PRESS RELEASE
February 2026
During the traditional “Danmyé adan Kannaval” event on the Savane in Fort-de-France, individuals who identify as “activists” came to disrupt our cultural and heritage event, creating tensions.
In fact, the agitators espoused the following ideology:
“”People of white skin color must be excluded and barred from the Danmyé circle."
The organizers immediately condemned these racist and discriminatory behaviors, reminding those individuals that racism has no place at our Danmyé events.
It is important to note that significant groundwork has been done to restore the image of the Danmyé, which was once referred to as “bagay vié Nèg,” and the results of this significant effort toward preservation and promotion must not be undermined.
Consequently, we must show respect for the groundwork laid by our elders and true activists who are building Martinique by practicing, teaching, passing on, promoting, and preserving Danmyé/Ladja, with the primary goal of bringing people together.
In short, it seems clear that acts of a racist or incidental nature are detrimental to the development and unity of Martinique.
“We follow the Spirit of the People, but we do not follow the ways of the People’s Leader”
Lawonn Danmyé Matinik Association
Chair:
Louis DESERT
