AGP Executive Report

Local Politics: Micheline Jacques was elected Senator for Saint-Barthélemy in the first round on Sunday, Sept. 27, taking 13 of 19 valid votes and avoiding a second round. Regional Politics: In Saint-Martin, Daniel Gibbs won a Senate seat in a dramatic second-round reversal, 13 votes to 11, after Mussington’s governing group splintered when three councilors quit. Telecom & Connectivity: EllaLink officially launched its EllaLink Caribbean Gateway initiative, a new submarine cable corridor from Cayenne to Martinique and Guadeloupe, with a western segment serving Aruba, Curaçao and Bonaire, targeting service by end of 2029. Travel & Tourism: A new WIMCO St. Barth listing spotlights the Philea-Flamands Loft—two bedrooms, ocean views, a private pool, and a walk-to-the-beach location near Flamands. Culture & Entertainment: Comedian Elie Semoun surprised children in Gustavia with a very private screening appearance for Ducobu 6. Cruises: Explora Journeys announced its Caribbean season plans for late 2026 into early 2027, with sailings that include Saint Barthélemy.

Local Politics: Micheline Jacques was elected Saint-Barthélemy senator in the first round on Sunday, Sept. 27, taking 13 of 19 valid votes and avoiding a second round. Regional Governance: In Saint-Martin, Daniel Gibbs won a Senate seat in a dramatic second-round reversal, 13–11, after Mussington’s governing group splintered with three councilors quitting. Telecom & Infrastructure: EllaLink launched its EllaLink Caribbean Gateway initiative, a new fiber submarine cable linking Cayenne to Martinique and Guadeloupe, with a western segment for Aruba, Curaçao and Bonaire, targeting service by end of 2029. Travel & Tourism: Explora Journeys announced its Caribbean season for late 2026 through March 2027, with sailings calling at Saint Barthélemy and featuring two ships (EXPLORA I and EXPLORA III). Lifestyle & Culture: Comedian Élie Semoun surprised children in Gustavia by attending a very private screening of Ducobu 6. Real Estate & Stays: WIMCO St. Barth Properties unveiled the Philea-Flamands Loft, a two-bedroom option with ocean views, a private pool, and a walk-to-Flamands Beach location.

Cruise Watch: A travel expert breaks down repositioning cruises—longer sailings that start and end in different ports—highlighting the appeal of extra sea days and the key tip to pick the ship as carefully as the itinerary. Local Travel & Stays: WIMCO St. Barth Properties adds the Philea-Flamands Loft, a two-bedroom, walk-to-the-beach option above Flamands Beach with ocean views and a private pool. Connectivity for the Region: EllaLink officially launches its EllaLink Caribbean Gateway, a new submarine cable corridor from French Guiana to Martinique and Guadeloupe, with western branches for Aruba, Curaçao and Bonaire, targeting service by end-2029. Politics—Saint-Barthélemy: Micheline Jacques is re-elected as Saint-Barthélemy senator in the first round, taking 13 of 19 valid votes. Politics—Saint-Martin: Daniel Gibbs wins the Saint-Martin senate seat in a second-round reversal, as the governing majority splinters after councilors quit. Culture & Community: Élie Semoun makes a surprise appearance at a private Gustavia-linked screening for children of “Ducobu 6.” Caribbean Tourism: Explora Journeys maps an expanded Caribbean season (Oct 2026–Mar 2027) with two ships calling at Saint Barthélemy among other destinations.

Telecom & Connectivity: EllaLink has officially launched its EllaLink Caribbean Gateway (ECG), a new fibre-optic submarine cable system linking Cayenne to Martinique and Guadeloupe, with a western segment for Aruba, Curaçao and Bonaire, moving from design to committed investment with a target to be ready for service by end of 2029. Local Politics: Micheline Jacques was re-elected Senator for Saint-Barthélemy in the first round on Sept. 27, taking 13 of 19 valid votes, so no second round was needed. Regional Governance: In Saint-Martin, Daniel Gibbs won a Senate seat after a second-round reversal, 13 votes to 11 over Valérie Damaseau, as Mussington’s governing majority splintered with councilors leaving the group. Tourism & Stays: WIMCO St. Barth Properties is marketing the new Philea-Flamands Loft—two bedrooms, ocean views, a private pool, and a walk-to-the-beach location near Flamands. Culture & Family Fun: In Gustavia, Elie Semoun surprised children with a very private screening appearance for “Ducobu 6,” bringing a Halloween-themed dose of laughs to local school friends. Cruises: Explora Journeys announced its upcoming Caribbean season for late 2026–early 2027, with calls including Saint Barthélemy across two ships.

