Martinique’s Water Crisis: A Story of Inequality and Colonial Legacy

Martinique. Water, water everywhere, but not a drop to drink. Photo by MU on UnSplash.

Introduction to the Crisis

In Martinique, a French Caribbean island, tourists enjoy beautiful waterfalls, but at home, many locals have yellow water coming from their taps.

Residents can and do buy bottled water, but it costs twice as much as in Paris.

Apparently this is due to the high cost of importing plastic bottles and to added taxes. Other people say it is due to price gouging by a handful of companies owned by colonial era descendants that control the economy in Martinique.

The Issue of Water Distribution and Prices

Like many Caribbean islands, Martinique does have the large 5-gallon refillable plastic water jars, which are much cheaper once customers have made the initial deposit, but they are not widely available and require transportation or a delivery service to take them from supermarkets to homes.

In recent months, there were angry protests in Martinique about high prices and bad services. These protests led to promises from the French government to lower grocery prices. Official data shows that prices in Martinique are 40% higher than in mainland France.

Historical and Social Context

Martinique is a French overseas department and has 6 representatives in the French Parliament—4 deputies and 2 senators. If combined with Guadaloupe, the French Caribbean has a total of 12 elected officials in Paris.

The issue of water and prices is deeply tied to history, race, and class. A small group of white Creole families, called “Békés”, who descend from slave owners, control a large part of the island’s economy. They make up just 1% of the population, which is mostly Afro-Caribbean or descendants of Indian and Chinese workers.

Environmental Concerns and Health Impacts

Rainwater is the primary source of drinking water in Martinique, and the island was badly hit by a drought in April and May of 24 when residents had to contend with rotating water cuts, with rivers and reservoirs dangerously low.

Bringing in water tankers has been considered, but ruled out because it seemed that it would not be cost efficient and the problem is not that Martinique has a lack of rainfall, but that it has a poor water distribution system and a problem with pollution from poisoned soil.

Many don’t trust tap water because of past pesticide use on banana farms. The pesticide, chlordecone, used until 1993, contaminated water, soil, and food and is linked to high rates of prostate cancer. Martinique had one of the highest rates of prostate cancer in the world in 2022.

Activism and Calls for Change

Some activists want independence from France. They are also angry at businesses like GBH, owned by the Hayot family. Overseas Minister Manuel Valls visited the island and asked business owners to be more open about their profits. He said new laws will fight unfair business practices.

Activists say they want real changes. Their group, RPPRAC, has protested with signs showing high water prices. GBH published financial reports for the first time after pressure from protestors. But they were surprised by Valls’ criticism, saying there is already fair competition.

Conclusion

Martinique’s water crisis is a complex issue that involves historical, social, and environmental factors. The island’s poor water distribution system, pollution, and high prices have severe impacts on the health and well-being of its residents. While some progress has been made, more needs to be done to address the root causes of the crisis and ensure that all residents have access to safe and affordable drinking water.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Why is the water in Martinique not drinkable?

A: The water in Martinique is not drinkable due to contamination from past pesticide use on banana farms and poor water distribution systems.

Q: Why are prices in Martinique so high?

A: Prices in Martinique are high due to the cost of importing goods, added taxes, and price gouging by companies owned by colonial era descendants.

Q: What is being done to address the water crisis in Martinique?

A: Activists and the government are working to address the water crisis by improving water distribution systems, reducing prices, and promoting fair business practices.

Q: What is the legacy of slavery in Martinique?

A: The legacy of slavery in Martinique is still felt today, with a small group of white Creole families controlling a large part of the island’s economy and many residents struggling with poverty and lack of access to resources.