| FRENCH GUIANA Department of Guiana Guyane (Overseas department of France) Joined United Nations: 24 October 1945 Human Rights as assured by their constitution Click here Updated 03/26/10 |
| CAPITAL |
| POPULATION |
| CHIEF OF STATE |
| SELECTION PROCESS |
Cayenne
221,500 (January 2008 est.)
Nicholas Sarkozy
President of France since 16 May 2007
President of France since 16 May 2007
French president elected by popular vote for a five-year term;
prefect appointed by the French president on the advice of the
French Ministry of Interior. Election last held 16 May 2007;
Next scheduled election: first round April 2012, second
round May 2012
prefect appointed by the French president on the advice of the
French Ministry of Interior. Election last held 16 May 2007;
Next scheduled election: first round April 2012, second
round May 2012
HEAD OF GOVERNMENT
SELECTION PROCESS
Alain Tien-Liong
President of the General Council
since 20 March 2008
President of the General Council
since 20 March 2008
Presidents of the General and Regional Councils are appointed
by the members of those councils
by the members of those councils
| DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS |
| ETHNIC GROUPS |
Black or mulatto 66%, white 12%, East Indian, Chinese, Amerindian 12%, other 10%
| RELIGIONS |
Roman Catholic
| GOVERNMENT STRUCTURE |
Overseas Department of France- No administrative divisions. Legal system is based on French civil law system with
indigenous concepts; review of administrative but not legislative acts
Executive: President of France popularly elected for five year term represented by prefect, Presidents of General Council
and Regional Councils appointed by members of councils; Election last held 16 May 2007; Next scheduled election:
first round April 2012, second round May 2012
Legislative: unicameral General Council or Conseil General (19 seats; members are elected by popular vote to serve
six-year terms) and a unicameral Regional Council or Conseil Regional (31 seats; members are elected by popular
vote to serve six-year terms)
Elections: General Council - last held in March 2006 (next to be held March 2012); Regional Council - last held 21
and 28 March 2004 (next to be held in 2010)
Judicial: Court of Appeals or Cour d'Appel (highest local court based in Martinique with jurisdiction over
Martinique, Guadeloupe, and French Guiana)
indigenous concepts; review of administrative but not legislative acts
Executive: President of France popularly elected for five year term represented by prefect, Presidents of General Council
and Regional Councils appointed by members of councils; Election last held 16 May 2007; Next scheduled election:
first round April 2012, second round May 2012
Legislative: unicameral General Council or Conseil General (19 seats; members are elected by popular vote to serve
six-year terms) and a unicameral Regional Council or Conseil Regional (31 seats; members are elected by popular
vote to serve six-year terms)
Elections: General Council - last held in March 2006 (next to be held March 2012); Regional Council - last held 21
and 28 March 2004 (next to be held in 2010)
Judicial: Court of Appeals or Cour d'Appel (highest local court based in Martinique with jurisdiction over
Martinique, Guadeloupe, and French Guiana)
| LANGUAGES |
French
| BRIEF HISTORY |
The Arawak Indians are the people first known to inhabit French Guiana. The next major waves of people were the
Caribs. These peoples came from the Amazon and traveled to the Antilles (most of the islands of the West Indies). The
Caribs displaced many of the Arawak. During the age of discovery and Christopher Columbus's journeys, the Caribs
were still traveling through the Caribbean. The French were the first Europeans to settle in French Guiana. They arrived
in the early 1600s, when many of the European powers were colonizing the Americas and looking for the lost city of
gold, El Dorado. Between the climate and Indian attacks, the first settlement was a failure. In 1634 the French settled
again, and this time they did not leave. Cayenne was founded as the capital some time later, and it has remained the
country's largest city. Plantations were established in parts of the land, forming an economic base. Following a series of
agricultural failures and culminating with the abolition of slavery in 1848, most of the plantations closed. One of the
agricultural settlements located in Kourou became the infamous Devil's Island penal colony. France had sent many
political prisoners to French Guiana during the French Revolution; now the most hardened and notorious criminals and
dissidents were also sent over the ocean to the penal colony. In nearly one hundred years of operation, Devil's Island
received more than seventy thousand prisoners. All camps were closed in 1945. French Guiana became an overseas
département of France on 19 March 1946. Twenty years later Kourou was once again in the spotlight of France and
receiving its people. This time, however, scientists—not prisoners—were arriving, to construct and operate the
European Space Agency's rocket-launching center.. The 1970s saw the settlement of Hmong refugees from Laos in the
county, primarily to the towns of Javouhuy and Cacao. The Green Plan (Plan Vert) of 1976 aimed to improve
agricultural production, though it had only limited success. A movement for increased autonomy from France gained
momentum in the 70's and 80's, along with the increasing success of the Parti Socialiste Guyanais. The 1980s saw the
rise of a pro-independence party, but ultimately the group lost power because the majority of French Guianese support
being a part of France. Modern French Guiana is a land of idiosyncrasies, where European Space Agency satellite
launches rattle the market gardens of displaced Hmong farmers from Laos, and thinly populated rainforests swallow
nearly all but the country's coastline.
