AGP Executive Report

Festival & Arts: Festival International de Louisiane marks its 40th anniversary, born from 1980s economic hardship in Lafayette, and now drawing about 300,000 attendees over five days—plus a panel on the “Future of Festivals” at the State of the Arts Symposium. Travel & Lifestyle (Guadeloupe): Air Canada adds a new seasonal nonstop link from Quebec City to Pointe-à-Pitre, weekly on Thursdays from Dec. 17, 2026 to April 8, 2027, boosting winter access to the French Caribbean. Culture & Memory (France/Guadeloupe): France repeals the Code Noir slavery decree, but critics say it’s symbolic without real justice—amid ongoing harms tied to slavery’s legacy and present-day impacts in territories like Guadeloupe. Food & Drink (Caribbean): The 2026 International Wine & Spirit Competition names Gold Outstanding rum winners, with Guadeloupe among the medal-winning islands. Sports & Culture: FIFA World Cup 2026 coverage highlights how global music and cultural collaborations will show up at major venues and ceremonies.

Air Travel & Lifestyle: Air Canada is adding a new weekly nonstop link between Quebec City and Pointe-à-Pitre (Guadeloupe), launching Dec. 17, 2026 to April 8, 2027, with Thursday flights and a smaller, fuel-efficient A220-300—good news for easier winter getaways and family visits. Culture & Arts: Festival International de Louisiane marks its 40th anniversary, born in tough economic times in Lafayette, and now drawing about 300,000 attendees over five days—plus a panel discussion on the future of festivals. Rum & Local Pride: The International Wine & Spirit Competition named 2026 Gold Outstanding rum winners, with Barbados’ Foursquare leading and Guadeloupe among the islands recognized—another spotlight on Caribbean craft spirits. Heritage & Memory: France repealed the Code Noir in 2026, but critics say it’s symbolic “memorial theater” without real repair—while Guadeloupe and other Caribbean communities continue to face long-term harms tied to slavery and later environmental contamination. Regional Connectivity: New airline interline partnerships across the Caribbean aim to make island-hopping less painful by simplifying itineraries and reducing extra baggage fees and layovers.

Airlift for Guadeloupe: Air Canada is launching a new nonstop seasonal route between Quebec City and Pointe-à-Pitre, with weekly Thursday flights from Dec. 17, 2026 to April 8, 2027—another boost for eastern Canada’s access to the French Caribbean. Caribbean travel trends: A new wave of direct flights is making “off-the-grid” islands easier to reach, with a spotlight on four “safest” lesser-visited destinations. Regional connectivity: New airline partnerships across the Eastern Caribbean aim to ease fragmented regional airlift, helping passengers connect more smoothly between nearby islands. France and slavery memory: France’s National Assembly voted to repeal the Code Noir, a symbolic step that critics say still leaves the deeper question of repair and reparations unanswered—especially for Caribbean descendants. Guadeloupe in the spotlight: A reflection on France’s commemorations highlights ongoing impacts of chlordecone contamination in Guadeloupe and Martinique, linking public memory to lived health realities. Culture & sport crossover: FIFA World Cup 2026 stadiums and opening-ceremony music are being framed through global cultural collaboration, including a Bollywood presence. Rum culture: The IWSC 2026 named top rum winners, with Guadeloupe among the medal-winning islands.

New Air Link to Guadeloupe: Air Canada will launch a new weekly nonstop route from Quebec City to Pointe-à-Pitre, starting Dec. 17, 2026 (every Thursday through April 8, 2027), adding another easy gateway for eastern Canadians. Caribbean Travel Culture: Broader airline partnerships across the region aim to fix “fragmented airlift,” making it simpler to hop between nearby islands without extra tickets, fees, and overnight waits. Rum & Local Pride: The International Wine & Spirit Competition named 2026 Gold Outstanding rum winners, with Barbados’ Foursquare leading and Guadeloupe among the Caribbean islands recognized—another spotlight on island craft. France, Slavery, and What Comes Next: France repealed the Code Noir in a unanimous vote, but critics say it’s symbolic without real repair—while Guadeloupe and Martinique continue to face long-term impacts tied to chlordecone contamination. Sports & Culture Crossovers: FIFA World Cup 2026 stadiums are set across North America, with branding rules shaping how venues are presented—plus India’s Bollywood presence at the opening ceremony shows how global sport keeps pulling in new cultural voices.

