AGP Executive Report

Public Health: French Guiana is launching a chikungunya vaccination drive as cases surge, with 2,500 doses ordered and priority for people over 65 and those with underlying conditions, alongside intensified mosquito control. Aviation & Connectivity: LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes signed an interline deal to let travelers book across both networks on one ticket with checked baggage through to the final destination, linking Guyana and the Eastern Caribbean with French Caribbean hubs including French Guiana and onward to Paris Orly. Space & Jobs in Kourou: PLD Space announced a €35 million investment to expand its Guiana Space Centre launch complex for MIURA 5, with most spending flowing into the French industrial ecosystem and local French Guiana firms. Regional Diplomacy: President Macron reaffirmed France’s support for Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity amid the Essequibo dispute at the ICJ, highlighting cooperation in the Guiana Shield and noting French Armed Forces participation in Independence events. Law & History: France’s National Assembly voted 254-0 to repeal the Code Noir, the 1685 slavery decree that kept enslaved people legally classified as property long after abolition.

Public Health: French Guiana’s ARS has launched a chikungunya vaccination drive as cases surge, ordering 2,500 doses to protect people most at risk of severe illness, especially those over 65 and those with underlying conditions. Health Response: The campaign offers free, doctor-prescribed Vimkunya and Ixchiq vaccines, while authorities step up mosquito control—destroying breeding sites, running awareness efforts, and limiting stagnant water, particularly in western French Guiana where most cases are concentrated. Aviation & Connectivity: LIAT Air and Air Caraïbes signed an interline agreement to make Caribbean-to-Europe travel easier, with single-ticket booking and through-checked baggage across networks linking Guadeloupe, Martinique, French Guiana and the wider Eastern Caribbean. Space & Industry: PLD Space announced a €35 million investment to expand its Kourou launch complex at the Guiana Space Centre, with €13 million earmarked for local French Guiana companies. Law & History: France’s National Assembly voted 254-0 to repeal the Code Noir, ending a slavery-era law that had remained on the books long after abolition.

Aviation & Connectivity: Air France is running an unusual Miami–Guadeloupe Airbus A320 service that also links onward to French Caribbean islands and French Guiana, part of an island-hopping network that now flies direct after security issues and an FAA ban affected Haiti. Regional Travel Boost: LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes signed an interline deal letting passengers book on one ticket with checked baggage through to the final destination, improving connections between Eastern Caribbean routes and Air Caraïbes services from Guadeloupe, Martinique and French Guiana (effective June 1, 2026). Space & Local Industry: PLD Space announced a €35 million investment to expand its Kourou launch-complex work at the Guiana Space Centre, with €22 million staying in the French industrial ecosystem and €13 million earmarked for more than 20 French Guiana firms. Sovereignty Watch: President Macron reaffirmed France’s support for Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity amid the Essequibo dispute at the ICJ. Historic Legal Step: France’s National Assembly voted 254-0 to repeal the Code Noir, the 1685 slavery law that treated enslaved people as “movable property,” with Senate approval still pending.

Air Travel & Connectivity: Air France is keeping an unusual Miami–Guadeloupe link running with the Airbus A320, part of an island-hopping network that can connect onward to Martinique and French Guiana before reaching Brazil, with the route now flying direct after security issues and an FAA ban disrupted a Haiti stop. Regional Aviation: LIAT Air (Antigua) and Air Caraïbes (Guadeloupe, Martinique, French Guiana) have launched an interline deal from June 1, letting passengers book on one ticket, check baggage through to the final destination, and travel more smoothly between English- and French-speaking Caribbean routes and onward to Paris Orly. Space & Local Industry: PLD Space says it will invest €35 million in its Kourou launch complex at the Guiana Space Centre, with €13 million earmarked for more than 20 French Guiana companies. Sovereignty & Diplomacy: President Macron reaffirmed France’s support for Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity amid the Essequibo dispute at the ICJ. History & Law: France’s National Assembly voted 254-0 to repeal the Code Noir, the 1685 slavery-era decree that treated enslaved people as “movable property,” with Senate approval still pending.

