This Travel Alert is to alert U.S.
citizens residing in or traveling to Guadeloupe and Martinique, French
West Indies (FWI), that ongoing labor strikes in the region may affect
social, economic and tourist services. It is possible that these strikes
will spread to other French overseas departments. This Travel Alert
expires on May 13, 2009.
Due to ongoing labor strikes, riot
police from mainland France are now stationed in Martinique and
Guadeloupe. Most commercial activities have ceased, and there are
mounting shortages of food, water, and power on both islands.
In Martinique, strikes and
large-scale street protests continue. Gas stations, stores, the port,
and banks remain closed. There are continuing interruptions in power and
rapidly dwindling water and food supplies.
In Guadeloupe there are reports
of increasing tensions, with armed gangs blockading routes and targeting
residents and tourists. There have been no reports of U.S. citizens
being specifically targeted. The government is reportedly mobilizing the
police and armed forces to address the possibility of severe civil
unrest.
American citizens in both
Guadeloupe and Martinique are encouraged to monitor media reports, avoid
large crowds, and follow all official instructions. We remind U.S.
citizens that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn
confrontational and possibly escalate into violence. U.S. citizens
should stay current with media coverage of local events and be aware of
their surroundings at all times.
For additional
information on travel to the FWI, see the Department’s
Country Specific Information for French West Indies available at
http://travel.state.gov. Americans
in FWI should also monitor the website of the U.S. Embassy:
http://bridgetown.usembassy.gov. U.S.
citizens should remain in contact with
friends and family in the United States with updates about their
whereabouts. The U.S. Embassy will continue to monitor the situation,
and will issue updated messages as needed.
For any emergencies
involving U.S. citizens, please contact the American Citizens Services
(ACS) Unit of the U.S. Embassy’s Consular Section, located at Wildey
Business Park, Wildey, St. Michael, Barbados; telephone (246) 227-4000;
ACS unit fax (246)431-0179; e-mail
consularbridge2@state.gov;
web page
http://bridgetown.usembassy.gov.
Experience
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