AGP Executive Report

Local Environment & Politics: Two Guyanese MPs from French Guiana, Jean-Victor Castor and Davy Rimane, have broken with the French left after a committee rejection of a bill that would allow oil exploration in overseas territories, arguing Paris is imposing “green colonialism” while mainland France’s Hulot-era rules block local economic development. Biodiversity Protection: France announced seven new biological reserves and expanded two others, protecting an extra 157,000 hectares, with about 99.5% of the new protected area in French Guiana’s Armontabo Rocky Peaks reserve. Justice: The Cayenne Assize Court sentenced Dane Langhorne to 30 years for the 2021 murder of Alicia Faye, tied to a cocaine trafficking network; he was tried in absentia, with an international arrest warrant. Health & Asylum (France): An updated AIDA report reviews 2025 asylum trends, including 160,303 registrations, a first-instance protection rate of 41.2%, and details on access and returns under the France-UK “one in, one out” deal. Aviation Connectivity (Caribbean-Europe): New interline agreements involving LIAT 2020 and Air Caraïbes, plus other regional airline partnerships, aim to make multi-island travel smoother with single-ticket options that include French Guiana. Animal Health: A new case of New World screwworm has been detected in Texas, with researchers linking its comeback to illegal cattle smuggling and organized crime.

Chikungunya Vaccination Drive: French Guiana health authorities have launched a vaccination campaign to slow a rapidly accelerating chikungunya outbreak, ordering 2,500 doses and prioritizing people over 65 and those with underlying conditions, alongside intensified mosquito-control efforts. Protected Forests in French Guiana: France created seven new biological reserves and expanded two others, adding 157,000 hectares of protection, with about 99.5% of the new area in French Guiana’s Armontabo Rocky Peaks reserve. Space From Kourou: ESA and China’s SMILE magnetosphere mission lifted off from Kourou on May 19, studying how solar wind interacts with Earth’s magnetosphere, while future Europe–China space cooperation remains cautious. Ariane 6 Human Spaceflight Talk: ESA is exploring whether Ariane 6 could be adapted to carry astronauts, as Europe pushes for more autonomy in space. Caribbean–Europe Connectivity: New interline agreements between LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes aim to make multi-island travel smoother with single-ticket itineraries, including links to French Guiana. Crime and Justice: The Cayenne Assize Court sentenced Dane Langhorne to 30 years for the 2021 murder of Alicia Faye, tied to a cocaine trafficking network. Invasive Screwworm Alert: A flesh-eating screwworm case detected in Texas is linked to illegal cattle smuggling networks, raising concerns about the spread of the parasite.

Environment & Biodiversity: France has created seven new biological reserves and expanded two others, adding 157,000 hectares under protection, with French Guiana carrying the bulk of the gain via the 156,290-hectare Armontabo Rocky Peaks reserve. Public Health: In French Guiana, health authorities have launched a chikungunya vaccination campaign as cases surge, ordering 2,500 doses and prioritizing people over 65 and those with underlying conditions, alongside intensified mosquito-control efforts. Justice & Crime: The Cayenne Assize Court sentenced Dane Langhorne to 30 years for the 2021 murder of Alicia Faye, linked to a cocaine trafficking network; he was tried in absentia and is wanted in Guyana. Research & Conservation Tech: A new AI tool, TropiCam, aims to study arboreal tropical species by focusing on canopy dwellers that traditional ground-based camera setups miss. Regional Connectivity: New interline agreements (LIAT and Air Caraïbes, plus other Caribbean links) are set to make multi-island travel easier with single-ticket journeys and fewer baggage hassles.

Local Health Alert: French Guiana’s ARS has launched a chikungunya vaccination drive as cases surge, ordering 2,500 doses and prioritizing people over 65 and those with underlying conditions; Vimkunya and Ixchiq are offered free with a prescription, alongside intensified mosquito-control efforts in the west. Justice & Security: The Cayenne Assize Court sentenced Dane Langhorne to 30 years for the 2021 murder of Alicia Faye, tied to a cocaine trafficking network; tried in absentia, he remains a fugitive in Guyana. Environment & Conservation: France is creating seven new biological reserves and expanding two more, adding 157,000 hectares under protection, including tropical forests in French Guiana. Space & Regional Science: ESA and China’s SMILE mission launched from Kourou aboard a Vega C rocket to study Earth’s magnetosphere, highlighting French Guiana’s role in international space cooperation. Regional Connectivity: New LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes interline agreements aim to make Caribbean travel smoother with single-ticket itineraries, including links to French Guiana. International Trade Watch: France is pushing Guyana to fast-track its deepwater port, arguing it will boost trade and connectivity—while local commentary urges Guyana to scrutinize who benefits most.

