AGP Executive Report

Slavery Law Repeal in France: France’s National Assembly voted 254-0 to repeal the 1685 Code Noir (“Black Code”), the colonial decree that treated enslaved people as property—an overdue legal cleanup that now heads to the Senate. Macron on 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, highlighting cooperation in the Guiana Shield and noting French Armed Forces participation in French Guiana events. Deepwater Port Push (Guyana/France): A French editorial and a Guyana report say France is urging President Irfaan Ali to fast-track a deepwater port project—raising questions locally about who benefits most, especially given connectivity limits. Regional Air Connectivity: LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes launched an interline agreement to sell one-ticket itineraries across English- and French-speaking Caribbean routes, including Guyana and French Guiana, with baggage checked through. Kourou Space Investment: PLD Space announced a €35m investment to expand its Guiana Space Centre launch complex in Kourou, with €13m earmarked for French Guiana-based firms.

Slavery Law Repeal: France’s National Assembly voted 254-0 to repeal the 1685 Code Noir, the “Black Code” that treated enslaved people as “movable property.” The move is symbolic but historic, since the law lingered on the books long after slavery was abolished in 1848; the bill now heads to the Senate. Guyana Sovereignty: French President Emmanuel Macron sent a letter to Guyana’s President Irfaan Ali reaffirming France’s support for Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity amid the Essequibo dispute at the ICJ, and pointing to cooperation through the Guiana Shield and French forces in French Guiana. Space & Local Industry: PLD Space announced a €35m investment to expand its Kourou launch complex at the Guiana Space Centre, with €13m earmarked for more than 20 French Guiana firms, aiming to boost Europe’s sovereign launch capacity. Caribbean Connectivity: LIAT Air and Air Caraïbes launched an interline agreement for single-ticket travel and through-checked baggage across their combined networks, including links to French Guiana and onward service to Paris-Orly. Air France Route: Air France continues an unusual Miami–Guadeloupe A320 service that can connect onward via Martinique and French Guiana to Brazil, after suspending a Haiti stop due to security and aviation bans.

Parliament’s Historic Repeal: France’s National Assembly voted 254-0 to repeal the 1685 Code Noir, the slavery-era decree that treated enslaved people as “movable property.” The bill now heads to the Senate, with lawmakers and activists calling it a symbolic but overdue step toward confronting colonial racism. Guyana Sovereignty Push: President Emmanuel Macron sent a letter to Guyana’s Irfaan Ali reaffirming France’s support for Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity amid the Essequibo dispute at the ICJ, and pointing to cooperation in the Guiana Shield, including French Armed Forces participation in French Guiana events. Deepwater Port Pressure: France urged Guyana to fast-track plans for a deepwater port, arguing it’s key to unlocking trade with Europe and improving connectivity. Space Investment in Kourou: PLD Space announced a €35m investment to expand its launch complex at the Guiana Space Centre in Kourou, with €13m earmarked for French Guiana firms, aiming to boost Europe’s sovereign launch capacity. Caribbean Connectivity Deal: LIAT and Air Caraïbes launched an interline agreement letting passengers book on one ticket with checked baggage through to final destinations, linking English- and French-speaking Caribbean routes including French Guiana and onward to Paris-Orly. Air France Route Watch: Air France continues an unusual Miami–Guadeloupe Airbus A320 service that can connect onward via an island-hopping network including stops in Martinique and French Guiana.

Code Noir Repeal: France’s National Assembly voted 254-0 to formally repeal the 1685 Code Noir, the slavery-era decree that treated enslaved people as “movable property.” The move is symbolic but historic, with the bill now headed to the Senate after lawmakers said the law’s survival for nearly 180 years after abolition was a moral shock. Guyana Sovereignty: 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 proceedings and highlighting cooperation through the Guiana Shield, including French Armed Forces participation in French Guiana events. Kourou Space Investment: PLD Space announced a €35 million investment to develop and deploy its launch complex at the Guiana Space Centre in Kourou, with €13 million earmarked for local French Guiana firms and jobs tied to future MIURA 5 operations. Caribbean Air Connectivity: LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes launched an interline agreement for single-ticket travel across English- and French-speaking Caribbean routes, including connections to French Guiana and onward links to Paris-Orly. Air France Route Watch: Air France continues an unusual Miami–Guadeloupe Airbus A320 service that feeds an island-hopping network reaching Martinique and French Guiana, with the Haiti stop suspended due to security and aviation restrictions.

