AGP Executive Report

French Guiana in Regional Football: French Guiana opened its CONCACAF Nations League campaign with a 1-0 win over Sint Maarten, scoring late through Jules Haabo, as the group stage heats up in Belize. Space & Kourou Watch: PLD Space and CNES signed an agreement to study adding a second launch pad at the Guiana Space Centre to boost capacity for MIURA 5 and MIURA 9 missions. Connectivity for the Region: EllaLink formally launched its Caribbean Gateway initiative in Cayenne, aiming to connect Cayenne to Martinique/Guadeloupe and reach Aruba, Curaçao and Bonaire, with service targeted for end-2029. Regional Mourning: CARICOM mourned the death of Gabriel Serville, President of the Territorial Collectivity of French Guiana, who helped drive French Guiana’s Associate Member status in CARICOM. Security & Illicit Mining: INTERPOL-linked warnings highlight how cocaine profits are being funneled into illegal gold mining across Guyana, French Guiana and Suriname, prompting calls for deeper financial investigations. Health Travel Rule: Costa Rica requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate for travel starting Oct. 1 to eight destinations at risk, including French Guiana.

Regional Politics & Mourning: CARICOM and regional partners mourn the death of Gabriel Serville, President of the Territorial Collectivity of French Guiana, who died Sept. 30 at Cayenne University Hospital; Serville helped push French Guiana into CARICOM as an Associate Member on July 7, 2026. Space & Kourou Watch: PLD Space and CNES signed an agreement to expand commercial launch infrastructure at the Guiana Space Centre, aiming to add a second pad at ELM-Diamant for MIURA 5/9 missions. Connectivity for the North Atlantic: EllaLink officially launched its Caribbean Gateway development phase in Cayenne, proposing a submarine cable from Cayenne to Martinique/Guadeloupe with a western leg to Aruba, Curaçao and Bonaire, targeting service by end-2029. Security & Illicit Mining: INTERPOL warned that cocaine profits are increasingly being moved into illegal gold mining across the Americas; the call echoes local concerns about pollution and cross-border mining impacts. Football (French Guiana): French Guiana opened with a 1-0 win over Sint Maarten in the CONCACAF Nations League, with the winner scored in stoppage time.

Telecom & Connectivity: EllaLink officially launched its Caribbean Gateway initiative from Cayenne, aiming to build a new open-access submarine cable linking Cayenne to Martinique and Guadeloupe, with a western leg for Aruba, Curaçao and Bonaire, targeting service by end-2029. Crime & Natural Resources: At the INTERPOL Americas conference in Georgetown, officials warned that criminal syndicates are increasingly using illegal gold mining to move and conceal cocaine profits, urging faster cross-border action and tracing the money behind mining. Regional Governance: Saint-Martin’s Executive Council approved European education funding (€2.84M), an employee meal-card contract, and a projected €1.49M court-ordered payment schedule tied to a major Computech dispute. Space & Science (Kourou link): The China-Europe SMILE mission entered science operations after commissioning, releasing first aurora images and early data, with its launch from Europe’s Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana. Public Health: Costa Rica will require a yellow fever vaccination certificate for travel starting Oct. 1 to eight destinations at risk, including French Guiana.

Space & Science from Kourou: The China-Europe SMILE mission has entered regular science operations, releasing first aurora images and data after commissioning—its ultraviolet imager captured a full northern lights ring around the North Pole, helping scientists study how solar wind drives space weather that can disrupt satellites and power grids. Regional Mobility Pressure: Saint Lucia and other OECS states with Citizenship by Investment Programmes face a hard EU deadline—either end CIPs by 2027/2028 or risk losing visa-free Schengen access. Caribbean Connectivity in French Guiana: EllaLink launched the EllaLink Caribbean Gateway initiative, starting the investment phase for a new submarine cable system running from Cayenne to Martinique and Guadeloupe, with a western segment serving Aruba, Curaçao and Bonaire, targeted for service by end-2029. Security & Illicit Economies: INTERPOL warned at its Americas conference that criminal syndicates are increasingly shifting cocaine profits into illegal gold mining, citing coordinated operations involving Guyana, Brazil, French Guiana and Suriname. Regional Telecom Leadership: Konris Maynard was elected President of the Caribbean Telecommunications Union during CTU ICT Week in French Guiana.

