(en) France, Alternative Libertaire AL #226 - Elijah Domota (UGTG): "Releases national and social go hand in hand" (fr)

Elijah Domota, 45, frame P?le Emploi, is Secretary of the General Union of Guadeloupe 
Workers (UGTG) since 2008. It is also spokesman Liyannaj Kont Pwofitasyon (LKP), whose 
acronym is still fresh in our memories, since this coalition orchestrated the vast popular 
movement on the island from January to March 2009. February 26, 2009 saw the signing of 
the agreement on inter wages (Bino said Agreement [ 1 ]) and March 4, 2009, the general 
agreement between the French authorities and the LKP, including on price regulation, 
training and integration of young people and increase wages. Life is indeed expensive on 
this island "forced" to import from Europe most of what it consumes, while intermediaries 
that hold the import-export realize comfortable margins: the famous pwofitasyon .

Four years after the events, Elijah Domota reports on the political and social situation, 
the audience and the practice of UGTG, economic autonomy Antilles, independence, Creole ...

Libertarian alternative : four years after the agreements Bino, where are we? The cost of 
living down there?

Elijah Domota: No. We can not say that agreements are respected, or by employers or by the 
government. The pwofitasyon continues, while Guadeloupe tighten their belts. After the 
social movement of 2009, the LKP has set up a design office workers to control prices. He 
found no decline on staples, while this issue was at the heart of the conflict. Youth 
unemployment is still around 60%, and the fuel is still about 5% more expensive than on 
the mainland, which strike budgets on an island where the transport infrastructure is 
underdeveloped.

In September, the "Minister of confetti empire," Victorin Lurel, came here to present his 
bill on economic regulation overseas. But the "consultation" which he gargled, it came 
down to collect the desiderata of syndicates. He simply ignored the unions and consumer 
associations, and we received once the bill was crafted. There, we were treated to thirty 
minutes of monologue ministerial then, when we started talking, the individual is eclipsed 
after ten minutes, having better things to do. Even the prefect was stunned by such 
arrogance! Upon arrival, this law is only bluff Lurel: it lays down a number of measures 
that already exist.

If the French State has violated the agreements Bino, however it was not unworthy law 
enforcement as soon as the Guadeloupe has not been under the spotlight ...

Elijah Domota: This is an understatement. In 2011-2012, more than 70 activists of the UGTG 
were covered by legal proceedings in various ways. Our former Secretary General, Raymond 
Gauthi?rot, has been sentenced to three months in prison and nearly 5000 euros in total 
fines for its actions in the fight Training Center apprentices. Charly Lendo (hotel and 
tourism), is being sued for "indirect manslaughter" . He is accused of being responsible 
for the death of a young moped during movement LKP in 2009. R?gine Delphin (trade) was 
sentenced to a fine of ? 8000 for "inciting discrimination and racial hatred" because of a 
discourse involving family Vivi?s - an influential family of white bosses countries [ 2 ]. 
Mediapart As noted , who spent an investigation of that case, all charges plausible based 
on the translation of a Creole expression. But the judge apparently decided to "punish" a 
trade unionist who had dared to take the propertied class ...

It has been said that the movement of 2008, highlighting the causes of the high cost of 
living, had fueled a sense of independence. What is it?

Elijah Domota: Before answering your question, I said that on this question, we must 
distinguish the UGTG LKP. The UGTG supports independence, and said clearly, however, the 
LKP is a coalition of organizations including some have no opinion on the independence, or 
are hostile. As spokesman LKP, I respected my mandate by not raising this issue. At the 
time, the Minister of Overseas, Marie-Luce Penchard, has nevertheless sought to divide the 
LKP in the taxing of separatism. We have avoided falling into the trap, and reframed 
things saying: "We are conducting a movement called claims course of policy responses. '

To return to the question we can say that yes, the idea of ??sovereignty grew, even if it 
is slowly, because it does not erase as easily four centuries of subjection. But there is 
an awareness that we observe in particular in order to "eat local" more widespread than 
before. The key question for Guadeloupe, it is the economic autonomy, productive capacity, 
which today are totally inadequate to meet needs.

The Guadeloupe remains confined to mono-tourism industry and agriculture exports - sugar, 
rum and bananas. The Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), which directs the European 
production with subsidies targeted in Guadeloupe has maintained this pattern inherited 
from the colonial economy.

Precisely European subsidies expire in 2015. This can he allow economic diversification?

Elijah Domota: Yes, provided that we are fighting for it! Provided that the General 
Council - which is the largest landowner on the island - rent land to farmers in a logic 
of peasant agriculture and food sovereignty. If instead he concedes multinationals to new 
export crops, we will not have advanced one iota.

It is this policy that will now defend UGTG in the Chamber of Agriculture?

Elijah Domota: Absolutely. For the first time this year, UGTG fielded candidates in 
elections to the Chamber of Agriculture, the college employees. Operator in college, there 
is Farmers Union of Guadeloupe (UPG), which defends the project of farming adapted to the 
needs of the population. You should know that historically, our organization is the result 
of the struggles of plantation workers. But she gradually somewhat away from this basic 
fact of economic change. We intend to strengthen this sector, crucial as it directly 
concerns food self-sufficiency.