Caribbean Connectivity: LIAT (2020) Limited and Air Caraïbes launched a new interline agreement letting passengers book combined itineraries on a single ticket, with baggage checked through to the final destination—linking LIAT’s hub at Antigua with Air Caraïbes services from Guadeloupe, Martinique and French Guiana, plus onward connections to Paris Orly. French Politics & Memory: France’s National Assembly voted 254-0 to repeal the slavery-era Code Noir (“Black Code”), a 1685 decree that treated enslaved people as property; the move is widely seen as symbolic but comes amid renewed calls for deeper action and possible reparations. Space & Local Economy (Kourou): PLD Space announced a €35m investment to develop and deploy its launch complex at the Guiana Space Centre in Kourou, with €13m earmarked for more than 20 French Guiana companies, aiming to boost European sovereign launch capacity. Diplomacy (Guyana/Essequibo): President Macron reaffirmed France’s support for Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity in a letter to President Irfaan Ali, pointing to the ICJ case over Essequibo and highlighting cooperation in the Guiana Shield.

Aviation Connectivity: LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes signed an interline agreement to let travelers book one itinerary across the two airlines on a single ticket, with baggage checked through—linking LIAT’s Eastern Caribbean and Guyana routes with Air Caraïbes services from Guadeloupe, Martinique and French Guiana, plus connections to Paris-Orly. Space & Local Industry: PLD Space announced a €35 million investment to expand its Kourou launch-complex at the Guiana Space Centre (2025–2026), with €22m spent in France and €13m earmarked for 20+ French Guiana companies, aiming to boost European sovereign launch capacity and create jobs. France–Guyana Sovereignty: President Macron reaffirmed France’s support for Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity in a letter tied to Guyana’s 60th Independence anniversary, pointing to the ICJ Essequibo proceedings and highlighting cooperation in the Guiana Shield, including French Armed Forces participation in French Guiana events. Colonial Law Repeal: France’s National Assembly voted 254–0 to repeal the Code Noir, ending a slavery-era decree that treated enslaved people as property; the bill now heads to the Senate, with reparations debates still unresolved.

Space & Industry in French Guiana: PLD Space says it’s boosting its Kourou launch-complex investment to €35m for 2025-2026, with €22m executed in the French industrial ecosystem and €13m earmarked for 20+ firms based in French Guiana, aiming to support MIURA 5’s first flight in 2026 and generate local value added and jobs. Diplomacy & Borders: President Macron reaffirmed France’s support for Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity in a letter marking Guyana’s 60th Independence anniversary, pointing to the ICJ Essequibo proceedings and highlighting cooperation in justice, security and defence, including French Armed Forces participation in French Guiana events. Law & Memory: France’s National Assembly voted 254-0 to repeal the slavery-era Code Noir, a 1685 decree that treated enslaved people as “movable property,” with the bill now heading to the Senate. Regional Connectivity: LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes signed an interline agreement to let passengers book combined itineraries across their networks, including links involving French Guiana and travel onward to Paris-Orly. Sports (Local relevance): Guyana’s Independence 10K race delivered top performances by French runner Odylson Prika and local standout Attoya Harvey, with multiple youth and masters titles decided.

Guyana-Venezuela Tensions: French President Emmanuel Macron sent a letter to Guyana’s President Irfaan Ali reaffirming France’s support for Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity under international law, pointing to the Essequibo case before the ICJ and urging progress on draft justice, security, and defence agreements. French Guiana in the Spotlight: Macron also welcomed the participation of French Armed Forces based in French Guiana in Guyana’s Independence celebrations, underscoring the practical ties across the Guiana Shield. Historic Legal Reform (France): France’s National Assembly voted 254-0 to repeal the slavery-era Code Noir (“Black Code”), a 1685 decree that treated enslaved people as “movable property,” with the bill now headed to the Senate. Regional Connectivity (Caribbean/Guyana links): LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes signed an interline deal to make it easier to travel across English-, French-, and Dutch-speaking Caribbean routes, including connections involving Guyana. Sports (Guyana): Guyana’s basketball community mourned former national player Merton Fitzalbert, while Independence events also featured major athletics and road-race results.

