Martinique Banana Workers Might Still Be Affected by Chlordecone
2023-12-08
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They had already sounded the alarm with a press release at the beginning of November; this time, it is in an assembly that the "collective of agricultural workers poisoned by pesticides" reiterates its revelations. According to them, banana agricultural workers in Martinique are exposed to Chlordecone through the water used to wash the bananas. Farmers are ready, if necessary, to modify the treatment of this water.
The Collective of Contaminated Agricultural Workers (COAC) uses strategy to make itself heard. According to them, Chloredecone contamination continues in the farms where bananas are packaged. It is not done by spreading the pesticide on the fruit but by the water used to wash it before packaging it. This water from rivers contaminated by the molecule exposes people and fruits that come in contact with it, and the collective claims to have analyses that prove what they are saying. They also maintain that farmers in charge of washing bananas have high levels of Chlordecone in their blood. The collective reserves the right to release elements supporting their assertion. On the other hand, they demand that the Regional Health Agency conduct analyses and intervene in the treatment of water used in banana farms. For them, farm workers should exercise their right of withdrawal. The president of the Banamart producers' group, Alexis Gouyé, opened his farm's doors in Sainte-Marie, a town particularly affected by the spread of pesticides. Gouyé affirms that they take the water from the river and treat it with chlorine afterwards. They also provide reports of blood tests carried out on employees of its operation. Out of 791 samples, 28% had a higher rate of chlordeconemia. The analyses do not specify the position occupied by these employees or the history of their professional careers.
According to the local press, "The ball is now in the court of the State services, which for the moment remain silent in response to our requests. The government is well involved in the consequences of the first contaminations of the pesticide and may not be ready to open another front," the president of Banamart added.