Telecom & Infrastructure: EllaLink has officially launched its EllaLink Caribbean Gateway initiative, a new submarine fibre route from Cayenne to Martinique and Guadeloupe, with a western segment serving Aruba, Curaçao and Bonaire, moving from letters of intent to committed investment with a target service date by end-2029. Local Politics: Micheline Jacques was re-elected Saint-Barthélemy senator in the first round on Sept. 27, taking 13 of 19 valid votes, so no second round was needed. Tourism & Stays: WIMCO St. Barth Properties is adding the Philea-Flamands Loft, a two-bedroom, four-guest apartment with ocean views, a private pool, and walk-to-the-beach access in Flamands. Luxury Rentals: Bo House, the Eterniti group’s villa management and rental brand, has launched in Saint-Barthélemy with a concierge-led model and three “hero” properties across the island. Travel Industry: Explora Journeys is set to make its Caribbean season unforgettable with two ships (EXPLORA I and EXPLORA III) sailing from late 2026 through March 2027, including calls at Saint Barthélemy.

Local Politics: Micheline Jacques was re-elected Saint-Barthélemy senator in the first round on Sunday, Sept. 27, taking 13 of 19 valid votes—so no second round was needed. Regional Governance: In Saint-Martin, Daniel Gibbs won the Senate seat after a second-round reversal, edging Valérie Damaseau 13–11 as Mussington’s majority splintered following councilors’ departures. Travel & Hospitality: WIMCO St. Barth Properties adds the Philea-Flamands Loft, a two-bedroom stay for four with ocean views, a private pool, and a walk-to-Flamands Beach setup. Island Business: Bo House, the Eterniti group’s villa management brand, launched in Saint-Barthélemy—its first Caribbean destination—anchored by three “hero” properties across the island. Caribbean Cruises: Explora Journeys’ late-2026 to early-2027 Caribbean season will call at Saint Barthélemy among other ports, with two ships (EXPLORA I and EXPLORA III) offering multi-destination sailing.

Senate Shake-Up (Saint-Martin): Daniel Gibbs won Saint-Martin’s Senate seat in a dramatic second-round reversal, overturning Valérie Damaseau’s first-round lead after three territorial councilors quit Louis Mussington’s governing group—raising fresh questions for Team Gibbs ahead of 2027. Local Politics (Saint-Barthélemy): Micheline Jacques was re-elected Saint-Barthélemy senator in the first round, taking 13 of 19 valid votes and making a second ballot unnecessary. Travel & Luxury (Saint-Barthélemy): Explora Journeys is gearing up for a Caribbean season from late 2026 to March 2027, with stops including Saint Barthélemy, while Bo House—Eterniti’s villa and property brand—has launched in Saint-Barthélemy as its first Caribbean destination. Culture & Leisure (Gustavia): Élie Semoun made a surprise appearance at a very private Ducobu 6 screening attended by children from Gustavia. Sustainability (UNGA): Minister Claret Connor highlighted sustainable procurement at UNGA’s Global Compact forum, calling it a development tool for small island states.

Senate Spotlight (Saint-Barthélemy): Micheline Jacques was re-elected Saint-Barthélemy Senator in the first round, taking 13 of 19 valid votes—so no second ballot was needed. Local Politics (Saint-Martin): Daniel Gibbs won a French Senate seat in a dramatic second-round reversal, defeating the candidate backed by Louis Mussington after three councilors quit his governing group—raising fresh questions for what comes next for Team Gibbs. Travel & Luxury (St Barts): Explora Journeys is gearing up for a Caribbean season (late Oct 2026–Mar 2027) with two ships, including sailings that feature Saint Barthélemy. Property & Villas (St Barts): Bo House, part of the Eterniti group, has launched in Saint-Barthélemy—its first Caribbean destination—bringing villa rentals and concierge-style management to the island. Culture & Family Fun: Élie Semoun made a surprise, very private appearance at a children’s screening of Ducobu 6 connected to Gustavia Harfouch.

