AGP Executive Report

Colonial Justice & Memory: In Nantes, activists and descendants—one from Martinique, one from slave-trader roots—are keeping the “Mast of Fraternity and Memory” standing, using a ship’s mast to link past transatlantic slavery to today’s fight against racism. West Indies Health Accountability: France’s lawmakers voted unanimously to acknowledge the state’s partial responsibility for chlordecone (Kepone) in Guadeloupe and Martinique, where nearly 90% are contaminated and the pesticide is linked to cancers and long-term harm. Slavery Law Finally Repealed: France’s National Assembly voted 254-0 to repeal the Code Noir, a 1685 decree that treated enslaved people as “movable property,” with the Senate next. Culture & Literature: Saint-John Perse—born in Guadeloupe—gets renewed spotlight for how his exile and diplomacy shaped his world literature legacy. Travel & Lifestyle: LIAT Air will launch direct flights between Guadeloupe and Jamaica from July 14, boosting access ahead of Jamaica’s Reggae Festival.

Colonial Accountability: France’s National Assembly voted 254-0 to repeal the 1685 Code Noir, the “Black Code” that legally treated enslaved people as “movable property,” with lawmakers moved to tears as the Senate now has to confirm the change. Public Health & Justice: MPs also backed a bill recognizing the state’s partial responsibility for chlordecone (Kepone) use in Guadeloupe and Martinique despite health warnings, with research cited saying nearly 90% of residents were contaminated and linking the pesticide to cancers and other long-term harms. Regional Mobility: LIAT Air announced direct flights between Guadeloupe and Jamaica starting July 14, aiming to boost tourism and connect Creole cultures around reggae and zouk. Culture & Arts: A Guadeloupean artists’ buzz is spilling across the islands, with young Martinicans talking about the chance to see homegrown talent without needing mainland travel. Travel Lifestyle: A travel feature highlights “deeper” Caribbean tourism led by local communities, while cruise coverage points to longer, repositioning voyages and a chef-led Emerald Cruises sailing that includes Guadeloupe.

Code Noir Repeal: France’s National Assembly voted 254-0 to repeal the 1685 Code Noir, the slavery law that treated enslaved people as “movable property,” with lawmakers moved to tears as the bill now heads to the Senate. Colonial Accountability: In parallel, French MPs backed a bill acknowledging the state’s partial responsibility for the long-term harm caused by chlordecone (Kepone) in Guadeloupe and Martinique, where contamination affects nearly 90% of people and links to serious cancers are cited. Regional Air Links: LIAT Air announced direct flights between Guadeloupe (Pointe-à-Pitre) and Jamaica (Montego Bay) starting July 14, timed ahead of Jamaica’s Reggae Festival. Culture & Travel Deeper: A travel show spotlights “Beyond the Resort” tourism, urging visitors to support local access and communities tied to Caribbean heritage. Arts in the Caribbean: Martinique teens talk up Guadeloupean artists 1T1 and Theomaa, showing how mainland access still feels out of reach. Cinema Spotlight: Antonin Baudry’s “De Gaulle: Résistance” lands in French theaters, adding another large-scale historical epic to France’s summer slate.

Abolition & Memory: France’s National Assembly voted 254-0 to repeal the 1685 Code Noir, the “Black Code” that legally treated enslaved people as “movable property.” The move is widely seen as historic for Guadeloupe’s shared colonial past, but lawmakers and descendants stress it’s still mostly symbolic, with reparations and deeper reckoning still unresolved. Health & Justice: French MPs also backed state “partial responsibility” for the pesticide chlordecone (Kepone) used in Guadeloupe and Martinique despite warnings, with contamination affecting nearly 90% and links to cancers and long-term harm. Regional Mobility: LIAT Air announced direct flights between Guadeloupe (Pointe-à-Pitre) and Jamaica (Montego Bay) starting July 14, with twice-weekly service timed ahead of Jamaica’s Reggae Festival. Culture & Travel: A new “Beyond the Resort” travel show highlights community-led access in St. Lucia, while cruise news points to more Caribbean itineraries calling at Guadeloupe.