Aviation Connectivity: LIAT (2020) Limited and Air Caraïbes have launched an interline agreement from June 1, 2026, letting passengers book seamless Caribbean-to-Europe journeys on one ticket, with baggage checked through to the final destination—linking LIAT’s Antigua hub (including Guyana and French Guiana connections) with Air Caraïbes services from Guadeloupe and Martinique to Paris-Orly. Space & Local Economy: PLD Space says it will invest €35 million in its Kourou launch complex at the Guiana Space Centre, with €22 million spent across France and €13 million earmarked for 20+ companies based in French Guiana, aiming to boost European sovereign access to orbit. Regional Diplomacy: President Macron reaffirmed France’s support for Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity in a letter to President Irfaan Ali, referencing the Essequibo dispute before the ICJ and highlighting cooperation across the Guiana Shield. Historical Reckoning: France’s National Assembly voted 254-0 to repeal the slavery-era Code Noir, a 1685 decree that kept colonial slavery rules on the books long after abolition.

Air Travel Boost: LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes have signed an interline agreement starting June 1, 2026, letting passengers book one itinerary on a single ticket across both networks, with baggage checked through to the final destination—aimed at making Caribbean–Europe connections smoother, including links via Guadeloupe, Martinique and French Guiana. Space Investment in Kourou: PLD Space says it will pour €35 million into its Guiana Space Centre launch-complex at Kourou (2025–2026), with €22 million staying in France and €13 million earmarked for 20+ local firms in French Guiana, supporting European sovereign launch capacity. Macron on Guyana: France’s President Emmanuel Macron reaffirmed support for Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity in a letter marking Guyana’s 60th independence anniversary, pointing to the ICJ Essequibo case and promising deeper cooperation. Law and History: France’s National Assembly voted 254–0 to repeal the slavery-era Code Noir, a 1685 decree that had never been formally removed from French law, with the change now headed to the Senate.

Space & Jobs in Kourou: PLD Space says it’s investing €35m in its MIURA 5 launch complex at the Guiana Space Centre, with €22m spent in France and €13m going to 20+ firms based in French Guiana, aiming to generate about €21m in local value added and support hundreds of construction jobs. Caribbean–Europe Travel: LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes signed an interline deal starting June 1, 2026, letting passengers book on one ticket and check baggage through across networks linking French Guiana, the French Caribbean, and the Eastern Caribbean to Europe. Guyana–France Diplomacy: President Macron reaffirmed France’s support for Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity in a letter tied to the Essequibo dispute at the ICJ, highlighting cooperation through the Guiana Shield and noting French Armed Forces participation in French Guiana events. Historic Legal Change: France’s National Assembly voted 254-0 to repeal the slavery-era Code Noir, a 1685 law that treated enslaved people as “movable property,” with the bill now heading to the Senate.

Code Noir Repeal: France’s National Assembly voted 254-0 to finally scrap the 1685 slavery-era Code Noir, which treated enslaved people as “movable property” and governed punishment, religion and testimony—an overdue legal step after slavery ended in 1848. Guyana Sovereignty: President Emmanuel Macron reaffirmed France’s support for Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity in the Essequibo dispute, pointing to the ICJ case and highlighting cooperation in the Guiana Shield, with French forces participating in Independence events in French Guiana. Caribbean-Europe Travel Boost: LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes signed an interline deal starting June 1, letting passengers book on one ticket, check baggage through, and connect more easily between Eastern Caribbean islands, French territories (including French Guiana), and Paris. Brazil-Suriname Trade Talks: Brazil and Suriname will negotiate in the second half of the year to expand a limited trade relationship, with discussions expected to cover new sectors and trade facilitation. French Guiana Sports Spotlight: Brighton John won the Grand Prix Cycliste de l’Ouest time trial in French Guiana, while Guyana’s Independence 10K race delivered standout wins for Attoya Harvey and Odylson Prika.