Sources: Every Culture; Wikipedia: History of French Guiana;
Caribs. These peoples came from the Amazon and traveled to the Antilles (most of the islands of the West Indies). The
Caribs displaced many of the Arawak. During the age of discovery and Christopher Columbus's journeys, the Caribs
were still traveling through the Caribbean. The French were the first Europeans to settle in French Guiana. They arrived
in the early 1600s, when many of the European powers were colonizing the Americas and looking for the lost city of
gold, El Dorado. Between the climate and Indian attacks, the first settlement was a failure. In 1634 the French settled
again, and this time they did not leave. Cayenne was founded as the capital some time later, and it has remained the
country's largest city. Plantations were established in parts of the land, forming an economic base. Following a series of
agricultural failures and culminating with the abolition of slavery in 1848, most of the plantations closed. One of the
agricultural settlements located in Kourou became the infamous Devil's Island penal colony. France had sent many
political prisoners to French Guiana during the French Revolution; now the most hardened and notorious criminals and
dissidents were also sent over the ocean to the penal colony. In nearly one hundred years of operation, Devil's Island
received more than seventy thousand prisoners. All camps were closed in 1945. French Guiana became an overseas
département of France on 19 March 1946. Twenty years later Kourou was once again in the spotlight of France and
receiving its people. This time, however, scientists—not prisoners—were arriving, to construct and operate the
European Space Agency's rocket-launching center.. The 1970s saw the settlement of Hmong refugees from Laos in the
county, primarily to the towns of Javouhuy and Cacao. The Green Plan (Plan Vert) of 1976 aimed to improve
agricultural production, though it had only limited success. A movement for increased autonomy from France gained
momentum in the 70's and 80's, along with the increasing success of the Parti Socialiste Guyanais. The 1980s saw the
rise of a pro-independence party, but ultimately the group lost power because the majority of French Guianese support
being a part of France. Modern French Guiana is a land of idiosyncrasies, where European Space Agency satellite
launches rattle the market gardens of displaced Hmong farmers from Laos, and thinly populated rainforests swallow
nearly all but the country's coastline.
Sources: Every Culture; Wikipedia: History of French Guiana;
| ECONOMIC OVERVIEW |
The economy of French Guiana is tied closely to that of France through subsidies and imports. Besides the French
space center at Kourou, fishing and forestry are the most important economic activities. The large reserves of tropical
hardwoods, not fully exploited, support an expanding sawmill industry which provides sawn logs for export. Cultivation
of crops is limited to the coastal area, where the population is largely concentrated; rice and manioc are the major
crops. French Guiana is heavily dependent on imports of food and energy. Unemployment is a serious problem,
particularly among younger workers.
Source: Wikipedia: Economy of French Guiana
space center at Kourou, fishing and forestry are the most important economic activities. The large reserves of tropical
hardwoods, not fully exploited, support an expanding sawmill industry which provides sawn logs for export. Cultivation
of crops is limited to the coastal area, where the population is largely concentrated; rice and manioc are the major
crops. French Guiana is heavily dependent on imports of food and energy. Unemployment is a serious problem,
particularly among younger workers.
