Guadeloupe Town Shutdown Amid Dispute

Guadaloupe. Photo by Yannis Sommera on UnSplash.

Dispute and Shutdown

The mayor of Le Gosier, a town of about 26,000 people on the southern coast of Guadeloupe, shut down government offices, schools, and services on Monday.

This was because of a dispute with city council members who have now called for an emergency meeting.

Mayor Michel Hotin, who was recently elected, said the shutdown will last until Wednesday. The trouble began in late April when opposition members on the council refused to support his plan to create a “general delegation.”

This group would act like a town government team, with a manager and other officials who could approve contracts and make decisions for the mayor.

Hotin said that without this team, he can’t run the town properly. Right now, every decision needs a full council vote, which slows everything down. He also said he can’t renew important public contracts for employees unless the delegation is approved.

Government Response

On Monday, the top French government official on the island, Prefect Xavier Lefort, said he will ask a court to stop Hotin’s shutdown order. He also asked the mayor to reopen the town immediately and meet with the council to find a temporary way to approve contracts.

Guadeloupe’s Status

Guadeloupe is not independent — it is an overseas department and region of France (département et région d’outre-mer).

This means:

It is part of France, just like any mainland department.
It uses the euro as its currency.
Residents are French citizens and European Union citizens.
It sends elected representatives to the French National Assembly and Senate.
It is subject to French laws, although some adaptations are made for local conditions.

Economy

As of November 1, 2024, the minimum wage in Guadeloupe is aligned with the French national minimum wage (SMIC), set at €11.88 per hour gross, equating to approximately €1,801.80 per month for a standard 35-hour workweek

Conclusion

The shutdown of government offices, schools, and services in Le Gosier, Guadeloupe, has raised concerns about the island’s governance and economy. The dispute between the mayor and city council members has highlighted the need for effective leadership and decision-making processes. As Guadeloupe continues to be an overseas department and region of France, it is essential to strike a balance between local autonomy and French laws and regulations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the status of Guadeloupe?

A: Guadeloupe is an overseas department and region of France (département et région d’outre-mer).

Q: What is the minimum wage in Guadeloupe?

A: As of November 1, 2024, the minimum wage in Guadeloupe is aligned with the French national minimum wage (SMIC), set at €11.88 per hour gross, equating to approximately €1,801.80 per month for a standard 35-hour workweek.

Q: Who is the top French government official on the island?

A: The top French government official on the island is Prefect Xavier Lefort.

Sources: AP News.