The Caribbean is starting to lead the world in terms of the number of people contracting cancer. Sky-high rates of cancer in Martinique are being caused by the chemicals that are used there.
Martiniquans face high rates of prostate cancer and breast cancer, as well as other forms of cancer, diabetes, Parkinsons and other illnesses.
Regulations are in place regarding the production of foodstuffs in France, which means that foods from Martinique may be prohibited from entering France. However, the same regulations are not applied within Martinique - there are no regulations prohibiting farming on contaminated land.
So the pesticide Chlordecone has been found in foodstuffs, including cows' milk, in Martinique. Chlorodene is banned in Europe, but not in Martinique and Guadeloupe.
The No to Chlordecone Association and other environmental organisations are campaigning for reparation for the prejudice they face. They are also campaigning for better traceability. Nowadays, when you buy a product in a market, you have no idea where it originated [a problem which has been highlighted by the horse meat scandal].
The farmers are not compensated if they reduce or cease production.
Watch the video above for more information.
This video was posted by London Black History Walks.
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