800,000 French nationals in Martinique, Guadeloupe and Saint Martin. Spice & Farm Recovery: Grenada held a National Spice Replanting Day to restore nutmeg and other crops after major hurricanes, aiming to rebuild production and exports—an approach that resonates for Caribbean agriculture resilience. Air Cargo for Exports: St. Vincent announced Executive Air’s new regional cargo service, designed to support tourism supply chains and help local farmers export produce. Food Label Scrutiny: A US case over “cage-free” egg claims alleges hens were kept in windowless, cramped conditions—fueling pressure on animal welfare labeling.

Food & Consumer Labels: A US court case highlights how “cage free” egg claims can mislead shoppers when hens are still kept in cramped, windowless indoor conditions, adding pressure on how animal-welfare labels are enforced. Agri-Exports & Logistics: 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—routes that include Martinique. Regional Trade & Connectivity: OECS leaders marked 45 years of integration and pushed a renewed agenda on trade, connectivity, and economic resilience as chairmanship shifted to Antigua and Barbuda. Banana Sector Spotlight: Bananas of Guadeloupe & Martinique will supply 31 tons of fruit during the Tour de France and run its KM 97 charity drive, keeping the regional fruit industry visible in France. Environmental Justice: A French appeals court upheld the dismissal of a major criminal case tied to chlordecone (used on banana plantations in Guadeloupe and Martinique), effectively closing a long-running push for accountability. Climate & Energy Adaptation: A regional look at the Lesser Antilles focuses on how islands are rethinking energy, food, water, land, and tourism under rising extreme weather, including geothermal and disaster-resilience efforts.

Animal Welfare & Food Labels: A US court case challenges “cage free” egg claims, alleging hens are kept in windowless rooms with minimal space—another reminder that shoppers’ welfare premiums can collide with real farm conditions. Agri-Trade & Logistics: St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ Argyle International Airport has launched Executive Air’s new regional cargo service, aiming to move imported goods faster and build export pipelines for local farmers—routes include Martinique. Regional Connectivity: France reaffirmed its partnership with the OECS, pointing to cooperation on climate resilience, agriculture, public health, and regional connectivity that directly involves Martinique and other French Caribbean territories. Chlordecone Accountability: A French appeals court upheld the dismissal of a major chlordecone criminal case tied to Guadeloupe and Martinique pesticide contamination, closing a long fight for criminal accountability. Regional Integration: OECS leaders marked 45 years of integration and shifted Authority chairmanship, with renewed calls for stronger implementation on trade and economic resilience. Climate & Energy Context: A regional look at how extreme weather and island geography are pushing adaptation across the Lesser Antilles, including energy and water planning.

Chlordecone Accountability: A French appeals court has upheld the dismissal of a long-running criminal case tied to the chlordecone pesticide scandal in Guadeloupe and Martinique, effectively ending criminal accountability after more than 20 years; victims and advocates call it a “dark day for justice,” despite the court acknowledging major health and environmental harm. Regional Trade & Connectivity: OECS leaders marked 45 years of regional integration and pushed priorities around trade, connectivity, and economic resilience, with chairmanship shifting to Antigua and Barbuda’s PM Gaston Browne. France–OECS Partnership: France formally renewed its partnership with the OECS, pointing to new cooperation opportunities spanning climate resilience, environmental sustainability, agriculture, public health, and regional connectivity—relevant for Martinique’s economy and supply chains. Banana Sector Spotlight: Bananas of Guadeloupe & Martinique will again support the Tour de France with fruit distribution and its KM 97 charity drive, linking the sector to public visibility and community fundraising. Disaster & Risk Context: Coverage on the Venezuela earthquake highlights how ignored seismic warnings and weak rebuilding standards can devastate densely populated coastal corridors—an urgent reminder for island infrastructure planning.

Chlordecone Accountability: A Paris appeals court has upheld the dismissal of a long-running criminal case tied to chlordecone contamination in Guadeloupe and Martinique, effectively ending criminal accountability after more than 20 years, despite judges acknowledging a major health scandal and lasting harm. Regional Integration & Trade: OECS leaders marked 45 years of cooperation and pushed a renewed agenda focused on trade, connectivity, and economic resilience, with chairmanship shifting to Antigua and Barbuda’s PM Gaston Browne. France–OECS Partnership: France reaffirmed its commitment to deepen ties with the OECS, highlighting cooperation on climate resilience, environmental sustainability, agriculture, public health, and regional connectivity—relevant for Martinique’s industries and supply chains. Banana Sector Spotlight: Bananas of Guadeloupe & Martinique will return to the Tour de France with the KM 97 charity initiative, using QR scans to trigger donations of bananas to Restos du Cœur, keeping the regional agri-food brand visible during the race. Disaster & Resilience Context: Coverage of the Venezuela earthquake underscores the engineering and rebuilding gaps that can compound catastrophe—an indirect but important reminder for Caribbean infrastructure planning.