Space & Science: The China–Europe SMILE mission has entered science operations, sharing first solar-wind and magnetosphere observations; launched from Europe’s Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana, it aims to improve space-weather forecasting. Telecom Connectivity: EllaLink officially launched its EllaLink Caribbean Gateway initiative, starting the investment phase for a new submarine cable system running from Cayenne to Martinique and Guadeloupe, with western links to Aruba, Curaçao and Bonaire—target service by end-2029. Regional Digital Policy: CTU ICT Week 2026 in Cayenne put Caribbean digital transformation on the agenda, with Trinidad and Tobago pushing digital government and AI priorities and St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ Minister Phillip Jackson highlighting AI governance and digital inclusion. Security & Crime: INTERPOL warned at its Americas conference that criminal syndicates are increasingly laundering cocaine profits through illegal gold mining, citing coordinated operations involving Guyana, Brazil, French Guiana and Suriname. Public Health Travel: Costa Rica will require a yellow fever vaccination certificate for travelers to eight higher-risk destinations starting Oct. 1, including French Guiana. Sports (CONCACAF): French Guiana’s national team beat Sint Maarten 1-0 in the Nations League, while Belize opened with a win over Sint Maarten and set up another matchday against St. Vincent & the Grenadines.

CTU ICT Week in Cayenne: Trinidad and Tobago used CTU ICT Week 2026 in French Guiana to push a regional agenda on digital government, AI, inclusion and cybersecurity, with CTU President Dominic Smith and iGovTT among the key voices. New Caribbean connectivity push: EllaLink officially launched the EllaLink Caribbean Gateway, a submarine cable corridor starting in Cayenne and linking Martinique, Guadeloupe, plus western branches for Aruba, Curaçao and Bonaire, aiming for service by end-2029. Regional telecom leadership: St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ Phillip Jackson was elected CTU Vice-President, while Konris Maynard was named CTU President during the CTU General Conference in French Guiana. Crime and intelligence sharing: At the INTERPOL Americas conference in Georgetown, officials warned that criminals are shifting cocaine profits into illegal gold mining and stressed faster cross-border intelligence sharing, citing Operation Guyana Shield as a model. Space from French Guiana: ESA launched Sentinel-3C and FLEX on a Vega C rocket from French Guiana, boosting climate and ocean monitoring.

INTERPOL Crackdown on Illicit Gold: At the INTERPOL Americas conference in Georgetown, officials warned that cocaine profits are increasingly being laundered through illegal gold mining, pointing to coordinated “Guyana Shield” action across Guyana, Brazil, French Guiana and Suriname that netted gold, timber, mercury trails, and hundreds of arrests. Cross-Border Intelligence Sharing: Guyana’s PM Mark Phillips stressed that delays in sharing information across borders can let criminals move people and money before investigators connect the dots. Regional Tech Leadership in French Guiana: CTU ICT Week 2026 in French Guiana saw Minister Phillip Jackson and others push digital governance and AI policy, while St. Kitts and Nevis’ Konris Maynard was elected CTU president. Space From Kourou: ESA launched Sentinel-3C and FLEX from the European Spaceport in French Guiana, boosting climate and ocean monitoring. Sports—French Guiana in CONCACAF: French Guiana’s Nations League campaign continues as it prepares for matches tied to the Gold Cup race. Travel Rule—Yellow Fever Docs: Costa Rica will require a yellow fever vaccination certificate for travelers to eight new destinations starting Oct. 1, including French Guiana.

Yellow Fever Rules for Travelers: Costa Rica will require a digital yellow fever vaccination certificate for trips starting Oct. 1 to eight higher-risk destinations, including French Guiana, with proof needed at least 10 days before travel. CONCACAF Nations League—French Guiana in Focus: The September window keeps rolling with French Guiana facing Sint Maarten in Group B (Belmopan, Belize) and other Caribbean matchups shaping Gold Cup qualification paths. Belize Jaguars Start Strong: Belize’s Jaguars opened their Nations League campaign with a 1-0 win over Sint Maarten, with Nahjib Guerra scoring, and now turn to matches against Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and French Guiana. Regional Crime Crackdown: INTERPOL warned that cocaine profits are increasingly being laundered through illegal gold mining, pointing to coordinated operations involving Guyana, Brazil, French Guiana and Suriname. CTU ICT Week in French Guiana: Caribbean telecom leaders met in French Guiana, with Minister Phillip Jackson and others pushing regional coordination on AI, cybersecurity, and digital inclusion. Space from Kourou: ESA launched new Earth-observation satellites from French Guiana—Sentinel-3C and FLEX—boosting climate and ocean monitoring. Ferry Disruption: Passengers remain stranded as the Guyana–Suriname MV Canawaima stays halted despite a proposed technical rehabilitation plan.

