Madelaine Jouye de Grandmaison is reissuing her memoir, originally published by Seed Publications in 2018. It bears witness to her unwavering commitment to her country and, above all, to her visionary perspective on sustainable and inclusive development for the North as a «cornerstone of Martinique’s development.» This book is a valuable and profound testament to the country’s evolution over the past fifty years…
She is one of the few Martinican women of her time involved in politics who has launched so many innovative and forward-thinking initiatives in the areas of education, culture, heritage, and sustainable development, despite a societal context that was not necessarily supportive. In the preface to her book, she writes, «It reflects my thoughts, my concerns, and my observations as a woman in a male-dominated political circle that is fundamentally disrespectful toward women.» The woman whom everyone affectionately calls Madelaine—such is her enduring popularity—entered politics in her home district, Ajoupa Bouillon, during the 1972 municipal elections; she had been a member of the PPM since 1967. She was the driving force behind her municipality’s development, establishing the tourist office there, and later contributed to the development of the northern region by promoting its unique natural environment. It was undoubtedly her experience as a natural sciences teacher that inspired her unique vision for regional development—one that emphasizes education, connection with, and appreciation for nature and the land. Thus, in 1990, she encouraged citizens to be «agents of their own development» and launched the collaborative «Les Ombrages» project, which would become the Northern Territory’s first «tourism and educational complex, a tool for environmental education.» Next came the third phase of her «collaborative development» project, “Convergence, or the Descent of the Mornes.” There were sixteen editions of this cultural event, rooted in the trails and the mornes, celebrating the region’s natural heritage and cultural diversity. This initiative was driven by a vision for intermunicipal cooperation among the eight municipalities united by Mount Pelée. It was a long-term effort that paved the way for the region’s recognition as a World Heritage Site and for the concept of green tourism in Martinique…
Nathalie Laulé