The LKP, too, defended small farmers, fighting against a project that threatens the 
moment. It is a project of the deepwater port, which would aim to Pointe-?-Pitre Caribbean 
hub of international trade: 1.2 million containers per year, which arrive from all over 
the world to be in redispatch?s region. Some are amazed by this vision Pharaohs. Not us! 
This project is in the logic of capitalist globalization, specialization and crop 
production, which enriches the multinationals, small ruin and prevents local productive 
development. For example, if tomorrow we see land containers full of Costa Rican yam 1 
euro per kilo, while the yam Guadeloupe is 2.4 euros, this is the death of the local industry.

The other big issue of the moment is to maintain the penultimate candy Guadeloupe: Factory 
Grand'Anse Marie-Galante, which seems to have employers scheduled closing. There is more 
investment, the machines are burnt out and become dangerous for workers who have exercised 
their right of withdrawal. The goal of employers is likely to concentrate all production 
candy Gardel, Grande-Terre. As a result, the conversion of site Grand'Anse feeds 
speculation already there is talk of producing electricity by burning a variety of fibrous 
cane to own it.

Produce electricity for the population marie-galantaise, is not it more interesting to 
produce sugar for export?

Elijah Domota: The site workers have chosen to fight for the continuation of sugar 
production. For now, the conversion to energy production is only speculation. The real 
risk today is the outright closure of the site. And then the electricity is good, but it 
does not eat. Should not divert agricultural land for the production of fuel or energy. 
Land to feed human beings.

Returning to the UGTG. Has there been a surge in its numbers after the movement of 2009?

Elijah Domota: Yes, absolutely. In all areas where we are present: hospitality-tourism, 
local government, health, transport oil, dockers, construction, trade, food, social 
organizations ... In the retail trade, we are implementing in pharmacies. Elections VSEs 
(very small) in December 2012, UGTG ranked first, with 43% of the vote. The participation 
rate (4.74%) was honest in that here the organization by the government was even more 
dismal than in France: in the best case, the employee did not receive es- ballots the day 
before the election. Most have been after. And some never ...

The only sector which we are virtually absent, it is the state civil service. There are, 
however, in Education, a "sister organization" Union of educational personnel in 
Guadeloupe (Speg).

The last area where UGTG developed after agreements Bino is the transport, with the 
formation of two unions of entrepreneurs Union freight Guadeloupe (MGT) and EU carriers 
passenger (UTV).

The syndicates UGTG small bosses?? This risk does he not create contradictions?

Elijah Domota: It's a risk. In Guadeloupe, the public transport of passengers was created 
and organized by private entrepreneurs for over a hundred years. However, since 2008, the 
General Council has opened a site on the reorganization of transport by promising that "no 
carrier would remain on the side of the road" . We quickly realized that this was untrue. 
The objective of the authorities is actually dismantling transportation companies to 
benefit more powerful groups to the detriment of the public service and users. This 
maneuver has already managed to ruin more than 400 carriers. In March 2009, the Bino 
agreement included an audit to review the situation. Again, the agreement has not been 
complied with. Can we accept that hundreds of people are unemployed because of this 
disastrous policy? Carriers have reacted and created their union, UTV.

In the 1990s, the UGTG practiced recovery hands occupied by their employees, business-es. 
Is this practice fell into disuse?

Elijah Domota: This is a strategy based primarily on economic resilience. We often used in 
the hotel industry and catering. Thus, comrades occupied Ecotel Hotel (Hotel School ICC) 
or the restaurant La Maison de Marie-Galante and many other sites. These occupations have 
resulted in new businesses or new hires in various fields. For example, the site was 
bought by Ecotel clinic has recruited fellow resistance in health professions after the 
implementation of a training program.

Workers continue to struggle including the resumption of their business in the event of 
liquidation. The redundancy should not be seen as inevitable: statistically, Guadeloupe is 
the most productive region in terms of business creation.

Currently, UGTG working with other organizations on the proposed takeover of the firm of 
Campeche (former poultry unit). It is initially train 12 youth for careers in agriculture 
(training and diploma qualifications) within a site of insertion. In a second time, a 
third of the trainees will be recruited within a company founded on the site of Campeche, 
others benefit from support to business creation and job search.

What socialist model defends UGTG?

Elijah Domota: The UGTG says that national liberation and social liberation must go hand 
in hand. We saw how, in most countries decolonized, a native bourgeoisie has replaced the 
white bourgeoisie, maintaining essential operational reports - the case of South Africa is 
the most telling. We have cordial relations with parties Guadeloupe separatists, but we 
tell them clearly that in no case the class struggle can not be subordinated to the 
national liberation struggle. As part of Guadeloupe independent UGTG continue to defend 
the interests of workers and employees.

For the rest, beyond the fact that our organization is anti-capitalist and
pro-socialization of the means of production, it does not project turnkey company.

The UGTG was created in 1973 by militant Marxist-Leninist Maoists. However it is not 
dogmatic principles, but to anchor our struggles in our own reality, our own history, our 
own culture, while also illuminating the struggles and experiences here or elsewhere.