INTERPOL & Cross-Border Crime: At the INTERPOL Americas conference in Georgetown, officials warned that drug profits are increasingly being laundered through illegal gold mining, citing Operation Guyana Shield and stressing that delays in sharing intelligence let criminals stay ahead. Regional Security Crackdown: Operation ATLAS NEXUS wrapped up with more than 490 arrests and 156.9 tonnes seized across Latin America, the Caribbean and Europe, targeting drugs, firearms, document fraud, human trafficking and environmental crime. CTU ICT Week in French Guiana: Caribbean telecom leaders met in French territory as Minister Phillip Jackson pushed AI governance and Minister Dominic Smith called for coordinated regional digital strategies. CTU Leadership Change: St Vincent and the Grenadines’ Konris Maynard was elected CTU President during the 32nd General Conference in French Guiana. Space From Kourou: ESA launched Sentinel-3C and FLEX from the European Spaceport in French Guiana, boosting Earth monitoring for oceans, land and climate. Maritime Disruption: Passengers were stranded after the Guyana–Suriname ferry M.V. Canawaima was halted, with a technical assessment proposing further service but no official restart clearance.

Football & CONCACAF: Belize’s Jaguars opened their Concacaf Nations League campaign with a 1-0 win over Sint Maarten, with Nahjib Guerra scoring in the 52nd minute; Belize next face Saint Vincent and the Grenadines on Sept. 29 and then French Guiana on Oct. 3. Regional Football: Saint Vincent and the Grenadines’ Vincy Heat are in Belize aiming for 2027 Gold Cup qualification, starting with a Sept. 26 clash vs French Guiana and followed by matches against Belize and Sint Maarten. Crime & Security: INTERPOL warned at its Americas conference that cocaine profits are increasingly being laundered through illegal gold mining, pointing to Operation Guyana Shield as a model of cross-border action. Cross-border Crackdown: Operation ATLAS NEXUS wrapped up with 490+ arrests and major seizures across Latin America, the Caribbean and Europe, including drugs, firearms, wildlife and gold. Space & French Guiana: ESA launched Sentinel-3C and FLEX from the European Spaceport in French Guiana, boosting Earth observation for oceans, land and climate monitoring. Digital Policy in the Region: CTU ICT Week 2026 in French Guiana highlighted Caribbean efforts to coordinate AI and digital governance, with regional leaders calling for shared capability and stronger cybersecurity.

Football & Regional Qualifiers: St Vincent and the Grenadines’ senior men’s team, Vincy Heat, are in Belize for four matches in the Sept/Oct FIFA window, aiming to qualify for the 2027 Concacaf Gold Cup. Their key opener is Sept 26 in Belmopan vs French Guiana, then Belize on Sept 29, followed by back-to-back games vs St Maarten on Oct 3 and 6. Crime & Illicit Gold: INTERPOL warned at the Americas conference in Georgetown that criminal syndicates are increasingly laundering cocaine profits through illegal gold mining, pointing to Operation Guyana Shield across Guyana, Brazil, French Guiana and Suriname. Cross-Border Policing: Guyana’s PM Mark Phillips stressed faster intelligence sharing across borders, citing coordinated action during Operation Guyana Shield. CTU Leadership in French Guiana: CTU ICT Week 2026 in French Guiana saw St Vincent’s Minister Phillip Jackson attend ministerial events, while St Kitts and Nevis’ Konris Maynard was elected CTU President. Space From Kourou: ESA launched Sentinel-3C and FLEX from French Guiana on Vega-C, boosting Earth climate monitoring; EU officials also pushed for more autonomous launch capacity. Maritime Disruption: Passengers stranded at Guyana’s Moleson Creek after Suriname halted the M.V. Canawaima ferry, with a technical assessment proposing more time but no official clearance yet.

INTERPOL Americas Conference: Police chiefs meeting in Georgetown warned that cocaine profits are increasingly being laundered through illegal gold mining, citing cross-border operations like “Guyana Shield” that netted gold, timber, mercury trails, and hundreds of arrests. Cross-border policing: Prime Minister Mark Phillips stressed that intelligence only works if it reaches the officers who can act, urging faster sharing across borders. Regional crime crackdown: Operation ATLAS NEXUS wrapped up with more than 490 arrests and 156.9 tonnes of drugs seized across Latin America, the Caribbean and Europe, targeting drug trafficking, human trafficking, document fraud, firearms and environmental crime. Maritime rights under climate pressure: The UN General Assembly adopted a declaration to keep legally established maritime zones stable as sea levels rise, protecting small island states’ sovereignty and ocean rights. Space from French Guiana: ESA launched Sentinel-3C and FLEX from Kourou on a Vega C rocket, boosting Earth and climate monitoring. Connectivity for Cayenne: EllaLink says branching units for future Pará and Maranhão cable links were laid on the seabed, keeping Cayenne connected to Europe’s network. Football (local relevance): St Vincent’s “Vincy Heat” begin CONCACAF Gold Cup qualification in Belize on Sept. 26, facing French Guiana.

