The government is ” ready “ to talk about the autonomy of Guadeloupe, territory affected by a violent crisis born of a refusal of the vaccination obligation of caregivers and firefighters before embracing social demands, said Friday, November 26, the Minister of Overseas, Sébastien Lecornu.
In a televised address to Guadeloupeans posted online on Friday, the minister assures us that he does not have “No taboo”, while the issue has been raised during meetings in recent days to try to resolve the crisis.
“Some elected officials have asked the question of autonomy, compared to its current status as an overseas department / region. According to them, Guadeloupe could better manage itself. They want less equality with France, more freedom of decision by local decision-makers. The government is ready to talk about it, there are no bad debates as long as these debates serve to solve the real problems of the daily life of Guadeloupeans. “
“1,000 jobs helped for young people”
Mr. Lecornu also announced the funding of “1 000 jobs aided for young people, with specific support and training, in the non-profit sector, to support local authorities or social, sporting and environmental associations ”.
In Guadeloupe, 34.5% of the population lives below the national poverty line, with a high unemployment rate (19% of the working population), especially among young people (35% in 2020, against a national average of 20 %).
In an attempt to calm people down and put an end to the violence, the government had earlier indicated that it postponed until December 31 the implementation of the vaccination obligation for caregivers and firefighters in Guadeloupe as in Martinique, where the dispute has spread.
Also listen Why Guadeloupe is on fire
In addition, the prefect of Guadeloupe “Decided to extend the curfew from 6 p.m. to 5 a.m. until Monday, November 29, 2021 at 5 a.m.”. Thursday, the prefect of Martinique had established a curfew “From 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. until calm is restored”.