AGP Executive Report

Telecom Infrastructure: EllaLink has moved its Caribbean Gateway into the development stage, planning an open-access, carrier-neutral submarine fibre link from Cayenne to Martinique and Guadeloupe, with a western leg to Aruba, Curaçao and Bonaire, aiming for service by end-2029 after turning letters of intent into binding deals and closing financing. Culture & Diaspora: The inaugural Bermuda Black Film Festival runs Oct 15–18, 2026 under “Connecting Voices Across the Diaspora,” with submissions including Guadeloupe and more than 20 films from 15+ countries/territories. Local Arts & Heritage: Guadeloupe-born artist Eddy Firmin is spotlighted for work that challenges colonization and identity, drawing on the region’s history and traditions like Gwoka. Transport Capacity: A new proposal for an ABC Islands ferry is framed as badly needed to ease capacity limits that push travelers to book flights weeks ahead. Sports: Saint Lucia’s Piton Boyz bounced back with a 5-2 win over Bermuda in the CONCACAF Nations League, while Suriname and Martinique face a key Group B moment in Paramaribo. Energy & Industry: Ormat won up to ~$35M from the U.S. Department of Energy to advance enhanced geothermal and hydrothermal projects in Nevada and Utah.

Telecom Infrastructure: EllaLink has moved its Caribbean Gateway from design to the development phase, aiming to link Cayenne (French Guiana) with Martinique and Guadeloupe, plus a western leg to Aruba, Curaçao and Bonaire, with service targeted for end-2029; the operator now plans to turn letters of intent into binding landing-partner deals, complete financing, and close the funding structure before construction starts. Energy & Industry: Ormat was selected for up to about $35 million from the U.S. Department of Energy to advance enhanced geothermal systems and hydrothermal geothermal work in Nevada and Utah—another signal of continued investment momentum in renewable heat technologies. Transport & Tourism Pressure: A proposal for an ABC Islands ferry is framed as urgently needed to ease capacity constraints that push travelers to book far ahead, with tourism growth straining local services and infrastructure. Culture & Identity: Guadeloupe-born artist Eddy Firmin is spotlighted for work confronting colonization, slavery, and Afro-Caribbean traditions like Gwoka.

Telecom Infrastructure: EllaLink has officially launched its EllaLink Caribbean Gateway (ECG) initiative, a new fibre optic submarine cable from Cayenne (French Guiana) to Martinique and Guadeloupe, with a western segment for Aruba, Curaçao and Bonaire; the project moves from design to committed investment, aiming for service by end-2029. Renewable Energy & Industry: Ormat was selected for up to ~$35M in U.S. Department of Energy funding (with SLB and the University of Utah) to advance Enhanced Geothermal Systems at Dixie Valley and hydrothermal development at Cove Fort—supporting drilling, testing and subsurface work. Maritime & Tourism Economy: Cruise Industry News reports the Costa Serena chartered as a floating hotel for the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games at roughly $1.36M per day, underscoring the scale of ship-based accommodation demand. Local Culture & Identity: A feature on Guadeloupe’s Carnival morning in Basse-Terre highlights Mas a Kongo—painted traditions tied to memories of slavery and resistance—on French “European soil” in the Caribbean. Food & Health Claims: A report on soursop (graviola/guanabana) notes six commonly cited health benefits, but stresses that human proof remains limited. Offshore Racing & Route du Rhum Build-up: The Route du Rhum – Destination Guadeloupe heads into its home stretch with a record-tight field and intense competition across classes, with the start set for Nov. 1 in Pointe-à-Pitre.

Telecom Infrastructure: EllaLink has officially launched the EllaLink Caribbean Gateway (ECG), a new fibre optic submarine cable running from Cayenne to Martinique and Guadeloupe, with a western segment for Aruba, Curaçao and Bonaire; the project moves from design to committed investment, aims for service by end-2029, and will convert letters of intent into firm commitments. Renewable Energy: Ormat was selected for up to about $35m in U.S. Department of Energy funding to advance Enhanced Geothermal Systems and hydrothermal development, including work tied to its Dixie Valley (EGS) and Cove Fort (hydrothermal) projects. Maritime & Local Economy: The Route du Rhum – Destination Guadeloupe is heading into its home stretch, with 118 skippers set to start Nov. 1 from Saint-Malo to Pointe-à-Pitre, and the Class40 fleet expected to be the largest. Innovation & Agri-Food: Congo Basin Innovation Days ended with 10 start-ups shortlisted for Innovation Outre-Mer 11 at Station F in Paris (Nov. 23–27), including projects in agri-food processing. Food & Health Buzz: A new report revisits soursop (graviola), listing nutrients and commonly claimed benefits while stressing that human proof remains limited.