Regional Air Links: LIAT Air will launch direct flights between Guadeloupe (Pointe-à-Pitre) and Jamaica (Montego Bay) from July 14, with two weekly departures each way—timed ahead of Jamaica’s 2026 Reggae Festival and set to boost tourism and cultural exchange. Culture & Travel Beyond the Resort: A new YouTube travel show, Beyond the Resort, spotlights “deeper” Caribbean tourism through St. Lucia—highlighting village-led access around Gros Piton (Fond Gens Libres) and the push for tourism that sustains local culture and livelihoods. Colonial Justice in France: France’s National Assembly voted unanimously (254-0) to repeal the 1685 Code Noir, the slavery-era law that legally treated enslaved people as “movable property”; the move is symbolic but lands with emotion in Guadeloupe and across the French Caribbean as debates continue over lasting harm and reparations. Health & Accountability: French lawmakers also backed state “partial responsibility” for chlordecone (Kepone) pesticide use in Guadeloupe and Martinique despite warnings, citing widespread contamination and links to serious cancers.

Regional Air Links: LIAT Air will launch a new twice-weekly direct service between Guadeloupe (Pointe-à-Pitre) and Jamaica (Montego Bay) from July 14, 2026, with flights on Tuesdays/Saturdays and Wednesdays/Sundays—timed ahead of Jamaica’s 2026 Reggae Festival and expected to boost tourism and connectivity. Colonial Justice & Memory: In France, lawmakers voted unanimously (254-0) to repeal the 1685 Code Noir, the slavery-era law that treated enslaved people as “movable property”; the move is widely seen as symbolic but emotionally charged for Guadeloupe and the wider French Caribbean, with calls for more than gestures. Culture on the Move: A Guadeloupe-to-Caribbean arts spotlight is building momentum as Guadeloupean artists 1T1 and Theomaa prepare to perform in Martinique—highlighting how island audiences still feel the sting of limited access to major shows. Lifestyle & Travel: Emerald Cruises announced a culinary-focused Caribbean sailing featuring celebrity chef Rachel Hargrove, with stops including Martinique and Guadeloupe, blending island culture with onboard food experiences.

Code Noir Repeal: France’s National Assembly voted unanimously (254-0) to repeal the 1685 Code Noir, the slavery-era decree that legally treated enslaved people as “movable property.” The move is historic and emotional, but it still needs Senate approval and is widely seen as symbolic rather than a full reckoning. West Indies Pesticide Accountability: Lawmakers also backed a bill recognizing the state’s partial responsibility for chlordecone (Kepone) contamination in Guadeloupe and Martinique, where most people are affected and links to cancers and other long-term harm have been reported. Culture & Identity: A spotlight on Guadeloupe-born poet Saint-John Perse traces how his upbringing in Guadeloupe shaped his world literature legacy. Travel & Lifestyle: Emerald Cruises announced a December 2026 “Culinary Collection” sailing with chef Rachel Hargrove, with stops including Martinique and Guadeloupe.

France Repeals Code Noir: France’s National Assembly voted unanimously (254-0) to repeal the 1685 “Code Noir,” the slavery-era decree that legally treated enslaved people as “movable property.” The debate turned emotional, with lawmakers from Martinique and Guadeloupe stressing that the move is symbolic and won’t replace reparations or repair “centuries of shattered lives.” Local Memory & Overseas Echoes: A separate look at France’s slave-trade ports shows how cities from Nantes to La Rochelle are still wrestling with plaques, museums, and street names—trying to face colonial history beyond gestures. Guadeloupe in the Spotlight: The repeal bill was sponsored by Max Mathiasin, a Guadeloupe lawmaker, underscoring how overseas voices shape France’s cultural reckoning. Culture at Home: In travel and lifestyle, Emerald Cruises announced a December 2026 “Culinary Collection” sailing that will stop in Guadeloupe and other Leeward Islands, hosted by chef Rachel Hargrove.