Chikungunya Response in French Guiana: ARS has launched a vaccination campaign as the chikungunya outbreak accelerates, ordering 2,500 doses and prioritizing people over 65 and those with underlying conditions, alongside intensified mosquito-control efforts. French Guiana Justice: The Cayenne Assize Court sentenced Dane Langhorne to 30 years for the 2021 murder of Alicia Faye, tied to a cocaine trafficking network; he was tried in absentia and is a fugitive in Guyana. Conservation in France (with local relevance): France announced seven new biological reserves and expanded two others, adding 157,000 hectares of protected forest ecosystems, including tropical forests in French Guiana. Caribbean-Airlift Push: New interline deals between LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes, plus other airline partnerships, aim to make island-hopping cheaper and easier with single tickets and through-checked baggage. Space Cooperation (Kourou link): ESA and China launched the SMILE magnetosphere mission from Kourou, but officials signaled limited appetite for deeper future cooperation. Regional Trade Debate (Guyana deepwater port): France urged Guyana to fast-track its deepwater port, while local commentary warns Guyana to scrutinize who benefits most.

French Guiana Health: ARS has launched a chikungunya vaccination drive as cases surge, ordering 2,500 doses and prioritizing people over 65 and those with underlying conditions; vaccines are free with a doctor’s prescription, alongside intensified mosquito-control efforts. French Guiana Justice: The Cayenne Assize Court sentenced Dane Langhorne to 30 years for the 2021 murder of Alicia Faye, tied to a cocaine trafficking operation; he was tried in absentia and is a fugitive in Guyana. Caribbean-Air Connectivity: LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes signed an interline deal letting passengers book combined itineraries on one ticket with checked baggage through, linking Eastern Caribbean islands, Guyana, and French Guiana to Air Caraïbes services and Paris-Orly. Local Mobility & Travel Costs: A UK travel warning highlights that many Britons still lack a GHIC card, which can reduce out-of-pocket medical costs abroad (it doesn’t replace travel insurance). Environment Watch: Satellite-based research reports mangrove forests are expanding again after decades of decline, with restoration and conservation efforts showing early signs of working. Space Cooperation: ESA and China’s SMILE mission launched from Kourou in French Guiana, but officials signaled limited appetite for deeper future cooperation.

Chikungunya Response in French Guiana: Health authorities have launched a vaccination campaign as the chikungunya outbreak accelerates, ordering 2,500 doses and prioritizing people over 65 and those with underlying conditions, alongside intensified mosquito-control efforts. Alicia Faye Murder Case: The Cayenne Assize Court sentenced Dane Langhorne to 30 years for the 2021 killing of Alicia Faye, linked to a cocaine trafficking network; he was tried in absentia and remains a fugitive in Guyana. Space & Local Industry: Amazon’s next Ariane 6 launch from French Guiana (June 17) will carry 36 Amazon Leo satellites, using upgraded P160C boosters to boost payload capacity. Regional Air Connectivity: LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes have started an interline agreement letting passengers book combined trips on one ticket with checked baggage through, linking Eastern Caribbean routes with French Caribbean services including French Guiana. Mangrove Recovery: A new satellite-based study finds mangrove forests are expanding again after decades of decline, highlighting resilience and the growing role of restoration and conservation.

Justice in French Guiana: The Cayenne Assize Court sentenced Dane Langhorne to 30 years for the 2021 murder of Alicia Faye, killed in a cocaine trafficking case; the fugitive is wanted via an international arrest warrant. Health Alert: ARS launched a chikungunya vaccination drive in French Guiana, ordering 2,500 doses as cases surge, with free shots for people over 65 and those with underlying conditions, alongside intensified mosquito control. Regional Air Connectivity: LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes rolled out a new interline deal letting passengers book one ticket, check baggage through, and avoid duplicate fees across routes linking the Eastern Caribbean, Guyana, and French Guiana to Paris-Orly. Caribbean Sports: CONCACAF confirmed the 2026/27 Nations League format, with French Guiana placed in League B. Overseas Politics: Jean-Luc Mélenchon kicked off his 2027 campaign by backing independence for New Caledonia and more autonomy for Corsica, while citing self-determination for overseas territories including French Guiana. Space & Industry: Amazon says it will launch 36 satellites on Ariane 6 from French Guiana on June 17, and PLD Space announced a €35m investment to expand its Kourou launch complex. Law & History in France: France’s National Assembly voted unanimously to repeal the Code Noir, a symbolic step toward confronting the colonial slavery legacy.

