Guadeloupe Implements Curfew for Minors Amid Rising Urban Violence
In response to escalating urban violence, the prefect of Guadeloupe has announced a curfew for minors in seven sectors of the island aimed at curbing youth delinquency. Starting from Monday evening, the curfew will be enforced from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. local time, impacting areas including Boucan and Bébel in Sainte-Rose, Poucet and Mare-Gaillard in Gosier, Lauricisque and Changy in Pointe-à-Pitre, and Boisripeaux in Abymes. Prefect Xavier Lefort highlighted that the measure was necessary due to the surge in violence that began on September 18, which has predominantly involved minors, some as young as 12.
The prefecture's statement noted alarming incidents such as barricades, roadblocks, and the burning of traffic radars, with law enforcement facing attacks including stone-throwing and Molotov cocktails. The Boucan area, in particular, has witnessed looting by unidentified gangs, reminiscent of the 2021 riots against COVID-19 health measures. To ensure compliance, minors will need to be accompanied by a parent or guardian during curfew hours.
Martinique Faces Protests Against High Cost of Living
While Guadeloupe grapples with youth-related violence, neighboring Martinique is experiencing unrest driven by protests against the high cost of living. The prefecture of Martinique has extended its partial curfew, which has been in place since September 18, to include the working-class district of Sainte-Thérèse, where violent clashes have been reported over the past week. This curfew will run from 9:30 p.m. to 5 a.m. until Thursday, with additional restrictions on demonstrations.
Protesters in Martinique have engaged in various forms of civil disobedience, including roadblocks, and have targeted law enforcement with live ammunition. The local truckers' union has announced planned go-slow operations in solidarity with the protests, while the CGT Martinique union has declared an unlimited strike starting Thursday. The prefect of Martinique, Jean-Christophe Bouvier, is scheduled to hold a press conference to address the ongoing situation.
