23 Nov 2021 | 09:19 PM UTC
Martinique: Major unrest, disruptions islandwide amid general strike as of Nov. 23
General strike accompanied by major disruptions and violence across Martinique as of Nov. 23. Avoid all protests.
Event
Activist groups launched an indefinite general strike Nov. 22 in protest of COVID-19 vaccination mandates for health workers. As of Nov. 23, protesters have blocked most major roads, and authorities say that shots were fired at police during a clash between officers and demonstrators overnight.
Continued roadblocks and clashes between protesters are likely through at least Nov. 26, causing major transport and business disruptions across the island. Demonstrators have set fires on roads to block them, and the arson and looting of retail businesses are possible. A major deployment of police is likely throughout the unrest.
Context
The general strike and protests follow similar labor actions and demonstrations in nearby Guadeloupe, another French island where vaccine mandates have sparked significant unrest. French authorities have responded to the unrest in Guadeloupe by sending special police forces to the island from mainland France; such a deployment to Martinique may also occur in an effort to quell the unrest.
Advice
Avoid all protests as a precaution. If violence occurs nearby, immediately leave the area. Heed the instructions of security personnel. Do not attempt to drive through roadblocks; wait for the police to dismantle them instead. Reconfirm all business appointments.
