AGP Executive Report

Route du Rhum–Destination Guadeloupe Build-Up: French skipper Alexia Barrier is set to become the first woman in the ULTIM class, taking the helm of IDEC SPORT – CIC for the 2026 transatlantic race after a Jules Verne Trophy all-female round-the-world record and ongoing boat repairs. Offshore Sailing (Guadeloupe qualifier): The DRHEAM CUP/Grand Prix de France de Course au Large kicked off in Cherbourg with “champagne sailing,” 106 boats and a 1,220-nautical-mile push toward Lorient—also a qualifier for Route du Rhum–Destination Guadeloupe. Guadeloupe in the spotlight (science + sport): Spanish researcher Jesús Ortea named a newly discovered Caribbean sea slug, Aldisa vozinhai, after Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha—found near Havana and Guadeloupe during biodiversity work. Regional ties: EU Ambassador Fiona Ramsey presented credentials to OECS Director General Dr. Didacus Jules, reaffirming EU support for regional integration and sustainable development across the Eastern Caribbean. Travel/air links: TAP Air Portugal plans to resume Venezuela flights on 13 July via a stop in Pointe-à-Pitre (Guadeloupe) while Caracas airport repairs continue.

Offshore Sailing: The DRHEAM CUP/Grand Prix de France de Course au Large kicked off Saturday in Cherbourg with 106 boats racing toward Lorient, a key qualifier for the Route du Rhum–Destination Guadeloupe. The first wave enjoyed “champagne sailing” in sun and 15-knot east-north-east winds, with a record 11 Ocean Fifty trimarans leading the charge over a demanding 1,220-nautical-mile course. Route du Rhum Focus: French skipper Alexia Barrier is set to become the first woman to race solo in the ULTIM division at the Route du Rhum–Destination Guadeloupe, taking the helm of IDEC SPORT–CIC after a Jules Verne Trophy all-female voyage. Aviation & Relief: TAP Air Portugal will resume flights to Venezuela on 13 July, initially routing via Pointe-à-Pitre in Guadeloupe while Caracas airport repairs continue, with the first flight carrying medical supplies. Science & Guadeloupe Link: A Spanish researcher named a newly discovered red sea slug, Aldisa vozinhai, after Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha; the species was found in Caribbean waters near Havana and the island of Guadeloupe. Health & Heat: A French health advisory flags medications that can raise heat-related risk, urging extra monitoring for vulnerable patients during hot spells.

Offshore Sailing: The DRHEAM CUP/Grand Prix de France de Course au Large kicked off Saturday in Cherbourg with 106 boats and “champagne sailing” in sunshine and 15-knot winds, as fleets head toward Lorient on a 1,220-nautical-mile route and as the Route du Rhum–Destination Guadeloupe qualifier gets underway for classes including Ocean Fifty, Imoca, Class 40, Vintage Mono and Multi. Science & Guadeloupe Waters: A Spanish researcher has named a newly discovered tiny red sea slug, Aldisa vozinhai, after Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha, with specimens collected in the Caribbean near Havana and on Guadeloupe—an unusual World Cup-to-biodiversity tribute. Route du Rhum Spotlight: French skipper Alexia Barrier is set to become the first woman to race solo in the ULTIM division at the 2026 Route du Rhum–Destination Guadeloupe, taking the helm of IDEC SPORT–CIC as the boat undergoes repairs ahead of a planned August launch. Regional Diplomacy: The EU ambassador Fiona Ramsey has presented her credentials to OECS Director General Dr. Didacus Jules, reaffirming long-term partnership on regional integration and sustainable development. Health in the Heat: A French health advisory flags medications that can raise heat risk, urging extra monitoring for vulnerable people during intense heat waves—Guadeloupe included in the regional guidance.

World Cup & Science: Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha, 40, keeps racking up tributes after his heroics at the 2026 FIFA World Cup—this time with a newly discovered red sea slug named Aldisa vozinhai, found near Cuba and Guadeloupe. Regional Sports Pathways: Dominica’s student-athlete Omari Caesar is heading to Curaçao for the Trupial Classic, building on CARIFTA success and new records set at Guadeloupe trials. EU-Regional Ties: The EU ambassador Fiona Ramsey has presented her credentials to OECS Director General Didacus Jules, reaffirming support for regional integration and sustainable development. Offshore Sailing (Guadeloupe link): French skipper Alexia Barrier is set to become the first woman in the ULTIM class at the Route du Rhum—Destination Guadeloupe, sailing solo aboard IDEC SPORT after repairs. Air Connectivity After Disasters: TAP Air Portugal will resume Venezuela flights on 13 July with a one-stop route via Pointe-à-Pitre in Guadeloupe while Caracas airport repairs continue. Local Community & Art: Artist Noni Stuart is unveiling portraits of unhoused people, including works tied to Guadeloupe-inspired Caribbean encounters.