Gustavia Spotlight: Élie Semoun made a rare, very private visit to a children’s screening in Neuilly-sur-Seine for Ducobu 6, surprising young fans (including Gustavia Harfouch’s friends) with a personal talk and Halloween-themed laughs. Caribbean Travel: Explora Journeys says its 2026–27 Caribbean season will run from late October through March across two ships, with sailings that include Saint Barthélemy among other islands. Local Hospitality & Villas: Bo House, the Eterniti group’s luxury villa management brand, has launched in Saint-Barthélemy—its first Caribbean destination—anchored by three “hero” properties and a concierge-led, hotel-level service model. Slow Travel Trend: Journeyscape unveiled a relaxed 14-day self-drive New Mexico itinerary (Albuquerque to Santa Fe), reflecting demand for longer stays and deeper local experiences. Sustainable Procurement Diplomacy: Minister Claret Connor spoke at the UNGA’s Global Compact forum, calling procurement a development tool and backing a Sustainable Procurement Implementation Framework.

Luxury Travel & St. Barthélemy: Explora Journeys says its Caribbean season (mid-Oct 2026 to March 2027) will spotlight St Barthélemy among other islands, with two ships—EXPLORA I from Miami (Nov. 17, 2026) and EXPLORA III debuting in the region from Québec City (Oct. 15, 2026) and sailing to San Juan by Nov. 1. Local Hospitality & Villas: Bo House, the Eterniti group’s luxury villa management and rental brand, has launched in Saint-Barthélemy—its first Caribbean destination—bringing a concierge-led, hotel-level service model and anchoring the launch with three “hero” properties around Gustavia and the coast. International Spotlight: Minister Claret Connor represented Sint Maarten at the UNGA’s Global Compact High-Level Forum, backing sustainable procurement as a development tool and highlighting the Sustainable Procurement Implementation Framework. Entertainment (Not St. Barthélemy, but in the week’s feed): Élie Semoun made a surprise private screening appearance for children in Neuilly-sur-Seine for “Ducobu 6,” including a Halloween-themed event.

Luxury Travel & St Barthélemy: Bo House, the Eterniti group’s villa rental and property management brand, has launched in Saint-Barthélemy—its first Caribbean destination—bringing a concierge-led model and a portfolio anchored by three “hero” properties around Gustavia and the island’s coasts. Caribbean Cruise Watch: Explora Journeys says its 2026–27 Caribbean season will sail from late October through March across EXPLORA I and the debuting EXPLORA III, with Saint Barthélemy listed among the stops. Slow Travel Spotlight: Journeyscape unveiled a 14-day self-drive “Ultimate New Mexico Road Trip” built for a slower pace, pairing major sights with local experiences like Taos artisan walks, Ojo Caliente soaking, and Chaco Culture visits. Local/Regional Governance Note: Minister Claret Connor represented Sint Maarten at the UN General Assembly’s sustainable procurement forum, framing procurement as a development tool for small island states. Entertainment Buzz: Élie Semoun made a surprise, private Gustavia-linked screening appearance for children in Neuilly-sur-Seine ahead of “Ducobu 6.”

Gustavia & Culture: Élie Semoun made a low-key, very private stop in Gustavia’s orbit, surprising children with a special screening of Ducobu 6 at UGC headquarters in Neuilly-sur-Seine—no press, just families and laughter, with Semoun speaking to the kids about the film. Caribbean Travel: Explora Journeys is rolling out a fresh Caribbean season from mid-October 2026 to March 2027, with sailings that include Saint Barthélemy alongside Saint Lucia and the British Virgin Islands, using EXPLORA I (from Nov. 17, 2026) and EXPLORA III (debut Oct. 15, 2026). Luxury Villas: Bo House, the Eterniti group’s villa rental and management brand, has launched in Saint-Barthélemy—its first Caribbean destination—bringing concierge-led, hotel-style service to the island, anchored by three “hero” properties. Slow Travel: Journeyscape unveiled a relaxed 14-day self-drive New Mexico road trip (Albuquerque to Santa Fe), leaning into culture and longer stays—more travel inspiration than St Barth news, but relevant for readers planning future escapes.