Source: Wikipedia: Economy of French Guiana
| POLITICAL CLIMATE |
French Guiana, as part of France, is part of the European Union, the largest landmass for an area outside of Europe
(since Greenland left the European Community in 1985), with one of the longest EU external boundaries. Along with
the Spanish enclaves in Africa of Ceuta and Melilla, it is one of only three European Union territories outside Europe
that is not an island. As an integral part of France, its head of state is the President of the French Republic, and its head
of Government is the Prime Minister of France. The French Government and its agencies have responsibility for a wide
range of issues that are reserved to the National Executive, such as defense and external relations.
The President of France appoints a Prefect (resident at the Prefecture building in Cayenne) as his representative to
head the local government of French Guiana. There are two legislative bodies: the 19-member General Council and the
34-member Regional Council, both elected.
French Guiana sends two deputies to the French National Assembly, one representing the commune (municipality) of
Cayenne and the commune of Macouria, and the other representing the rest of French Guiana. This latter constituency
is the largest in the French Republic by land area. French Guiana also sends one senator to the French Senate.
French Guiana has traditionally been conservative[clarification needed], though the socialist party has been increasingly
successful in recent years.
A chronic issue affecting French Guiana is the influx of illegal immigrants and clandestine gold prospectors from Brazil
and Suriname. The border between the department and Suriname is formed by the Maroni River, which flows through
rain forest and is difficult for the Gendarmerie and the French Foreign Legion to patrol. The border line with Suriname
is disputed.
(since Greenland left the European Community in 1985), with one of the longest EU external boundaries. Along with
the Spanish enclaves in Africa of Ceuta and Melilla, it is one of only three European Union territories outside Europe
that is not an island. As an integral part of France, its head of state is the President of the French Republic, and its head
of Government is the Prime Minister of France. The French Government and its agencies have responsibility for a wide
range of issues that are reserved to the National Executive, such as defense and external relations.
The President of France appoints a Prefect (resident at the Prefecture building in Cayenne) as his representative to
head the local government of French Guiana. There are two legislative bodies: the 19-member General Council and the
34-member Regional Council, both elected.
French Guiana sends two deputies to the French National Assembly, one representing the commune (municipality) of
Cayenne and the commune of Macouria, and the other representing the rest of French Guiana. This latter constituency
is the largest in the French Republic by land area. French Guiana also sends one senator to the French Senate.
French Guiana has traditionally been conservative[clarification needed], though the socialist party has been increasingly
successful in recent years.
A chronic issue affecting French Guiana is the influx of illegal immigrants and clandestine gold prospectors from Brazil
and Suriname. The border between the department and Suriname is formed by the Maroni River, which flows through
rain forest and is difficult for the Gendarmerie and the French Foreign Legion to patrol. The border line with Suriname
is disputed.
| INTERNATIONAL DISPUTES |
Suriname claims area between Riviere Litani and Riviere Marouini (both headwaters of the Lawa) in French Guiana
| REFUGEES AND INTERNALLY DISPLACED PERSONS (IDP) |
None reported.
| ILLICIT DRUGS |
Small amount of marijuana grown for local consumption; minor transshipment point to Europe
| HUMAN RIGHTS STATEMENTS, ANALYSIS AND CRITIQUES |
2009 Human Rights Report: France (including French Guiana)
Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor
2009 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices
March 11, 2010
France is a multiparty constitutional democracy with a population of approximately 64.3 million[1]. The president of the republic is
elected by popular vote for a five-year term, and Nicolas Sarkozy is the incumbent. The upper house (Senate) of the bicameral
parliament is indirectly elected through an electoral college while the lower house (National Assembly) is directly elected.
Parliamentary and presidential elections took place in 2007 and were free and fair. The Union for a Popular Movement (UMP) is the
majority party in parliament. Civilian authorities generally maintained effective control of the security forces. Four departments-
regions, French Guyana, Guadeloupe, Martinique, and Reunion, have the same status as departments-regions of the mainland and
are members of the European Union.
Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor
2009 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices
March 11, 2010
France is a multiparty constitutional democracy with a population of approximately 64.3 million[1]. The president of the republic is
elected by popular vote for a five-year term, and Nicolas Sarkozy is the incumbent. The upper house (Senate) of the bicameral
parliament is indirectly elected through an electoral college while the lower house (National Assembly) is directly elected.
Parliamentary and presidential elections took place in 2007 and were free and fair. The Union for a Popular Movement (UMP) is the
majority party in parliament. Civilian authorities generally maintained effective control of the security forces. Four departments-
regions, French Guyana, Guadeloupe, Martinique, and Reunion, have the same status as departments-regions of the mainland and
are members of the European Union.
- The government permitted prison visits by independent local and foreign human rights observers. In November-December
2008 the Council of Europe's Committee for the Prevention of Torture (CPT) visited prisons in French Guiana. The CPT
reported cases of low standards for hygiene facilities as well as overcrowding. - Officials in French Guiana reported two trafficking investigations in the territory during the reporting period, one involving
the possible forced labor of Chinese victims and the other a sex trafficking case involving a Brazilian minor.
18 January 2010
Committee against Torture
Forty-fourth session
26 April–14 May 2010
List of issues to be taken up in connection with the consideration of the fourth to sixth periodic reports of France
(CAT/C/FRA/4-6)*
Articles 1 and 4
1. While noting the information provided in paragraphs 6 to 10 of the periodic report of the State party, the Committee reiterates the
recommendation it gave in paragraph 5 of its previous concluding observations (CAT/C/FRA/CO/3) that the State party should
incorporate into its criminal law a definition of torture that is in strict conformity with article 1 of the Convention, so as to draw a
distinction between acts of torture committed by or at the instigation of or with the consent or acquiescence of a public official or
any other person acting in an official capacity, and acts of violence in the broader sense committed by non-State actors.
Article 16
31. Please provide disaggregated statistical data on the prison population. Please also give details of the measures currently taken to
address the problem of prison overcrowding, which is reaching “alarming levels” in some establishments (para. 156). Please also
indicate whether the State party intends to increase the use of alternative or non-custodial punishments.
32. Please: (a) provide up-to-date information on the results of works undertaken to extend and renovate the prisons of New
Caledonia (para. 162); (b) state whether the renovation of the electrical network in remand prisons (para. 164) has been resumed;
and (c) provide up-to-date information on the progress of restructuring projects for prisons planned in Guadeloupe, French Guiana,
Martinique and New Caledonia for 2011–2012 (para. 169).
Click here to read more »
Committee against Torture
Forty-fourth session
26 April–14 May 2010
List of issues to be taken up in connection with the consideration of the fourth to sixth periodic reports of France
(CAT/C/FRA/4-6)*
Articles 1 and 4
1. While noting the information provided in paragraphs 6 to 10 of the periodic report of the State party, the Committee reiterates the
recommendation it gave in paragraph 5 of its previous concluding observations (CAT/C/FRA/CO/3) that the State party should
incorporate into its criminal law a definition of torture that is in strict conformity with article 1 of the Convention, so as to draw a
distinction between acts of torture committed by or at the instigation of or with the consent or acquiescence of a public official or
any other person acting in an official capacity, and acts of violence in the broader sense committed by non-State actors.
Article 16
31. Please provide disaggregated statistical data on the prison population. Please also give details of the measures currently taken to
address the problem of prison overcrowding, which is reaching “alarming levels” in some establishments (para. 156). Please also
indicate whether the State party intends to increase the use of alternative or non-custodial punishments.
32. Please: (a) provide up-to-date information on the results of works undertaken to extend and renovate the prisons of New
Caledonia (para. 162); (b) state whether the renovation of the electrical network in remand prisons (para. 164) has been resumed;
and (c) provide up-to-date information on the progress of restructuring projects for prisons planned in Guadeloupe, French Guiana,
Martinique and New Caledonia for 2011–2012 (para. 169).