Humanitarian Aviation: TAP Air Portugal will restart flights to Venezuela on 13 July, but initially landing at Valencia’s airport while Caracas’s main airport is repaired; the first flight will carry 8.7 tonnes of medical supplies, with a technical stop in Pointe-à-Pitre (Guadeloupe). Sports & Youth: Dominican student-athlete Omari Caesar is heading to Curaçao for the Trupial Classic, building on CARIFTA experience and new national records. Guadeloupe in the Spotlight: A Guadeloupe-linked discovery is part of a wider Caribbean story: Spanish researcher Jesús Ortea named a newly found sea slug, Aldisa vozinhai, after World Cup goalkeeper Vozinha, with the species located near Cuba and Guadeloupe. Regional Diplomacy: EU Ambassador Fiona Ramsey presented her credentials to OECS Director General Dr. Didacus Jules, reaffirming EU support for regional integration and sustainable development. Offshore Sailing (Route du Rhum): French skipper Alexia Barrier is set to be the first woman in the ULTIM class at the Route du Rhum—Destination Guadeloupe, sailing solo aboard IDEC SPORT after repairs. Local Crime (Overseas links): Three men, including suspects from France and Guadeloupe, were arrested in Zurich after a gun shop break-in and high-speed chase. Health (Heat risk): A French health advisory highlights which medications can raise danger during heatwaves, with special focus on vulnerable patients.

Humanitarian Air Links: TAP Air Portugal will restart flights to Venezuela on 13 July, but initially to Valencia (not Caracas), with a one-stop technical stop in Pointe-à-Pitre in Guadeloupe while earthquake repairs continue; the first flight will carry 8.7 tonnes of medical supplies. Regional Diplomacy: EU Ambassador Fiona Ramsey has presented her credentials to OECS Director General Dr. Didacus Jules, reaffirming long-term EU support for regional integration and sustainable development across the Eastern Caribbean, including Guadeloupe and Martinique. Offshore Sailing & Gender Breakthrough: French skipper Alexia Barrier is set to become the first woman to race solo in the Route du Rhum’s ULTIM class, launching aboard IDEC SPORT – CIC after repairs, with the race in November. Local Environment Alert: Saint-Martin authorities responded to two stranded dolphins on Orient Beach—one dead adult and one live juvenile—while urging the public to report marine mammal distress. Heat & Weather Watch: The Caribbean Climate Outlook Forum warns El Niño-linked warming could bring more intense heat, slower drought relief in the Lesser Antilles, and higher flood risk from heavy wet-season rain.

Route du Rhum / Guadeloupe Sailing: French skipper Alexia Barrier is set to make history by becoming the first woman to race solo in the ULTIM class at the 2026 Route du Rhum – Destination Guadeloupe, taking the helm of the 32-metre IDEC SPORT – CIC trimaran after her record all-female Jules Verne Trophy voyage; the boat is undergoing repairs and launch is scheduled for August 3. EU–OECS Relations: EU Ambassador Fiona Ramsey has formally presented her credentials to OECS Director General Dr. Didacus Jules, reaffirming long-term EU support for regional integration, sustainable development and cooperation—highlighting shared maritime space with Guadeloupe and other Caribbean partners. Caribbean Environment: A stranded dolphin incident was reported on Orient Bay Beach (Saint-Martin): one adult died and a juvenile was released back to sea after authorities secured the area; locals are urged to contact the stranding network if marine mammals are seen in distress. Local Impact / Health: France’s perinatal mortality rose again in 2024, with Guadeloupe cited at 21 deaths per 1,000 births—more than double the metropolitan figure—pointing to persistent regional and social inequalities. Sports & Community: Guadeloupe and Martinique boxing events produced standout local wins, including an 18-year-old debut victory in Guadeloupe, adding momentum for the regional boxing scene. Travel / Air Connectivity: Qatar Airways is running a limited promotion offering double Avios for eligible Privilege Club members traveling through December 15, 2026.

Route du Rhum: French skipper Alexia Barrier says she will be the first woman to race in the Ultim class at the Route du Rhum, going solo on “Idec Sport” after repairs from serious damage; the launch is set for August 3, with training and boat tweaks underway. OECS-EU Ties: The EU ambassador to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, Fiona Ramsey, formally presented credentials to OECS Director General Dr. Didacus Jules, reaffirming support for regional integration and sustainable development. Local Impact—Property Tax: A French study finds only a small number of large towns raised taxe foncière in 2026, but increases can still be steep where they do happen. Health & Climate—Heat Risk: France’s medicines-safety guidance highlights which drug types can raise heat-related risk, urging extra monitoring for vulnerable people during hot spells. Environment—Dolphins: Saint Martin authorities responded to two stranded dolphins on Orient Bay—one dead adult and one live juvenile released offshore—while urging reports of marine mammal distress. Sports—Football Change: Stern John stepped down as Saint Lucia’s men’s national coach after mixed results. Maritime—Superyacht Shifts: Tracking data shows departures from Caribbean hubs, including Guadeloupe, with many yachts shifting toward Atlantic/European routes as hurricane season approaches.

