AGP Executive Report

Reckoning with Slavery’s Legal Legacy: France’s National Assembly voted unanimously (254-0) to repeal the 1685 Code Noir, the “Black Code” that treated enslaved people as movable property and set rules for violence, forced baptism, and punishment across colonies including French Guiana—symbolic progress after slavery was abolished in 1848 but the law lingered on the books. Local Memory, National Politics: Lawmakers and descendants described the repeal as necessary but not enough to repair “centuries of shattered lives,” with President Macron calling the long silence “a form of offense” while reparations details remain unclear. Cultural Spotlight from French Guiana: Harold James, a self-taught makeup artist from French Guiana, is featured for his Cannes work and his “conversation-first” approach that frames beauty as confidence and individuality. Regional Ties & Independence Mood: France reaffirmed support for Guyana’s sovereignty amid the Venezuela border dispute, highlighting cultural and diplomatic cooperation as Guyana marks 60 years of independence.

Reckoning with Slavery’s Legal Legacy: France’s National Assembly voted 254-0 to repeal the 1685 Code Noir, the “Black Code” that treated enslaved people as “movable property” and enabled brutal punishments, forced Catholic conversion, and family inheritance of slavery—an edict that stayed on the books long after slavery was abolished in 1848. Local Impact Across French Guiana: The Code Noir’s reach extended beyond the Caribbean to French Guiana, making the repeal a direct cultural and historical moment for communities here. Politics of Repair: Lawmakers and descendants in overseas territories say the vote is necessary but not enough, with debate turning emotional and President Macron calling the long silence “a form of offense,” while reparations details remain unclear. Guyana–France Ties: In parallel, Macron reaffirmed support for Guyana’s sovereignty amid the Essequibo dispute, highlighting expanding cooperation and French military participation in Guyana’s Independence celebrations. Beauty & Identity (French Guiana Connection): Harold James, a self-taught makeup artist from French Guiana, is spotlighted as L’Oréal Paris’ Global Makeup Artist, emphasizing makeup that reflects each woman’s culture and personality.

Law & Memory: France’s National Assembly voted 254-0 to repeal the 1685 Code Noir, the slavery-era decree that treated enslaved people as “movable property” and governed punishment, forced baptism, and family inheritance across colonies including French Guiana. Parliamentary Debate: Lawmakers described the long silence as a “form of offense,” with speeches turning emotional as descendants urged that legal cleanup can’t undo centuries of harm. Next Steps: The bill now heads to the Senate, where supporters expect approval, while calls for deeper action—beyond symbolism—continue. Regional Ties: Separately, France reaffirmed support for Guyana’s sovereignty amid the Venezuela border dispute, highlighting expanding cooperation and cultural-diplomatic links around Guyana’s 60th anniversary. Culture & Lifestyle Spotlight: French Guiana–born Harold James, self-taught makeup artist, is featured for his Cannes work and his “makeup as confidence” approach with L’Oréal Paris.

Reckoning with the Code Noir: France’s National Assembly voted 254-0 to repeal the 1685 slavery-era Code Noir, a law that treated enslaved people as “movable property” and shaped life across colonies including French Guiana; the bill now heads to the Senate, with President Macron calling the long silence “a form of offense.” Guyana–France ties amid border tensions: On Guyana’s 60th Independence anniversary, Macron reaffirmed France’s support for Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity as the Essequibo dispute continues before the ICJ, highlighting expanding cooperation and the French embassy in Georgetown. Local beauty spotlight from French Guiana: Harold James, a self-taught makeup artist from French Guiana, is featured for his Cannes work with L’Oréal Paris, emphasizing conversation-first, individuality-forward beauty. Independence sports energy (regional): In Guyana’s Independence 10K, French runner Odylson Prika and local standout Attoya Harvey took top honors, with junior and masters titles also decided.

