08 Dec 2021 | 03:48 PM UTC
Guadeloupe: Authorities extend nightly curfew in several locations through Dec. 10; further unrest possible /update 6
Guadeloupe officials extend nightly curfew in some municipalities through Dec. 10 following disruptive protests against COVID-19 measures.
Event
Authorities in Guadeloupe have and extended the nightly curfew in several municipalities through Dec. 10 following a strike and related civil unrest. As of Dec. 8 the strike and protests are continuing, though security forces continue to dismantle protester roadblocks and the situation has normalized somewhat. The curfew will run as follows:
20:000-05:00: Les Abymes, Baillif, Basse-Terre, Capesterre-Belle-Eau, Gosier, Lamentin, Morne-a-l'Eau, Le Moule, Petit-Bourg, Pointe-a-Pitre, Sainte-Anne, and Sainte-Rose munipalities
22:00-05:00: Baie-Mahault and Goyave municipalities
The curfew does not cover other municipalities or La Desirade, Marie-Galante, and Les Saintes islands. Individuals traveling to work, to assist vulnerable people, or due to family or medical emergencies are exempt. Authorities have also banned the sale of fuel in jerrycans.
Several groups, including the General Union of Workers of Guadeloupe (Union Generale des Travailleurs de Guadeloupe, UGTG), protested COVID-19 measures, such as COVID-19 health pass and vaccination requirements, from Nov. 15 through early December. Protesters staged walkouts and demonstrations across the territory, barricaded roads, and vandalized vehicles and buildings. Police fired tear gas and used water hoses on the demonstrators. Notably, the French government has deployed special operations police units to the island in a bid to restore order. Following negotiations, French authorities have also suspended the implementation of the vaccine mandate for health workers and firefighters until Dec. 31.
Further protests and marches associated with the strike are possible across Guadeloupe in the coming days; clashes between demonstrators and security forces are possible, particularly if authorities attempt to disperse gatherings. Demonstrators may block roads and close fuel stations on the island. Transport and business disruptions are likely near protest sites.
Advice
Avoid all protests. Confirm private transport and business appointments. Avoid unnecessary travel. If you encounter a roadblock, do not attempt to cross it; seek alternative routes or wait for the police to reopen the road.