Route du Rhum – Destination Guadeloupe: Organizers say the “home stretch” is on for the Nov. 1 solo sprint from Saint-Malo to Pointe-à-Pitre, with 118 skippers and record pressure across Ultim, Ocean Fifty, IMOCA, Class40, Vintage Multi and Vintage Mono. Offshore Racing in the Caribbean: The Class40 fleet is set to be the biggest at the event (49 boats), and the wider offshore calendar keeps feeding into Guadeloupe’s spotlight. CIC MED Channel Race: The Mediterranean’s Class40 flagship (launched 2025) is expanding for 2027 with the Sun Fast 30 OD, using a mixed-doubles format alongside the Class40 fleet. Energy & Industry: Ormat won up to ~$35m from the U.S. Department of Energy to push enhanced geothermal systems and hydrothermal development in Nevada and Utah, a reminder of how renewables R&D can reshape industrial pipelines. Food & Local Markets: A new review reiterates that soursop (graviola) is widely sold as juice and sweets, but many claimed health benefits still lack strong human proof—relevant for consumer trust in tropical products.

Route du Rhum – Destination Guadeloupe: With the home stretch on the horizon, organizers say 118 skippers will start the Nov. 1 solo sprint from Saint-Malo to Pointe-à-Pitre, with competition hotter than ever across six classes. Offshore Racing in the Caribbean: The Class40 fleet is set to be the biggest at the event, and the wider offshore calendar keeps building momentum, including the CIC MED Channel Race’s 2027 expansion with a new Sun Fast 30 OD class and mixed-doubles format. Local Sports Spotlight: Sophie Faguet looks ahead to Globe40 2028-2029, framing the round-the-world project around knowledge-sharing, inclusion, and solidarity. Energy & Industry: Ormat won up to about $35m from the U.S. Department of Energy to push enhanced geothermal systems and hydrothermal geothermal development, a reminder of how renewables R&D can reshape industrial pipelines. Food & Health: A new report revisits soursop (graviola), listing nutrients and commonly claimed benefits while stressing that human proof remains limited. Culture & Tourism: A floating-hotel charter comparison shows how cruise assets are being priced for major games, with the Costa Serena’s 2026 Asian Games stint running at roughly $1.36m per day.

Route du Rhum – Destination Guadeloupe: The home stretch is on for the Nov. 1 solo sprint from Saint-Malo to Pointe-à-Pitre, with 118 skippers and a fiercer “race within the race” across Ultim, Ocean Fifty, IMOCA, Class40, Vintage Multi and Vintage Mono after a push for ever-faster boats. Offshore Sailing in the Caribbean spotlight: The Class40 fleet is set to be the biggest at the start, and the wider offshore calendar keeps building momentum, including the CIC MED Channel Race’s 2027 expansion with a new Sun Fast 30 OD class and a mixed-doubles format running alongside Class40. Energy & resilience: A Caribbean economic report warns that energy insecurity is a structural vulnerability, urging utilities, regulators, governments and consumers to align on energy sovereignty to cut exposure to oil-price shocks. Geothermal investment (global, but relevant for renewables): Ormat won up to ~$35M from the U.S. DOE to advance enhanced geothermal and hydrothermal projects—another signal of continued momentum in renewable heat.

Offshore Racing & Tourism: The Route du Rhum – Destination Guadeloupe is in the home stretch, with 118 skippers set to depart Saint-Malo on Nov. 1 for Pointe-à-Pitre, and the bar “never higher” across Ultim, Ocean Fifty, IMOCA, Class40, Vintage Multi and Mono. Local Maritime Spotlight: The Class40 fleet will be the biggest at the start (49 boats), underlining how offshore racing keeps drawing talent and attention to Guadeloupe. New Sailing Class for 2027: The CIC MED Channel Race (launched 2025) is expanding for 2027 by adding the Sun Fast 30 OD One Design alongside the Class40 fleet, using a mixed-doubles format. Energy & Industry: Ormat won up to ~$35M from the U.S. DOE to push enhanced geothermal and hydrothermal projects in Nevada and Utah—another signal for renewable heat tech. Caribbean Energy Security: A Caribbean economic report warns energy insecurity is still hurting the region, calling for stronger energy sovereignty to cut exposure to oil-market shocks. Agri-Food Interest: Soursop coverage highlights claimed health benefits, but notes most are based on limited human research.