EU-Regional Partnership: The EU’s ambassador, Fiona Ramsey, has formally presented her credentials to OECS Director General Dr. Didacus Jules, reaffirming long-term support for regional integration, sustainable development and democracy across the Eastern Caribbean. Community & Art: Noni Stuart, a Grand Isle artist, is unveiling portraits of unhoused people she met in Guadeloupe and later through Burlington’s “Red Door Church,” with around 50 works set for permanent display. Crime & Cross-Border Links: Three men from France and Guadeloupe were arrested in Zurich after a gun shop break-in and a high-speed chase, following a police check that they tried to dodge. Public Health & Inequality: A French study flags perinatal mortality rising to 11.2 per 1,000 births in 2024, with Guadeloupe at 21 per 1,000—showing stark overseas disparities. Climate Watch: CariCOF warns El Niño is strengthening, with hotter, more humid conditions, lingering drought in the Lesser Antilles, and higher risks of heatwaves and heavy-rain flooding. Sports & Local Pride: Guadeloupe and Martinique boxing events delivered wins for regional fighters, including 18-year-old Seth Reneau’s debut stoppage win in Guadeloupe. Environment Alert: Two dolphins were reported stranded on Orient Bay in Saint-Martin—one adult died and a juvenile was released after rescue.

Gun Crime in Europe, Links to Guadeloupe: Three men from France and Guadeloupe were arrested in canton Zurich after a break-in at a Swiss gun shop near the German border, triggering a high-speed chase that endangered road users. Health Inequality in the French Caribbean: A French study flags perinatal mortality rising in 2024, with Guadeloupe at 21 deaths per 1,000 births—more than double the metropolitan France figure—pointing to persistent social and territorial gaps. Climate Watch for the Lesser Antilles: CariCOF warns El Niño is strengthening and Caribbean seas are warming, raising the risk of heatwaves and prolonging drought in parts of the Lesser Antilles, with heavier-rain flooding risks still possible. Sports, Regional Spotlight: Saint Lucia’s football coach Stern John has stepped down after mixed results since 2022, including defeats against teams including Guadeloupe. Marine Life Alert: Two dolphins were reported stranded on Orient Bay in Saint-Martin—one adult died and a juvenile was released back to sea after authorities secured the area. Aviation & Tourism Signals: Jamaica’s Sangster International Airport says new international routes this year show airlines’ confidence in the destination, despite recent hurricane challenges.

Reparatory Justice Push: Caricom’s updated 10-point plan is putting gender-based violence at the center of global reparations, after a UN resolution declared the transatlantic slave trade a “crime against humanity,” with calls for apologies, compensation and debt relief. Health in the Overseas Territories: A new French study flags perinatal mortality rising to 11.2 per 1,000 births in 2024, with Guadeloupe at 21 per 1,000—about double the rate in metropolitan France—pointing to social and territorial inequalities. Heat Risk & Medication Watch: With El Niño strengthening and Caribbean seas warming, CariCOF warns of more intense humid heat and heatwaves; a French health list also highlights medicines that can raise heat-related risk, urging closer monitoring for vulnerable people. Guadeloupe in the Air: Air Caraïbes’ dense long-haul schedule keeps Point-à-Pitre tied to major A350-1000 operations, underscoring the island’s role in France’s wider network. Marine Life Alert: Saint Martin reported two stranded dolphins on Orient Bay—one dead adult and one live juvenile released offshore—while urging distance reporting and emergency contacts. Sports & Community: CARICOM 10K elite titles went to Jamaica’s Garfield Gordon and Barbados’ Carlie Robinson, while boxing in Guadeloupe and Martinique saw local fighters notch wins. Route du Rhum Build-Up: Gitana 18’s foiling test work continues with Route du Rhum–Destination Guadeloupe looming next autumn.

Reparatory Justice Push: Caricom’s updated 10-point plan is putting gender-based violence at the center of reparations talks, after a UN resolution declared the transatlantic slave trade a crime against humanity—calling for apologies, compensation and debt relief, with Ghana’s president saying women’s suffering can’t be treated as “footnotes.” Health in the Overseas Territories: A new French study flags a sharp perinatal mortality rise, with Guadeloupe at 21 deaths per 1,000 births—more than double the French mainland—pointing to inequalities as a key driver. Heat Risk and Medication Watch: France’s medicines agencies warn that some common drug types can worsen heat-wave dangers, urging extra monitoring for vulnerable people—relevant for Guadeloupe as Caribbean seas warm. Guadeloupe in the Air: Qatar Airways’ Privilege Club promo includes Guadeloupe among eligible destinations for double Avios, booked with a July code by July 15. Marine Life Alert: Saint-Martin authorities responded to two stranded dolphins on Orient Bay—one dead adult and one live juvenile—while urging people to report sightings.