INTERPOL Americas Conference: Criminal syndicates across the region are increasingly laundering cocaine profits through illegal gold mining, with INTERPOL pointing to Operation Guyana Shield as a model for tracking both goods and money. Cross-border policing: Prime Minister Mark Phillips warned that delays in sharing intelligence across borders can give offenders the edge, stressing the need for fast, lawful information flow. Regional crackdown: Operation ATLAS NEXUS wrapped up with 490+ arrests and 156.9 tonnes seized, targeting drugs, people, documents, firearms and environmental crime across Latin America, the Caribbean and Europe. CTU ICT Week in French Guiana: Caribbean telecom leaders used the event to push AI, cybersecurity and digital policy coordination, as St. Vincent and the Grenadines and St. Kitts & Nevis officials took top CTU roles. Space from Kourou: ESA launched Sentinel-3C and FLEX from French Guiana, boosting Earth monitoring for oceans, land and atmosphere. Maritime disruption: Passengers remain stranded after the Guyana–Suriname ferry M.V. Canawaima was halted over technical concerns, with no official restart clearance yet.

CTU ICT Week in French Guiana: St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ Minister Phillip Jackson has been elected Vice-President of the Caribbean Telecommunications Union (CTU), with the election held during CTU ICT Week 2026 in Cayenne; CTU leadership shift: St. Kitts and Nevis’ Konris Maynard was elected CTU President on 23 September, as ministers push regional priorities on resilience, inclusion, cybersecurity and AI; Cross-border crime focus: INTERPOL says cocaine profits are increasingly being laundered through illegal gold mining, while Prime Minister Mark Phillips warns that delayed intelligence sharing gives criminals an edge; Regional security push: Guyana is calling for faster, more coordinated action against transnational organised crime as the INTERPOL Americas conference gets underway; Space from Kourou: ESA’s Sentinel-3C and FLEX missions were launched from French Guiana, boosting climate and ocean monitoring; Ferry disruption: Passengers remain stranded after Suriname halted the Guyana–Suriname MV Canawaima, with a technical assessment proposing more time but not an official restart.

Cross-border crime: INTERPOL says cocaine profits are increasingly being laundered through illegal gold mining, pointing to Operation Guyana Shield as a model for tracking both goods and money. Intelligence sharing: Guyana’s PM Mark Phillips warned that delays in passing information across borders can give criminals the edge, urging faster use of INTERPOL notices and secure communications. Regional crackdown: Operation ATLAS NEXUS wrapped up with 490+ arrests and 156.9 tonnes of drugs seized across 35 countries, targeting drug trafficking, firearms, document fraud, human trafficking and environmental crime. French Guiana in the spotlight (space): ESA launched Sentinel-3C and FLEX from Kourou to boost Earth and climate monitoring, while EU officials pushed for stronger autonomous access to space using the spaceport in French Guiana. ICT leadership in the region: CTU ICT Week 2026 in French Guiana saw ministers call for coordinated digital policy and AI governance across Caribbean states. Transport disruption: Passengers remain stranded after the Guyana–Suriname ferry M.V. Canawaima was halted over technical concerns, with no official restart clearance yet.

Regional Security: Guyana’s PM Mark Phillips urged faster, coordinated action against transnational organised crime as INTERPOL’s Americas conference opens in Georgetown, warning criminals exploit ports, waterways, finance, cybercrime, money laundering, illegal mining and resource trafficking. Cross-Border Policing: Phillips stressed intelligence only works when shared quickly and lawfully across jurisdictions, pointing to Operation Guyana Shield’s regional cooperation with Brazil, French Guiana and Suriname. CTU Leadership in French Guiana: Konris Maynard was elected President of the Caribbean Telecommunications Union during CTU ICT Week 2026 in French territory, as ministers push stronger regional coordination on AI, data governance, inclusion and cybersecurity. Space From Kourou: ESA’s Sentinel-3C and FLEX satellites launched from French Guiana on Vega-C, boosting climate and ocean monitoring. Ferry Disruption: Passengers stranded at Moleson Creek after Suriname halted the M.V. Canawaima, with a technical assessment proposing more service time but no official restart clearance. Digital Connectivity: EllaLink says branching units for future Brazilian Amazon links were laid on the seabed during Lum@link, with Cayenne as the French Guiana landing point. Crime Crackdown Link: Operation ATLAS NEXUS wrapped up with 490+ arrests and 156.9 tonnes seized across 35 countries, including Guyana.