AGP Executive Report

Tour de Guadeloupe Update: Bermuda’s Kaden Hopkins finished second in stage eight after a crash on a fast downhill corner left him breaking his collarbone; he switched to a spare bike and still crossed just two seconds behind Alex Doltaire, and now heads back to Spain for surgery. CAC Games Athletics: Guadeloupe’s Ulric Portier won the men’s 110m hurdles in 13.46 as Trinidad and Tobago’s Rinaldo Moore took silver in 13.56, with the final in Santo Domingo also featuring Guadeloupe’s Jeanice Laviollette in the medal mix. Air Connectivity: Air France is adding a new Pointe-à-Pitre–Panama City route from Dec. 11, twice weekly, aiming to boost links for travelers from Martinique and French Guiana via Guadeloupe. Energy & Industry: Guadeloupe’s Sud-Soufrière geothermal exploration permit has been granted to Albioma for five years, with drilling still requiring separate environmental authorization. Sports Discipline: Two riders were disqualified from the Tour Cycliste International de la Guadeloupe for holding onto a team car, with Bermuda’s Nicholas Narraway among those penalized.

Air France Route Expansion: Air France is adding a new winter nonstop between Pointe-à-Pitre and Panama City from Dec. 11, with two weekly flights until March 5, 2027—aimed at boosting links for travelers from Martinique and French Guiana via Guadeloupe. Geothermal Development in Guadeloupe: Albioma has been granted an exclusive five-year geothermal exploration permit for the Sud-Soufrière site, covering parts of several municipalities; drilling will still require separate environmental authorization. Tour Cycliste International de la Guadeloupe: A cheating controversy hit the race again: two riders were disqualified and fined after footage showed them holding onto a team car, while Bermuda’s Nicholas Narraway and Kaden Hopkins also featured in the standings and stage results. CAC Games Athletics: In the CAC Games, Guadeloupe’s Ulric Portier won the men’s 110m hurdles gold in 13.46, with Trinidad and Tobago’s Rinaldo Moore taking silver in 13.56. Sports & Culture Beyond Guadeloupe: Bermuda’s John Barry Nusum was appointed head coach of the national men’s team, and the region’s entertainment and arts scene continued to celebrate local heritage.

Air Travel & Connectivity: Air France is adding a new winter nonstop link between Pointe-à-Pitre (Guadeloupe) and Panama City, starting Dec. 11, with two weekly flights until March 5, 2027—timed to connect travelers from Martinique and French Guiana via Guadeloupe. Sports (CAC Games): At the Central American and Caribbean Games in Santo Domingo, Guadeloupe’s Ulric Portier won gold in the men’s 110m hurdles (13.46) while Trinidad and Tobago’s Rinaldo Moore took silver (13.56). Local Energy & Jobs: Guadeloupe’s Sud-Soufrière geothermal exploration permit has been granted to Albioma for five years, with drilling still requiring separate environmental authorization. Tour de Guadeloupe Fallout: Two riders were disqualified from the Tour Cycliste International de la Guadeloupe for holding onto a team car, with Nicholas Narraway among those kicked out after a viral video. Weather Watch: Regional forecasts warn of intense heat and uneven rainfall later in the wet season, with flooding and flash-flood risks.

Air France Connectivity: Air France launches a new nonstop seasonal route from Pointe-à-Pitre (Guadeloupe) to Panama City starting 11 December 2026, twice weekly, aiming to boost links across the French Caribbean and onward connections via COPA. Geothermal Push in Guadeloupe: Albioma has been granted an exclusive five-year geothermal exploration permit for the Sud-Soufrière site, covering parts of several municipalities, with drilling still requiring separate environmental authorization. Tour de Guadeloupe Controversy: Two riders were disqualified from the 2.2 Tour Cycliste International de la Guadeloupe for holding onto a team car, with fines and points penalties after a viral video—another blow to the race’s reputation. Local Cycling Update: Bermuda’s Kaden Hopkins battled punctures to finish stage six of the Tour de Guadeloupe and remains in the overall standings as the race enters its closing stages. Sports at the CAC Games: Trinidad and Tobago’s Rinaldo Moore won silver in the men’s 110m hurdles behind Guadeloupe’s Ulric Portier, while other CAC events continued in Santo Domingo. Tourism & Travel: MSC Cruises revealed its new private destination near La Romana—Catalina Sugar Beach—set to welcome first guests in November 2026.