Aviation & Tourism: MBJ Airports CEO Shane Munroe says new international services planned for this year are a clear vote of confidence in Montego Bay and Sangster International Airport, even after Hurricane Melissa—airlines, he notes, only add routes after weighing demand, aircraft, costs, yields, and destination readiness; among the additions, Wingo’s Medellín service (three times weekly) began June 23. Sports: The 19th CARICOM 10K in St. Lucia saw Garfield Gordon win the men’s elite invitational in 30:58 and Carlie Robinson take the women’s title with a personal best 39:32. Environment & Safety: Saint Martin authorities responded to two stranded dolphins on Orient Bay—one adult was found deceased, while a live juvenile was treated and released offshore; residents are urged to report marine mammal distress. Climate Watch: CariCOF warns El Niño is strengthening and Caribbean seas are warming, raising the risk of heatwaves, drought in parts of the Lesser Antilles, and heavier rainfall impacts later in the wet season. Guadeloupe/Regional Culture: Boxing in the French Antilles drew attention after strong outings, including a debut win in Guadeloupe for 18-year-old Seth Renéau.

EU Biodiversity Funding: Policymakers and conservation groups met at the European Parliament to push for long-term EU financing for biodiversity action in overseas regions, arguing that places like Guadeloupe need sustained support in the next multi-year budget. Marine Life Alert (Saint Martin): Two dolphins were found stranded on Orient Bay—one adult dead and one juvenile released after rescue—prompting calls to report sightings and keep distance. Climate Watch (CariCOF): The Caribbean Climate Outlook Forum warns El Niño is strengthening, meaning hotter, more humid conditions, longer drought in parts of the Lesser Antilles, and a higher risk of heatwaves and heavy-rain flooding. Superyacht Routes (Caribbean): New tracking shows superyacht departures from regional hubs including Guadeloupe, with many vessels shifting toward Atlantic, European, or Mediterranean routes as hurricane season approaches. Local Boxing (Guadeloupe & Martinique): Regional bouts delivered wins for Guadeloupe and Martinique fighters, including a third-round stoppage debut win for 18-year-old Seth Reneau. World Cup Culture & Sport: Coverage continues to swirl around World Cup storylines—from debates over respect for African teams to the wider fallout from penalty shootouts and online abuse.

Maritime Watch: Superyacht season is easing across the Caribbean as hurricane risk rises, with MarineTraffic tracking 2,156 departures from key hubs between March and June—161 showing clear signals for Atlantic, European or Mediterranean routes; Martinique led (48), then Antigua (37), Saint-Martin (23), Guadeloupe (17) and the U.S. Virgin Islands (14), with Le Marin a top starting port. Aviation & Travel: A new look at Airbus A350-1000 deployment highlights Pointe-à-Pitre to Paris Orly as a major route, with Air Caraïbes running the densest widebody schedules from Guadeloupe. Culture & Music: Signal Band frontman Sheldon “Shelly” Alfred has wrapped a first promotional visit to Grenada, pushing his new single “I Deserve This” ahead of Spice Mas 2026. Climate Alert: CariCOF warns El Niño is strengthening and Caribbean seas are warming, raising the odds of heatwaves, longer drought in parts of the Lesser Antilles, and flooding risk from heavy rain later in the wet season. Local Sports: Boxing is buzzing after strong regional outings, including a win for Guadeloupe’s Seth Reneau at the Gwada Boxing Club gala.

Aviation & Tourism: Air Caraïbes’ Airbus A350-1000 is highlighted as a key long-haul workhorse, with Pointe-à-Pitre–Paris Orly topping the list of the aircraft’s busiest routes by frequency, underscoring how Guadeloupe stays tightly linked to European hubs. Climate Watch: CariCOF warns El Niño is strengthening and Caribbean seas are warming, raising the risk of heatwaves, longer drought in parts of the Lesser Antilles, and heavier downpours later in the wet season. Environment & Wildlife: On Saint Martin’s Orient Bay, rangers reported two stranded dolphins—one adult found dead and one juvenile rescued and released—while authorities urged people to contact the stranding network if marine mammals are spotted in distress. Sports & Society: FIFA World Cup heat and venue choices are coming under fire, with critics arguing outdoor stadium scheduling in extreme temperatures is reckless. Regional Diplomacy: The OECS formalized a renewed diplomatic bond with France by accrediting Ambassador Marie-Noëlle Duris, focusing on climate resilience, public health, maritime security, and education mobility across Martinique, Guadeloupe, and Saint Martin.