AGP Executive Report

Biosecurity & Trade: A New World screwworm case has been detected in a Texas calf, with researchers linking the comeback to illegal cattle smuggling that helps organized crime move livestock across borders without proper health checks. Space & Jobs in French Guiana: ESA is exploring whether Ariane 6 can be adapted to carry astronauts, while Amazon is set to fly 36 Amazon Leo satellites on an Ariane 6 mission from French Guiana on June 17 using upgraded P160C boosters. Conservation & Land Use: France announced new and expanded protected areas totaling 157,000 hectares, with about 99.5% of the land in French Guiana’s Armontabo Rocky Peaks reserve. Energy Markets: France’s energy regulator CRE selected five Corsica storage projects totaling nearly 50 MW, including pumped hydro and batteries, with contracts running into the 2040s–2050s. Regional Connectivity: New interline deals aim to reduce Caribbean travel friction, including LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes linking tickets and baggage across English and French-speaking routes that include French Guiana. 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 between mainland France and French overseas territories.

Environment & Land Protection: France has created seven new biological reserves and expanded two existing ones, adding 157,000 hectares of protected forest, with almost all of the new area (about 99.5%) in French Guiana—led by the 156,290-hectare Armontabo Rocky Peaks integral reserve—while the rest of the gains are under 1,000 hectares across mainland sites. Aviation & Connectivity: New interline deals are set to ease Caribbean travel friction: Winair and Contour Airlines’ partnership took effect May 5, and LIAT (2020) Limited signed an interline agreement with Air Caraïbes to let passengers book one itinerary with checked baggage across English, French and Dutch-speaking routes. Space & Industry (French Guiana): Amazon plans to launch 36 Amazon Leo satellites from French Guiana on Ariane 6 on June 17, using upgraded P160C solid boosters to boost payload capacity versus earlier missions. Justice (French Guiana): The Cayenne Assize Court sentenced Dane Langhorne to 30 years for the 2021 murder of Alicia Faye, tied to a cocaine trafficking network; he is a fugitive in Guyana.

Space & Telecom: Amazon will fly 36 Amazon Leo broadband satellites on Ariane 6’s June 17 LE-03 mission from French Guiana, using upgraded P160C solid boosters to boost payload capacity. Regional Air Connectivity: LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes have launched an interline deal for one-ticket travel across their combined Caribbean networks, including links to French Guiana and onward connections to Paris-Orly. Caribbean Aviation Partnerships: Winair, Contour Airlines, LIAT and Air Caraïbes are also rolling out new airline partnerships aimed at easing fragmented regional airlift and reducing costly, inconvenient transfers. Energy Investment: France’s energy regulator CRE selected five Corsica storage projects totaling about 48 MW (pumped hydro plus batteries), with contracts running into the 2040s–2050s and costs noted as lower than prior Caribbean storage rounds. Justice & Security: Cayenne’s assize court sentenced Dane Langhorne to 30 years for the 2021 murder of Alicia Faye, tied to a cocaine trafficking network involving French Guiana and the Gironde region. Editorial (Trade Infrastructure): A commentary urges skepticism over France’s push for Guyana’s deepwater port, warning Guyana should scrutinize who benefits most. Space Science: ESA and China’s SMILE magnetosphere mission launched from Kourou on May 19, but officials signaled no clear path to deeper future cooperation.

Space & Telecom: Amazon will fly 36 Amazon Leo broadband satellites on the June 17 Ariane 6 LE-03 launch from French Guiana, using upgraded P160C solid rocket boosters to lift more payload than earlier missions. Energy (France/Region): France’s energy regulator CRE picked five Corsica storage projects totaling about 48 MW (pumped hydro plus batteries), with service due 2029-2030, aiming to cut solar curtailment and improve grid flexibility. Aviation (Caribbean connectivity): LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes signed an interline deal to let passengers book one itinerary and check baggage through across English- and French-speaking Caribbean routes, including connections involving French Guiana. Local Justice: The Cayenne Assize Court sentenced Dane Langhorne to 30 years for the 2021 murder of Alicia Faye, tied to a cocaine trafficking network; his partner received six years. Regional Trade Politics: France is urging Guyana to fast-track its deepwater port, arguing it will boost trade and connectivity—an approach a local editorial says deserves skepticism over who benefits most. Space Science (Kourou): ESA and China’s SMILE magnetosphere mission launched from Kourou, but officials signaled limited appetite for deeper follow-on cooperation.

