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MEP Maxette Pirbakas Calls for Urgent Action on Water Crisis in French Overseas Departments

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On October 18th, 2023, at the European Parliament, MEP Maxette Pirbakas delivered a powerful speech highlighting the escalating water crisis in the French overseas departments, particularly in Martinique, Guadeloupe, and Mayotte.

Maxette Pirbakas says it is unacceptable in 2023

“Mr. Chairman, Commissioner, the water crisis is reaching fever pitch in our five French overseas departments, especially in Martinique and Guadeloupe,” Maxette Pirbakas began her address. She pointed out that in Guadeloupe, it has been estimated for years that over a quarter of the population lacks access to drinking water.

“This is unacceptable. We are in two-thousand and twenty-three,” she stated, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.

Pirbakas further highlighted the dire situation in Mayotte, where there is a total absence of water. She expressed her concern that this severe problem seems to be largely overlooked. “Commissioner, I would remind you that we are talking about a European territory that should benefit from European solidarity like any other region of the Union,” she asserted.

She attributed the crisis to decades of under-investment in water infrastructure, stating, “Today, we are paying the price of decades of under-investment in water infrastructure on French streets.” She criticized the effectiveness of cohesion funds in addressing this issue, describing them as merely “a sprinkling of money.”

In her call to action, Maxette Pirbakas implored, “I’m calling for a real comprehensive plan to be put in place, led by the Commission in Martinique, Guadeloupe, and Mayotte.” She stressed that the health and livability of these territories are at stake.

Her demand includes renovating sanitation and distribution infrastructures, creating new treatment plants, and putting an end to the “pierced hosepipe” – a metaphorical reference to the ineffective and leaky water supply system.

Maxette Pirbakas‘ impassioned speech underscores the urgent need for comprehensive and effective solutions to address the water crisis in these French overseas departments. It calls for immediate attention and action from the European Union, reminding us that these territories, though distant, remain an integral part of the Union and deserve the same level of care and solidarity.

Potable water crisis threatens the quality of life

The picturesque French islands in the Caribbean, known for their stunning beaches and vibrant cultures, are facing a severe crisis that threatens the quality of life for their inhabitants: a scarcity of potable water. Despite being surrounded by vast expanses of ocean, the islands are grappling with increasing water shortages, a problem exacerbated by climate change and infrastructural challenges.

In recent decades, the islands have been experiencing longer periods of drought due to global warming and changing weather patterns[^1^]. These environmental changes have led to a rise in temperature and a decrease in rainfall, which have in turn strained the islands’ water resources[^2^]. This scarcity of water is not only a problem for the daily life of the inhabitants, but it also poses significant challenges for the islands’ agricultural sectors and could potentially impact their tourism industries.

Furthermore, the infrastructural systems that support the islands’ water supplies are compromised. Economic challenges have hindered the maintenance and development of these systems, leading to further problems in the provision of potable water[^1^]. For instance, on the French side of St. Martin, the tap water’s high chlorine content makes it unsuitable for drinking[^3^].

The water crisis in the French Caribbean islands is a complex issue with no easy solutions. It requires a multi-faceted approach that addresses both the environmental factors contributing to water scarcity and the infrastructural challenges that hinder the provision of potable water. As these islands continue to grapple with this crisis, it is clear that concerted efforts on a local, national, and international level will be necessary to ensure a sustainable and secure water future for their inhabitants.

[^1^]: Caribbean Currents: Water scarcity a dire problem for the islands – The Philadelphia Tribune
[^2^]: Climate change puts pressure on failing Caribbean water supplies – DW
[^3^]: Drinking water on French side – St Martin / St Maarten Forum – Tripadvisor

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Four executed for producing illegal alcohol in Iran

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Iranian authorities have executed end of October four people convicted of selling illegal alcohol, which poisoned and killed 17 people last year. More than 190 people who consumed the dangerous drink were hospitalized.

The death sentence against the accused in the case was carried out in the Karaj Central Jail.

According to human rights organizations including Amnesty International, Iran carries out the highest number of executions per year after China.

After the Islamic Revolution in 1979, Tehran banned the production and consumption of alcoholic beverages. Since then, the sale of illegal alcohol on the black market has flourished, leading to mass poisonings. The latest case, reported by Iranian media, has killed around 40 people in northern Iran in recent months.

