AGP Executive Report

Marine Protection Push: France says it has reached 14.68% of maritime waters under strict protection, announcing three new marine protected areas including one in Guadeloupe to safeguard coral reefs and sea turtles, as part of a push toward 14.8% by year-end. Energy Storage in the French Islands: Corsica’s regulator (CRE) picked five electricity storage projects totaling about 48 MW (pumped hydro plus batteries), with contracts running into the mid-to-late century; CRE notes battery costs are trending lower than earlier storage rounds in Guadeloupe and neighboring islands. Geothermal Scaling: Ormat Technologies unveiled the Ormega100 surface unit aimed at accelerating enhanced geothermal system (EGS) deployments, targeting faster links between subsurface development and power generation. Health & Reparations for Chlordecone: French lawmakers voted to recognize the state’s partial responsibility for long-term harm from chlordecone (Kepone) used on banana plantations in Guadeloupe and Martinique, backing goals for decontamination, compensation, and renewed research. Local Sailing Tech & Training: Guadeloupe-linked offshore racing culture stays in focus as sailing electronics supplier B&G joins a Vendée Globe campaign, while local sailors prepare for major solo races that include a Route du Rhum stop in Guadeloupe. Colonial Legacy Debate: Multiple pieces revisit France’s colonial footprint and ongoing questions around accountability and justice, including how Caribbean communities interpret modern national symbolism.

Chlordecone Accountability: France’s lower house has voted to recognize the state’s partial responsibility for the long-term health, environmental, and economic harm caused by chlordecone (Kepone) in Guadeloupe and Martinique, setting goals for decontamination, victim support, and renewed research. Ocean Protection Push: France says it has reached 14.68% of maritime waters under strict protection, adding three new marine protection zones, including one in Guadeloupe to safeguard coral reefs and sea turtles. Energy Storage for Renewables: France’s energy regulator (CRE) selected five Corsica storage projects totaling about 48 MW (pumped hydro plus batteries), with contracts running into the mid-to-late 21st century and aimed at cutting solar curtailment. Geothermal Scaling: Ormat announced the Ormega100 unit to accelerate enhanced geothermal system (EGS) deployments and commercial power generation. Tech & Travel Safety: A UK travel finance warning highlights that many Brits still lack a GHIC, risking costly medical bills abroad. Sailing Tech & Local Sport: A Guadeloupe-linked sailing angle appears via solo offshore racing coverage, including a Route du Rhum leg to Guadeloupe and high-tech IMOCA campaigns.

Geothermal Power Push: Ormat Technologies unveiled the Ormega100 surface power unit to speed up Enhanced Geothermal System (EGS) deployments, aiming to scale reliable, baseload clean electricity as demand rises. Aviation Shock: 11 airlines have reportedly collapsed into administration, with holidays cancelled and extra jet-fuel costs expected to push fares higher after disruptions tied to the Iran–US conflict. Sailing & Training (Guadeloupe Route): Canadian solo sailor Scott Shawyer is training for the Vendée Globe 2028 and will first race the Route du Rhum from France to Guadeloupe in November on his IMOCA 60. Pesticide Accountability for Guadeloupe: French lawmakers backed a bill recognizing the state’s partial responsibility for chlordecone (Kepone) harm in Guadeloupe and Martinique, citing widespread contamination and links to serious illnesses, and setting goals for decontamination and support. Sports Tech (IMOCA): B&G joined Francesca Clapcich’s 2028 Vendée Globe campaign as an official supplier, highlighting navigation and autopilot tech for high-speed foiling offshore racing.

Geothermal Power Push: Ormat Technologies announced the Ormega100 surface power unit to scale Enhanced Geothermal System (EGS) deployments, aiming to meet rising electricity demand with long-term, baseload clean energy. Public Health & Accountability: French lawmakers backed a bill recognizing the state’s partial responsibility for chlordecone (Kepone) harm in Guadeloupe and Martinique, citing widespread contamination and links to cancers and other long-term effects, alongside plans for decontamination and victim support. Disaster Readiness in the Antilles: The Armed Forces in the Antilles ran “Operation Caribbean 26,” a multinational drill simulating a major cyclone to train humanitarian and disaster relief coordination, including engineering, intelligence, route recovery, and rescue units from Martinique and Guadeloupe. Sailing Tech & Local Sport: A Collingwood sailor is training for the Vendée Globe 2028 and will race the Route du Rhum from France to Guadeloupe, with a rare IMOCA 60 foiling boat drawing attention to offshore racing gear and performance. Aviation Shock (Global, with local ripple): Reports say 11 airlines have collapsed into administration, with holidays cancelled and jet fuel costs rising sharply after geopolitical disruptions—an industry stress that can affect travel to the Caribbean.

