Press Room

Saint-Pierre, Martinique 1902-2002: The 100Th Year Commemoration

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One hundred years of certitude: Saint-Pierre, the former capital city of Martinique located on the northern Caribbean coast of this French Caribbean island was forever imprinted in the history of the Caribbean. In 2002, Saint-Pierre will renew the splendor of its past and recall the magnificence of yesteryear. One hundred years later, the entire island will reminisce and celebrate what “once was” before that fatal day of May 8, 1902, the day of the greatest volcanic disaster of the 20th century...
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Martinique Fast Facts – 2009 / 2010
Essential information on The Caribbean Island with French Flair

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Overview/History – First sighted by Columbus on his initial expedition in 1493, Martinique played host to its first European “tourists” in 1502 when Columbus landed there during his fourth voyage. Dubbed Martinique by Columbus, the island was inhabited by Carib Indians who had driven away the Arawaks who, like themselves, had come to the island from South America. Martinique was claimed by France in 1635 and officially annexed in 1674. France and Britain fought over the island until 1815, when it was restored to France. Slavery was abolished in 1848. In 1946, Martinique became a Department of France and in 1974 a Region of France, its current status.
Download the PDF article.

Martinique Fast Facts – 2008 / 2009
Essential information on The Caribbean Island with French Flair

–
Overview/History – First sighted by Columbus on his initial expedition in 1493, Martinique played host to its first European “tourists” in 1502 when Columbus landed there during his fourth voyage. Dubbed Martinique by Columbus, the island was inhabited by Carib Indians who had driven away the Arawaks who, like themselves, had come to the island from South America. Martinique was claimed by France in 1635 and officially annexed in 1674. France and Britain fought over the island until 1815, when it was restored to France. Slavery was abolished in 1848. In 1946, Martinique became a Department of France and in 1974 a Region of France, its current status.
Download the PDF article.