Tourism & Culture: Dominica’s Asa Bantan Summer Daybreak Breakfast Fete returns for its 10th annual run in Grand Bay, with a four-day programme and a red-dress theme expected to draw visitors from across the Caribbean and the diaspora. Resort Development: Secret Bay Resort & Residences in Dominica is moving into its final residential phase, unveiling six cliffside villas, two more spas and a family pool pavilion ahead of sales this fall. Guadeloupe Energy: A geothermal exploration permit for the Sud-Soufrière site in Guadeloupe has been granted to Albioma for five years, covering 62 km² across several communes, with drilling still requiring separate environmental approval. Air Connectivity: Air France launches a new Pointe-à-Pitre–Panama City nonstop route from 11 December 2026, twice weekly, with onward connections via Copa’s hub. Sports (Guadeloupe-linked): The Tour Cycliste International de la Guadeloupe saw two riders disqualified for holding onto a team car, as the race’s cheating controversy flares again. Weather Watch: The late wet season across the Eastern Caribbean is forecast to bring intense heat, uneven rainfall and a potentially flood-prone hurricane pattern.

Aviation & Connectivity: Air France will launch a new nonstop route from Pointe-à-Pitre (Guadeloupe) to Panama City starting 11 December 2026, running twice weekly (Mondays and Fridays) until 5 March 2027, with onward connections via Copa’s hub. Sports—Tour de Guadeloupe: Two riders were disqualified from the Tour Cycliste International de la Guadeloupe after a cheating controversy: they were caught holding onto a team car, with the incident video spreading on social media; both riders were fined and removed from the race. Energy—Geothermal in Guadeloupe: Albioma has been granted an exclusive geothermal exploration permit for the Sud-Soufrière site in Guadeloupe for five years, covering parts of several communes, with drilling requiring a separate environmental authorization. Weather Watch: The late wet season is expected to bring intense heat, uneven rainfall, and a potentially muted hurricane peak—raising flood and flash-flood risks across the Eastern Caribbean. Local Sports Spotlight: In the CAC Games, Guadeloupe’s Ulric Portiér won the men’s 110m hurdles final, with Guadeloupe’s Jeanice Laviollette also featuring in the medal mix.

Tour de Guadeloupe Cheating Fallout: Two riders were disqualified from the Tour Cycliste International de la Guadeloupe after a video showed them holding onto a team car. Bermuda’s Nicholas Narraway was kicked off, along with Jason Jacquet Cretides of Uni Sport Lamentinoi. Both were fined 100 CHF, docked 25 UCI points, and removed from the race, while the team sports director was also punished and excluded from the convoy. Geothermal in Guadeloupe: Albioma has been granted an exclusive five-year geothermal exploration permit for the Sud-Soufrière site, covering parts of several communes, with drilling requiring a separate environmental go-ahead. Sports & Culture in the wider region: The CAC Games continued to deliver headlines, including Trinidad and Tobago’s Nikoli Blackman winning men’s 50m freestyle gold, while “Death in Paradise” Season 15 keeps fans talking with Ben Miller hinting he’d return if a prequel ever happens. Public health (France): A new study says French public hospital deficits are expected to rise again in 2025, reaching around 2.3 billion euros.

Geothermal in Guadeloupe: French energy firm Albioma has been granted an exclusive five-year geothermal exploration permit for the Sud-Soufrière site, covering parts of Capesterre-Belle-Eau, Gourbeyre, Saint-Claude, Trois-Rivières and Vieux-Fort, with drilling still requiring a separate environmental go-ahead after public consultations. Tour de Guadeloupe cycling: Bermudian riders Nicholas Narraway and Kaden Hopkins continue their Tour run: Hopkins won the opening 11.9 km prologue time trial and takes the yellow jersey, while Narraway finished fifth and sits in the top group overall after Stage Two. CAC Games sports: Trinidad and Tobago’s “Calypso Stickmen” men’s hockey team won silver after a 2-2 draw with Cuba and a shootout loss, while cyclist Kwesi Browne added a first individual CAC gold in the keirin. Heat and storms watch: Eastern Caribbean islands are warned to expect intense heat, uneven rainfall and a potentially muted hurricane peak, with flooding risks still on the table. Local justice (French connection): A resort manager in Ballito, born in Guadeloupe, was granted R5,000 bail in a rape and sexual assault case, with the matter postponed to October 5.