Click here to read more »
No reports from Freedom House mentioning French Guiana after exhaustive search of their data base. Please forward
any information you may have regarding Freedom House efforts on behalf of French Guiana to the Pax Gaea World
Report editor at the link below.
Contact the Editor »
any information you may have regarding Freedom House efforts on behalf of French Guiana to the Pax Gaea World
Report editor at the link below.
Contact the Editor »
Summit of the Americas fails to address human rights
20 April 2009
The fifth Summit of the Americas has failed to recognize that human rights must be placed at the centre of efforts to confront the
many fundamental challenges facing the region.
Governments from every country in the Americas, except for Cuba, took part in the four-yearly meeting held in Port of Spain,
Trinidad and Tobago, between 17 and 19 April.
The 34 heads of state and government discussed the Summit's three principal themes: human prosperity, energy security and
environmental sustainability.
The Declaration of Commitment of Port of Spain was adopted by consensus at the close of the Summit on 19 April. Based on the
three themes, the Declaration fails to lay out a clear human rights framework for progress in these areas.
Amnesty International delegates at the Summit urged the governments of the region to make a firm commitment to ensuring that all
measures taken in response to the current global economic crisis fully conform to their human rights obligations. But the
recognition in the Declaration of the responsibility governments have to address the crisis does not acknowledge human rights at all.
Amnesty International had made a number of recommendations as to ways in which an earlier draft of the Declaration needed to be
strengthened with regard to human rights. The organization said it was disappointed that there were no such improvements in the
final Declaration.
"Governments must unequivocally agree that human rights obligations will guide their efforts to address the economic crisis,” said
Alex Neve. “If not, there is a very real risk that both the crisis and the response to it will deepen inequalities and lead to widespread
violations of the rights of marginalized sectors of society in the Americas."
Amnesty International said that it was also deeply concerned that the Summit process excluded important voices from being heard
in a meaningful way, particularly Indigenous Peoples. Indigenous Peoples, organizing the third Indigenous Leaders Summit of the
Americas, had been forced to hold their gathering in Panama after being told that it would not be possible to find a venue in
Trinidad and Tobago.
Click here to read more »
20 April 2009
The fifth Summit of the Americas has failed to recognize that human rights must be placed at the centre of efforts to confront the
many fundamental challenges facing the region.
Governments from every country in the Americas, except for Cuba, took part in the four-yearly meeting held in Port of Spain,
Trinidad and Tobago, between 17 and 19 April.
The 34 heads of state and government discussed the Summit's three principal themes: human prosperity, energy security and
environmental sustainability.
The Declaration of Commitment of Port of Spain was adopted by consensus at the close of the Summit on 19 April. Based on the
three themes, the Declaration fails to lay out a clear human rights framework for progress in these areas.
Amnesty International delegates at the Summit urged the governments of the region to make a firm commitment to ensuring that all
measures taken in response to the current global economic crisis fully conform to their human rights obligations. But the
recognition in the Declaration of the responsibility governments have to address the crisis does not acknowledge human rights at all.
Amnesty International had made a number of recommendations as to ways in which an earlier draft of the Declaration needed to be
strengthened with regard to human rights. The organization said it was disappointed that there were no such improvements in the
final Declaration.
"Governments must unequivocally agree that human rights obligations will guide their efforts to address the economic crisis,” said
Alex Neve. “If not, there is a very real risk that both the crisis and the response to it will deepen inequalities and lead to widespread
violations of the rights of marginalized sectors of society in the Americas."
Amnesty International said that it was also deeply concerned that the Summit process excluded important voices from being heard
in a meaningful way, particularly Indigenous Peoples. Indigenous Peoples, organizing the third Indigenous Leaders Summit of the
Americas, had been forced to hold their gathering in Panama after being told that it would not be possible to find a venue in
Trinidad and Tobago.
Click here to read more »
SURINAME
Human Rights Developments
Political life in Suriname
1992
Due to the fighting, thousands of Maroons (descendants of escaped slaves) and Amerindians have fled the interior to Paramaribo,
other parts of Suriname, and neighboring French Guiana. Thousands of refugees are currently in camps in French Guiana.
