On the first night of the curfew for minors in Pointe-à-Pitre, a 20-year-old woman leaves a pizzeria with her friends, laughing. The national police, in coordination with prefectural authorities, have begun patrolling the streets of Pointe-à-Pitre to enforce the curfew announced by Minister of the Interior and Overseas Territories Gérald Darmanin. The measure, which came into effect on April 22nd, is aimed at protecting minors from violence and delinquency, with a significant police presence deployed in areas affected by the curfew. The curfew will be in place for one month, with the possibility of renewal, according to Prefect Xavier Lefort.
The curfew covers selected neighborhoods in Pointe-à-Pitre and neighboring Les Abymes, based on geographical coherence and crime statistics, which have shown an increase in minor involvement in criminal activities. This increase in youth delinquency, particularly in crimes involving weapons, violence, and drugs, prompted the implementation of the curfew to address safety concerns. The deployment of around fifty police officers and gendarmes aims to curtail this trend and ensure the safety of minors in the affected areas. The curfew seeks to prevent minors from being exposed to violent incidents and engaging in criminal behavior.
Despite concerns about safety, opinions on the curfew remain divided among residents of Pointe-à-Pitre. While some acknowledge the need for measures to address insecurity, others question the effectiveness of the curfew as a solution to the underlying issues. The curfew, seen by some as targeting minors for societal problems, has prompted criticism from community leaders who question the lack of comprehensive support for families and youth in previous government initiatives. Leaders like Elie Domota of the LKP have expressed skepticism about the curfew as a viable solution to address the root causes of insecurity on the island.
The curfew has brought a sense of unease to the city, with residents like Amanda Albéri expressing mixed feelings about its impact on the community. While recognizing the safety concerns prompting the curfew, many Pointois believe that it unfairly penalizes children and questions the effectiveness of the measure in addressing broader social issues. The curfew has shed light on the challenges faced by families and youth in Guadeloupe, sparking discussions about the need for more comprehensive support systems and initiatives to address the root causes of insecurity. Community leaders and associations emphasize the importance of addressing underlying social and economic issues to ensure the well-being of families and young people in Pointe-à-Pitre.
In the heart of Pointe-à-Pitre, the nighttime atmosphere is tense as the curfew takes effect. While some residents view the measure as a necessary step to combat rising crime rates and protect minors, others question its impact on the community. The curfew has sparked conversations about the underlying issues contributing to insecurity in Guadeloupe, highlighting the need for comprehensive solutions that address the root causes of violence and delinquency. As the curfew continues to be enforced, residents and community leaders continue to advocate for a holistic approach to addressing social and economic challenges facing families and youth in Pointe-à-Pitre.