Code Noir Repeal: France’s National Assembly voted 254-0 to finally scrap the 1685 slavery-era Code Noir, which treated enslaved people as “movable property” and governed punishment, religion and inheritance—an overdue legal removal that lawmakers say forces France to confront its past. Guyana Sovereignty: On Guyana’s 60th Independence anniversary, President Emmanuel Macron sent a letter reaffirming France’s support for Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity amid the Essequibo dispute at the ICJ, and pointed to growing cooperation in justice, security and defence, including French Armed Forces participation in French Guiana events. Caribbean-Europe Travel Boost: LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes signed an interline deal starting June 1, letting passengers book on one ticket with baggage checked through across Eastern Caribbean and French Caribbean routes, including French Guiana, plus connections to Paris. Space & Launches: Amazon Leo satellite launches continue from Florida after a Blue Origin mishap, while French Guiana remains in the mix for upcoming Ariane 6 missions tied to the Leo constellation. Sports (French Guiana): Guyanese cyclist Briton John won a time trial stage at the Grand Prix Cycliste de l’Ouest in French Guiana, underlining the region’s growing international sporting pull.

Caribbean–Europe Travel Boost: LIAT (2020) Limited and Air Caraïbes have signed an interline deal starting June 1, letting passengers book across both networks on one ticket, with baggage checked through to the final destination—making multi-island trips easier between the Eastern Caribbean and French territories including French Guiana. French Guiana in the Spotlight: The Air Caraïbes network covered by the agreement links Guadeloupe, Martinique and French Guiana, with onward connections to Paris-Orly. Space & Connectivity Watch: In French Guiana’s orbit plans, Amazon Leo satellites continue launching via ULA after a Blue Origin mishap, underscoring how quickly global internet ambitions are reshaping regional and European launch schedules. Law & History in France: France’s National Assembly voted 254-0 to repeal the Code Noir, a slavery-era law that treated enslaved people as property—an issue that directly affects the legal and historical reckoning across French overseas territories like French Guiana. Guyana–France Diplomacy: Macron reaffirmed France’s support for Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity amid the Essequibo dispute, highlighting cooperation that includes French Armed Forces participation in French Guiana-linked Independence events.

Space & Launch Logistics: After a Blue Origin New Glenn test-fire explosion, ULA still pushed ahead from Florida, launching 29 Amazon Leo internet satellites on an Atlas V mission—another reminder that Amazon’s big constellation plans depend on reliable rockets. Aviation Connectivity: LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes signed an interline deal starting June 1, letting travelers book one ticket with checked baggage across the Caribbean and onward to Europe via Paris-Orly. French Guiana Link: France’s overseas ties show up again in travel—Air France’s A320 service can route island-hopping passengers through French departments, including connections involving the region. Human Rights & Law: France unanimously voted to repeal the Code Noir, the 1685 slavery law that treated enslaved people as property—an overdue legal cleanup with particular resonance for overseas territories like French Guiana. Regional Diplomacy: Macron reaffirmed support for Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity as the Essequibo dispute continues at the ICJ, with France pointing to cooperation across the Guiana Shield. Local Spotlight: French Guiana cycling saw Guyana’s Brighton John win a time trial stage at the Grand Prix Cycliste de l’Ouest.

Guyana–Venezuela Tensions: French President Emmanuel Macron sent Guyana’s President Irfaan Ali a message reaffirming France’s support for Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, pointing to the Essequibo case now before the ICJ and highlighting cooperation under the Guyana Shield. Slavery Law Repeal: France’s National Assembly voted 254-0 to repeal the Code Noir, the 1685 “Black Code” that treated enslaved people as property; the bill now heads to the Senate, with lawmakers calling the repeal a long-overdue step after centuries of harm. Space From French Guiana: ESA and China’s SMILE (Solar wind Magnetosphere Ionosphere Link Explorer) launched from Europe’s Spaceport in Kourou on a Vega-C rocket to study space weather, using soft X-ray imaging to track how solar wind shapes Earth’s magnetosphere. French Guiana in Sports: Guyanese cycling star Brighton John won the Grand Prix Cycliste de l’Ouest time trial in French Guiana, while athletics and road-race coverage marked Independence celebrations with multiple local podium finishes.

