The French Government has dispatched two police units to
help quell the prolonged unrest that has been having a crippling effect on its
overseas Caribbean territories of Guadeloupe and Martinique.
Since January 20, tens of thousands of workers in Guadeloupe have staged a crippling strike, with a similar situation emerging in neighbouring Martinique over the past week.
Workers have been demanding to have their concerns over low wages and increased living costs addressed.
They have barricaded Guadeloupe's main sea port, gas stations and supermarkets - which they hold responsible for rising food prices.
Additionally, the action has resulted in schools, Government offices and other commercial centres closing their doors.
The Paris-based officers were sent to relieve local police, who have been on the frontlines since the protests started.
The disgruntled workers blame the French Government in Paris of ignoring the damaging impact that the financial crisis has had on their lives as unemployment soars.
Yves Jego, the French Minister with responsibility for the overseas departments, arrived on the island in Guadeloupe Wednesday for a second round of talks aimed at brokering an agreement to end the unrest.
Since January 20, tens of thousands of workers in Guadeloupe have staged a crippling strike, with a similar situation emerging in neighbouring Martinique over the past week.
Workers have been demanding to have their concerns over low wages and increased living costs addressed.
They have barricaded Guadeloupe's main sea port, gas stations and supermarkets - which they hold responsible for rising food prices.
Additionally, the action has resulted in schools, Government offices and other commercial centres closing their doors.
The Paris-based officers were sent to relieve local police, who have been on the frontlines since the protests started.
The disgruntled workers blame the French Government in Paris of ignoring the damaging impact that the financial crisis has had on their lives as unemployment soars.
Yves Jego, the French Minister with responsibility for the overseas departments, arrived on the island in Guadeloupe Wednesday for a second round of talks aimed at brokering an agreement to end the unrest.
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