Protests in French Caribbean: why high cost of living is a relic of the colonial era
Demonstrations against the high cost of living that began at the start of September have been causing tensions in the French Caribbean département of Martinique. However, the issue of food prices and the cost of other consumer goods is not new, and nor is it confined just to this island. As Amandine Ascensio reports, it is a persistent reality as a result of the obsolete way the economy is organised, something which has its roots in colonial times.
ItIt is yet another crisis to add to the string of upheavals that regularly shake French overseas départements and regions. Since September 1st, campaigners fighting against the the high cost of living in the Caribbean département of Martinique have launched yet more protests. The issue of expensive food and other essential items has long been a simmering source of discontent in France's far-flung territories and Martinique is no exception; more than 90% of all its consumer goods are imported.