Aviation & Connectivity: New interline deals are set to make it easier to hop across the Caribbean and reach Europe, with Winair linking up with Contour Airlines and LIAT (2020) teaming with Air Caraïbes so passengers can book one itinerary, check baggage through, and avoid duplicate fees—routes explicitly include French Guiana. French Guiana Crime: The Cayenne Assize Court sentenced Dane Langhorne to 30 years for the 2021 murder of Alicia Faye, tied to a cocaine trafficking operation; the fugitive is wanted via an international arrest warrant. Health: ARS launched a chikungunya vaccination drive in French Guiana as cases surge, ordering 2,500 doses and prioritizing people over 65 and those with underlying conditions, alongside intensified mosquito-control efforts. Space & Industry (Kourou): PLD Space announced a €35m investment to develop and deploy its launch complex at the Guiana Space Centre, with much of the spending flowing into French Guiana’s local industrial network. Sports (Regional): CONCACAF confirmed the 2026/27 Nations League format, with French Guiana placed in League B. Law & History (France): France’s National Assembly voted unanimously to repeal the Code Noir, a slavery-era law that had never been formally removed.

Aviation Connectivity: Winair, LIAT Air and Air Caraïbes keep pushing smoother Caribbean travel with new interline deals, letting passengers book one itinerary and check baggage through across island networks that include French Guiana, aiming to cut layovers, duplicate fees and rebooking hassles. French Guiana Justice: The Cayenne Assize Court sentenced Dane Langhorne to 30 years for the 2021 murder of Alicia Faye, tied to a cocaine trafficking operation; the fugitive is wanted via an international arrest warrant. Public Health: ARS launched a chikungunya vaccination drive in French Guiana, ordering 2,500 doses as cases surge, prioritizing people over 65 and those with underlying conditions, alongside intensified mosquito control. Space & Industry: PLD Space announced a €35m investment to expand its Kourou launch complex at the Guiana Space Centre, with €13m earmarked for local French Guiana firms, boosting Europe’s launch capacity. Regional Sports: CONCACAF confirmed the 2026/27 Nations League format, with Guyana in League B and French Guiana listed among the teams. France Colonial Reckoning: France’s National Assembly voted unanimously to repeal the Code Noir, a slavery-era law that had remained on the books despite abolition in 1848.

Murder Conviction in French Guiana: The Cayenne Assize Court sentenced Dane Langhorne to 30 years for the 2021 murder of Alicia Faye, killed in a cocaine trafficking operation; he was tried in absentia and remains a fugitive in Guyana, with an international arrest warrant. Chikungunya Response: ARS launched a vaccination campaign in French Guiana as cases surge, ordering 2,500 doses and prioritizing people over 65 and those with underlying conditions, alongside intensified mosquito-control efforts. Aviation Connectivity: LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes rolled out an interline agreement for single-ticket travel across the Caribbean and onward to Paris-Orly, including routes linking to French Guiana. Space From Kourou: PLD Space announced a €35m investment to expand its launch complex at the Guiana Space Centre in Kourou, aiming to boost Europe’s sovereign launch capacity. Regional Sports Calendar: CONCACAF confirmed the 2026/27 Nations League format, with French Guiana placed in League B. French Colonial Law Repeal: France’s National Assembly voted unanimously to repeal the Code Noir, formally removing the slavery-era decree from French law.

Aviation Connectivity: LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes launched an interline deal that starts June 1, letting passengers book one ticket across both networks, with baggage checked through and fewer transfer hassles, linking Eastern Caribbean islands plus Guyana, Jamaica, Trinidad, Barbados and more with Air Caraïbes services from Guadeloupe, Martinique and French Guiana and onward to Paris-Orly. Space & Industry in Kourou: PLD Space says it will invest €35m in its Guiana Space Centre launch complex at Kourou (ELM-Diamant site) in 2025-2026, with €22m staying in France and €13m going to 20+ local French Guiana firms, aiming to boost Europe’s sovereign launch capacity. Chikungunya Response: French Guiana health authorities launched a chikungunya vaccination campaign as cases surge, ordering 2,500 doses and prioritizing people over 65 and those with underlying conditions, alongside intensified mosquito-control efforts. French Guiana–Region Politics: France’s National Assembly voted unanimously to repeal the Code Noir, a slavery-era law that stayed on the books despite abolition in 1848, with the bill now heading to the Senate. Regional Trade Debate: Editorial coverage questions France’s push for a deepwater port in Guyana, warning Guyana to scrutinize who benefits most from the project.

