Saint Laurent du Maroni | French Guiana

Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni is a commune in the western part of French Guiana, located on the Maroni River, which forms the natural border between French Guiana and Suriname. It is the second-largest city in French Guiana after Cayenne and holds significant historical, cultural, and economic importance. Here's a detailed overview of Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni:

1. Geographical Location

• Coordinates: Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni is situated at approximately 5.8830° N latitude and 54.0200° W longitude.
• Climate: The city experiences a tropical climate, with high humidity and temperatures ranging from 24°C (75°F) to 31°C (88°F) year-round. The region has two main seasons: a wet season from December to July and a dry season from August to November.

2. History

• Colonial Era: Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni was founded in 1852 as a military post and a settlement for the French penal colony system. The town played an essential role in the colonial administration and was part of the network of penal colonies used by the French to exile criminals and political prisoners.
• Penal Colony and Devil’s Island: While Îles du Salut (Salvation Islands), particularly Devil’s Island, are most famous for housing political prisoners, Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni was the administrative center for the penal colonies in French Guiana. From the mid-19th century to 1953, the town was a key site for the French penal system. The prison was notorious for its harsh conditions and inhumane treatment of prisoners.
• Post-Penal Era: After the closure of the penal system in the 1950s, Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni began to transition into a civilian town. The region's economy remained heavily influenced by its historical legacy, including infrastructure left behind by the penal system.

3. Demographics

• Population: Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni has a population of approximately 45,000 people, making it the second-largest city in French Guiana after Cayenne.
• Ethnic Composition: The population is ethnically diverse, with the majority being of Creole, Afro-descendant, and mixed-race origins. There are also significant communities of Hmong, Maroon (descendants of escaped slaves), and indigenous people. Immigration from neighboring Suriname and Brazil is also common, particularly among the Maroon people, who share historical ties with the former slaves of Suriname.
• Languages: French is the official language, but Creole, Sranan Tongo (spoken by the Maroon communities), Portuguese (due to Brazilian migration), and various indigenous languages are also spoken.

4. Economy

• Agriculture: The economy of Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni is primarily based on agriculture, including the cultivation of tropical fruits (such as bananas, papayas, and citrus fruits), vegetables, and cassava. Small-scale farming is common in the surrounding rural areas.
• Commerce and Trade: The proximity to the border with Suriname makes Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni an important commercial hub for cross-border trade. Goods flow between French Guiana and Suriname, including food, clothing, and electronic products. The city has a market that serves both local residents and people from across the border.
• Mining: Gold mining is another key economic activity in the region, with several small-scale mining operations in the area. However, gold mining has also led to environmental concerns due to the impact on the local ecosystem.
• Tourism: Although tourism is not as developed as in Cayenne or Kourou, Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni has significant potential. The town's historical legacy, particularly related to the penal colony, attracts tourists. The nearby Îles du Salut are also a popular tourist destination, accessible from Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni.

5. Culture and Landmarks

• The Penal Colony Museum: Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni’s Musée de la Pénitencière is dedicated to the history of the French penal colony. It is housed in one of the old prison buildings and provides a vivid historical account of the harsh conditions faced by prisoners, including their forced labor and confinement.
• Camp de la Transportation: This is one of the most famous historical sites in the town. It was the main detention center for convicts in French Guiana. The site has been preserved as a historical monument and offers tours explaining the penal system, the conditions of the prisoners, and the operation of the colony.
• Îles du Salut (Salvation Islands): Although not located directly in Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni, the Salvation Islands are easily accessible by boat from the town. The islands, especially Devil’s Island, are historically significant as part of the French penal system. Visitors can explore the ruins of the prison, including the infamous prison cells, and learn about the prisoners who were held there, including political prisoners.
• Cultural Festivals: The town hosts various cultural events throughout the year, many of which celebrate the diverse heritage of the community. The Carnival of Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni, which takes place in the months leading up to Lent, is one of the largest cultural festivals in the region and features traditional music, dance, and parades.

6. Transportation

• Air: Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni is served by Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni Airport (Aéroport de Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni), which offers flights to Cayenne and other parts of French Guiana. It is a smaller airport and does not handle international flights. Most international connections come through Félix Eboué International Airport in Cayenne.
• Road: The town is connected to Cayenne and other parts of French Guiana by Route Nationale 1 (RN1). Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni also has a road link to Suriname via the Albina border crossing, making it an important point for trade and travel between the two countries.
• River: The Maroni River plays an essential role in local transportation. It is used for cargo and passenger ferries and connects Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni with other parts of French Guiana, as well as Suriname.

7. Cuisine

• The cuisine of Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni, like the rest of French Guiana, is influenced by its multicultural population. Local dishes often include tropical fruits, cassava, and rice, along with fish and meat. Due to the town's proximity to Suriname and Brazil, there are also culinary influences from these countries.
• Local specialties include:
  • Bouillon d’awara: A traditional Creole soup made with fish or meat, local vegetables, and the indigenous awara fruit.
  • Moqueca: A Brazilian-style fish stew made with coconut milk, vegetables, and spices.
  • Surnamese-inspired stews and rice dishes, often featuring chicken or seafood.

8. Environmental Issues and Conservation

• Deforestation and Mining: One of the main environmental concerns in the region is illegal gold mining, which contributes to deforestation and contamination of water sources with mercury. The government has made efforts to crack down on illegal mining, but it remains a significant issue.
• Biodiversity: The region around Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni is part of the Amazon basin, which is home to diverse flora and fauna. The preservation of local ecosystems and wildlife, including species like jaguars and manatees, is an ongoing concern for conservationists.

9. Challenges

• Infrastructure and Development: While Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni is a significant regional town, it still faces challenges related to infrastructure development. The town is growing, and the demand for improved healthcare, education, and public services is increasing.
• Social Issues: Like much of French Guiana, Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni faces high unemployment rates and social inequality. The local government works to address these issues, but the region’s remoteness and diverse population present ongoing challenges.

Conclusion

Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni is a town with a deep historical legacy tied to French colonialism and the penal system. Today, it serves as an important administrative, commercial, and cultural center in western French Guiana. Its location near the Maroni River and the border with Suriname gives it strategic importance, while its rich historical sites and multicultural population provide a unique character that attracts both residents and tourists alike. Despite challenges, Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni continues to develop and contribute to the region’s economic and cultural landscape.