AGP Executive Report

Aviation Shake-Up: Caribbean Airlines will cut several routes from June 1, ending flights to Dominica, St. Kitts and the Ogle (Guyana)–Suriname corridor, and reducing service to Martinique and Guadeloupe to twice weekly—moves tied to losses of more than US$18.8 million on the affected network. Travel Impact: Passengers booked beyond the cut-off dates will be contacted and offered rebooking, partner connections, full refunds, or travel credit. Regional Health Cooperation: PAHO/WHO and OECS-PPS will convene a 28–29 May workshop in Saint Lucia to launch a technical working group aimed at improving access to safe, quality-assured medicines and health technologies across the Eastern Caribbean. Sport & Community: Guadeloupe’s Melanie Roland won the NCAA D-II 400m title, while Guadeloupe runners also shone at Antigua’s Run in Paradise (Christina Laurent won the 5k; Jordan Parraire took the 10k). Road Safety Weekend: SXM Drag Race returns this weekend in Grand Case with a dedicated Road Safety Village featuring simulator and anti-drink/drug workshops.

Aviation Shake-Up for the Eastern Caribbean: Caribbean Airlines will cut more regional links from June 1, ending flights to Dominica, St Kitts and Nevis, and the Ogle (Guyana)–Suriname corridor, while reducing service to Martinique and Guadeloupe to twice weekly; the airline says the changes target long-term financial stability and operational reliability, and passengers on affected bookings will be contacted with options like rebooking, refunds, or travel credit, as CAL works toward a codeshare deal to widen connections. Road Safety Weekend in Saint Martin: The SXM Drag Race returns this Saturday May 30 and Sunday May 31 with a Road Safety Village featuring riding simulators, anti-drug/alcohol driving workshops, and public prevention activities alongside the races. Sports Tourism Milestone: Antigua and Barbuda’s Run in Paradise (10th edition) drew 380+ runners from across the Caribbean and beyond, with Guadeloupe’s Christina Laurent winning the 5k and Jordan Parraire taking the 10k, while Miami’s Alex Beach set a new half-marathon course record. Regional Environment Cooperation: More than 60 sargassum and marine stakeholders meet in Dominica under SARSEA to shape national sargassum plans, with field missions planned for Martinique and Guadeloupe starting June 1. Local Spotlight: Guadeloupean sprinter Melanie Roland won the NCAA D-II 400m national title, after a breakthrough season and a mindset shift aimed at competing like a champion.

Caribbean Airlines Network Shake-Up: From June 1, Caribbean Airlines will stop flying between Dominica and Suriname, St. Kitts and Suriname, and the Ogle (Guyana)–Suriname route, while cutting flights to Martinique and Guadeloupe to twice weekly—leaving fewer nonstop options for business travelers and the diaspora. Passenger Impact: The airline says affected passengers will be contacted directly and offered rebooking on alternative regional services, partner connections, full refunds for unused ticket portions, or travel credit (with fare conditions). Next Step: Caribbean Airlines also says it’s working toward a codeshare deal with a regional partner to widen destination access once approved. Regional Context: The cuts follow reported losses tied to the airline’s 2023 expansion, with officials pointing to routes that didn’t meet commercial expectations.

Sargassum Response: More than 60 regional environmental professionals are in Dominica for SARSEA meetings on May 26–28, focusing on national strategic plans and setting up field work for Martinique and Guadeloupe starting June 1. Humanitarian Preparedness: Antigua and Barbuda Red Cross reps just finished regional WASH training in Guadeloupe, sharpening emergency water, sanitation and hygiene response skills. Regional Air Shock: Caribbean Airlines is cutting key routes from June 1—ending Dominica and St. Kitts services and the Ogle (Guyana)–Suriname link, while reducing Martinique and Guadeloupe flights to twice weekly—offering rebooking, refunds, or travel credit and pointing to a coming codeshare. Community & Culture: Sint Maarten marked Urbain Javois’ 100th birthday at Grand Case, with ministers and family celebrating a life across the islands.

Caribbean Airlines Route Shock: Starting June 1, Caribbean Airlines will stop flying to Dominica and St. Kitts, end the Ogle (Guyana)–Suriname service, and cut flights to Martinique and Guadeloupe to twice weekly—moves tied to sustained losses after its 2023 Eastern Caribbean expansion. Passenger Fallout: The airline says affected travelers will be contacted directly and offered rebooking on alternative services, partner connections, full refunds, or travel credit, while it works to finalize a codeshare deal to widen options. Regional Debate: Trinidad’s transport minister Eli Zakour says the cuts follow a route review that found some new links lacked commercial justification, and the airlift gap is already raising questions about who will step in next. Local Angle: Saint Lucia and Martinique are also discussing deeper trade ties, including import-export facilitation for 15 products.