In July 1989, the Jungle Command reached a peace agreement with the civilian government. However, in an indication of the
civilian government's relative power, Colonel Bouterse effectively shelved the agreement by denouncing it as
unconstitutional. Although former elements of the Jungle Command insurgency are now allied with the army, with the remaining
active insurgents mostly in French Guiana, Colonel Bouterse has cited a supposed continuing insurgent threat to justify an ongoing
military presence in the interior. The presence facilitates military involvement in drug trafficking which, considerable evidence
shows, has grown rapidly in the last three years. Because military personnel are exempt from the jurisdiction of the civilian police
or courts, army traffickers, as well as military abusers of human rights, have enjoyed total impunity.
Click here to read more>>
Human Rights Developments
Political life in Suriname
1992
Due to the fighting, thousands of Maroons (descendants of escaped slaves) and Amerindians have fled the interior to Paramaribo,
other parts of Suriname, and neighboring French Guiana. Thousands of refugees are currently in camps in French Guiana.
In July 1989, the Jungle Command reached a peace agreement with the civilian government. However, in an indication of the
civilian government's relative power, Colonel Bouterse effectively shelved the agreement by denouncing it as
unconstitutional. Although former elements of the Jungle Command insurgency are now allied with the army, with the remaining
active insurgents mostly in French Guiana, Colonel Bouterse has cited a supposed continuing insurgent threat to justify an ongoing
military presence in the interior. The presence facilitates military involvement in drug trafficking which, considerable evidence
shows, has grown rapidly in the last three years. Because military personnel are exempt from the jurisdiction of the civilian police
or courts, army traffickers, as well as military abusers of human rights, have enjoyed total impunity.
Click here to read more>>
Voters in Martinique, French Guiana Reject Efforts to Reduce French Control
11 January 2010
Those supporting greater autonomy for France's overseas departments of Martinique and French Guiana are voicing
disappointment after voters rejected the drive in referendums.
Voters in Martinique and French Guiana resoundingly rejected efforts to reduce French control of the two overseas departments.
Results from Sunday's referendums showed that nearly 79 percent of Martinique residents and almost 70 percent of those in
French Guiana voted against greater autonomy.
In a statement, French President Nicolas Sarkozy hailed the outcome, saying it reflected the strong ties between the territories and
metropolitan France. Both Martinique, in the Caribbean, and South America's French Guiana were granted French department
status, when Paris relinquished total control more than half a century ago.
Champions of greater autonomy have argued it would allow the territories greater say in key issues like development, education and
employment. And some - like politician Alfred Marie-Jeanne, a leader of Martinique's independence movement -- voiced deep
disappointment at the results.
In remarks broadcast on French radio, Marie-Jeanne said the loser of the referendum was Martinique -- and that the vote reflected
people's fears, not their aspirations.
But others, like Chantal Meignan, a senior member of Mr. Sarkozy's ruling UMP party in Martinique, said the vote marked a victory
for the population.
Meignan told French radio the Martinique residents had other concerns than wanting more autonomy. She says the next step is to
simplify administration procedures for the territories. Voters in both departments will vote on that measure in separate referendums,
later this month.
The referendums come a year after Martinique and another overseas French territory, Reunion, were rocked by violent protests and
strikes caused by low wages and high prices. Unemployment in France's overseas territories is generally far higher than in mainland
France. Reports show food and fuel are also more expensive - despite government efforts to cut prices.
Click here to read more »
11 January 2010
Those supporting greater autonomy for France's overseas departments of Martinique and French Guiana are voicing
disappointment after voters rejected the drive in referendums.
Voters in Martinique and French Guiana resoundingly rejected efforts to reduce French control of the two overseas departments.
Results from Sunday's referendums showed that nearly 79 percent of Martinique residents and almost 70 percent of those in
French Guiana voted against greater autonomy.