Chikungunya Response in French Guiana: ARS has launched a vaccination campaign as cases surge, ordering 2,500 doses and prioritizing people over 65 and those with underlying conditions; Vimkunya and Ixchiq will be free with a prescription, alongside intensified mosquito-control efforts. Caribbean–Europe Travel Boost: LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes signed an interline deal taking effect June 1, letting passengers book one ticket across both networks, check baggage through to the final destination, and avoid duplicate fees—linking Eastern Caribbean islands, Guyana, and French Caribbean territories including French Guiana to Paris-Orly. Space Investment at Kourou: PLD Space announced a €35m investment to develop and deploy its launch complex at the Guiana Space Centre, with €13m earmarked for local French Guiana companies, aiming to strengthen Europe’s sovereign launch access. France–Guyana Sovereignty Signal: President Macron reaffirmed France’s support for Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity amid the Essequibo dispute at the ICJ. Code Noir Repeal in France: France’s National Assembly voted unanimously to repeal the Code Noir, a slavery-era decree that had remained on the books, with the bill now heading to the Senate.

Chikungunya Response: French Guiana’s health authorities have launched a chikungunya vaccination drive as cases surge, ordering 2,500 doses and prioritizing people over 65 and those with underlying conditions, with Vimkunya and Ixchiq offered free on prescription while mosquito-control efforts ramp up. Space Investment in Kourou: PLD Space announced a €35m boost for its Guiana Space Centre launch complex, with €13m earmarked for local French Guiana firms, aiming to strengthen Europe’s sovereign access to orbit. Air Connectivity for the Region: LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes signed an interline deal for single-ticket travel and through-checked baggage, linking French Caribbean routes (including French Guiana) with wider Eastern Caribbean and onward connections to Paris-Orly. France and Guyana Sovereignty: President Macron reaffirmed France’s support for Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity amid the Essequibo dispute at the ICJ, highlighting cooperation across the Guiana Shield. Code Noir Repeal: France’s National Assembly voted unanimously to repeal the Code Noir, formally removing the slavery-era law that treated enslaved people as property; the bill now heads to the Senate.

Chikungunya Alert in French Guiana: ARS launched a vaccination drive with 2,500 doses as cases surge, targeting people over 65 and those with underlying conditions, alongside intensified mosquito control. French Law & Colonial Legacy: France’s National Assembly voted 254-0 to repeal the Code Noir, a 1685 decree that treated enslaved people as property; the bill now heads to the Senate. Guyana Sovereignty Backed by Macron: On Guyana’s Independence, Macron sent a letter reaffirming France’s support for Guyana’s sovereignty amid the Essequibo dispute at the ICJ. Deepwater Port Push: France urged Guyana to fast-track a deepwater port project, arguing it would boost trade and connectivity—while raising questions about who benefits most. Caribbean Travel Made Easier: LIAT and Air Caraïbes signed an interline agreement for single-ticket journeys and through-checked baggage, linking French territories including French Guiana with Europe via Paris-Orly. Kourou Space Investment: PLD Space announced a €35m boost to its Guiana Space Centre launch complex, with €13m earmarked for local French Guiana firms. Air France Route Spotlight: Air France’s unusual Miami–Guadeloupe A320 service connects onward to French Caribbean islands and can include French Guiana on the island-hopping network.

Chikungunya Response in French Guiana: ARS has launched a vaccination drive as chikungunya cases surge, ordering 2,500 doses and prioritizing people over 65 and those with underlying conditions, alongside intensified mosquito-control efforts. Aviation Connectivity for French Caribbean: LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes signed an interline deal for single-ticket travel and through-checked baggage linking Guadeloupe, Martinique and French Guiana with the wider Caribbean and onward to Paris Orly. Space Industry Boost at Kourou: PLD Space announced a €35m investment to expand its Guiana Space Centre launch complex, with €13m earmarked for local French Guiana companies. France Repeals Code Noir: France’s National Assembly voted 254-0 to repeal the 1685 Code Noir, ending a law that treated enslaved people as property; the bill now heads to the Senate. Guyana Sovereignty Backed by Macron: Macron reaffirmed France’s support for Guyana’s sovereignty amid the Essequibo dispute at the ICJ, highlighting cooperation with Guyana and French forces in French Guiana. Deepwater Port Debate: A French push for a deepwater port in Guyana is drawing scrutiny over who benefits most and how it could affect regional trade and costs.