Air Travel & Lifestyle: Air Canada is adding a new seasonal nonstop route between Quebec City and Pointe-à-Pitre (Guadeloupe), weekly on Thursdays from Dec. 17, 2026 to April 8, 2027—another boost for eastern Canada’s access to the islands. Culture & Memory: France’s National Assembly voted unanimously to repeal the Code Noir, but critics say it’s “symbolic without substance,” while Guadeloupe and other Caribbean communities still live with the long fallout of slavery and its aftermath. Health & Environment: A reminder of that legacy’s lingering impact: French health authorities estimate over 90% of Martinique and Guadeloupe populations carry traces of chlordecone, a pesticide tied to long-term environmental contamination and serious health concerns. Caribbean Arts & Media: A new push argues the Caribbean could become a stronger media hub for film, TV, and digital storytelling—leveraging local talent, production capacity, and global audiences. Sports & Global Spotlight: FIFA World Cup 2026 stadiums across North America will use official (often sponsor-free) naming rules, with ticketing controversies still in the spotlight.

Aviation & Access: Air Canada is adding a new nonstop seasonal route between Quebec City and Pointe-à-Pitre (Guadeloupe), with weekly Thursday flights from Dec. 17, 2026 to April 8, 2027—another boost for eastern Canada’s links to the French Caribbean. Culture & Memory: France has repealed the Code Noir (the 1685 decree that legalized slavery in the colonies), but writers and activists stress it’s symbolic “memorial theater” without real repair—while Guadeloupe and other Caribbean territories continue to live with the long fallout. Health & Heritage: A reminder of the ongoing legacy of chlordecone in Martinique and Guadeloupe, tied to long-term environmental contamination and serious health impacts. Caribbean Travel & Lifestyle: New airline partnerships across the region aim to ease fragmented regional airlift, making island-hopping less costly and complicated. Local Taste & Lifestyle: The IWSC 2026 spotlighted premium rum, with Gold Outstanding medals heavily represented by Caribbean producers including Guadeloupe.

Airlift & Travel: Air Canada is adding a new nonstop Quebec City–Pointe-à-Pitre route to Guadeloupe, with weekly flights starting Dec. 17, 2026 (every Thursday) through April 8, 2027—another boost for connections from eastern Canada. Culture & Identity: At the FIFA World Cup opening in Toronto on June 12, Bollywood star Nora Fatehi will perform “Siir Siir,” teaming with French singer Vegedream, with Indian choreographers and dancers behind the scenes—an upbeat reminder of how sport is becoming a stage for cross-border culture. Caribbean Media: A new look at the region’s creative potential argues the Caribbean could be more than tourism—pushing film, TV and digital storytelling as a real media hub. History & Justice: France’s repeal of the Code Noir is framed as symbolic progress without real repair, while Guadeloupe and other Caribbean communities continue to live with long-term harms tied to colonial legacies. Regional Cooperation: New airline partnerships across the Caribbean aim to ease fragmented travel between islands, making it easier to move for work, study and healthcare.

Airlift for island life: Air Canada is launching a new nonstop Quebec City–Pointe-à-Pitre route, weekly on Thursdays from Dec. 17, 2026 to April 8, 2027, adding another gateway for Guadeloupe alongside its existing Montreal and seasonal Toronto links. Colonial memory vs real repair: France has voted unanimously to repeal the Code Noir (the 1685 decree on slavery), but critics say it’s mostly symbolic since it carried no legal force—while the debate over reparations and accountability continues. Health and the long shadow of slavery: A reflection on France’s ceremonies around the Taubira law highlights ongoing impacts in Guadeloupe and Martinique, including widespread chlordecone contamination and related health concerns. Culture on the global stage: India may miss FIFA 2026 qualification, but Bollywood star Nora Fatehi is set to perform at the opening ceremony with “Siir Siir,” underscoring how sport is increasingly mixing music, dance, and cross-border identities. Regional connectivity push: New airline interline partnerships across the Caribbean aim to make hopping between nearby islands easier and cheaper, tackling the hassle of separate tickets and layovers. Caribbean as a media hub: A feature argues the region could do more in film, TV, and digital storytelling—building on talent and locations to capture a bigger share of global screen production. Anti-colonial activism spotlight: Coverage continues around the Baku Initiative Group and its international outreach, including events involving French Caribbean territories like Guadeloupe.