In a statement, French President Nicolas Sarkozy hailed the outcome, saying it reflected the strong ties between the territories and
metropolitan France. Both Martinique, in the Caribbean, and South America's French Guiana were granted French department
status, when Paris relinquished total control more than half a century ago.
Champions of greater autonomy have argued it would allow the territories greater say in key issues like development, education and
employment. And some - like politician Alfred Marie-Jeanne, a leader of Martinique's independence movement -- voiced deep
disappointment at the results.
In remarks broadcast on French radio, Marie-Jeanne said the loser of the referendum was Martinique -- and that the vote reflected
people's fears, not their aspirations.
But others, like Chantal Meignan, a senior member of Mr. Sarkozy's ruling UMP party in Martinique, said the vote marked a victory
for the population.
Meignan told French radio the Martinique residents had other concerns than wanting more autonomy. She says the next step is to
simplify administration procedures for the territories. Voters in both departments will vote on that measure in separate referendums,
later this month.
The referendums come a year after Martinique and another overseas French territory, Reunion, were rocked by violent protests and
strikes caused by low wages and high prices. Unemployment in France's overseas territories is generally far higher than in mainland
France. Reports show food and fuel are also more expensive - despite government efforts to cut prices.
Click here to read more »
TRANSLATED FROM FRENCH BY GOOGLE TRANSLATE
The warning letter addressed to the President of the Republic
(November 6, 2009)
to
Mr Nicolas Sarkozy
President of the French Republic
Palais de l'Elysée - 55, rue du Faubourg Saint Honore
75008 Paris
Subject: Warning on increasing mercury poisoning of the people of Upper Maroni
President of the Republic,
Following our last mission in the Upper Maroni (late September) we want to alert you to the increasing pollution of the aquatic
habitat in the Haut-Maroni (Guyane National Park) and despite the Harpy operations.
The results of mercury analysis (conducted by the National Institute for Minamata Disease - Japan) from my last sampling,
conducted in late September in the village of Cayodé show a strong increase of the impregnation mercurial Amerindian populations.
The mercury levels highest (above 25 mcg / g hair) affects children under 3 years. These rates are 5 times higher than the
European thresholds of the European Food Safety Authority (4.4 mg / g) and effect on neurodevelopment of these children are
irreversible (Dixit WHO InVS and CNRS).
The situation is untenable for the premises and shall be as stated in the letter I had sent you last February as follows: "The Harpy
operations have shown their limitations (lack of real resources) and their ineffectiveness and the Tampoc the Litani River. The gold
(Brazilian black-brown) are becoming increasingly arrogant and provocative vis-a-vis the security forces following their impunity.
The destroyed equipment is replaced in a few days (probably with the support Coastal people that your services can not deny).
Worse, the illegal gold miners are increasingly well organized to outwit the Harpie2.
If geopolitics must prevail over the health of local people, you can not ignore at the same time you condemn children to physical
and / or mental well as subsequent generations (because the work of the University of Bordeaux, to bear to make mice the same
diet that Amerindian populations Wayana Upper Maroni, showed genetic effects very disturbing -
http://www.ehjournal.net/content/7/1/53/abstract ).
It looks like a form of genocide.
We remain available to provide your services to all information, scientific and social, necessary for the implementation of proper
measures, sincere and effective, protecting the inhabitants of Upper Maroni.
Please accept, Mr. President of the Republic, the expression of our highest consideration.
Solidarity Guyana
Click here to read more »
The warning letter addressed to the President of the Republic
(November 6, 2009)
to
Mr Nicolas Sarkozy
President of the French Republic
Palais de l'Elysée - 55, rue du Faubourg Saint Honore
75008 Paris
Subject: Warning on increasing mercury poisoning of the people of Upper Maroni
President of the Republic,
Following our last mission in the Upper Maroni (late September) we want to alert you to the increasing pollution of the aquatic
habitat in the Haut-Maroni (Guyane National Park) and despite the Harpy operations.
The results of mercury analysis (conducted by the National Institute for Minamata Disease - Japan) from my last sampling,
conducted in late September in the village of Cayodé show a strong increase of the impregnation mercurial Amerindian populations.