Disaster Readiness in the Antilles: France’s Armed Forces in the Antilles are running “Operation Caribbean 26,” a multinational drill ending June 4, simulating a major cyclone and testing humanitarian and disaster-relief coordination across France, Martinique, and Guadeloupe, with RSMA units and specialized engineering, reconnaissance, route-recovery, rescue, and protection teams. Pesticide Justice for Guadeloupe & Martinique: French lawmakers have voted to recognize the state’s partial responsibility for long-term harm from chlordecone (Kepone), used on banana plantations from 1972–1993 despite warnings; the bill targets decontamination, compensation, and renewed research, with health agencies citing contamination affecting nearly 90% of adults and links to prostate cancer plus other health impacts. Sailing Tech & Local Routes: Guadeloupe is in the spotlight for offshore racing as a solo sailor plans to sail the Route du Rhum from France to Guadeloupe, while B&G has signed on as an official supplier for a foiling IMOCA campaign aimed at the 2028 Vendée Globe. Colonial Legacy & Health Context: Ongoing coverage ties France’s public reckoning with slavery and colonial responsibility to present-day realities in the Caribbean, including the lasting pesticide fallout.

Chlordecone Accountability: France’s lower house unanimously backed a bill acknowledging the state’s partial responsibility for health, moral, environmental, and economic harm from chlordecone (Kepone) used in Guadeloupe and Martinique banana plantations from 1972–1993, with MPs citing contamination affecting nearly 90% of adults and links to prostate cancer plus wider nervous, hormonal, and reproductive damage. Disaster Readiness: The Antilles Armed Forces keep training under “Operation Caraïbes 26,” a multinational exercise simulating a major cyclone to test humanitarian and disaster relief coordination, including RSMA units from Martinique and Guadeloupe. Local Tech & Ocean Racing: B&G signed on as official supplier for Italian American skipper Francesca Clapcich’s 2028 Vendée Globe campaign, highlighting navigation systems built for high-speed offshore foiling. Science & Origins: Research on cotton genetics tackles where Upland cotton was domesticated, pointing to a messy, multi-continent domestication history. Culture, Memory & Tech-Adjacent History: France’s slavery-legacy debate continues as lawmakers repeal the “Code Noir” and port cities confront public history—an ongoing thread that also ties into Guadeloupe-born poet Saint-John Perse’s legacy. Sports & Travel: A sailing-focused story spotlights a Canadian training for the Vendée Globe via a solo transatlantic Route du Rhum leg from France to Guadeloupe.

Chlordecone Accountability: France’s lower house voted unanimously to recognize the state’s partial responsibility for long-term health, environmental, and economic harm from chlordecone (Kepone) used in Guadeloupe and Martinique banana plantations despite warnings; MPs cite contamination affecting nearly 90% of adults and links to cancers plus nervous, hormonal, and reproductive harm, with a new law pushing decontamination, victim support, and renewed research. Disaster Readiness: The Armed Forces in the Antilles continue “Operation Caribbean 26,” a multinational disaster-response drill simulating a major cyclone, training interministerial teams and deploying specialized units including RSMA forces from Martinique and Guadeloupe through June 4. Local Sailing Tech & Global Racing: A Collingwood resident is training on a foiling IMOCA 60 for the Vendée Globe 2028 and will sail the Route du Rhum from France to Guadeloupe in November, with residents invited to tour the rare boat in harbour. Sports Tech Sponsorship: B&G has joined Francesca Clapcich’s Vendée Globe 2028 campaign as an official supplier, highlighting navigation and autopilot systems built for high-speed offshore foiling racing. Colonial Memory & Public History: France’s slavery reckoning continues as debates over plaques, museums, and monuments resurface, including the symbolic repeal of the “Code Noir” and ongoing efforts by port cities to confront their slave-trade past. Science & Agriculture History: New genetics research revisits where Upland cotton was domesticated, showing a messy, multi-continent story behind the crop that became globally dominant.

Pesticide Accountability for Guadeloupe & Martinique: France’s National Assembly and Senate have backed a bill acknowledging the state’s partial responsibility for long-term harm from chlordecone (Kepone), used on banana plantations from 1972–1993 despite warnings; with about 90% contamination reported and links to cancers plus nervous, hormonal, and reproductive effects, the law targets decontamination, victim support, and future reparations planning. Disaster Response Training: The Antilles Armed Forces keep “Operation Caribbean 26” running through June 4, a multinational drill simulating a major cyclone and testing humanitarian aid and disaster relief coordination, including specialized units and RSMA teams from Martinique and Guadeloupe. Science & Origins: New genetic work on upland cotton suggests domestication in northwestern Mexico (Yucatán) 4,000–7,000 years ago, using comparisons between domesticated genomes and wild cotton from regions including the Caribbean and Guadeloupe. Culture & Memory: In Nantes, activists and descendants are highlighting the transatlantic slave trade with the “Mast of Fraternity and Memory,” a wooden memorial tied to ships that carried enslaved Africans to the Americas and Caribbean. Tech in Sport: B&G has signed on as official supplier for sailor Francesca Clapcich’s 2028 Vendée Globe campaign, equipping her foiling IMOCA with navigation and autopilot systems built for extreme offshore conditions.