Guyana–France Sovereignty: President Emmanuel Macron sent a letter to Guyana’s President Irfaan Ali reaffirming France’s “absolute” support for Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity under international law, as the Essequibo dispute continues at the ICJ; Macron also pointed to expanding cooperation in justice, security and defence and welcomed the French Armed Forces’ role in French Guiana during Guyana’s Independence celebrations. France Repeals Code Noir: France’s National Assembly voted unanimously (254-0) to repeal the 1685 Code Noir, the slavery-era law that treated enslaved people as “movable property,” with the bill now headed to the Senate—an overdue legal cleanup that lawmakers and descendants say opens the door to broader reckoning, including reparations debates. Regional Connectivity in the Caribbean: LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes signed an interline agreement to sell combined itineraries on one ticket, linking networks that include French Guiana and Guyana with routes via Antigua and onward to Paris-Orly. Sports & Local Links: Guyana’s Independence 10K in Georgetown featured French runner Odylson Prika and local standout Attoya Harvey winning top titles, underscoring ongoing sporting ties across the Guiana Shield.

Code Noir Repeal: France’s National Assembly voted unanimously (254-0) to formally repeal the 1685 Code Noir, a slavery law that treated enslaved people as “movable property,” with the change now set to move to the Senate—an especially sensitive step for overseas territories including French Guiana. Guyana-France Ties: On Guyana’s 60th Independence anniversary, President Macron reaffirmed France’s support for Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity in the Essequibo dispute, pointing to cooperation under the “Guiana Shield” and welcoming French Armed Forces participation in French Guiana events. Regional Connectivity in the Caribbean: LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes signed an interline deal to sell combined itineraries on one ticket, linking LIAT’s Eastern Caribbean network (including Guyana) with Air Caraïbes services from Guadeloupe, Martinique and French Guiana to Paris-Orly. Trade Push Brazil–Suriname: Brazil and Suriname will begin talks in the second half of the year to expand their trade agreement, aiming to broaden sectors beyond today’s limited, mostly Brazilian exports. Space & Sovereignty Watch: A week of European space-policy debate highlighted the gap between “sovereignty” goals and practical liability and procurement realities, with French Guiana repeatedly showing up as a key launch site. Space Weather Mission: ESA’s Smile mission launched from French Guiana aboard a Vega-C rocket, partnering with China to study solar wind impacts on Earth’s magnetosphere.

Code Noir Repeal: France’s National Assembly voted unanimously (254-0) to repeal the 1685 Code Noir, the slavery-era law that treated enslaved people as “movable property,” with the bill now heading to the Senate—an overdue legal break that lawmakers and Macron framed as a moral reckoning, especially for overseas territories including French Guiana. Guyana-France Ties: On Guyana’s 60th Independence anniversary, President Macron reaffirmed France’s support for Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity amid the Essequibo dispute, pointing to cooperation under the Guyana Shield and highlighting French Armed Forces participation in French Guiana events. Caribbean Connectivity Deal: LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes signed an interline agreement to let passengers book combined itineraries on one ticket with checked baggage through, linking English- and French-speaking Caribbean routes including Guyana and French Guiana. Suriname-Brazil Trade Push: Brazil and Suriname agreed to begin negotiations in the second half of the year to expand a limited trade relationship, with talks expected to cover new sectors and trade facilitation. Space & Sovereignty Watch: A new EU-China space mission launched from French Guiana aboard Vega-C, underscoring the region’s role in European scientific priorities.

Guyana-France Diplomacy: President Emmanuel Macron sent a letter to Guyana’s President Irfaan Ali for Guyana’s 60th Independence anniversary, reaffirming France’s support for Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity over Essequibo, pointing to the ongoing case before the International Court of Justice and highlighting deeper ties since France opened its embassy in Georgetown in September 2025. Regional Security Cooperation: Macron also welcomed French Armed Forces participation in Guyana’s independence events and said draft agreements on justice, security and defence are still being negotiated under the Guyana Shield partnership. French Law on Slavery: In Paris, France’s National Assembly voted 254-0 to repeal the Code Noir (Black Code), a 1685 decree that treated enslaved people as “movable property,” with the bill now set to move to the Senate. Indigenous Repatriation (France-Guyana link): France is also moving to return remains of six Kalina people from a colonial-era “human zoo” in Paris to French Guiana after the Senate approved legislation authorizing repatriation. Space & Science (French Guiana launch site): ESA and China launched the Smile mission from Europe’s spaceport in French Guiana to study “space weather,” aiming to improve understanding of how solar activity affects Earth’s magnetosphere and critical infrastructure.

