SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico — In a recent escalation of unrest in the French Caribbean, armed protesters in Martinique targeted police and firefighters amidst ongoing demonstrations. Government sources reported on Wednesday that the violence intensified late Tuesday in Schoelcher, a community close to the capital, Fort-de-France, but fortunately, there were no injuries mentioned.

Protesters erected flaming barricades, expressing their discontent over the soaring cost of living. Since starting in September, the protests have led to the deployment of specialized anti-riot units from France and the enforcement of curfews to maintain order.

In a bid to alleviate the public’s frustrations, government representatives, along with importers and distributors, recently agreed to a protocol aiming to lower the prices of essential goods and promote local production. Authorities claimed that this initiative could result in an average price drop of 20% on commonly consumed items in Martinique.

Despite these efforts, protests continue, with a significant activist faction rejecting the protocol, arguing that the implemented measures fall short of adequately addressing their grievances.

The situation in Martinique is not unprecedented; the island has witnessed similar demonstrations in recent years, often fueled by widespread dissatisfaction regarding perceived economic, social, and racial disparities affecting the population.