Chlordecone Accountability in the French West Indies: France’s lower house has unanimously backed a bill recognizing the state’s partial responsibility for the health, moral, environmental, and economic harm caused by chlordecone (Kepone) in Guadeloupe and Martinique, where about 90% of people are contaminated; the pesticide was used on banana plantations from 1972–1993 despite warnings, and France’s agencies link exposure to cancers (including prostate) plus nervous, hormonal, and reproductive harms, with decontamination and compensation goals now on the table. Disaster-Response Training: Antilles Armed Forces are running Operation Caraïbes 26, a multinational exercise simulating a major cyclone to improve humanitarian assistance and disaster relief coordination, including engineering, rescue, and infrastructure recovery teams. Cotton Domestication Research: Scientists report upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) was first domesticated in Mexico’s Yucatán region, using genome comparisons that also trace wild cotton links to areas including Puerto Rico and Guadeloupe. Culture & Memory in Nantes: A new memorial mast in Nantes, the “Mast of Fraternity and Memory,” honors enslaved Africans shipped from the city and highlights calls for justice that connect descendants of enslaved people and slave traders. Maritime Tech & Sport: B&G has joined skipper Francesca Clapcich’s Vendée Globe campaign as an official supplier, highlighting navigation systems built for high-speed offshore foiling racing.

West Indies Pesticide Reparations: France’s National Assembly voted unanimously to recognize the state’s “partial responsibility” for long-term harm from chlordecone (Kepone) in Guadeloupe and Martinique, after lawmakers said the chemical was allowed despite health warnings; with about 90% contamination reported and links to cancers plus nervous and hormonal effects, the bill targets decontamination, compensation, and renewed research. Disaster Response Training: “Operation Caraïbes 26” is underway in the Antilles, a multinational drill through June 4 simulating a major cyclone and testing humanitarian assistance and disaster relief coordination, including engineering, route recovery, rescue, and intelligence teams. Cotton Domestication Science: Scientists used genomic comparisons to trace upland cotton’s domestication to Mexico’s Yucatán region, with wild relatives in areas including Puerto Rico and Guadeloupe helping narrow the origin timeline. Sailing Tech Spotlight: B&G signed on as official supplier for Francesca Clapcich’s 2028 Vendée Globe campaign, highlighting navigation and autopilot systems built for high-speed foiling racing. Culture & Memory: France continues grappling with slavery and colonial legacies, from repealing the “Code Noir” to renewed debates over how port cities and institutions confront their past.

Pesticide Accountability: France’s lower house has unanimously voted to acknowledge the state’s partial responsibility for the long-term harm caused by chlordecone (Kepone) in Guadeloupe and Martinique, after the Senate already backed the bill; the law targets decontamination of polluted land and water, compensation for victims, and a stronger national research push, with research cited by ANSES saying nearly 90% of adults on the islands are contaminated and linking exposure to cancers and other health impacts. Disaster Readiness: The Antilles Armed Forces are running “Operation Caraïbes 26,” a multinational disaster-response drill through June 4, simulating a major cyclone and deploying engineering, rescue, route recovery, and intelligence teams including RSMA units from Martinique and Guadeloupe. Ancient Science, Local Relevance: Scientists report new genomic findings on where upland cotton was first domesticated, pointing to Mexico’s Yucatán region and comparing genomes to wild cotton from areas including Puerto Rico and Guadeloupe. Culture & Memory: France continues debating how to face slavery and colonialism, with renewed attention on how public history is handled in port cities and beyond.

Pesticide Reparations in Focus: France’s lawmakers have voted unanimously to acknowledge the state’s partial responsibility for long-term harm from chlordecone (Kepone) in Guadeloupe and Martinique, where about 90% of adults are contaminated; the law sets decontamination goals for land and water, compensation plans, and a push to prioritize scientific research. Disaster Readiness: The Armed Forces in the Antilles keep training under “Operation Caribbean 26” until June 4, running a multinational disaster-response exercise for a simulated Category 4 cyclone, with specialized units and RSMA teams from Martinique and Guadeloupe. Earthquake Update: A magnitude 4.3 quake was recorded late Tuesday night by the UWI Seismic Research Centre, centered about 82 km northeast of St John’s (Antigua and Barbuda), with no reported damage or injuries. Science & Heritage: Researchers traced the domestication history of upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) using genome comparisons, pointing to early domestication in Mexico and linking wild cotton relatives to regions including the Caribbean and Guadeloupe. Local Tech & Sports: B&G has signed on as an official supplier for sailor Francesca Clapcich’s 2028 Vendée Globe campaign, equipping her foiling IMOCA with advanced navigation systems.

