This Wednesday, the CTM Council of Advisors convened for a plenary session. On the agenda were the Batelière—once a flagship of the tourism industry—the CTM’s finances, and the rise in crime and drug trafficking.
The fate of the Hôtel la Batelière remains a top priority for elected officials. Under judicial liquidation, the hotel complex was sold by order of the commercial court to the Guadeloupe-based bidder, Karukera, for 1.6 million euros. The group plans to invest between 30 and 40 million euros. Councilwoman Yolène Largen Marine laments the loss of the 55 direct jobs provided by the complex. « »It is not within our purview to comment on a court decision,« begins Executive Council President Serge Letchimy. Nevertheless, he concedes that in Martinique, »every job lost is a tragedy.” He further explains that the territory currently needs to maintain investment.
Martinique Ensemble, through Councilman Johnny Rose, raised concerns about delays in payments for the adult disability allowance and the personalized autonomy allowance, and is therefore calling for greater transparency regarding the CTM’s financial status. «Yes, the situation is very difficult,» replied Serge Letchimy, citing a shortfall of 220 million euros. Between what the government pays for the AIS (Individual Solidarity Allowance), the CTM is left with a shortfall of 150 million euros, according to the president. Furthermore, the government has committed to a policy of fiscal restraint, or even austerity. To avoid falling into the red, the CTM is relying, among other things, on financial engineering to manage European funds and on implementing measures to ensure it does not end the year in the red.
«Martinique is a sieve»
Councilman Fred-Michel Tirault referred to previous contracts aimed at preventing crime—an issue that takes on particular importance in these times of social crisis. Fred-Michel Tirault highlighted the plight of mayors who are powerless in the face of abuses that harm municipalities and local residents. «Martinique is a sieve,» laments Serge Letchimy. “It feels as though Martinique has become the hub of a very intense drug trade.” ” Operation “Lay Down Your Weapons,” the installation of coastal radars for maritime surveillance, and sentinel drones—the president of the Executive Council listed several initiatives aimed at preventing crime and drug trafficking.
Another point raised by Louis Boutrin of the Gran Sanblé: local food production. «We’re at 20% for local consumption, while Réunion is at 47%,» notes Serge Letchimy.
An ad hoc territorial conference is scheduled for Monday, November 4, as well as a meeting between the president of the Territorial Council and the unions, which is set to take place later this week in order to open a dialogue. «Some are taking advantage of the social crisis to ride the wave and gain political visibility,» Serge Letchimy concludes bitterly.
Laurianne Nomel
