13 urgent proposals to curb the spiral of violence
In Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni, insecurity is dangerously gaining ground, and is endangering the attractiveness of health and education services. Faced with the emergency, the SE-UNSA Guyana and the UNSA Santé du CHOG present 13 proposals to establish a safer living environment and prevent the exodus of professionals.
“840 classes for overcrowded schools, a glaring lack of teachers and rampant insecurity” : this is the alarming observation drawn up by Emmanuel Octavie, general secretary of the UNSA Guyana teachers' union, and Jehan-Olivier Maignien, general secretary of the UNSA Santé du Center Hospitalier de l'Ouest Guyanais (CHOG), concerning the location of Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni. According to these two union representatives, this city in full demographic expansion is experiencing a rise in insecurity which directly affects essential sectors such as health and education. Attacks near schools and hospitals are increasing, discouraging many professionals from settling or staying there.
Emmanuel Octavie is sounding the alarm: if nothing is done to stem this spiral of violence, the very future of Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni is at stake. During a recent conference-debate , he presented, with his colleague, a 13-point action plan, aimed at strengthening the security of all and creating the conditions for a stable and attractive living environment.
We do not make simple demands, we propose concrete solutions for a better future
he pointed out.
Among the key measures, increased support for parenting and learning French for parents. The unions insist on the fundamental role of family education and language proficiency to strengthen integration and prevent school dropouts and delinquency. “National education will not be able to do everything alone”recalls Emmanuel Octavie, emphasizing the importance of parental support programs to offer young people a stable environment.
The proposals also include the development of vocational training centers for out-of-school young adults and job seekers, as well as the creation of small local businesses to reduce the informal economy. The economic fabric of the city must be strengthened to absorb this growing youth and prevent them from being left to their own devices.
Another crucial issue: neighborhood development. Emmanuel Octavie recommends improving public spaces, in particular by creating parks, playgrounds and strengthening lighting for increased safety.
Informal and neglected neighborhoods must not be left behind
he insists, seeing in these arrangements a way of building social bonds and preventing tensions.
Regional cooperation with Suriname is also highlighted, as is the development of public transport to open up certain districts of Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni and facilitate access to public services. Faced with a population estimated at nearly 100,000 inhabitants, current infrastructure is insufficient and contributes to the isolation of certain areas.
Finally, Jehan-Olivier Maignien, secretary general of the UNSA Santé du Center Hospitalier de l'Ouest Guyanais, calls for the creation of a police station for Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni, a recurring request from the of the inhabitants.
With the increase in population and crime, current law enforcement agencies are clearly undersized to deal with security challenges.
he declares, adding that the absence of a police station slows down interventions and complicates the handling of crisis situations.
Union representatives hope that these proposals will be favorably received by the competent authorities. A document detailing these 13 measures will be given to the prefect so that he can transmit them to the government and the Prime Minister.hoping that they will trigger a strong commitment from the State.
These are not simple demands, but necessary actions to save the future of our city
concludes Emmanuel Octavie, determined to continue the mobilization if these proposals do not find a concrete echo.