30 November 2011

First Conference on regional integration of French Caribbean Departments

By S. Coward

Forum DFA, the first conference on regional integration of the French Departments in the Americas (DFA) will be held from November 30th to December 2nd at U.A.G. (University of the French Antilles and French Guyana) at Pointe-a-Pitre, Guadeloupe, F.W.I.

The theme of the Forum DFA is not just about the regional integration of the French Departments in the Americas with the greater Caribbean region. “Today it necessary to redraw our borders and to engage in a dialogue with the continents to the North and the South, by learning about our history and by interrogating about the future of this melting pot of civilization and development; regional integration must be managed while protecting and favouring its rich diversity” according to Xavier d’Arthuys of the organizer’s office in Paris.

"The French Caribbean has an important role to play and has to find a way to work with the other countries of the (English, Spanish and Dutch speaking) Caribbean to make their contribution to the economic development –through training, research & development and co-operation, as well as ecological development –through geopolitical dialogues- and artistic & cultural development of the region," (said d’Arthuys).

Numerous academics and professional experts from France, the French West Indies, Barbados, Cuba, Jamaica & Mexico will be participating in the 3-day conference, which will be inaugurated by Mr. Victorin Lurel, President of the Regional Council of Guadeloupe and Mr. Pascal Saffache, President U.A.G, as well as Ms. Marie-Luce Penchard, Minister of French Overseas Departments & Territories and Immigration.

The 3-day conference is held at the campus of Fouillole (Amphitheatre Le Pointe, Salle du Conseil & Salle L of the Faculty of Law) in Point-a-Pitre, Guadeloupe, where the University of the French Antilles & French Guyana is headquartered, 

The Paris-based association Al’Chimie has been assigned by the commission ‘L’année des Outre-Mer français 2011’ to organise Forum DFA, in partnership with the Université Antilles Guyane (University of the French Antilles & French Guyana), DRAC (French Regional Institute of Cultural Affairs) of Guadeloupe, and the French Embassy in St. Lucia. 

For a copy of the conference programme and further information, please contact:
Katy Borie
c/o AZUL s.a.r.l.
26, rue Saint Gilles
75003 Paris, FRANCE
Tel.: +33 6 13 54 32 56 (France)
Email: katy.borie@azulamericas.com