Caribbean Airlines Route Shake-Up: Starting June 1, Caribbean Airlines will stop flying to Dominica and St. Kitts, and end the Ogle (Guyana)–Suriname service, while cutting Martinique and Guadeloupe flights to twice weekly—passengers are being offered rebooking, refunds, or travel credit, and the airline says it’s working on a codeshare to widen options. Regional Airlift Debate: The cuts follow a wider review of the airline’s 2023 Eastern Caribbean expansion, with Trinidad’s transport minister citing losses of about US$18.84 million on routes being exited—raising the question of who will fill the gaps as other carriers struggle. Local Sports Spotlight: Saint Martin’s U18 team topped the Sister Islands Basketball Tournament in Saint Martin, a youth-focused event meant to build regional cooperation through sport. Maritime & Trade Focus: Curaçao hosted the Caribbean Shipping Executives’ Conference, pushing digitalization and stronger intra-Caribbean trade coordination. Identity & History Talk: A commentary revisits the “former Netherlands Antilles” question after the 2010 dissolution, as the region debates what names still mean.

Sister Islands Youth Sports: Saint-Martin’s U18 team topped the rankings at the inaugural Sister Islands Basketball Tournament in Marigot, bringing together eight delegations from across the Caribbean to spotlight youth development and regional cooperation. Aviation Shock in the Eastern Caribbean: Caribbean Airlines says it will cut several regional routes from June 1—ending Dominica and St. Kitts services and the Ogle (Guyana) to Suriname link—while reducing flights to Martinique and Guadeloupe to twice weekly, with refunds or rebooking options for affected passengers and a push toward a codeshare deal. Tourism, Quietly Going Global: A tiny Les Saintes hotel, Hotel Bois Joli, is getting fresh attention after being highlighted as one of the world’s most beautiful-bay hideaways—while regional tourism players keep betting on new marketing angles and airlift changes. Regional Business & Culture: Curaçao hosted the Caribbean Shipping Executives’ Conference, focusing on digitalization and resilience as ports face shifting trade pressures.

Aviation Shake-Up: Caribbean Airlines is cutting regional links from June 1, ending flights between Dominica and Suriname, St. Kitts and Suriname, and the Ogle (Guyana)–Suriname route, while reducing Martinique and Guadeloupe service to twice weekly; affected passengers are being offered rebooking, refunds, or future travel credit, and the airline says it’s working on a codeshare to widen options. Policy & Accountability: In the BVI, Trade Minister Lorna G. Smith says the BVICC is far from “null and void,” pointing to close collaboration with her department and a small-business grants push. Courts & Crime: A Vincentian man who fled drug charges in St. Vincent and served time in France has been ordered to serve 13 years at home after conviction. Culture & Community: A Guadeloupean artist, François Moulin (“Blow”), was acquitted in a case tied to a Macron-related artwork, while elsewhere regional tourism continues to lean into wellness and influencer-led promotion.

Aviation Shake-Up: Caribbean Airlines is cutting more routes and reducing service starting June 1, withdrawing from Dominica and St. Kitts and ending the Ogle (Guyana)–Suriname link, while also discontinuing the non-stop Guyana–Suriname service and trimming flights to Martinique and Guadeloupe to twice weekly. Why It’s Happening: Transport Minister Eli Zakour says the airline is trying to stop heavy losses tied to a 2023 Eastern Caribbean expansion, citing sustained unprofitable routes. What Travelers Get: Passengers on affected trips are being offered re-accommodation where possible, alternative itineraries via partner connections, refunds for unused portions, or future travel credit. Local Culture Spotlight: In St. Kitts and Nevis, sailor Greyson Burrell represented the twin-island at the St. Barth Mini Bucket Clinic and Regatta, finishing 9th overall. Tech & Safety Watch: France’s tourism sector is also dealing with cyberattacks, while the region continues to track earthquake aftershocks and tsunami readiness.

Aviation Cuts: Caribbean Airlines says it will slash routes from June 1 to stop “loss-generating” flying—ending Dominica–Suriname, St Kitts–Suriname and Ogle–Suriname, and cutting Martinique and Guadeloupe service from four weekly flights to two—while offering refunds or rebooking and promising a codeshare partner network. Regional Accountability: A fresh push for reform of TTPS spotlights cameras and accountability as urgent priorities. Tourism Momentum: Antigua and Barbuda reports a 7% jump in stayovers in Q1, while Curaçao hosts a major maritime conference focused on digitalization and trade. Culture & Politics: France’s Macron backs a symbolic repeal of slavery-era “Code Noir” decrees, while a Guadeloupe court acquits artist François Moulin after a Macron-linked prosecution. Disaster Watch: Eastern Caribbean quake tremors kept attention on preparedness after a strong 6.0–6.1 event shook islands with no tsunami threat reported.