Luxury Villas & Management: Bo House, the Eterniti group’s villa rental and property management brand, has launched in Saint-Barthélemy—its first Caribbean destination—bringing concierge-led, hotel-level service to the island, anchored by three “hero” properties near Gustavia and the coast. New Dining in Gustavia: Zuma Saint-Barth opens in Gustavia’s harbour with contemporary Japanese izakaya-style dining, seven days a week from 6pm to 1am (seasonal through April 2027), pairing sushi, robata and a late-night DJ-driven bar scene. Caribbean Cruise Calls at St Barth: Explora Journeys is rolling out its 2026–27 Caribbean season with EXPLORA I and EXPLORA III, including sailings that feature Saint Barthélemy alongside Saint Lucia and the British Virgin Islands. Local Culture & Community: Élie Semoun made a surprise, very private Gustavia-linked screening appearance for children in Neuilly-sur-Seine for “Ducobu 6,” bringing a playful Halloween atmosphere to the audience.

New Restaurant in Gustavia: Zuma Saint-Barth is set to open as a new Japanese dining and nightlife hub, with harbour views, a DJ-led late-night vibe, and hours from 6pm to 1am (seasonal through April 2027). Luxury Villas & Management: Bo House, part of the Eterniti group, has launched in Saint-Barthélemy—its first Caribbean destination—bringing concierge-led villa rentals and property management, anchored by three “hero” properties near Gustavia and the coast. Caribbean Travel Push: Explora Journeys announced its Caribbean season for late 2026 to March 2027, with sailings that include Saint Barthélemy alongside Saint Lucia and the British Virgin Islands. Sports & Local Interest: Newcastle United vs Hull City is listed for Saturday TV coverage, with global channel options including Disney+ Premium Caribbean. Health & Sustainability (Regional): Minister Claret Connor spoke at the UN Global Compact forum on sustainable procurement, calling it a development tool for small island states. Other: A private Gustavia-linked screening story made headlines abroad, and a Saint-Barth mention appears in a “Zuma to Open” tourism item.

Caribbean Travel Buzz: Explora Journeys has unveiled its mid-October 2026 to March 2027 Caribbean season, with two ships—EXPLORA I from Miami (Nov. 17, 2026) and new EXPLORA III debuting Oct. 15, 2026 from Québec City—bringing a “no repacking” style of hopping between ports, including Saint Barthélemy, Saint Lucia and the British Virgin Islands. Island Hospitality: Bo House, the Eterniti group’s luxury villa brand, is launching in Saint-Barthélemy as its first Caribbean destination, anchored by three standout properties near Gustavia and the coast. New Dining in Gustavia: Zuma Saint-Barth is set to open in late November, operating 7 days a week from 6pm to 1am through April 2027, with contemporary Japanese izakaya-style dining and a late-night DJ-led social scene overlooking Gustavia harbour. Local Business/Travel Tie-In: Journeyscape is also promoting slower travel with a new 14-day New Mexico self-drive road trip, starting in Albuquerque and ending in Santa Fe.

New Restaurant in Gustavia: Zuma Saint-Barth is set to open in late November, bringing contemporary Japanese izakaya-style dining to the harbourfront, with doors open daily from 6pm to 1am through April 2027 and a late-night social vibe anchored by a DJ and bar. Luxury Villas & Concierge: Bo House, the Eterniti group’s luxury property management and rentals brand, has launched in Saint-Barthélemy as its first Caribbean destination, starting with three “hero” properties near Gustavia and offering hotel-level service in private-villa settings. Sustainable Procurement Spotlight: Minister Claret Connor represented Sint Maarten at the UN Global Compact High-Level Forum, backing a Sustainable Procurement Implementation Framework aimed at helping small island states turn public spending into measurable outcomes. Travel Trend Watch: Journeyscape unveiled a new 14-day “slow travel” self-drive road trip across New Mexico, reflecting growing demand for longer stays and deeper local experiences.