Airlift for island life: Air Canada is adding a new weekly nonstop Quebec City–Pointe-à-Pitre route, launching Dec. 17, 2026 to April 8, 2027 (every Thursday), giving Guadeloupe another direct gateway from eastern Canada. Colonial memory vs real repair: France has voted to repeal the Code Noir, but critics say it’s mostly symbolic since it carried no legal force after slavery’s abolition—while Guadeloupe and other Caribbean communities still live with the long fallout. Health and heritage in the spotlight: A ceremony tied to France’s slavery-recognition law also raised uncomfortable questions about patriotism when legacies like chlordecone contamination continue to affect Martinique and Guadeloupe. Culture on the global stage: Nora Fatehi (with Vegedream and Sanjoy) is set to perform “Siir Siir” at the FIFA World Cup opening ceremony, highlighting cross-border artistic collaboration and Indian creative talent. Regional connectivity push: New interline partnerships across Caribbean carriers aim to make hopping between nearby islands less costly and less stressful for travelers. Cinema and storytelling: A look at how the Caribbean could grow as a media hub spotlights the region’s talent, production capacity, and global audience reach.

New Direct Flights to Guadeloupe: Air Canada will launch a new nonstop Quebec City–Pointe-à-Pitre route, weekly on Thursdays from Dec. 17, 2026 to Apr. 8, 2027, adding to its growing Caribbean network. Regional Connectivity Boost: LIAT Air announces a new direct Guadeloupe–Jamaica service starting July 14, 2026, with flights between Pointe-à-Pitre and Montego Bay timed for the July 12–18 Reggae Festival. Health & Justice in the French West Indies: France’s National Assembly voted unanimously to have the state acknowledge “partial responsibility” for chlordecone (Kepone) contamination in Guadeloupe and Martinique, linked to long-term harms including prostate cancer. Colonial Memory, Still Unfinished: France also repealed the Code Noir in a unanimous vote, but critics say it’s symbolic without real reparations—an issue that resonates strongly in the Caribbean. Culture on the Global Stage: Even without qualifying, India’s FIFA 2026 presence will be felt through Bollywood star Nora Fatehi’s opening-ceremony performance and cross-border music and choreography. Travel Beyond the Resort: A new travel show highlights how village-led access around St. Lucia’s Gros Piton can protect culture and local livelihoods against mass tourism. Caribbean Airlift Fix: New airline partnerships across the region aim to reduce costly, fragmented island-hopping by enabling smoother connections.

Airlift & Tourism: Air Canada will add a new weekly nonstop Quebec City–Pointe-à-Pitre route, starting Dec. 17, 2026 (Thursdays) through April 8, 2027, joining its growing Guadeloupe network. Regional Connectivity: LIAT Air announces direct Pointe-à-Pitre–Montego Bay service from July 14, 2026 (Tuesdays/Saturdays outbound; Wednesdays/Sundays return), timed ahead of Jamaica’s Reggae Festival (July 12–18). Culture & Identity: France’s National Assembly voted unanimously to repeal the Code Noir (the 1685 slavery decree), but commentators warn it’s symbolic “memorial theater” without real justice—while Guadeloupe and Martinique still live with long-term harms like chlordecone contamination. Arts & Screen: Antonin Baudry’s “De Gaulle: Résistance” lands as Pathé’s next big historical epic, continuing France’s push for large-scale event filmmaking. Music at FIFA 2026: Even without qualification, India’s cultural presence will be visible at the World Cup opening via Bollywood star Nora Fatehi’s live performance of “Siir Siir.”

Health & Justice in the French Caribbean: France’s National Assembly has voted unanimously to repeal the 1685 Code Noir, the “Black Code” that legally treated enslaved people as property—an important symbolic step, but one that still leaves reparations and real accountability on the table. Toxic Legacy Accountability: Lawmakers also backed a bill recognizing the state’s partial responsibility for chlordecone (Kepone) use in Guadeloupe and Martinique, despite health warnings—linked to cancers and long-term environmental damage affecting nearly 90% of residents. Culture & Memory: A new “Mast of Fraternity and Memory” memorial in Nantes highlights the slave trade’s human cost, with descendants from Guadeloupe and Martinique and descendants of slave traders working side by side. Travel & Lifestyle: LIAT Air will launch direct flights between Guadeloupe (Pointe-à-Pitre) and Jamaica (Montego Bay) from July 14, timed to boost arrivals for Jamaica’s 2026 Reggae Festival. Regional Connectivity: New airline partnerships across the Caribbean aim to ease fragmented airlift, making island-hopping less costly and more practical. Caribbean Media Ambition: A fresh look at how the region could grow as a film and TV media hub beyond “resort-only” tourism.