Reckoning with Slavery’s Legal Legacy: France’s National Assembly voted 254-0 to repeal the Code Noir, the 1685 “Black Code” that treated enslaved people as “movable property,” mandated Catholic conversion, and sanctioned brutal punishments—an edict that stayed on the books long after slavery ended in 1848, with the bill now headed to the Senate. Local Resonance in French Guiana: The Code Noir’s reach included French Guiana, alongside Martinique, Guadeloupe, and other colonies, making the repeal a direct cultural and historical moment for overseas communities tied to that legal past. Diplomacy in the Guiana Shield: France reaffirmed support for Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity as Venezuela’s border dispute with Essequibo continues, highlighting expanding cooperation and noting Guyana’s 60th Independence anniversary and the deepening France–Guyana partnership. Beauty & Identity Spotlight: Harold James, a self-taught makeup artist from French Guiana, is named L’Oréal Paris’ Global Makeup Artist and shares a “conversation-first” approach that aims to make looks feel personal, not masked.

Reckoning with slavery law: France’s National Assembly voted 254-0 to repeal the 1685 Code Noir, the “Black Code” that treated enslaved Africans as property and governed punishment, forced Catholic conversion, and family separation across colonies including French Guiana—ending nearly two centuries where it stayed on the books after slavery was abolished in 1848. Political ties in the Guiana Shield: As Guyana marks 60 years of independence, President Emmanuel Macron reaffirmed France’s support for Guyana’s sovereignty amid the Venezuela border dispute, pointing to cooperation and the role of the ICJ. Local beauty spotlight: Harold James, a self-taught makeup artist from French Guiana, is named L’Oréal Paris Global Makeup Artist and shares a Cannes-focused approach centered on conversation, individuality, and confidence. Independence sports energy: In Guyana’s Independence 10K, French runner Odylson Prika and local standout Attoya Harvey took top honors, with junior and masters races also delivering standout performances. Wellness travel watch: TTW released its 2026 Top 30 Wellness Tourism Destinations for the Americas and Caribbean, highlighting luxury-meets-sustainability retreats.

Reckoning With Slavery’s Legal Legacy: France’s National Assembly voted unanimously (254-0) to repeal the Code Noir, the 1685 slavery decree that treated enslaved Africans as “movable property,” authorized brutal punishment, and imposed forced Catholic conversion—an edict that stayed on the books long after slavery was abolished in 1848. Overseas Territories in the Spotlight: The repeal lands amid renewed attention to colonial history in French Guiana and other overseas departments, where descendants of the enslaved communities have long argued that legal silence has been its own harm. Guyana–France Ties: As Guyana marks 60 years of independence, President Macron reaffirmed France’s support for Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity in the Essequibo dispute, pointing to deepening cooperation and the opening of France’s embassy in Georgetown. Local Culture & Lifestyle: Cannes beauty news hits home: Harold James, a French Guiana–hailing, self-taught makeup artist, is named L’Oréal Paris Global Makeup Artist and is spotlighted for a conversation-first approach that celebrates individuality.

Guyana–France ties under strain: As Guyana marks its 60th Independence anniversary, President Emmanuel Macron reaffirmed France’s support for Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity amid the Venezuela border dispute, pointing to ongoing proceedings at the ICJ and highlighting deepening cooperation, including France’s embassy opening in Georgetown and French Armed Forces participation in the celebrations. Reckoning with slavery law (Code Noir): France’s National Assembly voted 254–0 to repeal the 1685 Code Noir, a decree that treated enslaved people as “movable property,” allowing violence and sale—moving the bill next to the Senate after a debate that turned emotional for lawmakers descended from the enslaved. Indigenous repatriation: France is set to return the remains of six Kalina people to French Guiana after the Senate approved legislation authorizing repatriation from Paris museum collections, following advocacy over the colonial-era “human zoo” exhibitions. Culture & beauty spotlight from French Guiana: Harold James, a self-taught makeup artist from French Guiana, is featured for his Cannes work and his approach that starts with conversation and aims to empower women to look like themselves. Sports in the region: Guyana’s Independence 10K delivered standout performances, with French runner Odylson Prika defending his title and French Guianan-born talent Attoya Harvey winning the Senior Women’s crown.

