France accepts responsibility for toxic pesticide scandal in Caribbean territories

France’s parliament has formally recognised state responsibility for the use of the toxic pesticide chlordecone in Martinique and Guadeloupe, marking a significant step in addressing decades of environmental contamination and public health concerns.

The decision follows years of concern over the chemical, which was used on banana plantations from the 1970s until the early 1990s despite restrictions already in place in mainland France.

Chlordecone, a highly toxic insecticide later banned globally under the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants, has been linked by health authorities, including France’s National Agency for Health Security, to widespread soil and water contamination and an increased risk of cancer, particularly prostate cancer.

Abbas Abbasov, chairman of the Baku Initiative Group, said chlordecone continued to be used in French overseas territories until 1993.

“Unfortunately, this prohibition didn't apply to French overseas territories, where the use of Chlordecone continued until 1993, particularly on banana plants,” he said.

“The government also prohibited the use of Chlordecone in the plantations in Guadeloupe and Martinique, which led to tragic and serious health consequences of local population.”

Compensation framework

The new law does not immediately establish a full compensation scheme but sets out a framework for further investigation and potential reparations.

A government inspection mission is expected to visit Martinique and Guadeloupe to assess the extent of the damage and propose compensation mechanisms.

Abbasov also highlighted the role of advocacy and reporting efforts in bringing attention to the issue.

“In this regard, I would like to point out the fact that the French government did not recognise that over the past three years Baku Initiative Group has successfully conducted events, international events dedicated to these matters,” he said.

“And also we published and submitted reports in this regard to the international organisations. And today we can see the real impact of our job done by Baku Initiative Group.”

Ongoing debate

French authorities have acknowledged that earlier warnings about chlordecone’s risks were not acted upon sufficiently.

However, the scale and structure of potential compensation for affected communities remain under discussion.

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France Martinique guadeloupe Chlordecone Public Health Environmental justice french parliament