Route du Rhum – Destination Guadeloupe: Organizers say the Nov. 1 solo sprint from Saint-Malo to Pointe-à-Pitre is in the “home stretch,” with 118 skippers and a fiercer race across Ultim, Ocean Fifty, IMOCA, Class40, Vintage Multi and Mono—good news for Guadeloupe’s tourism and local logistics around the finish. Offshore Racing Industry: The Class40 fleet is set to be the biggest in the event, and CIC MED CHANNEL RACE 2027 is expanding with a new Sun Fast 30 OD class, underlining the growing offshore-racing supply chain. Energy Security: A Caribbean economic report warns energy insecurity is leaving the region exposed to oil-price shocks, pushing utilities, governments and regulators toward energy sovereignty and better procurement planning. Geothermal Funding: Ormat won up to ~$35m from the U.S. DOE to advance enhanced geothermal and hydrothermal projects—another signal for renewable investment flows that can matter for Caribbean energy planning. Local Admin Risk: France tightens vehicle registration system controls from Oct. 1, after fraud cases including in Guadeloupe, where companies reportedly faced misuse of SIV authorizations. Food & Local Culture: Soursop coverage highlights limited human research behind claimed health benefits, while a Carnival morning feature spotlights Mas a Kongo—painted resistance rooted in the islands’ history.

Vehicle Registration Fraud Controls: France tightens the SIV system from Oct. 1, 2026, requiring accredited automotive professionals to log 200 transactions a year and have 3 years in business; Guadeloupe is named among places hit by fraudulent use of authorizations, with reported losses and identity theft impacts. Energy Security for the Caribbean: Economist Marla Dukharan urges Caribbean stakeholders to align on energy sovereignty to cut exposure to oil-market shocks, warning volatility could keep prices above $100 as geopolitical risks persist. Geothermal Funding Boost: Ormat wins up to ~$35M from the U.S. DOE (with SLB and the University of Utah) to advance enhanced geothermal and hydrothermal projects—Dixie Valley (Nevada) and Cove Fort (Utah). Route du Rhum—Destination Guadeloupe: Organizers push into the home stretch for the Nov. 1 Saint-Malo to Pointe-à-Pitre start, with 118 skippers and intense competition across six classes. Local Culture & Identity: Carnival morning in Basse-Terre spotlights Mas a Kongo—painted bodies, whip-crack tradition, and memories of slavery and resistance in Guadeloupe’s ongoing reckoning.

Route du Rhum – Destination Guadeloupe: The race is in the home stretch: 118 skippers will start from Saint-Malo on Nov. 1 for the solo sprint to Pointe-à-Pitre, with competition hotter than ever across Ultim, Ocean Fifty, IMOCA, Class40, Vintage Multi and Vintage Mono. Offshore Racing & Local Talent: The CIC MED RACE 2027 is expanding its Mediterranean circuit with a new Sun Fast 30 OD class and a mixed-doubles format, while the Class40 fleet remains central—setting the stage for more high-profile sailing activity that feeds into regional maritime know-how. Geothermal & Energy Projects: Ormat won up to ~$35M from the U.S. Department of Energy (with SLB and the University of Utah) to push Enhanced Geothermal Systems at Dixie Valley and hydrothermal development at Cove Fort—another signal for renewables and drilling services demand. Caribbean Energy Security: Economist Marla Dukharan urges Caribbean stakeholders to align on energy sovereignty to cut exposure to oil-price shocks and improve reliability. Guadeloupe/France Admin Crackdown: France is tightening vehicle registration system controls from Oct. 1, 2026 after fraud cases—including reported misuse in Guadeloupe—prompting stricter professional accreditation rules. France–Canada Cooperation: Macron and Carney announced closer ties on fishing, security, energy, and advanced tech, following EU “associate member” discussions.

Route du Rhum – Destination Guadeloupe: The race is in the home stretch: 118 skippers will start from Saint-Malo on Nov. 1 for the solo sprint to Pointe-à-Pitre, with competition hotter than ever across Ultim, Ocean Fifty, IMOCA, Class40, Vintage Multi and Vintage Mono. Offshore racing in the region: The CIC MED RACE 2027 expands its Mediterranean circuit with a new Sun Fast 30 OD class and a mixed-doubles format, while the Class40 fleet is set to be a key draw—good news for the wider sailing ecosystem that feeds events like Route du Rhum. Guadeloupe-linked fraud controls: France tightens vehicle registration system (SIV) accreditation from Oct. 1, after document fraud and hacks; in Guadeloupe, several companies have already been hit, with losses reported in the millions. Energy security for the Caribbean: An economist urges Caribbean stakeholders to align on energy sovereignty to cut exposure to oil-price shocks and “petropolitical” volatility. Geothermal investment: Ormat wins up to ~$35m from the U.S. DOE to push enhanced geothermal and hydrothermal development—another signal for renewables momentum. France–Canada ties: Macron and Carney announce closer cooperation on fishing, security, energy and advanced tech, including AI.

