For the West Indian populations, it is the consecration of a long-standing fight.
The National Assembly adopted at first reading the bill aimed at “recognizing the responsibility of the State and compensating the victims of chlordecone”, carried by the socialist deputy Élie Califer, during the parliamentary initiative day of the socialist group .
In January 2023, the courts dismissed the case concerning chlordecone poisoning, this pesticide classified as a possible carcinogen by the WHO and used until 1993 in the Antilles.
According to Public Health France, more than 90% of the adult population of the two islands is contaminated by this pesticide.
Used until 1993
Responsible for prostate cancer in particular, this product was banned in mainland France in 1990 but continued to be used until 1993 in the Antilles, particularly in banana plantations.
With 227 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, Martinique holds the world record for this type of cancer, which was recognized as an occupational disease in December 2021.
Also read: Chlordecone: “What happened in the West Indies is the model of what not to do”
In 2006, several Martinican and Guadeloupean associations filed a complaint against the French State for poisoning, endangering the lives of others and administering a harmful substance.
A judicial investigation was opened at the Paris judicial court in 2008.
> More information to come…