Structural violence and French control over New Caledonia’s infrastructure and internal affairs are just some of the markers of the ongoing colonization of the indigenous Kanaky people there. Nevertheless, they are continuing the fight for independence on several levels, aware that formal recognition would not be enough.
A protest rally by firefighters in New Caledonia has secured them a promise that they will be integrated into the civil protection service. The rally, which followed last week’s strike notice, was held in Noumea and ended with a protocol being signed with the government to address their demand this year.
The fire service had not been included in the civil protection service when it was formed amid the – formal though not real – transfer of power from France to New Caledonia. This meant that firefighters could not be recruited locally, making it necessary to rely on firefighters flown in from France. The protocol allows provides for a training and hiring program.
[Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons.]