SMGEAG: understanding, restoring, rebuilding a trajectory of trust

The new report from the Regional Chamber of Accounts acts as a revealer: behind the figures, years of accumulated weaknesses are brought to light. A larger deficit than expected for the Water Syndicate in Guadeloupe: €57.5 million instead of the announced €41 million, insufficient investments, massive leaks, services under strain… But this time, the analysis also opens up a perspective.

The judges are not just talking about debts. They outline a path forward.

A demanding five-year plan that combines budgetary rigor, mobilization of local authorities and modernization of tools. A gradual increase in rates, certainly, but accompanied by a shared effort and clear objectives: reducing losses, accelerating the installation of pending meters, and streamlining spending.

Beyond the figures, what's at stake is a question of trust between institutions and users. And the local authorities say they want to rebuild that trust together. Guadeloupe is well aware of the complexity of its water network; She also knows the strength of her collective will. This plan, if followed, could mark a turning point.

Ophély Mézino: a woman, a voice, a territory in the Top 12 of Miss Universe

At Miss Universe 2025, Ophély Mezino achieved one of the best rankings ever for Guadeloupe: a place in the highly coveted Top 12. Already recognized for her commitment to the inclusion of deaf people and the fight against violence against women, she captivated the jury and the public with her journey and authenticity.

On the Miss Universe 2025 world stage, Ophély Mezino not only represented Guadeloupe, but also embodied an inspiring path marked by commitment, resilience, and conviction. His place in the Top 12 resonates as one of the best rankings in our history in this competition. But beyond the result, it is her journey that touches us: a determined young woman, committed to strong social causes, who proudly carries the message of inclusion and the rejection of violence against women.

This performance, celebrated on social media in the comments, videos, and messages shared over the past few days, has expressed a collective pride. A shining symbol in a world where we need positive, assertive, and supportive figures.

Training the next generation of energy professionals: a school that prepares for the future

In a brand-new workshop, twelve young Martinicans began their studies in a unique program: the School of Networks for Energy Transition. Coming from vocational high schools, they are embarking on a demanding course that includes MTNE (Technical and Digital Networks) training followed by a vocational baccalaureate in MELEC (Electrical Engineering).

They may well be the future technicians who will make the large-scale deployment of renewable energies, smart grids, and sustainable electricity management possible.

The partnership between the academy and EDF places Martinique in a dynamic of anticipation. Anticipating needs. Anticipating jobs. Anticipating the transformation of the territory.

And what particularly distinguishes this initiative is the commitment to increasing the number of women in technical professions, which are still too often perceived as masculine. An inclusive energy transition, that's a prospect full of promise.

Raid des Alizés: where sport, nature and solidarity come together

Every year, the Raid des Alizés transforms Martinique into a vast adventure playground. Between mountains, forests, rivers, and coastlines, the island becomes the stage for a challenge that is both athletic and humanitarian.

For this 9th edition, 75 all-female teams will embark on a series of events combining trail running, kayaking, mountain biking, and orienteering. But this raid is not just a physical feat: it is deeply committed to solidarity. Each participant supports a chosen charity, and all prize money is donated to them, amplifying their impact on the ground.

Among the competitors are familiar faces like Vaimalama Chaves and Flora Coquerel, who bring recognition and support to local charities.

An event where commitment meets effort, and where effort is transformed into hope.

Dates: 9th edition - November 25-30, 2025

RUP : The outermost regions draw a red line on the European budget

The nine Outermost Regions have spoken with one voice: the proposed 2028-2034 financial framework threatens essential tools, including the POSEI program, which supports vital agricultural sectors.

Behind the figures, local economies, thousands of jobs, and a model of social cohesion are at stake. The Regional Presidents emphasize that the Outermost Regions are not weak peripheries: they are strategic territories, European frontiers, and cultural and economic crossroads.

They simply demand that the commitments of Article 349 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union be respected—nothing more, nothing less.

Guadeloupe, French Guiana, Martinique, Mayotte, Réunion, and Saint-Martin (France), the Canary Islands (Spain), and the Azores and Madeira (Portugal) constitute the nine Outermost Regions of Europe.

Senate working session: finance, mobility, skills… a structuring dialogue

In Paris, the Presidents of the French Overseas Regions met with Mr. Gérard Larcher, President of the Senate, to discuss key current issues: mobility funding, the future of tax breaks, attractiveness, major infrastructure projects, and the LODEOM (Law for the Economic Development of Overseas Territories).

These technical but essential discussions are shaping the institutional and economic landscape for the next decade.

The elected officials reaffirmed that any institutional change must be accompanied by appropriate resources; otherwise, it cannot succeed.

The message is clear: building the future requires solid foundations.

Ports - The creation of a port SPL marks a new stage for the blue economy

During their 6th plenary assembly of the year, the elected members of the Departmental Council approved the creation of a Local Port Company (SPL), a strategic tool to modernize and better coordinate the management of Guadeloupean ports.

