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Agricultural workers who have long sought compensation for contamination from a pesticide banned in France but used in the country’s Caribbean islands of Martinique and Guadeloupe have finally had a day in court after a nearly 15-year wait.

Investigating magistrates in Paris held a videoconference hearing last month with representatives of consumer, farm and environmental groups gathered in a Martinique courtroom to determine how to proceed€ on a complaint that had languished since 2006.

“I have never given up,” said attorney Harry Durimel, speaking in a phone interview from Guadeloupe. “This is a serious matter that merits everyone’s involvement.”

Source: Independent. London.