P125. Toxic Crimes and Justice : Voices of Chlordecone Victims in Martinique and Guadeloupe

• In Event: Poster Session & Ice Cream Social

Abstract

Decades after chlordecone was used in banana plantations to combat weevil infestations in Martinique and Guadeloupe (1972–1993), the toxic persistence of this organochlorine pesticide remains a critical environmental and public health concern. Although now legally banned, its prolonged presence in soil and its bioaccumulation across trophic levels continue to expose residents to significant health risks in their daily lives. Originally prohibited in the United States around 1975 after the Kepone disaster in Hopewell, Virginia, and classified as a 'possible' carcinogen by the WHO in 1979, chlordecone contamination remains an unresolved crisis in the French Caribbean. This study examines the victimological dimensions of this contamination, focusing on victimization experiences among affected individuals in Martinique (N=15) and Guadeloupe (N=9). Semi-structured interviews reveal impacts extending beyond physical health, including symptoms of psychosocial distress, and a persistent demand for justice. Victims emphasize their need to be heard in the justice process, as well as the importance of reparative measures such as improved access to healthcare and research on soil decontamination. Official recognition of harm is also a key demand, with some participants highlighting the colonial legacy underlying this environmental crime. The findings suggest that a transformative justice approach, centered on victims' perspectives and integrating innovative responses to environmental crime, may be particularly relevant. Drawing on the literature in green victimology, the study also underscores the disconnect between governmental measures and community expectations, reinforcing the need for tailored policies that address victims' lived realities and contexts. By shedding light on the enduring consequences of chlordecone contamination, this research contributes to broader discussions on environmental victimization and calls for justice frameworks that move beyond conventional legal paradigms.

Author

• Violette Prignac Merle, Université de Montréal