Caribbean migration, rich in complex histories and contemporary challenges, is at the heart of the region’s social and political concerns. The “Regards croisés sur les migrations caribéennes” project, run by four Martinican human rights associations, recently highlighted the realities of migrant populations, particularly those of Haitian and Dominican origin. The project, organized over several events in January and February 2025, raised public awareness of often little-known issues, while encouraging exchange and reflection.
A project to deconstruct stereotypes and open up dialogue
The project kicked off with a series of landmark events. Among them, the screening of the film “La Rivière Massacre“, directed by Suzan Beraza, was a highlight. This documentary explores the controversial 2013 decision of the Dominican Constitutional Court, which revoked the citizenship of over 200,000 Dominicans of Haitian origin, plunging them into legal and social precariousness. The screening was followed by a lively debate, where viewers were able to express their emotions and share their thoughts in the face of this human drama.
Another key moment was the poignant testimony of comedians Emmanuella Célestin and Francky Joseph. Through their performances, they gave a voice to the migrants who have arrived in Martinique, fleeing violence and misery, but facing new challenges, between discrimination and administrative blockages. These stories were complemented by a legal intervention, reminding us of the obstacles faced by migrants in their day-to-day dealings.
A conference to understand Haitian-Dominican dynamics
On February 6, to close the project, a conference entitled “Human rights and the history of Haitian-Dominican relations” brought together two committed activists: Colette Lespinasse (Haiti) and Altagracia Jean Joseph (Dominican Republic). These experts analyzed the historical, economic and political relations between Haiti and the Dominican Republic, highlighting long-standing circular migration and persistent human rights violations.
They also denounced the migrant smuggling networks and racist and nationalist propaganda that divide the two populations. However, a message of hope emerged: the efforts of Haitian and Dominican civil society to promote rapprochement and combat injustice.
At this conference, demographer Nadia Chonville was keen to clarify the debate surrounding “genocide by substitution”, an expression used by Aimé Césaire in a specific context but all too often misinterpreted.
While mathematically this hypothesis does not hold true – ” native-born people represent 83% of adults in Martinique, a share that has been stable for years ” – a more subtle observation is the over-representation of non-natives in managerial positions. In 2020, 20% of hexagonals living in Martinique held managerial positions, compared with just 6% of natives.
This structural inequality, at the heart of Césaire’s preoccupations, still fuels a feeling of injustice and dispossession, well beyond the figures.
But beyond these observations, Steffi Salpetrier, co-founder of Alé Viré, added a note of hope, demonstrating that return is possible, desired and even encouraged. ” Eight out of ten Martinicans living outside the territory plan to return “, she reminded us, stressing the need to deconstruct the preconceived ideas that are holding people back. Thanks to concrete initiatives such as the Résidence du retour and the Salon du retour au pays, the association is already supporting more than 400 families.
In closing, a powerful quote from Jocelyne Béroard was repeated: ” Instead of being content with the doors that are ajar to us, let’s build our fort, take our destiny into our own hands. ” A call to action that resonates as a collective imperative.
Collective awareness
These events not only attracted a large audience, but also aroused strong emotions and collective reflection. Participants became aware of the realities faced by migrants in Martinique and elsewhere in the Caribbean, while asking themselves an essential question: what can we do to support these populations?
The “Regards croisés sur les migrations caribéennes” project has succeeded in raising awareness, providing information and initiating much-needed dialogue. It reminds us that behind the figures and laws, there are human lives, stories of resilience and calls for solidarity.
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