Chlordecone Accountability: A Paris appeals court has upheld the dismissal of a landmark criminal case tied to the chlordecone pesticide scandal affecting Guadeloupe and Martinique, effectively ending criminal investigations after decades—sparking outrage from civil parties who say polluters are getting immunity. Regional Trade & Connectivity: France renewed its partnership with the OECS as its ambassador presented credentials, pointing to new cooperation on climate resilience, environmental sustainability, agriculture, public health, and regional connectivity—areas that directly shape Martinique’s business and supply chains. OECS Integration Push: The OECS marked 45 years of regional cooperation in Antigua, with leaders stressing stronger implementation on trade and economic resilience—good news for firms looking for smoother cross-island movement. Banana Sector Spotlight: Bananas of Guadeloupe & Martinique will return to the Tour de France with the KM 97 charity drive, using the race to boost visibility for the banana industry and support Restos du Cœur.

Chlordecone Accountability: France’s appeals court has upheld the dismissal of a long-running criminal case tied to chlordecone contamination in Guadeloupe and Martinique, effectively ending prospects for criminal accountability after decades of litigation. Regional Trade & Connectivity: OECS leaders marked 45 years of integration in Antigua, pushing a renewed agenda on trade, connectivity and economic resilience—an approach that directly matters for Martinique’s business links across the Eastern Caribbean. France–OECS Partnership: A new phase of cooperation was formalized as France’s ambassador presented credentials to the OECS, with priorities including climate resilience, environmental sustainability, education, agriculture, public health, and regional connectivity. Banana Sector Spotlight: Guadeloupe & Martinique’s Bananas of Guadeloupe & Martinique will return to the Tour de France with the KM 97 charity drive, using the race to boost visibility for the fruit sector and support donations via QR scans. Political Context: Grenada’s PM Dickon Mitchell signaled no change in government for the next five years and outlined manifesto consultations—useful background for regional political climate affecting Caribbean development planning.

Chlordecone Justice Blocked: A Paris appeals court has upheld the dismissal of a long-running criminal case tied to chlordecone pesticide contamination in Guadeloupe and Martinique, effectively ending prospects for criminal accountability after more than 20 years—sparking outrage from civil parties who call it a “dark day for justice.” Regional Trade & Connectivity: OECS leaders marked 45 years of integration and pushed a renewed agenda focused on trade, connectivity, and economic resilience, with chairmanship shifting to Antigua and Barbuda’s PM Gaston Browne. France–OECS Partnership: France’s ambassador presented credentials to the OECS, signaling deeper cooperation in climate resilience, environmental sustainability, education, agriculture, public health, and regional connectivity—highlighting shared stakes for Martinique, Guadeloupe, and Saint Martin. Agri-Logistics Boost (Regional): St. Vincent and the Grenadines announced Executive Air’s new regional cargo service, aimed at improving access for imported goods and creating export pipelines for local farmers—routes explicitly include Martinique. Banana Sector Spotlight: Bananas of Guadeloupe & Martinique will return with its KM 97 Tour de France charity drive, using QR scans to trigger banana donations for Restos du Cœur.

Chlordecone Justice Blocked: A Paris appeals court has upheld the dismissal of a long-running criminal case tied to chlordecone contamination in Guadeloupe and Martinique, closing the door on further criminal investigations after more than 20 years. Regional Trade & Logistics: St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ Argyle International Airport announced Executive Air’s new regional cargo service, aimed at boosting tourism supply chains and helping local farmers export produce across the Caribbean, including Martinique. OECS Integration Push: OECS leaders marked 45 years of regional cooperation in Antigua, with renewed calls for faster implementation on trade, connectivity, and economic resilience. Banana Sector on Tour: Bananas of Guadeloupe & Martinique will return with its KM 97 Tour de France charity drive, using QR scans to trigger banana donations for Restos du Cœur. Caribbean Climate Resilience: A new report highlights how islands across the Lesser Antilles are rethinking energy, water, food, land, and tourism to adapt to more frequent extreme weather. Culture & Identity: Music educator Etienne Charles spotlights Caribbean sound as living cultural memory, linking migration, belonging, and innovation.

Chlordecone Accountability: A Paris appeals court has upheld the dismissal of a long-running criminal case tied to chlordecone contamination in Guadeloupe and Martinique, effectively ending criminal pursuit after more than 20 years and leaving victims and farmers calling it a “dark day for justice.” Regional Trade & Resilience: OECS leaders marked 45 years of integration and pushed a renewed agenda on trade, connectivity, and economic resilience at the 78th Authority meeting in Antigua, with a new chairmanship handover. Banana Sector & Logistics: Bananas of Guadeloupe & Martinique will return its KM 97 Tour de France charity push, using the race to move 31 tons of fruit and link the sector to public engagement and donations. Energy & Climate Adaptation Lens: A regional report highlights how extreme weather is reshaping Lesser Antilles planning, pointing to energy and minerals opportunities alongside urgent adaptation needs. Aviation Cargo Link: St. Vincent announced Executive Air’s new regional cargo service, aiming to strengthen connectivity and create export routes for local farmers, including links to Martinique. Food & Health Promotion: Grenada’s National Nutrition Week (21–27 June) spotlights cancer prevention through nutrition, with community events and screenings.