Ariane 6 Boost for Amazon Leo: Amazon will fly 36 Amazon Leo broadband satellites on Ariane 6 from French Guiana on June 17, using upgraded P160C solid rocket boosters to lift more payload than earlier missions. Local Energy Investment: France’s energy regulator (CRE) has picked five Corsica electricity storage projects totaling about 48 MW (pumped hydro plus batteries), with service targeted for 2029–2030 and contracts running into the mid- to late-21st century. Caribbean Air Connectivity: LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes launched a new interline agreement, letting passengers book one itinerary with checked baggage through to final destinations, linking Eastern Caribbean routes with Air Caraïbes services from Guadeloupe, Martinique and French Guiana and onward to Paris-Orly. 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. Space Cooperation Watch: ESA and China’s SMILE magnetosphere mission launched from Kourou, but officials signaled limited appetite for deeper future Europe–China space cooperation.

Satellite & Telecom: The US FCC granted Amazon Leo a waiver from its July 2026 satellite launch deadline, keeping the July 30, 2029 final deployment deadline, arguing the interim extension is in the public interest as Amazon Leo would become a second major broadband constellation after Starlink. Space Launches (Regional): This week’s calendar includes a Landspace ZhuQue-2E methane-fueled launch in China, SpaceX’s Starlink Group 17-44 from Vandenberg, and Rocket Lab’s “Curveball” mission from Wallops in Virginia. Ariane 6 (French Guiana): Amazon will fly 36 Amazon Leo satellites on Ariane 6 from French Guiana on June 17, using upgraded P160C boosters to boost payload capacity. Caribbean Air Connectivity: LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes signed an interline agreement to sell single-ticket itineraries with checked-through baggage across the Caribbean and onward to Paris-Orly, easing fragmented regional airlift. Local Justice (French Guiana): Cayenne sentenced Dane Langhorne to 30 years for the 2021 murder of Alicia Faye, tied to a cocaine trafficking network; he is a fugitive in Guyana. Aviation Route (Business Travel): Air France continues a Miami–Guadeloupe A320 service that connects to Martinique and French Guiana before continuing to Brazil. Trade Infrastructure (Guyana/Region): France urged Guyana to fast-track its deepwater port project, citing connectivity limits as a barrier to trade.

Aviation & Connectivity: Winair, Contour Airlines, LIAT Air and Air Caraïbes are rolling out new interline deals aimed at fixing the Caribbean’s most frustrating problem: fragmented regional airlift. The latest agreements let passengers book smoother journeys on one ticket, with baggage checked through and fewer duplicate fees, linking LIAT’s Eastern Caribbean and Guyana routes with Air Caraïbes services from Guadeloupe, Martinique and French Guiana, plus onward connections. Space & Industry (Kourou): Amazon says its next Ariane 6 launch from French Guiana on June 17 will carry 36 Amazon Leo broadband satellites, boosted by upgraded P160C solid rocket boosters. Separately, PLD Space announced a €35m investment to develop its orbital launch complex at the Guiana Space Centre, with €13m earmarked for 20+ local French Guiana firms. Justice (French Guiana): The Cayenne Assize Court sentenced Dane Langhorne to 30 years for the murder of Alicia Faye in March 2021, tied to a cocaine trafficking network; he was tried in absentia and remains a fugitive in Guyana. Trade Infrastructure Watch: France is urging Guyana to fast-track its deepwater port, arguing it will boost trade and regional integration—while local voices urge skepticism about who benefits most.

Caribbean Air Connectivity: Winair, Contour Airlines, LIAT Air and Air Caraïbes are rolling out new interline deals to make island-hopping less painful—single tickets, smoother transfers, and checked baggage through to final destinations. French Guiana Justice: Cayenne’s Assize Court sentenced Dane Langhorne to 30 years for the 2021 murder of Alicia Faye, linked to a cocaine trafficking operation; he was tried in absentia and is a fugitive in Guyana. Space & Launch Economy (Kourou): Amazon’s next Ariane 6 mission from French Guiana will carry 36 Amazon Leo broadband satellites, using upgraded P160C boosters. Local Space Investment: PLD Space announced a €35m investment to expand its Guiana Space Centre launch complex, with €13m earmarked for 20+ French Guiana firms. Trade Infrastructure Watch (Guyana/Region): France is urging Guyana to fast-track its deepwater port plan—an idea that’s drawing skepticism over who benefits most. Policy & History (France): France’s National Assembly voted unanimously to repeal the Code Noir, formally removing the 1685 slavery-era law from the books.

