« Now that we have assessed the situation, it is time to find tailored, effective, and sustainable solutions. After all, how else can we proceed if we are committed to restoring, preserving, and enhancing our appeal? »
Assessing the situation on site and finding solutions to the thorny issue of Sargassum was the central theme of this event, led by Ministers Nicolas Hulot and Annick Girardin, in the presence of Alfred Marie-Jeanne, President of the CTM Executive Council, and numerous dignitaries.
Indeed, seeing the situation through the lens of Parisian media is not the same as experiencing firsthand all the issues inherent in this disaster, which is taking a toll on residents, business owners, coastal communities, tourism, and, more broadly, the local economy.
Nicolas Hulot and Annick Girardin saw this for themselves when they visited the towns of Le Diamant, Le François, and Le Robert on Tuesday, June 12.
In fact, they were able to demonstrate the responsiveness of local authorities—despite limited resources—in collecting sargassum and cleaning the beaches.
In light of this natural and public health disaster, and the deplorable condition of Martinique’s hospitals and university medical center, «it is essential that «the government take the bull by the horns and make a full commitment to the people and local communities,»” as President Alfred Marie-Jeanne told Nicolas Hulot during their meeting at the CTM headquarters.
In fact, President Alfred Marie-Jeanne recalled the numerous appeals he had made to the Minister for Overseas Territories, Ms. Brigitte Girardin and the Minister of European Affairs in the presence of the presidents of local governments and their representatives during a meeting on April 16 and 17, 2018, focusing on the issues of chlordecone, Sargassum, health, and economic aid—calling, in particular, for equitable treatment among the territories:
« Now that we’ve assessed the situation, it’s time for tailored, effective, and sustainable solutions. After all, how else can we proceed if we want to restore, preserve, and enhance our appeal?
And that is where the extremely sensitive issue lies: the need for adequate financial resources.
It is therefore urgent to make substantial investments in a country as hard-hit as Martinique.
The government must take ALL the bulls by the horns, because this is a matter of SURVIVAL, of LIFE, but also of REVIVAL.
Martinique is not advocating solely for its own interests. Still, it is the only one that has not received a response to its repeated requests for budgetary, financial, and tax adjustments. »
Source: http://www.collectivitedemartinique.mq/sargasses-une-journee-au-pas-de-charge/