France–Guyana Diplomacy: President Emmanuel Macron reaffirmed France’s commitment to Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity in a letter marking Guyana’s 60th Independence Anniversary and 60 years of ties, referencing the ICJ Essequibo hearings and promising progress on draft agreements in justice, security and defence, with French Armed Forces participation in Independence events in French Guiana. Colonial Justice in Paris: France’s National Assembly voted 254-0 to repeal the slavery-era Code Noir (Black Code), a 1685 decree that treated enslaved people as property; the bill now heads to the Senate, with Macron warning against “false promises” on reparations. Indigenous Repatriation: France’s Senate approved legislation to return remains of six Kalina people from colonial-era “human zoo” displays in Paris to French Guiana for burial within a year. Regional Security Exercise: Guyana and partners concluded Operation ZEUS ATLANTIC 2026, with French Guiana among participating states, aiming to strengthen cooperation and counter transnational organized crime. French Guiana in Space: ESA and China launched the Smile mission from Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana to study “space weather,” mapping how solar wind affects Earth’s magnetosphere. Culture & Media: Francophone creator Wil Aime’s self-funded thriller “Who” is on theatrical release across France and Belgium, inspired by “Attack on Titan.” Sports: Guyana’s basketball community mourns former national player Merton Fitzalbert, who died May 26.

Slavery Law 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” and was quietly left on the books for nearly 180 years; the bill now heads to the Senate, with supporters expecting approval. Reparations Debate: President Emmanuel Macron backed the repeal while warning against “false promises,” saying reparations must be addressed but without overpromising. Colonial Reckoning in French Guiana: The Code Noir’s reach included French Guiana, and the repeal adds pressure to confront colonial legacies across France’s overseas territories. Space Cooperation from Kourou: A joint ESA–China mission, SMILE, launched from French Guiana on a Vega-C rocket to study “space weather,” with the satellite entering orbit and deploying systems normally. Indigenous Remains Return: France is moving to repatriate remains of six Kalina people from colonial-era “human zoo” displays in Paris to French Guiana after Senate approval. Regional Security Exercise: Operation ZEUS ATLANTIC 2026 concluded with partners including French Guiana, aiming to strengthen cooperation against transnational organized crime.

Space & Science: China-Europe’s SMILE satellite (Solar wind Magnetosphere Ionosphere Link Explorer) launched by Vega-C from Kourou, French Guiana, successfully entered orbit to study “space weather,” aiming for the first global imaging of how the magnetosphere responds to solar wind—key for protecting satellites, communications, and power systems. Indigenous Rights & Law: France’s Senate has unanimously approved a bill to return the remains of six Kalina people from colonial-era “human zoo” displays in Paris to French Guiana, with repatriation authorized within a year. Regional Security Cooperation: Guyana and partners concluded Operation ZEUS Atlantic 2026, with French Guiana among participating states, focusing on strengthening regional cooperation and countering transnational organized crime. International Relations: Guyana’s Prime Minister Mark Phillips praised the evolving Guyana–France friendship at a Diamond Jubilee reception aboard the French patrol vessel La Résolue. Defense Training (French Guiana): An Australian officer from 1RAR became the second to pass the French Foreign Legion’s Jaguar Course in French Guiana, highlighting the territory’s role as a training hub.

Foreign Affairs & Regional Security: Guyana’s Diamond Jubilee diplomacy and defense cooperation stayed in focus as Prime Minister Mark Phillips praised Guyana–France ties at a reception aboard the Patrol Vessel La Résolue, while the Guyana Defence Force and partners wrapped Operation ZEUS ATLANTIC 2026, including French Guiana, to strengthen regional coordination against transnational organized crime. Colonial Justice: France moved to return the remains of six Kalina Indigenous people from a Paris “human zoo” to French Guiana after the French Senate approved a repatriation bill. Space & Science (French Guiana): A major China–Europe mission, SMILE, launched from Kourou on a Vega-C rocket to study “space weather,” aiming to deliver the first global X-ray/ultraviolet view of how solar wind interacts with Earth’s magnetic shield. Defense/Training (French Guiana): An Australian officer from 1RAR became the second Australian to pass the French Foreign Legion’s Jaguar Course in French Guiana, highlighting the territory’s role as a jungle-warfare training hub. Human Rights & Law (France): Macron reignited debate on slavery legacies by saying reparations must be addressed, while stopping short of concrete proposals.