The mercury levels highest (above 25 mcg / g hair) affects children under 3 years. These rates are 5 times higher than the
European thresholds of the European Food Safety Authority (4.4 mg / g) and effect on neurodevelopment of these children are
irreversible (Dixit WHO InVS and CNRS).
The situation is untenable for the premises and shall be as stated in the letter I had sent you last February as follows: "The Harpy
operations have shown their limitations (lack of real resources) and their ineffectiveness and the Tampoc the Litani River. The gold
(Brazilian black-brown) are becoming increasingly arrogant and provocative vis-a-vis the security forces following their impunity.
The destroyed equipment is replaced in a few days (probably with the support Coastal people that your services can not deny).
Worse, the illegal gold miners are increasingly well organized to outwit the Harpie2.
If geopolitics must prevail over the health of local people, you can not ignore at the same time you condemn children to physical
and / or mental well as subsequent generations (because the work of the University of Bordeaux, to bear to make mice the same
diet that Amerindian populations Wayana Upper Maroni, showed genetic effects very disturbing -
http://www.ehjournal.net/content/7/1/53/abstract ).
It looks like a form of genocide.
We remain available to provide your services to all information, scientific and social, necessary for the implementation of proper
measures, sincere and effective, protecting the inhabitants of Upper Maroni.
Please accept, Mr. President of the Republic, the expression of our highest consideration.
Solidarity Guyana
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TRANSLATED FROM FRENCH BY GOOGLE TRANSLATE
Installing the delegate of the Ombudsman of the Republic involved in prisons
No. 19-01/10/Cab/Com In Cayenne
January 18, 2010 - 14:00
Jean-Paul Delevoye, Ombudsman of the Republic, has engaged since 2005 in close collaboration with the Ministry of Justice, a
program to open its permanent delegates in prisons.
These hotlines are designed to allow inmates to exercise their rights in their dealings with public services.
The deployment of the device must also be made for all the prisons located overseas. For zone "Indian Ocean", the installation of
delegates has been effective since July 2009. This deployment continues with the West Indies and Guiana.
Also, the Ombudsman's Office has instructed its regional director, Jean-François gracious to carry January 20, 2010, after their
training center for prison-Rémire Montjoly, installation of official delegates to Guyana, Martinique and Guadeloupe.
For Guyana, it is Monsieur Henri Cavarroc, delegate of the Ombudsman since April 2009. Families of inmates could meet at these
desks in the prefecture: Tuesday and Thursday from 15 to 18 hours. They can also contact 05 94 39 45 00 or via email at:
henri.cavarroc @ republique.fr-mediator.
Click here to read more »
Installing the delegate of the Ombudsman of the Republic involved in prisons
No. 19-01/10/Cab/Com In Cayenne
January 18, 2010 - 14:00
Jean-Paul Delevoye, Ombudsman of the Republic, has engaged since 2005 in close collaboration with the Ministry of Justice, a
program to open its permanent delegates in prisons.
These hotlines are designed to allow inmates to exercise their rights in their dealings with public services.
The deployment of the device must also be made for all the prisons located overseas. For zone "Indian Ocean", the installation of
delegates has been effective since July 2009. This deployment continues with the West Indies and Guiana.
Also, the Ombudsman's Office has instructed its regional director, Jean-François gracious to carry January 20, 2010, after their
training center for prison-Rémire Montjoly, installation of official delegates to Guyana, Martinique and Guadeloupe.
For Guyana, it is Monsieur Henri Cavarroc, delegate of the Ombudsman since April 2009. Families of inmates could meet at these
desks in the prefecture: Tuesday and Thursday from 15 to 18 hours. They can also contact 05 94 39 45 00 or via email at:
henri.cavarroc @ republique.fr-mediator.
Click here to read more »
Represented by
Daniel Ferey
Prefect since 8 February 2009
Daniel Ferey
Prefect since 8 February 2009
Antoine Karam
President of the Regional Council
since 22 March 1992
President of the Regional Council
since 22 March 1992
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| TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS |
None reported.