Offshore & Shipping: Costa Serena is set to act as a floating hotel for the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, with a reported 22-day berth at Kinjo Pier from Sept. 15 to Oct. 6 and a daily charter cost of about $1.36m—higher than Aroya’s Mediterranean Games rate—highlighting how major events keep boosting cruise and logistics demand. Route du Rhum – Destination Guadeloupe: Organizers say the “home stretch” is on for the Nov. 1 solo sprint from Saint-Malo to Pointe-à-Pitre, with 118 skippers across six classes and a big spotlight on the Class40 fleet. Sailing Innovation: The CIC MED CHANNEL RACE is expanding for 2027 with a new Sun Fast 30 OD class alongside Class40, while a new fully foiling Mini 6.50 prototype (RESOLVE) launches for the 2027 Mini Transat campaign. Energy & Industry: Ormat won up to ~$35m in U.S. DOE funding to advance enhanced geothermal systems and hydrothermal development, a reminder of how renewables financing is moving fast. Local Governance & Fraud Controls: France tightens vehicle registration system rules from Oct. 1, 2026, and reports Guadeloupe has seen fraudulent use of SIV authorizations.

Geothermal & Energy Investment: Ormat won up to ~$35M from the U.S. Department of Energy to push Enhanced Geothermal Systems at Dixie Valley (up to $25M, with SLB and the University of Utah) and hydrothermal development at Cove Fort (up to $9.7M), with work focused on drilling, testing and subsurface characterization. Caribbean Energy Security: Economist Marla Dukharan urges Caribbean stakeholders to align on energy sovereignty to cut exposure to oil-price shocks, calling for coordinated planning and procurement to improve reliability and reduce foreign-exchange losses. Guadeloupe-Relevant Admin Fraud Crackdown: France tightens vehicle registration system (SIV) rules from Oct. 1, 2026—requiring 200 transactions/year and 3 years in business—after document fraud concerns; Guadeloupe has already seen multiple cases tied to SIV authorization misuse. Route du Rhum—Destination Guadeloupe: Organizers say the Nov. 1 solo ocean sprint from Saint-Malo to Pointe-à-Pitre is in the “home stretch,” with 118 skippers and fierce competition across six classes. Innovation Outre-Mer: Congo Basin Innovation Days shortlisted 10 start-ups for Innovation Outre-Mer 11 at Station F in Paris (Nov. 23–27), highlighting investment pathways for overseas innovators. Offshore Tech & Manufacturing: A new fully foiling Mini 6.50 prototype, RESOLVE, was launched in France to support a 2027 Mini Transat campaign, signaling continued advances in composite boatbuilding and testing.

Route du Rhum – Destination Guadeloupe: The race is in the home stretch: 118 skippers will start from Saint-Malo on Nov 1 for the solo sprint to Pointe-à-Pitre, with competition hotter than ever across Ultim, Ocean Fifty, IMOCA, Class40, Vintage Multi and Vintage Mono. Offshore Sailing Tech: American sailor Peter Gibbons-Neff has launched RESOLVE, a new fully foiling Classe Mini 6.50 prototype built in La Trinité-sur-Mer, kicking off testing for a 2027 Mini Transat return. Guadeloupe Transport Security: France is tightening vehicle registration (SIV) controls from Oct 1, 2026 after document fraud concerns; in Guadeloupe, at least four companies have reportedly been hit by fraudulent use of authorizations. Caribbean Energy: Economist Marla Dukharan urges the Caribbean to push harder for energy sovereignty, warning that oil-market volatility and “petropolitical shocks” keep raising costs and risk. Innovation Outre-Mer: Congo Basin Innovation Days selected 10 start-ups from 40 for Innovation Outre-Mer 11 at Station F in Paris (Nov 23–27). EU/Canada-France Links: Macron and Canada’s Carney announced closer cooperation on defense, energy and business, with EU “associate member” status in the mix.

Route du Rhum – Destination Guadeloupe: The race is in its home stretch as 118 skippers gear up for the Nov 1 solo start from Saint-Malo to Pointe-à-Pitre, with fiercer competition across Ultim, Ocean Fifty, IMOCA, Class40, Vintage Multi and Vintage Mono after years of speed-focused innovation. Innovation & Agri-food: Congo Basin Innovation Days in Brazzaville wrapped up with 10 start-ups shortlisted for Innovation Outre-Mer 11 (Nov 23–27 at Station F, Paris), including projects tied to agri-food processing and investor-backed growth. Caribbean Energy Security: Economist Marla Dukharan urges the Caribbean to push harder on energy sovereignty, warning that oil-market volatility and “petropolitical shocks” keep prices high and reliability low unless utilities, governments and regulators align on practical delivery. Local Business Risk (Guadeloupe): France tightens Vehicle Registration System (SIV) accreditation from Oct 1, after fraud cases including in Guadeloupe where companies saw fraudulent use of authorizations—prompting stricter transaction and business-duration requirements. International Links: Macron and Canada’s Carney announced closer cooperation on defense, energy and business, plus EU “associate member” ties, signaling more Atlantic-area industrial and technology collaboration.