Colonial Health Reckoning: French lawmakers voted unanimously to acknowledge the state’s partial responsibility for chlordecone (Kepone) use in Guadeloupe and Martinique, with MPs citing long-term health and environmental harm after the pesticide was allowed despite warnings. Legal Symbol Turn: France’s National Assembly unanimously repealed the Code Noir, the 1685 “Black Code” that treated enslaved people as property—an overdue step that still leaves reparations questions open. Air Connectivity for Culture & Travel: LIAT Air announced direct flights between Guadeloupe (Pointe-à-Pitre) and Jamaica (Montego Bay) starting July 14, timed ahead of Jamaica’s Reggae Festival and expected to boost tourism and easier movement for visitors and families. Culture on Screen: Antonin Baudry’s “De Gaulle: Résistance” lands as Pathé’s big historical epic, continuing France’s push for large-scale cinema that links past narratives to today. Caribbean Media Dream: A New York-based piece argues the Caribbean could become a stronger global media hub beyond resort tourism, pointing to talent, production capacity, and diaspora reach. Memory & Activism: A report highlights the “Mast of Fraternity and Memory” in Nantes, honoring enslaved Africans shipped to the Caribbean and linking remembrance to present-day responsibility.

Code Noir Repeal: France’s National Assembly voted unanimously (254-0) to repeal the 1685 Code Noir, the “Black Code” that legally treated enslaved people as property—an overdue step after slavery was abolished in 1848, but still seen by many as largely symbolic without reparations. Health & Justice in the French Caribbean: Lawmakers also acknowledged the state’s partial responsibility for allowing chlordecone (Kepone) to be used in Guadeloupe and Martinique despite warnings, with nearly 90% contamination reported and links to cancers and long-term harm. Local Memory & Culture: A Nantes memorial project, the “Mast of Fraternity and Memory,” ties today’s activism to the transatlantic slave trade—using a ship’s mast as a public reminder and call for responsibility. Travel & Lifestyle: LIAT Air will launch direct flights between Guadeloupe and Jamaica in July, boosting connectivity for culture and tourism, while new airline partnerships aim to ease the Caribbean’s fragmented airlift. Caribbean Media Ideas: A new discussion asks what it would take for the Caribbean to become a stronger media hub for film and digital storytelling.

Colonial Reckoning in France: France’s National Assembly has unanimously voted to repeal the 1685 Code Noir, the “Black Code” that legally treated enslaved people as property—an overdue step after slavery was abolished in 1848, but one that still leaves many demanding real reparations and deeper change. Health & Justice in the French Caribbean: Lawmakers also acknowledged the state’s partial responsibility for the long use of chlordecone (Kepone) in Guadeloupe and Martinique despite warnings, with research cited saying nearly 90% of residents were contaminated and linking the pesticide to cancers and other long-term harms. Guadeloupe in the Spotlight: A ceremony tied to the Taubira law’s anniversary in France highlighted the tension between patriotic symbolism and the lived consequences of slavery and colonial policy for overseas descendants. Travel & Lifestyle: LIAT Air will launch direct flights between Guadeloupe and Jamaica in July, while new airline partnerships across the region aim to make island-hopping less costly and more seamless. Culture & Media: A new push argues the Caribbean could become a stronger media hub for film and TV—building on talent, locations, and global audience reach.

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 people as “movable property,” a long-awaited symbolic step that now heads to the Senate. Colonial Reckoning in France: Port cities and memory groups are renewing debate over plaques, museums, street names, and how to face slavery’s legacy beyond gestures. Chlordecone Accountability: French lawmakers also backed a bill recognizing the state’s partial responsibility for allowing the toxic pesticide chlordecone (Kepone) to be used in Guadeloupe and Martinique despite warnings, with health harms affecting large shares of residents. Guadeloupe in the Spotlight: A Baku Initiative Group controversy keeps mentioning Guadeloupe among territories tied to anti-colonial activism, while French lawmakers’ colonial decisions continue to reverberate. Travel & Lifestyle: LIAT Air will launch direct Montego Bay–Pointe-à-Pitre flights from July 14, and new airline partnerships aim to ease fragmented Caribbean airlift—good news for island hopping and culture tourism. Caribbean Media Idea: A new discussion asks what it would take for the Caribbean to become a stronger media hub for film and digital storytelling.