2009 French Caribbean general strikes
The 2009 French Caribbean general strikes began in the French overseas region of Guadeloupe on 20 January 2009, and spread to neighbouring Martinique on 5 February 2009. Both islands are located in the Lesser Antilles of the Caribbean. The general strikes began over the cost of living, the prices of basic commodities, including fuel and food, and demands for an increase in the monthly salaries of low income workers.
A deserted shopping centre in the Bas du Fort district of Le Gosier, which was blockaded by strikers.
A road block near Le Gosier, Guadeloupe, during the strikes.
The market in Pointe-à-Pitre.
A road block on the RN4, near Le Gosier.
Guadeloupe is an overseas department of France in the Caribbean. It consists of six inhabited islands—Basse-Terre, Grande-Terre, Marie-Galante, La Désirade, and two Îles des Saintes—as well as many uninhabited islands and outcroppings. It is south of Antigua and Barbuda and Montserrat and north of Dominica. The capital city is Basse-Terre, on the southern west coast of Basse-Terre Island; the most populous city is Les Abymes and the main centre of business is neighbouring Pointe-à-Pitre, both on Grande-Terre Island. It had a population of 395,726 in 2024.
Our Lady of Guadalupe in the Monastery of Santa María de Guadalupe, after whom the island gets its name
Ancient petroglyph in Baillif
The Battle of the Saintes was fought between France and Britain in 1782.
Bust of Louis Delgrès, leader of the 1802 slave rebellion