This new structure is intended to pool resources and strengthen public initiatives in support of the blue economy, a key sector for territorial development.

Departmental Councilor, M. Jimmy Fausta welcomed this initiative while calling for the establishment of a steering committee involving economic stakeholders, a multi-year investment plan to guide port projects, and a governance charter guaranteeing transparency and trust.

This roadmap demonstrates a collective commitment to more efficient and sustainable port infrastructure

Water - A collective mobilization around the SMGEAG to accelerate repairs

The Territorial Conference on Public Action (CTAP) met at the initiative of the President of the Guadeloupe Region, Mr. Ary Chalus, in the presence of the Prefect of Guadeloupe, Mr. Thierry Devimeux, and the President of the Departmental Council, Mr. Guy Losbar, to establish a joint strategy for the recovery of the SMGEAG (Guadeloupe Water and Sanitation Syndicate). The situation is well-known: major water losses, a precarious financial situation, and an aging network. But this meeting marks a decisive step towards coordinated action.

Among the decisions announced:

• Internal reorganization of the syndicate, with a gradual reduction in staff through retirements and voluntary departures.

• Mobilization of local authorities, each ready to take on an employee to reduce the syndicate's expenses.

• Accelerated six-month repair plan to drastically reduce water outages.

• Increased financial commitment: €20 million already allocated to launch projects, €60 million available through European funds, and €6 million injected by the Department for initial interventions.

Elected officials are also calling for a collective effort: paying bills, restoring trust with businesses, and stabilizing finances are the keys to a sustainable recovery.

A demanding approach, but resolutely focused on improving the daily lives of Guadeloupeans.

Youth - School-Business Week focuses on science and technology

From November 17 to 23, UDE-MEDEF Guadeloupe is organizing another edition of School-Business Week, this year focusing on the theme: "Science and Technology for All."

This initiative, which involves 16 schools, 610 students, and 21 activities, aims to connect Guadeloupe's youth with the economic realities of the region.

The program includes:

• Visits to innovative companies: Jardin de Valombreuse, Total Énergies, Sara, Grand Port Maritime,

• AI and job search workshops led by companies such as KARUSPHERE and Officum Conseil,

• A highlight at Air Inter Îles and a meeting between entrepreneurs and high school students at the Fab Lab of the Chevalier de Saint-Georges high school.

A week to discover career paths, explore the jobs of the future, and strengthen ties between schools and businesses, fostering a promising future for young people.

Miss France 2026 - The candidates welcomed to Martinique for their preparatory trip

A warm atmosphere reigned at Aimé Césaire Airport for the arrival of the 30 Miss France 2026 candidates, surrounded by the reigning Miss France, Angélique Angarni-Filopon from Martinique.

This preparation trip, organized for the third time in Martinique, has a special significance: it takes place during the reign of the very first Martinican woman crowned Miss France.

Beyond the glamorous event, this spotlight helps to promote the island, its heritage, and its thriving tourism industry.

• Who will be Miss France 2026?

The election will take place on December 6, 2025 at the Zénith in Amiens in the Somme department and will be presented by Mr. Jean-Pierre Foucault. It will be broadcast on TF1 starting at 9:10 p.m. (Paris time), or 4:10 p.m. (Caribbean time).(Modifié)Restaurer la traduction d'origine

Festival En pays rêvé - A 4th edition that showcases literature in Martinique

From November 17 to 23, Martinique hosts a new edition of the Festival en pays rêvé (Festival in a Dreamland), founded by Mrs Viktor Lazlo.

This multidisciplinary event, blending literature, music, and film, has established itself as a major cultural event on the island, taking place in more than a dozen towns.

This 2025 edition promises to be particularly rich:

• Presence of renowned international authors: Mr. Kamel Daoud, Ms. Nancy Huston, Ms. Lisette Lombé, Mr. Louis-Philippe Dalembert…

• Participation of Martinican and Caribbean authors such as Ms. Simone Schwarz-Bart, Ms. Nicole Cage, and Ms. Marie-Reine de Jaham,

• Meetings, screenings and discussions, readings, conferences, including a grand musical evening featuring Ms. Nancy Huston.

In a region steeped in literary history, including Césaire, Glissant, and Fanon, this festival continues to stimulate thought, enrich imaginations, and foster dialogue.

A true breath of fresh air, especially in this centenary year of Frantz Fanon's birth

National / Overseas - Overseas tax breaks: the National Assembly rejects the reduction of aid

The National Assembly overwhelmingly rejected (242 votes to 1) the reform that aimed to refocus tax breaks for investments in France's overseas territories solely on "green" projects.

Elected officials from these territories denounced the measure as drastic, likely to further weaken already strained economies, and mobilized collectively.

After several weeks of discussions, the government acknowledged that the text was "not ready in its current form" and pledged to revise it into a more suitable version in consultation with the FEDOM and economic stakeholders.

This victory for the overseas territories underscores the importance of dialogue and collaborative decision-making in national economic policies, especially in territories where productive investment remains a crucial driver for businesses and employment.