France Repeals Code Noir: France’s National Assembly voted 254-0 to remove the slavery-era “Black Code” from French law, a decree that treated enslaved people as “movable property” and enabled brutal punishments. The bill now heads to the Senate, with supporters calling it a long-overdue legal reckoning. Indigenous Repatriation to French Guiana: France’s Senate has approved a measure to return the remains of six Kalina Indigenous people—exhibited in colonial “human zoos” in Paris in 1892—to French Guiana for burial within a year. Guyana–France Cultural Ties: Guyana’s Prime Minister praised enduring Guyana-France friendship at a Diamond Jubilee reception aboard the French patrol vessel La Résolue, highlighting education, healthcare, energy, agriculture, and infrastructure as shared priorities. Wellness Travel Watch: TTW released its 2026 Top 30 Wellness Tourism Destinations for the Americas and Caribbean, pointing to demand for nature-focused, sustainable, and flexible wellness getaways. Sports Pulse (Regional): In Guyana’s Independence 10K, French runner Odylson Prika and local standout Attoya Harvey took marquee titles, with strong junior and masters performances.

Slavery Law Repeal: France’s National Assembly voted 254-0 to repeal the Code Noir, the 1685 “Black Code” that legalized slavery across the empire, with the bill now heading to the Senate. Colonial Reckoning: The repeal comes as France confronts how the decree’s rules—turning enslaved people into “movable property,” enabling violence and denying their testimony—kept lingering in law long after abolition. Indigenous Repatriation: France’s Senate approved returning remains of six Kalina people from colonial-era “human zoo” displays in Paris to French Guiana for burial within a year. Taubira Law Anniversary: Ahead of commemorations, MPs back formal repeal of slavery-era legal texts, while President Macron links education and research to confronting the past—stopping short of concrete reparations plans. Guyana-France Ties: At Guyana’s Diamond Jubilee reception, Prime Minister Mark Phillips praised enduring Guyana-France friendship, with remarks delivered aboard a French patrol vessel. Wellness Travel: Travel and Tour World released a 2026 ranking of the Americas’ and Caribbean’s top wellness tourism destinations, highlighting shorter, nature-focused trips.

Indigenous Repatriation: France’s Senate has unanimously approved a law to return the remains of six Kalina people from colonial-era “human zoo” displays in Paris to French Guiana for burial within a year, marking a major step in confronting ethnographic abuses. Historical Reckoning: President Macron used the word “reparations” while addressing France’s legacy of slavery, pairing it with education and research commitments but avoiding concrete financial proposals. Local Heritage & Memory: France is also moving to repeal the “Code Noir” slavery decrees, with Taubira Law anniversary commemorations planned across France and overseas territories. Culture & Community: A Guyana-France Diamond Jubilee reception highlighted enduring ties and people-centred development themes, with French Guiana’s military leadership present. Public Health & Environment: New Mexico launched a screwworm preparedness site, noting the fly was first described by a French entomologist after cases linked to Devil’s Island in French Guiana. Sports Pulse: Guyanese athletes turned Independence celebrations into a showcase, including Brighton John’s top finish in the Grand Prix Cycliste de l’Ouest time trial.

Indigenous Repatriation: France’s Senate has unanimously approved a law to return the remains of six Kalina people from colonial-era “human zoo” exhibitions in Paris to French Guiana for burial within a year, following decades of advocacy and renewed attention to how colonized people—often children—were displayed and dehumanized. Historical Reckoning: Marking the Taubira Law anniversary, French MPs move to repeal the “Code Noir” from French law, while President Macron has also said reparations for France’s role in slavery must be addressed—without making false promises or spelling out financial terms. Guyana–France Ties: Guyana’s Prime Minister praised the evolving, more strategic Guyana-France partnership during Diamond Jubilee celebrations aboard the French patrol vessel La Résolue. Public Health & Heritage: A New Mexico preparedness update recalls that the New World screwworm was first described by a French entomologist after cases on Devil’s Island in French Guiana, as a new state website shares how to identify and report infestations. Culture & Lifestyle: A gardening feature argues for growing heirlooms to preserve genetic diversity and enjoy richer variety—like tomatoes that can thrive in both hot and cooler weather.