Thus, the experience of the LKP was very important to us. The strength of the LKP is by 
bringing forward differences, crossing inspirations, giving voice to the people. Today, 
the LKP continues to live in organizing decentralized forums had baptized Liyannaj pawol 
("Debating's exchange-"). This is to encourage people to express their needs, demands, 
fears but also ideas, solutions, and to provide a structured and coherent translation.

December 21, 2012, in Sainte-Rose, a hundred people participated in a Liyannaj pawol, 
especially ski against the claims of a White Country corner, a descendant of slave owners, 
claiming to be the owner of all cropland by black farmers.

We must listen to workers. If UGTG became the primary trade union organization of the 
island [ 3 ], it is because it has to be pragmatic and listen.

Are there white people who join the UGTG despite the image of "extremist irresponsible" 
that the media cut him?

Elijah Domota: Yes, of course. We must be aware that most people who join us do so because 
they believe that UGTG is the organization most likely to get them satisfaction. Perhaps 
they like Creole, the colors, what do I know! [laughs] That is not necessarily going away, 
departure. The UGTG syndicates all and all workers, without distinction of race, religion, 
political or philosophical. D?fans travay? CPP has biten on a nigga or bleached: "The 
defense of workers is not a matter of black or white " . We fight capitalist exploitation 
and colonialism.

Do you have any claims on the cultural level? On teaching by example?

Elijah Domota: One of the big problems of teaching here is the inadequacy of the French 
republican school specificities of our country. The dropout rate is too high. How to 
explain? Is that blacks are less intelligent? Obviously not. So it is because the school 
system is inadequate.

Of course, a caricature of "Our ancestors the Gauls" is exceeded - my brother has been 
right, but for my part I have not known. Nevertheless, I am a child of public school! I 
was forbidden to speak Creole to force me to speak French. We were never taught the 
history of the milk trade, slavery. Our history has been obscured in favor of that of the 
ruler. CM1 I admired Napoleon Bonaparte! [laughs] Yes, the bridge of Arcola, all that, it 
made ??sense ... [laughs] It's the Young Christian Workers that I learned that had 
restored slavery in Guadeloupe in 1802! Quite a bastard!

To return to the current school, she is at odds with the reality of our children. I have 
three children, one of which, until recently, was CP. And we learned that the four 
seasons, picking mushrooms in autumn, etc.. Recall that in the tropics, there are only two 
seasons, not fall ... He also learned how it was the wine grapes, harvest, fermentation, 
etc.. In contrast, there has not learned how it was rum ...

All this, of course, is done under the guise of "openness to the world." The problem is 
that in a context of domination by the city, this raises the problem of cultural 
subjection. I would prefer that our children learn in the first place, their own 
environment. As for openness to the world, as an internationalist, I am for, of course. 
But logically this opening should be foremost in our neighborhood natural direction, that 
is to say, the Caribbean, a cultural area where they speak French, but also English, 
Spanish and Creole course.

Creole is under-taught in this country, then that is the mother tongue. As I have said, 
there is the National Education a union we are relatives, Speg. In addition to traditional 
professional claims, it seeks to influence the content of education. Some of his 
supporters have already had contact with the network Diwan, Brittany, to learn from their 
experience. Their struggle to restore a language that the French government denied.

It is surprising that this fight is not moving faster, while the Caribbean intellectuals 
have known, heralds of Creole ...

Elijah Domota: Say intellectuals, we would like to hear more often speak Creole, exactly. 
No joke! There is the UGTG who dares speak Creole on TV! There is a way which certain 
intellectuals to reflect on the little people, and speak to him in a language 
inaccessible, which is very unpleasant. We think it must instead listen to the people, 
speak their language, learn the skills workers, science workers. Have a higher education 
unfortunately does not always understand.

Last question: the beginning of January, the International Movement for repairs has 
launched a major operation summonses from the French government by descendants of slaves. 
Do you support this approach?

Elijah Domota: Absolutely. It is a symbolic approach, but has the merit of a highly 
political issue. France is a rich country, which has built its wealth on the exploitation 
of its colonial empire. Guadeloupe, but Martinique, R?union and Guyana are poor countries, 
whose economic underdevelopment is inherited from the colonial pattern. Repair, it does 
not mean pay monetary compensation to individual descendant of slaves. This means a return 
lift: that the French finance the economic development of our country, according to a plan 
defined by and for the people of our country.

Interview by William Davranche (AL Montreuil) January 10, 2013 in Pointe-a-Pitre

[ 1 ] Named Jacques Bino, a union of CGTG assassinated on 17 February 2009 on a dam at 
Pointe-?-Pitre. A murder that remains unsolved.

[ 2 ] The white-Country are the equivalent of B?k?s Guadeloupe Martinique: rich heirs 
descendants of settlers.

[ 3 ] In the union elections of 2008 (23.19% stake), the UGTG obtained 51.67% of the 
votes, ahead of CGTG (19.83%) and the United Workers Central (8, 57%). FO and CFDT weigh 
less than 8% each; CFTC, Unsa, CGC FSU and less than 4% each.

Posted April 6, 2013 by journal01@alternativelibertaire.org