MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

French Caribbean Overseas territories voted against more autonomy

President Sarkozy underlined the close links of Martinique and Guiana with the mainland

Voters in the French overseas departments of Martinique and French Guiana rejected proposals that would have given them more autonomy from France. Martinique, in the Caribbean, voted 78.9% against greater autonomy in a Sunday referendum and Guiana, voted 69.8%, the Ministry of Overseas Collectivities said. Turnout was 55.35% in Martinique and 48.16% in Guiana.

Local members of parliament and the regional governments had been pushing for a “yes” vote which would have given them more power over matters such as education and health.

“This choice shows the attachment of the inhabitants of Martinique and Guiana to a statute close to that of the mainland, and reaffirms the close links that unite them to the Republic,” President Nicolas Sarkozy said in a Monday statement.

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.

Guadeloupe, the third French overseas department in the region, didn’t hold a referendum because local leaders felt political tensions on the island were too high after a six-week general strike last year.

Martinique, Guadeloupe and Guiana became departments in 1946, giving them to same status as the 96 departments of mainland France. The 100th department is Reunion in the Indian Ocean.

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.