Energy & Environment: Guadeloupe’s Sud-Soufrière geothermal exploration permit has been granted exclusively to Albioma for five years, covering parts of Capesterre-Belle-Eau, Gourbeyre, Saint-Claude, Trois-Rivières and Vieux-Fort (62 km²). Albioma will carry out a four-stage study plan, while any drilling still needs separate environmental authorization from the prefecture, after public consultations from 2022 to 2025. Sports (Tour Cycliste International de la Guadeloupe): Kaden Hopkins won the opening 11.9 km prologue time trial in Petit-Canal, taking the yellow jersey; Nicholas Narraway finished fifth overall after a crash in Stage Two. Health (France): A new study says French public hospital deficits are set to reach about 2.1% of revenue in 2025, around €2.3bn, with rising costs and interest payments weighing on accounts. Culture (TV): “Death in Paradise” returns for Season 15, with Ben Miller hinting he’d reprise Richard Poole in a prequel if age weren’t an issue. Climate Watch: Late wet-season forecasts point to intense heat, uneven hurricane activity and bouts of heavy rain that could raise flooding and flash-flood risks.

Tour Cycliste International de la Guadeloupe: Bermudian Nicholas Narraway finished 15th in Stage Three (Le Gosier to Capesterre-Belle-Eau) to move into 24th overall, after a crash one day earlier. Fellow rider Kaden Hopkins was 73rd on the day and sits 50th overall. Tour Cycliste International de la Guadeloupe: Hopkins had earlier taken the opening prologue win in an 11.9-km individual time trial around Petit-Canal, grabbing the first yellow jersey; Narraway placed fifth. Weather Watch: The Caribbean Climate Outlook warns of intense heat, uneven hurricane activity, and a higher risk of flooding and flash floods into the late wet season. Health Finances: A French study says public hospital deficits are set to reach about 2.1% of revenue in 2025 (around €2.3bn), with rising costs and declining investment. Sports & Business Beyond Guadeloupe: UEFA rejected FIFA’s push to sell World Cup shares to private investors; and Distillerie Bonne Mère (Guadeloupe) was named Champion International Distiller at the Melbourne spirits awards.

Tour de Guadeloupe (Cycling): Bermudian Nicholas Narraway climbed to 24th overall after finishing 15th in Stage Three (Le Gosier to Capesterre-Belle-Eau), while fellow rider Kaden Hopkins slipped to 50th after a crash-hit Stage Two and a tough Stage Three on a soft tubeless tyre. Tour de Guadeloupe (Stage One): Hopkins had earlier grabbed the opening prologue win in the 11.9-km time trial around Petit-Canal, taking the yellow jersey; Narraway finished fifth. Public Health (France): A new study says French public hospital deficits are set to reach about 2.1% of revenue in 2025 (around €2.3bn), with rising costs and weaker investment. Climate Watch (Caribbean): The late wet season may bring intense heat, uneven hurricane activity, and a higher risk of flooding and flash floods. Local Industry (Guadeloupe): A boiler explosion at Montebello Distillery killed one worker and left others critically injured; the prosecutor’s office has opened charges. Sports (UFC): Salahdine Parnasse, who carries ties including Guadeloupe, signed with the UFC and will debut in Paris on Sept. 5.

Tour de Guadeloupe: Bermudian Kaden Hopkins stormed to victory in the opening 11.9-km individual time trial around Petit-Canal, finishing in 14min 3.75sec and taking the first yellow jersey by a hair over Bogdan Zabelinsky; fellow rider Nicholas Narraway placed fifth as the race heads into the first road stage. Sports at the CAC Games: Trinidad and Tobago swimmer Nikoli Blackman won the men’s 50m freestyle gold in Santo Domingo, while Guadeloupe’s Matthias Sylvanise finished fourth in the men’s match sprint bronze contest. Industrial safety in Guadeloupe: A boiler explosion at Montebello Distillery killed one worker and left two others in critical condition, with major damage reported; prosecutors have opened charges for manslaughter and involuntary injury and an investigation is underway. Weather watch for the region: Caribbean climatologists warn of intense heat, patchy hurricane activity, and uneven rainfall through the late wet season, with elevated flood and flash-flood risk. Local culture & education: OECS named Aisha Maina as Strategic Advisor for Africa-Caribbean cooperation, while St. Martin and St. Barthélemy’s new Vice Recteur Nicole Noilhetas outlined priorities including staff stability and making posted positions more attractive.