Code Noir Repeal: France’s National Assembly voted unanimously (254-0) to repeal the 1685 Code Noir, the slavery-era decree that treated enslaved people as “movable property.” The move is largely symbolic—slavery was abolished in 1848—but it now formally clears the text from French law, with emotional speeches from lawmakers including Max Mathiasin (from Guadeloupe) and Martinique MP Steevy Gustave. Colonial Memory in France’s Ports: Separate reporting looks at how former slave-trading cities are still wrestling with public history—plaques, museums, street names, and monuments—through the Fondation pour la Mémoire de l’Esclavage. Guadeloupe in the Spotlight: A cultural profile highlights Guadeloupe-born poet Saint-John Perse, linking his island upbringing to his later diplomatic and literary legacy. Regional Community & Skills: In Guadeloupe, Antigua and Barbuda’s Red Cross reps completed WASH emergency training, strengthening disaster preparedness across the Caribbean. Local Culture & Events: SXM Drag Race returns to Grand Case with a public Road Safety Village and hands-on prevention workshops.

Code Noir Repeal: France’s National Assembly voted 254-0 to repeal the 1685 slavery-era “Code Noir,” which treated enslaved people as “movable property.” The debate turned emotional, with lawmakers from Martinique and Guadeloupe stressing that removing the law is a step—but not a full repair of centuries of harm. The bill now heads to the Senate, and supporters say it should also push follow-up actions on racism, inequality, and how slavery is taught. Guadeloupe Roots in Global Culture: Guadeloupe-born poet Saint-John Perse is spotlighted for how his island upbringing shaped his world-literature legacy, blending Caribbean nature with French diplomatic life. Island Life & Travel: A new Emerald Cruises sailing will bring celebrity chef Rachel Hargrove to Leeward Islands routes including Guadeloupe and Martinique, while travel coverage highlights under-the-radar Les Saintes and its timeless bay life. Regional Community & Youth: Saint Martin’s SXM Drag Race returns with a road-safety village, and a Sister Islands U18 basketball tournament links Guadeloupe and other territories through sport and youth development.

Cultural Memory & Law: France’s National Assembly voted 254-0 to repeal the Code Noir, the 1685 slavery-era decree that treated enslaved people as “movable property,” with lawmakers moved to tears as the symbolic removal heads next to the Senate. Guadeloupe Spotlight: The bill was introduced by Guadeloupe MP Max Mathiasin, framing the repeal as remembrance, justice, and recognition—while debates also touched on how colonial history is taught and its lasting effects. Island Lifestyle & Travel: Emerald Cruises announced a December 13–20, 2026 “Culinary Collection” sailing on Emerald Sakara, with celebrity chef Rachel Hargrove bringing Caribbean-flavored dining and events across the Leeward Islands, including stops in Martinique, Guadeloupe, and Saint Barthélemy. Community & Resilience: ABRCS completed regional WASH emergency training in Guadeloupe (May 18–22), boosting preparedness and humanitarian response skills across the Caribbean. Sports & Youth: Saint-Martin hosted the inaugural Sister Islands Basketball Tournament (U18), bringing together teams from Guadeloupe and other territories to develop young talent through sport.

Cultural Memory & Justice: France’s National Assembly voted 254-0 to repeal the 1685 Code Noir, the slavery-era law that treated enslaved people as “movable property.” The move is symbolic but emotional, with lawmakers and descendants speaking in tears as the text is finally cleared from the statute books—though the Senate still must approve. Guadeloupe in the Spotlight: The bill’s sponsor, Max Mathiasin, a lawmaker from Guadeloupe, framed the repeal as remembrance and recognition, not erasing history. Island Life & Travel: A new Emerald Cruises “Culinary Collection” sailing (Dec 13–20, 2026) will pass through the Leeward Islands, including Saint Barthélemy, Martinique, Guadeloupe, and Antigua, with celebrity chef Rachel Hargrove leading onboard Caribbean-focused dining experiences. Regional Connectivity: Caribbean Airlines’ St. Kitts withdrawal and reduced flights to Martinique/Guadeloupe are raising concerns across the Eastern Caribbean, with officials questioning consultation and planning. Sports & Youth: Saint Martin’s Sister Islands Basketball Tournament (U18) brought together teams including Guadeloupe, aiming to build youth pathways through sport.