Only Iran’s recognized Christian minorities, such as the country’s Armenian community, are allowed to produce and consume alcohol, but discreetly and only at home.

Illustrative Photo by Amanda Brady: https://www.pexels.com/photo/elegant-champagne-coupes-in-sunlit-setting-29157921/

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What is food neophobia – the fear of trying new dishes

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Everyone has heard of anorexia and bulimia. But these eating disorders are far from the only ones.

There are people around the world who can only eat certain colored foods. Still others are addicted to water. About 5% of women between the ages of 15 and 35 are affected by some type of eating disorder. Among them are those with neophobia – the inability to try a new type of food. This problem sometimes also affects young children. For them, experts advise parents not to force them, but to explain to them the benefits of a given product. It is also an option to put them on the table in the company of other children who will set a good example.

Neophobia usually disappears around the age of 6. For some people, however, it remains a problem for much longer.

A possible explanation for this condition could be something happening in the person’s life – like choking on food, for example. As a result, a person may begin to avoid a certain type of food and thus give his phobia a “field of expression”.

The reasons for neophobia may lie not only in the psyche, but also in physical features. This disorder is genetically transmitted.

Illustrative Photo by Chan Walrus: https://www.pexels.com/photo/white-and-brown-cooked-dish-on-white-ceramic-bowls-958545/

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How to deal with atychiphobia?

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Imagine this: every little mistake or failure doesn’t just bother you, it paralyzes you to the point where you can’t move forward. This is the reality for people suffering from atychiphobia – the fear of failure. While it is natural for many to feel uncomfortable when they do not achieve their goals, for people with this phobia, this fear becomes an insurmountable challenge that affects their daily life and personal growth. But what exactly is atychiphobia and how can we recognize and overcome it?

Atychiphobia manifests as an intense, irrational fear of failure that can affect even the most mundane daily activities. Instead of seeing failure as part of the learning process, people with this phobia point to every mistake as evidence of their own incompetence. This leads to a series of emotional, cognitive and behavioral symptoms that make it difficult to cope with this fear.

What is atychiphobia and how does it manifest itself?

Atychiphobia often begins at an early age, when the child begins to see failure as something that defines his worth. According to a study published in “Advances in Applied Sociology,” many adolescents admit that fear of failure causes them to experience stress, uncertainty, and anxiety. Adults who continue to experience this fear tend to avoid any situation that could lead to failure—whether it’s professional development or personal goals.

Characteristic manifestations of atychiphobia include excessive perfectionism, constant self-criticism and fear of making mistakes. Cognitive distortions are common – people think that any mistake is unforgivable and that they themselves are a failure if they fail at a task. These thoughts often lead to emotional overload, apathy, low self-esteem and fear of external criticism.

Causes of atychiphobia

The development of this irrational fear can be the result of various factors. Some people experience atychiphobia as a result of past negative experiences – be it public humiliation for a mistake or rejection by a loved one. Psychological trauma leaves deep wounds and can cause an individual to associate failure with pain and shame.

Low self-esteem, anxiety disorders, and perfectionism are also common factors that contribute to the development of atychiphobia. In addition, cultural and social expectations of failure-free success can reinforce this fear, especially in competitive environments where failure is stigmatized.

How to deal with atychiphobia?

The first step to overcoming the fear of failure is recognizing the problem and understanding that this fear is common and treatable. It is important to reframe how we perceive failure. Instead of seeing it as the end result, we can see it as a stepping stone to success. Overcoming this fear requires a change in thought patterns – failure is not something that defines us, but something that teaches us and helps us grow.

Therapeutic approaches including cognitive behavioral therapy can be extremely helpful in this process. The therapist can help the sufferer identify and change negative attitudes and develop strategies to deal with anxiety and fear of failure. Additionally, practicing stress management techniques such as meditation and yoga can help reduce anxiety and provide better control over emotions.

Ultimately, atychiphobia can be overcome with time, effort and support. Failure is an inevitable part of life and the greatest lessons often come from mistakes. The important thing is to accept failure as part of the process of personal and professional growth, and to move forward with the confidence that each mistake is just another step on the road to success.

Illustrative Photo by Markus Winkler: https://www.pexels.com/photo/scrabble-letters-spelling-fear-on-a-wooden-table-19902302/

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