Guadeloupe Sports: Kaden Hopkins kicked off the Tour Cycliste International de la Guadeloupe with a dominant 11.9-km time-trial win around Petit-Canal, clocking 14min 3.75sec and taking the first yellow jersey by just 0.58 seconds; teammate Nicholas Narraway finished fifth as the race heads into the first road stage. Caribbean Weather Watch: The late wet season across the region is expected to bring intense, humid heat, patchy hurricane activity, and uneven rainfall, with a risk of flooding and flash floods as storms become more disruptive. Guadeloupe Industry & Safety: A boiler explosion at Montebello Distillery in Guadeloupe killed one worker and left others critically injured; the Pointe-à-Pitre prosecutor’s office has opened a workplace manslaughter and involuntary injury case. Regional Culture & Travel: The Caribbean Rum Awards returns to St Barth as the only Caribbean-wide rum competition built around blind tasting by international judges. Sports Beyond Guadeloupe: Trinidad and Tobago’s Kwesi Browne won CAC Games keirin gold, while Guadeloupe’s Matthias Sylvanise finished fourth. EU Money Update: The ECB says Guadeloupe and other overseas territories will be included in the next phase of euro banknote design work.

Guadeloupe Cycling: Kaden Hopkins kicked off the Tour Cycliste International de la Guadeloupe with a win in the opening 11.9-km individual time trial around Petit-Canal, clocking 14min 3.75sec and taking the first yellow jersey by just 0.58 seconds. Caribbean Sports: At the CAC Games in Santo Domingo, Guadeloupe’s Matthias Sylvanise finished fourth in the men’s keirin, as Trinidad and Tobago’s Kwesi Browne took gold. Rum & Local Industry: A boiler explosion at Guadeloupe’s Montebello Distillery killed one worker and left two others critically injured; the prosecutor’s office has pressed charges and an investigation is underway. Climate Watch: Eastern Caribbean and nearby islands are bracing for intense heat, uneven rainfall and a potentially muted hurricane peak, with flooding and flash-flood risks flagged into the coming months. Caribbean Culture & Travel: The Caribbean Rum Awards returns to St Barth as the region’s only Caribbean-wide rum competition, with blind tastings and a champion crowned on the island.

Tour de Guadeloupe: Bermudian Kaden Hopkins opened the race with a win in the 11.9-km individual time trial around Petit-Canal, clocking 14min 3.75sec and taking the first yellow jersey by 0.58sec. Fellow rider Nicholas Narraway finished fifth, setting up a strong top-five start for the duo heading into the next stage. Heat & Storm Outlook: Regional forecasters warn of intense humid heat and patchy hurricane activity through the late wet season, with uneven rainfall raising the risk of flooding and flash floods across parts of the Eastern Caribbean. Guadeloupe Industry Shock: A boiler explosion at Montebello Distillery in Guadeloupe killed one worker and left others critically injured; the prosecutor’s office has opened a workplace manslaughter and involuntary injury case. Regional Football Schedule: Concacaf confirmed Nations League matchups for September-October and November, with Saint Lucia drawn in Group B alongside Barbados, Bermuda and Guadeloupe. Sports Beyond the Island: Trinidad and Tobago’s Kwesi Browne won CAC Games keirin gold, while swimmer Nikoli Blackman took men’s 50m freestyle gold for T&T.

Health Watch: A French study by Drees says public hospital deficits are set to hit about 2.1% of revenue in 2025 (around €2.3bn), after 2.7% in 2024—costs rising but wage growth slowing, while investment spending falls despite Ségur healthcare reform funding. Cycling & Community: Kaden Hopkins won the opening prologue of the Tour de Guadeloupe, taking the yellow jersey after a 11.9km time-trial win by less than a second; Nicholas Narraway finished fifth for Bermuda. Climate Alert: Caribbean climatologists warn of intense heat, uneven rainfall and a muted hurricane peak in September, with flooding and flash-flood risks still possible as the wet season runs on. Sports & Regional Ties: Concacaf Nations League scheduling is set: Saint Lucia’s Piton Boyz will face Barbados, Bermuda and Guadeloupe in Group B, with matches starting Sept. 25. Safety Incident: One worker died in a boiler explosion at Guadeloupe’s Montebello Distillery; two were critically injured and the case is under investigation. Local Culture & Travel: Dominica’s Bike Festival (July 31–Aug 3) expects 300+ riders, including visitors from Guadeloupe.