Caribbean Tourism & Local Control: A new travel show, Beyond the Resort, spotlights St. Lucia’s Gros Piton and the village of Fond Gens Libres, arguing that letting residents manage visitor access helps protect culture and livelihoods. Sailing Tech & Offshore Racing: B&G has signed on as official supplier for skipper Francesca Clapcich’s 2028 Vendée Globe campaign, equipping her foiling IMOCA with navigation systems built for fast, high-stakes ocean conditions. Public Health & Accountability: French MPs voted to acknowledge the state’s partial responsibility for long-term harm from chlordecone (Kepone) use in Guadeloupe and Martinique, where contamination is reported at nearly 90% and links include prostate cancer. Disaster Readiness: Antilles forces are running Operation Caraïbes 26 through June 4, training multinational disaster response for a simulated major cyclone with specialized engineering, rescue, and recovery teams. Earthquake Update: A magnitude 4.3 quake was recorded near Antigua, with no damage or injuries reported, and preliminary data subject to final review. Science & Agriculture History: Researchers used genome comparisons to trace upland cotton domestication to Mexico’s Yucatán region, with wild cotton links including Puerto Rico and Guadeloupe. Tech & Workforce Mobility: A Guadeloupe-born architect in Canada is expanding SOS Archis, aiming to help internationally trained professionals find work in their fields.

Toxic Pesticide Accountability: French lawmakers voted to acknowledge the state’s partial responsibility for long-term harm from chlordecone (Kepone) in Guadeloupe and Martinique, despite health warnings—after the pesticide was used on banana plantations from 1972 to 1993. Public Health Impact: Research cited by France’s ANSES says nearly 90% of residents in both islands were contaminated, with links to cancers (including prostate) plus nervous system, reproductive, and hormonal effects. Disaster Readiness Training: “Operation Caribbean 26” is underway in the Antilles until June 4, a multinational exercise simulating a major cyclone and testing humanitarian and disaster relief coordination, including specialized units from Martinique and Guadeloupe. Earthquake Update: A magnitude 4.3 quake hit late Tuesday near Antigua (9:41 p.m. local time), with no reported damage or injuries. Regional Health Procurement: PAHO/WHO and OECS-PPS are holding a planning workshop in Saint Lucia (May 28–29) to improve access to safe, quality-assured medicines and health technologies across Eastern Caribbean states.

Pesticide Accountability: France’s lawmakers voted to acknowledge the state’s partial responsibility for long-term harm from chlordecone (Kepone) in Guadeloupe and Martinique, despite health warnings—linked to cancers and broader health damage after the chemical was used on banana plantations from 1972 to 1993. Disaster Readiness: Antilles forces are running Operation Caribbean 26, a multinational disaster-response drill through June 4, including engineering, rescue, route recovery, and intelligence teams to prepare for a simulated major cyclone. Earthquake Watch: A magnitude 4.3 quake hit Tuesday night near Antigua (about 82 km NE of St John’s), with the UWI Seismic Research Centre reporting no damage or injuries so far. Health & Procurement: PAHO/WHO and OECS-PPS will hold a May 28–29 workshop in Saint Lucia to improve access to safe, quality-assured medicines and health technologies across Eastern Caribbean states. Science & Agriculture: Researchers traced the domestication of upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) to Mexico’s Yucatán region, using genome comparisons that include wild cotton from Puerto Rico and Guadeloupe.

Disaster Response Training: France’s Armed Forces in the Antilles are running “Operation Caribbean 26” until June 4, with a simulated Category 4 cyclone and multinational humanitarian assistance drills that put RSMA units from Martinique and Guadeloupe under FAA command. Earthquake Watch: A magnitude 4.3 quake hit at 9:41 p.m. local time, preliminarily located 82 km northeast of St John’s (Antigua and Barbuda) and also tracked near Montserrat and Point-à-Pitre, Guadeloupe; no damage or injuries reported. Health Tech Access: PAHO/WHO and OECS-PPS will convene a 28–29 May workshop in Saint Lucia to launch a technical working group focused on improving access to safe, quality-assured medicines and health technologies across the Eastern Caribbean. Climate & Marine Management: Dominica hosts May 26–28 SARSEA meetings on sargassum management, shaping field activities starting June 1 in Martinique and Guadeloupe. Regional Trade: France’s Eastern Caribbean ambassador highlights growing trade talks between Saint Lucia and Martinique, including import-export facilitation for 15 product categories. Science & Agriculture: Researchers traced upland cotton domestication to Mexico’s Yucatán region, using genome comparisons that include wild cotton from Puerto Rico and Guadeloupe.