Caribbean Airlift: Winair, Contour Airlines, LIAT Air and Air Caraïbes are rolling out new interline deals to make island-hopping less painful—single tickets, through-checked baggage and fewer rebookings—aimed at fixing the region’s fragmented travel links. 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; the case hinges on physical traces and an international arrest warrant. Space & Industry (Kourou): Amazon will fly 36 “Amazon Leo” broadband satellites on Ariane 6 from French Guiana on June 17, using upgraded P160C boosters to boost payload capacity. Local Space Investment: PLD Space announced a €35m expansion of its Guiana Space Centre launch complex, with €13m earmarked for 20+ French Guiana firms, targeting more European sovereign launch capacity. Trade Infrastructure Debate: France is urging Guyana to fast-track its deepwater port, arguing it will unlock trade—while local voices warn Guyana should scrutinize who benefits most. Aviation Route Watch: Air France continues a Miami–Guadeloupe A320 service that connects onward to French Caribbean territories including French Guiana, supporting regional mobility. Legal & History (France): France’s National Assembly voted unanimously to repeal the Code Noir, formally removing the slavery-era law from the books; the bill now heads to the Senate.

Cayenne Court Sentencing: The Cayenne Assize Court has sentenced Dane Langhorne to 30 years for the 2021 murder of Alicia Faye, a 25-year-old from Bordeaux killed in French Guiana during a cocaine trafficking operation; Langhorne was tried in absentia and remains a fugitive in Guyana, with an international arrest warrant, while his partner received six years for aggravated theft tied to the case. Ariane 6 / Amazon Satellites: Amazon will launch 36 “Amazon Leo” broadband satellites on Ariane 6 from French Guiana on June 17, using upgraded P160C boosters to boost low-Earth-orbit payload capacity versus earlier missions. Regional Air Connectivity: LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes signed an interline agreement enabling one-ticket, one-point-of-purchase travel with checked-through baggage across networks linking the Caribbean, Guyana, and French Guiana, plus onward connections to Paris-Orly. Kourou Space Investment: PLD Space announced a €35m investment to develop and deploy its orbital launch complex at the Guiana Space Centre in Kourou, with €13m earmarked for more than 20 local French Guiana companies. Trade Infrastructure Debate (Guyana): France is urging Guyana to fast-track its deepwater port project, arguing it will improve connectivity and trade—an editorial urges Guyanese decision-makers to scrutinize who benefits most. Aviation Route Watch: Air France continues a Miami–Guadeloupe A320 service that feeds an island-hopping network including stops in Martinique and French Guiana, extending onward to Brazil. Legal & History: France’s National Assembly voted unanimously to repeal the Code Noir, formally removing the slavery-era law that classified enslaved people as property; the bill now moves to the Senate.

Space & Launch Services: Amazon will send 36 Amazon Leo broadband satellites on an Ariane 64 launch from French Guiana on June 17, using upgraded P160C solid rocket boosters that boost low-Earth-orbit payload capacity by more than two metric tons. Aviation & Connectivity: LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes signed an interline deal letting passengers book combined itineraries on one ticket, with baggage checked through—linking LIAT’s Eastern Caribbean network (including Guyana) with Air Caraïbes services from Guadeloupe, Martinique and French Guiana to Paris-Orly. Local Industry & Space Investment: PLD Space announced a €35m investment to develop and deploy its launch complex at the Guiana Space Centre in Kourou, with €13m earmarked for 20+ French Guiana companies and jobs tied to future orbital launches. Trade Infrastructure Watch: France is pushing Guyana to fast-track its deepwater port, arguing it will improve trade and connectivity—while local voices urge Guyana to scrutinize who benefits most. Legal & Social History: France’s National Assembly voted 254-0 to repeal the Code Noir, a 1685 slavery decree that had remained on the books despite abolition in 1848.

Aviation & Tourism: LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes signed an interline deal letting passengers book one itinerary on one ticket across both networks, with baggage checked through to the final destination—linking LIAT’s Eastern Caribbean hub (Antigua) with Air Caraïbes services from Guadeloupe, Martinique and French Guiana, plus its long-haul link to Paris-Orly. Transport Connectivity: Air France also keeps an A320 “island-hopping” route running from Miami to Guadeloupe, then onward via Martinique and French Guiana to Brazil, supporting regional travel even as it adjusted operations after Haiti security and aviation restrictions. Space & Local Industry: PLD Space announced a €35m investment to develop and deploy its orbital launch complex at the Guiana Space Centre in Kourou, with €22m spent in France and €13m earmarked for 20+ French Guiana firms, aiming to boost European sovereign launch capacity. Trade Infrastructure Debate: France urged Guyana to fast-track its deepwater port, while a separate commentary warns Guyana to scrutinize who benefits most from the project—an issue that directly touches regional logistics for French Guiana. Legal & History: France’s National Assembly voted 254-0 to repeal the Code Noir, a slavery-era decree that had remained on the books despite abolition in 1848.