Aviation Cuts: Caribbean Airlines says it will slash unprofitable routes to stop losses of more than TT$120 million, pulling out of Dominica–Suriname, St. Kitts–Suriname and the Ogle (Guyana)–Suriname service from June 1, and cutting Martinique and Guadeloupe flights from four weekly to two. Regional Trade & Ports: Curaçao hosted the Caribbean Shipping Executives’ Conference, putting digitalization, intra-Caribbean trade and ports-as-energy hubs front and center. Slavery Reckoning in France: President Emmanuel Macron backed a symbolic repeal of the old “Code Noir” decrees tied to slavery, while urging caution on reparations and warning against “false promises.” Culture in the Spotlight: Guadeloupean artist François Moulin was acquitted after a case linked to a Macron-related painting. Sports Moment: St. Maarten’s boys finished 5th at the PSG World Cup youth tournament in Paris. Earthquake Watch: Eastern Caribbean tremors from a recent quake left no major damage reported, but tsunami readiness reminders are spreading.

Reparations Debate: President Emmanuel Macron used the 25th anniversary of the Taubira Law to reopen France’s slavery reckoning, saying the “immense question” of reparations must be addressed—but warning against “false promises” and stressing there’s no way to fully repair the crime. Code Noir Push: Macron also backed a symbolic repeal of the old royal decrees that still sit in French law, as lawmakers move the bill forward. Guadeloupe Courtroom Win: In Pointe-à-Pitre, artist François Moulin (Blow) and two organizers were acquitted after prosecution tied to a Macron-themed artwork. Eastern Caribbean Shaken: A strong earthquake hit the region around 10:50 a.m. AST, with no immediate injuries or major damage reported and no tsunami threat confirmed. Tourism Momentum: Antigua and Barbuda reported a 7% rise in stayovers in the first quarter, while Guadeloupe and Expertise France signed an MoU to strengthen the fight against sargassum. Sport Spotlight: St. Maarten’s boys impressed at the PSG World Cup Tournament in Paris, finishing 5th.

Tourism Momentum: Antigua and Barbuda says first-quarter stayovers are up 7%, with 110,832 visitors (+6,989 vs. 2025), led by the US (46%) and Europe (34%), as the country pushes deeper into Latin America and Africa and expects cruise arrivals to rise 21.9% after a new $30m cruise terminal opened in January. Regional Environment: Expertise France and the Guadeloupe Region signed an MoU to coordinate action against the sargassum crisis, linking two major programmes worth about €11m to reduce impacts on coasts, health, marine life and tourism. France’s Reckoning: Macron used the word “reparations” in a speech on slavery’s legacy, while French MPs moved to repeal the “Code Noir,” and customs launched recruitment for officers in the French West Indies and French Guiana. Earthquake Aftermath: A strong Eastern Caribbean quake shook islands including Guadeloupe and St Kitts and Nevis, with no tsunami threat reported and no immediate damage—though officials are urging continued vigilance.

Reparatory Justice Pressure: Macron is facing fresh calls to formally open talks on how France should address the legacy of centuries of enslavement, as he prepares a major speech marking 25 years since France recognized the slave trade and slavery as crimes against humanity. Tsunami Warnings: UNESCO is warning that a tsunami in the Mediterranean is “inevitable,” even though the sea is often seen as low-risk—renewing debate over preparedness and evacuation planning. Earthquake Aftermath: The Eastern Caribbean is still on alert after a strong quake shook the region, with officials stressing no tsunami threat and urging residents to follow updates. Local Spotlight: St. Kitts and Nevis sailor Greyson Burrell represented the federation at the St. Barth Mini Bucket Clinic and Regatta, finishing 9th overall in his first appearance there. Tourism Momentum: Antigua and Barbuda is pushing ahead with tourism growth, hosting CTM 2026 and highlighting expanding air and cruise arrivals.

Earthquake Watch: A magnitude 6.0 quake struck Saturday morning near the Leeward Islands, with light shaking reported across Antigua and Barbuda, Guadeloupe, St. Kitts and Nevis, and neighboring territories. Officials say there’s no tsunami threat, and no major damage or injuries were reported right away, though residents shared tense moments as buildings and items shook. Tourism Momentum: Antigua and Barbuda kept the spotlight on travel, hosting CHTA’s Caribbean Travel Marketplace 2026 and touting visitor growth, new airlift and cruise arrivals, and hotel investment ahead of CHOGM 2026. Regional Air Pressure: In the French Caribbean, Air Antilles has permanently shut down after a deep debt crisis, raising concerns about fewer flight options for island-hopping travelers. Cybersecurity: France’s Gîtes de France says it was hit by a cyberattack affecting customer booking details, with some Caribbean departments reportedly included.

Caribbean Tourism Push: Antigua and Barbuda just hosted the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association’s Caribbean Travel Marketplace 2026, bringing in global travel trade, tour operators, and media to spotlight the islands during Culinary Month. Regional Air Connectivity: Nevis Premier Mark Brantley is also working the partnership angle—promoting Nevis tourism and pushing closer links with Guadeloupe and Martinique to strengthen regional travel routes. Earthquake Aftermath Watch: The big story across the Eastern Caribbean remains last weekend’s strong quake—tremors were felt widely, officials reported no major damage or injuries, and tsunami risk was ruled out, while authorities continue monitoring. Cybersecurity Alert: In the wider region, France’s Gîtes de France says it was hit by a cyberattack affecting booking data for hundreds of thousands of customers, with Guadeloupe among the potentially impacted areas.