Space & Science from Kourou: ESA and China’s SMILE satellite launched from French Guiana on a Vega-C rocket to study “space weather,” mapping how the solar wind interacts with Earth’s magnetosphere and affects satellites, communications, navigation and power systems. Local Sports Spotlight: French Guiana cycling made headlines as Brighton John won the Grand Prix Cycliste de l’Ouest individual time trial, while Guyana’s Independence 10K also featured standout performances by French runner Odylson Prika and local distance stars. France–Guyana Diplomacy: President Macron reaffirmed France’s support for Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, pointing to the ICJ Essequibo case and highlighting cooperation in the Guyana Shield, with French Armed Forces participation in Independence events. Historic Legal Shift: France’s National Assembly voted 254-0 to repeal the slavery-era Code Noir, a long-criticized law that treated enslaved people as property—now heading to the Senate. Indigenous Repatriation: France moved to return remains of Kalina people displayed in colonial “human zoos” to French Guiana for burial.

Slavery Law Repeal: France’s National Assembly voted 254-0 to repeal the Code Noir, the 1685 “Black Code” that kept slavery-era rules on the books for nearly 180 years, with the bill now headed to the Senate; President Emmanuel Macron said reparations must be addressed but warned against “false promises.” Indigenous Repatriation: France is also moving to return remains of six Kalina people from colonial-era “human zoos” in Paris to French Guiana after the Senate approved legislation for repatriation within a year. Space Weather From Kourou: ESA and China’s SMILE satellite launched from Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana on a Vega-C rocket to study how solar wind interacts with Earth’s magnetosphere—work aimed at protecting satellites, communications, navigation, and power systems. Local Security Staffing: France launched a recruitment drive for customs officers, including postings in French Guiana, to strengthen controls against drug trafficking, fraud, and smuggling. Wildlife Tech: A new AI model, TropiCam-AI, is designed to detect tree-dwelling species from camera-trap images, addressing a gap in monitoring canopy wildlife.

Space Weather Watch: ESA and China’s SMILE satellite launched from Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana on a Vega-C rocket, aiming to map how solar wind reshapes Earth’s magnetic shield and affects satellites, communications, and power systems. Indigenous Rights in French Guiana: France approved a law to return the remains of six Kalina people—died after being displayed in a colonial “human zoo” in Paris—to be repatriated to French Guiana for burial. Local Security & Jobs: Customs launched a recruitment drive for officers across the French West Indies and French Guiana to strengthen controls against drug trafficking, fraud, and smuggling. Sports Spotlight: Guyana’s Brighton John won the time trial stage in a French Guiana cycling meet, underlining the region’s growing cross-border sporting momentum. Military Training in French Guiana: An Australian officer became the second to pass the French Foreign Legion’s Jaguar Course, held in French Guiana’s equatorial forest.

Space Weather Milestone: The ESA–China SMILE satellite launched from Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana on a Vega-C rocket, aiming to deliver the first X-ray “movie” of how the Sun’s charged particles reshape Earth’s magnetic shield and trigger auroras and disruptions to satellites, radio links, navigation and power grids. Indigenous Rights & Colonial Reckoning: France has moved to return the remains of six Kalina people—killed after being displayed in a colonial “human zoo” in Paris—to French Guiana, after the French Senate approved a repatriation law. Public Service Staffing: France’s customs administration launched a recruitment drive for officers across the French West Indies and French Guiana, targeting roles in surveillance, control and anti-smuggling operations. Local Security Training Link: An Australian officer, Lt. Guy Campbell of 1RAR, became the second Australian to pass the French Foreign Legion’s Jaguar Course in French Guiana, a tough jungle-warfare program.