Aviation & Connectivity: LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes have signed an interline agreement letting passengers book one itinerary on a single ticket across both airlines, with baggage checked through to the final destination—linking LIAT’s Eastern Caribbean network (including Guyana) with Air Caraïbes services from Guadeloupe, Martinique and French Guiana, plus onward connections to Paris-Orly. French Guiana & Regional Trade: France is pushing Guyana to fast-track its deepwater port, arguing it will boost European trade and connectivity—while local observers warn Guyana should scrutinize who benefits most. Space & Local Jobs: PLD Space announced a €35m investment to develop and deploy its launch complex at the Guiana Space Centre in Kourou, with €13m earmarked for 20+ French Guiana firms and a projected boost to local value added and jobs. Policy & History: France’s National Assembly voted 254-0 to repeal the Code Noir, formally removing the 1685 slavery decree from French law (next step: Senate approval). Air France Route Watch: Air France is operating a Miami–Guadeloupe A320 service that feeds an island-hopping network including stops in Martinique and French Guiana before continuing to Brazil.

Parliament Repeal: France’s National Assembly voted 254-0 to repeal the 1685 Code Noir, ending a slavery-era decree that treated enslaved people as “movable property.” The bill now heads to the Senate, with lawmakers calling it a necessary symbolic step after the law stayed on the books long after slavery was abolished in 1848. Aviation & Connectivity: LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes launched an interline agreement for single-ticket Caribbean travel, with through-checked baggage and easier links between English- and French-speaking islands—covering Guyana and Air Caraïbes services from Guadeloupe, Martinique and French Guiana, plus onward connections to Paris Orly. Air France Route: Air France is running a distinctive Miami–Guadeloupe Airbus A320 service that feeds an island-hopping network including stops in Martinique and French Guiana before continuing to Brazil, with the Haiti segment suspended due to security and an FAA ban. Space & Local Jobs: PLD Space announced a €35m investment to expand its Guiana Space Centre launch complex in Kourou, with €13m earmarked for 20+ French Guiana firms and a projected boost to local value added and jobs. Trade Infrastructure Debate: France is pushing Guyana to fast-track a deepwater port, arguing it will unlock trade—while a local editorial urges Guyana to scrutinize who benefits most, given the connectivity gap and likely foreign interests.

Aviation & Connectivity: LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes have launched an interline agreement to let passengers book on one ticket, check baggage through to the final destination, and transfer more smoothly across the Caribbean—linking LIAT’s Eastern Caribbean network (including Guyana) with Air Caraïbes services from Guadeloupe, Martinique and French Guiana, plus onward connections to Paris Orly. Air France Route Watch: Air France is also keeping an unusual Airbus A320 “island-hopping” service running from Miami to Guadeloupe, then onward via Martinique and French Guiana to Brazil, after suspending a Haiti stop due to security and an FAA ban. Space & Local Industry: PLD Space says it will invest €35m in its Guiana Space Centre launch complex at Kourou (2025–2026), with €22m staying in the French industrial ecosystem and €13m earmarked for 20+ French Guiana firms, aiming to strengthen Europe’s sovereign access to orbit. Trade Infrastructure Debate: France is pushing Guyana to fast-track a deepwater port, arguing it will boost trade and regional integration—while a local editorial urges Guyana to scrutinize who benefits most. Legal & Social Reckoning: France’s National Assembly voted 254–0 to repeal the Code Noir, the 1685 slavery decree that kept enslaved people legally classified as property; the bill now heads to the Senate.

Ocean & Hospitality: Ahead of World Ocean Day (8 June), Novotel published its second Ocean Impact Report with WWF France, detailing progress on ocean-focused operations, sustainable food, and marine conservation across its 600+ hotels. Aviation Connectivity: Air France is running an unusual Miami–Guadeloupe Airbus A320 service that links onward to French Caribbean islands and can include French Guiana on an island-hopping network, after suspending a Haiti stop due to security and an FAA ban. Caribbean Air Links: LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes launched an interline agreement for single-ticket travel, through-checked baggage, and easier connections between English- and French-speaking Caribbean routes, including services tied to French Guiana and onward to Paris-Orly. Trade Infrastructure Watch: France urged Guyana to fast-track its planned deepwater port to unlock wider European trade, while also pointing to growing regional ties across the Caribbean and French overseas communities. Space & Local Industry: PLD Space announced a €35m investment to expand its Guiana Space Centre launch complex in Kourou, with €13m earmarked for 20+ French Guiana firms and jobs tied to future MIURA 5 operations. Legal & Historical Reckoning: France’s National Assembly voted 254-0 to repeal the Code Noir, the 1685 slavery decree that kept enslaved people legally classified as property; the bill now heads to the Senate.