Code Noir Repeal: France’s National Assembly voted unanimously (254-0) to formally repeal the 1685 Code Noir, the slavery-era law that treated enslaved Africans as “movable property,” even after slavery was abolished in 1848—an emotional step led by Guadeloupe MP Max Mathiasin, with lawmakers moved to tears as the Senate still must vote next. Regional Travel Shock: Caribbean Airlines will withdraw from St. Kitts and Nevis and Dominica from June 1, with officials in St. Kitts and Nevis saying there was “no discussions” before the decision; the airline also plans to cut flights to Martinique and Guadeloupe to twice weekly. Guadeloupe in the Spotlight: From Guadeloupe to Halifax, Elodie Postel is building community through SOS Archis, helping internationally trained professionals find work in their field. Community & Culture: In Grand Case, SXM Drag Race returns with a road-safety village featuring hands-on prevention workshops for riders and the public. Humanitarian Training: ABRCS reps completed WASH emergency training in Guadeloupe, strengthening disaster preparedness and response capacity.

Slavery Law Repeal: France’s National Assembly voted unanimously (254-0) to repeal the 1685 Code Noir, the “Black Code” that treated enslaved Africans as “movable property” and enabled brutal abuse—an emotional step that still leaves the Senate to vote next. Guadeloupe Connection: The bill was introduced by Guadeloupe MP Max Mathiasin, while lawmakers from the French Caribbean spoke with tears about inherited harm and the need for remembrance and justice. Regional Travel Shock: Caribbean Airlines will withdraw services to Dominica and St. Kitts and Nevis from June 1, with officials in St. Kitts and Nevis saying there was no prior consultation—raising concerns for tourism and everyday connectivity. Culture & Community: Martinique residents are reacting to the arrival of Guadeloupe artists 1T1 and Theomaa, showing how mainland access still feels out of reach. Local Heritage & Lifestyle: A Guadeloupe-linked spotlight highlights how Elodie Postel is building community abroad through work, while Les Saintes tourism keeps drawing attention for its quiet, bay-centered charm.

Slavery Law Repeal: France’s National Assembly voted 254-0 to formally repeal the 1685 “Code Noir,” a decree that treated enslaved people as “movable property,” with lawmakers moved to tears during the debate; the bill now heads to the Senate, while President Macron also backed the symbolic move and urged a careful conversation on reparations. Guadeloupe & Martinique Culture: A spotlight on the lived reality of “là-bas” injustice in Martinique frames a homegrown moment for Guadeloupean artists 1T1 and Theomaa, showing how big mainland access still feels out of reach. Regional Sports & Youth: Saint Martin hosted the Sister Islands Basketball Tournament (U18), bringing together territories including Guadeloupe and Martinique to use sport for youth development and regional ties. Community & Training in Guadeloupe: ABRCS reps completed regional WASH emergency training in Guadeloupe, strengthening disaster-ready water, sanitation, and hygiene response skills. Lifestyle & Travel: A travel feature highlights Hotel Bois Joli on Terre-de-Haut (Les Saintes), pitching the tiny, ferry-access island as a low-key escape with a world-class bay.

Code Noir Repeal: France’s National Assembly voted unanimously (254-0) to repeal the “Code Noir,” the colonial-era slavery law that treated enslaved people as “movable property,” with lawmakers moved to tears as the bill now heads to the Senate; Reparations Debate: President Emmanuel Macron backed the symbolic repeal while urging an honest conversation on reparations—without “false promises”—and calling the continued existence of the decrees an “offence”; Guadeloupe Spotlight in Culture & Community: Guadeloupe-born architect Elodie Postel is building community in Canada through SOS Archis, while in Guadeloupe itself ABRCS representatives completed regional WASH emergency training; Regional Lifestyle & Events: SXM Drag Race returns with a road-safety village in Grand Case, and Les Saintes’ Hotel Bois Joli keeps drawing travelers with its quiet, bay-centered charm.