Guyana–France ties: Prime Minister Mark Phillips praised a “stronger and more strategic” Guyana–France partnership at a Diamond Jubilee reception aboard the patrol vessel La Résolue, framing independence as an ongoing journey built on resilience, unity, innovation, and people-centred development. Reckoning with colonial harm: France is moving to return the remains of six Kalina people displayed in Paris’s colonial “human zoos,” with a Senate-approved law enabling repatriation to French Guiana within a year. Slavery legacy debate: Macron says reparations for France’s role in the slave trade must be addressed, but he avoided concrete proposals—while MPs also back formally repealing the “Code Noir.” Health & preparedness: A New Mexico state site was launched to help people spot and report possible New World screwworm, a reminder that even rare threats can demand readiness. Wellness travel buzz: TTW released a 2026 ranking of the Americas’ and Caribbean’s top wellness destinations, spotlighting shorter, nature-focused trips.

Guyana–France ties: Prime Minister Mark Phillips praised a “continuing journey” of Guyana’s independence at a Diamond Jubilee reception aboard the French patrol vessel La Résolue, framing the relationship as evolving into a stronger, more strategic partnership. Colonial reckoning: France moved to return the remains of six Kalina Indigenous people—killed after being displayed in Paris’s colonial “human zoos”—with the French Senate unanimously backing a repatriation law to send them home to French Guiana. Slavery legacy debate: Macron said France must address reparations for its role in the slave trade, breaking a taboo by using the word, while stressing no “false promises” and pointing to joint research with Ghana. Health & preparedness: A New Mexico state site was launched to help people and vets spot and report New World screwworm, a reminder that even old French Guiana-era descriptions still shape modern risk planning. Wellness travel: TTW ranked the Americas and Caribbean’s top wellness destinations for 2026, betting on shorter, nature-led, sustainable trips.

Guyana–France Partnership: At Guyana’s 60th Independence Diamond Jubilee reception aboard the patrol vessel La Résolue, Prime Minister Mark Phillips praised a friendship that’s grown into a “stronger and more strategic” partnership, with Guyana’s people-centred push spanning education, healthcare, energy, agriculture, and infrastructure. Colonial Reckoning: France is moving to return the remains of six Kalina Indigenous people—killed after being displayed in Paris’s colonial “human zoos”—after a Senate-backed law clears the way for repatriation to French Guiana. Slavery Legacy Debate: Separately, President Macron said reparations for France’s role in slavery must be addressed, but he offered no concrete plan, stressing honesty and the limits of “fully” repairing the crime. Health & Preparedness: New Mexico launched a state site to prepare for possible New World screwworm, a reminder that even distant outbreaks can shape planning. Wellness Travel: A new 2026 ranking spotlights wellness tourism across the Americas and Caribbean, reflecting demand for shorter, nature-led, more sustainable getaways.

Wellness Travel Boom: Travel and Tour World just released its 2026 ranking of the Top 30 Wellness Tourism Destinations across the Americas and Caribbean, spotlighting luxury-meets-sustainability retreats and shorter, nature-focused getaways as travelers rethink long-haul costs and geopolitical stress. Repatriation Push: France is moving to return the remains of six Kalina people from colonial-era “human zoo” displays in Paris to French Guiana, after a Senate-approved law clears the way for burial at home within a year. Colonial Reckoning: Macron is publicly raising the taboo word “reparations” while stopping short of concrete plans, as France also moves to repeal the “Code Noir” and confront slavery’s legal legacy. AI in Everyday Life: A new global map shows AI use surging—UAE and Singapore lead by far—while much of Europe sits high, including France. Health Preparedness: New Mexico launched a state site to prepare for possible New World screwworm, a reminder that even rare threats can demand fast public readiness.