In France, the National Assembly voted overwhelmingly this Thursday, February 29, to include in law the responsibility of the State in the chlordecone scandal in the West Indies, and the need to compensate the victims. This pesticide is associated with an increased risk of cancer, and despite the risk to health and the environment, it continued to be authorized in banana plantations in Guadeloupe and Martinique until 1993.
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A “ historic victory “. The bill, which was carried by the socialist deputy of Guadeloupe, Elie Califer, was passed unanimously by voters this Thursday, February 29, with the majority groups abstaining. She will now continue her parliamentary journey in the Senate.
Through this law, the PS group says it hopes “ finally an official recognition of the responsibility of the État ” in this ” environmental and health scandal » chlordecone. “ This is an essential first step » which will allow “ to introduce into law the objectives » for decontamination of land and water and compensation for victims, noted the PS before the vote this Thursday.
🔴 HISTORY!
The National Assembly recognizes the responsibility of the State in the health and environmental scandal of #Chlordecone !
A fight of socialists with @ElieCalifer. A victory for the French and the French of the overseas territories. #LoisSOC pic.twitter.com/fddR3DPXTu
— Socialist and related deputies (@socialistesAN) February 29, 2024
Chlordecone is still present in the blood of 90% of the West Indian population. It’s a ” health bomb », in the words of Elie Califer. Because 30 years after the end of its use, it continues to contaminate the soil, fresh water and seas of Guadeloupe and Martinique.
One more step towards reparation for victims
However, the toxicity of this pesticide has been known since the 1970s. Even at low doses, it causes numerous illnesses. However, even after its ban in Metropolitan Francethe State continued to authorize its use in these overseas islands, to liquidate stocks, satisfy the lobby of banana producers and that of chlordecone manufacturers.
Two years ago, the courts had already found the State guilty of “ culpable negligence “. By including this responsibility in the law, it is an additional, and symbolic, step towards repairing the damage suffered by the population.
Read alsoThe fight against chlordecone in Guadeloupe: an example of environmental racism
(And with AFP)