Dennis Jacobs writes in Chicago International Travel Examiner :
Negotiators reported progress Thursday in efforts to end a 37-day-old strike that has disrupted travel to the French Caribbean islands of Guadeloupe and Martinique. Violent demonstrations on both islands have forced tourists indoors and caused many would-be visitors to cancel vacation plans.
The National Travel Agencies Organization of France reports about 10,000 tourists have fled the islands due to the closure of hotels and cruise companies are altering itineraries to avoid the hot spots. Royal Caribbean liner Vision of the Seas will not make planned visits to the island on its current cruise and the Holland America ship Noordam went to Dominica last week instead of Martinique.
Wednesday, violence erupted on Martinique for the second straight night. Protestors blocked off streets with burning trash bins and crashed vehicles into stores that were then looted.
Residents of both islands have been striking over low pay and the high cost of living. They want a $250-per-month increase in the minimum wage. There were conflicting reports Thursday afternoon about a possible deal to end the strike, with the French government offering to pick up $120-$200 of the monthly increase if business owners will provide the rest.
The Collective Against Exploitation, representing strikers, reportedly advised supporters today that they had reached an agreement to end the strike, but details still had to be finalized. It's hoped the possible agreement might stave off further violence. However, islanders appear increasingly frustrated and about 500 protestors disrupted business today at an upscale grocery store on Guadeloupe.
From Guadeloupe suspect faces preliminary murder charge
PARIS (AP) — Judicial officials have filed preliminary murder charges against a 35-year-old man over the shooting death of a trade union leader during recent unrest in Guadeloupe.
Police say four other suspects face preliminary charges for criminal association and violence against police in connection with the Feb. 17 killing of Jacques Bino on the French Caribbean island.
From France's empire strikes back
Slavery still an issue
The immediate problems in Guadeloupe, which France annexed in 1674, are a result of the global economic problems. However, the influence of slavery cannot be ignored and the former colonial power is being held responsible.
France did not revoke slavery until 1848 and the residue of colonialization remains. There is great resentment at the continued power of white families. Even now, the tiny minority who make up Guadeloupe's economic elite are the descendents of slave owners. Much of the population is descended from African slaves.
This racial power structure is reflected on France's other overseas departments, where global economic problems are opening up old divisions.
Failed effort to diffuse crisis
In a bid to defuse the crisis and prevent it from spreading, French President Nicolas Sarkozy announced a development package of $US 730 million for France's overseas “departments”. However, strikes have spread to neighboring French islands.
A general strike continues on the expensive Caribbean island of Martinique, where there has been rioting and looting this week, underpinned by racial and class tension.
Police from the French mainland have been sent to Martinique as the violence over prices and wages continues. The island is tightly bonded to France, inhabitants rely on basic goods imported from France and sold in French-owned supermarkets at high prices.
On the Indian Ocean island of Réunion, a strike has been called for March 5. Facing similar problems as the other departments, protest groups are watching developments elsewhere. The department of French Guiana on the north-east coast of South America also has a developing protest movement.
No comments:
Post a Comment