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Chlordecone: State responsibility finally recognized
In the chlordecone affair, the National Assembly recognized the role of the State in the health, environmental and economic damage suffered in Guadeloupe and Martinique, where the pesticide was authorized even though it was known to be toxic.
(France 2)
In the chlordecone affair, the National Assembly recognized the role of the State in the health, environmental and economic damage suffered in Guadeloupe and Martinique, where the pesticide was authorized even though it was known to be toxic.
The chlordecone health scandal in the West Indies now has a culprit. The National Assembly voted on Thursday evening, February 29, at first reading, a text recognizing the responsibility of the French State in the use of this pesticide. The West Indian deputies, who carried the law, describe this vote as historic. “It is the State which authorized it, it is the State which allowed it to happen, and this recognition of this responsibility opens the door to reparations but also to judicial work”confides Johnny Hajjar, deputy of the Martinican progressive party.
A pesticide authorized until 1993
According to the text, France must now aim to clean up land and compensate victims. But, for associations, the text does not go far enough. Banned in the United States since 1975, chlordecone, a pesticide used in banana plantations, was used in the West Indies until 1993. To come into force, the bill must now be voted on in the Senate.