Chlordecone Justice Closure: A Paris appeals court has upheld the dismissal of a long-running criminal case over chlordecone pesticide contamination affecting Guadeloupe and Martinique, ending efforts to secure criminal accountability after more than 20 years and drawing sharp criticism from victims’ lawyers. Regional Trade & Connectivity: OECS leaders marked 45 years of regional integration and pushed a renewed agenda focused on trade, connectivity, and economic resilience, with a chairmanship handover at the 78th Authority meeting in Antigua. Banana Sector & Logistics Link: St. Vincent announced Executive Air’s new regional cargo service, aimed at boosting tourism supply chains and helping local farmers export produce—its network explicitly includes Martinique. Food & Health Campaign: Grenada’s National Nutrition Week runs 21–27 June under a cancer-prevention theme, with community food testing and health fairs. Tour de France Charity for Bananas: Bananas of Guadeloupe & Martinique will again run the KM 97 QR-code donation drive during Stage 7 (July 1 start of public campaign), supporting Restos du Cœur.

Chlordecone Justice Closure: A Paris appeals court has upheld the dismissal of a long-running criminal case tied to chlordecone pesticide contamination in Guadeloupe and Martinique, effectively ending prospects for criminal accountability after more than 20 years—despite courts acknowledging a “health scandal” and lasting environmental damage. Regional Trade & Resilience: OECS leaders marked 45 years of integration and pushed for stronger trade, connectivity, and economic resilience, with a chairmanship handover to Antigua and Barbuda’s PM Gaston Browne and a call for faster, tougher implementation. Banana Sector & Logistics: St. Vincent announced Executive Air’s new regional cargo service, aimed at boosting tourism supply chains and helping local farmers export produce across a wide Caribbean network that includes Martinique. Tour de France Charity for Bananas: Bananas of Guadeloupe & Martinique will run the KM 97 QR-code donation drive during Stage 7, with bananas supporting Restos du Cœur. Food & Health Week: National Nutrition Week runs 21–27 June (Grenada), spotlighting nutrition and cancer prevention with community tastings, screenings, and education events. Energy Prices Watch (Grenada): Grenada’s petroleum retail prices update shows unchanged gasoline/diesel and a kerosene drop, plus LPG cylinder price decreases for larger sizes.

Chlordecone Justice: A Paris appeals court has upheld the dismissal of a long-running criminal case tied to chlordecone contamination in Guadeloupe and Martinique, effectively ending criminal accountability after more than 20 years; victims and advocates call it a “dark day for justice,” even as the court acknowledged a major health scandal and environmental damage. Regional Trade & Resilience: OECS leaders marked 45 years of integration at the 78th Authority meeting in Antigua and Barbuda, with a renewed push on trade, connectivity, and stronger implementation under the new chairmanship of Gaston Browne. Banana Sector Spotlight: Bananas of Guadeloupe & Martinique will return to the Tour de France with its KM 97 charity drive—scanning a QR code to trigger banana donations for Restos du Cœur—while supplying fruit along the route. Energy & Climate Adaptation Lens: A regional look at how the Lesser Antilles is rethinking energy, food, water, land, and tourism as extreme weather accelerates, including geothermal and disaster-recovery efforts. Food & Health Calendar: National Nutrition Week (Grenada) runs 21–27 June under a cancer-prevention theme, with community screenings and free food testing events.

Toxic Pesticide Justice: A Paris appeals court has upheld the dismissal of a long-running criminal case tied to chlordecone (Kepone), the pesticide used on banana plantations in Guadeloupe and Martinique from 1972–1993, effectively ending criminal accountability after more than 20 years and amid claims that over 90% of adults were contaminated. Regional Trade & Resilience: OECS leaders marked 45 years of integration in Antigua and Barbuda, with a new chair handover to Gaston Browne and renewed focus on trade, connectivity, and economic resilience. Banana Sector Spotlight: Bananas of Guadeloupe & Martinique will return to the Tour de France with 31 tons of fruit and the KM 97 “scan-to-donate” charity drive supporting Restos du Cœur. Energy & Climate Pressure: A Caribbean-wide resilience roundup highlights how islands are rethinking energy, food, water, land, and tourism as extreme weather and drought intensify. Fuel Prices Watch: Grenada’s latest petroleum price notice shows gasoline and diesel unchanged, while kerosene and LPG cylinders drop.