Youth Perspectives: Tomorrow's Butterfly

Guadeloupe's youth navigate unique challenges and opportunities. Well-educated but facing limited local opportunities, many leave for metropolitan France.

"The brain drain is real," admits university student Jennifer Mirre. "But some of us are determined to stay and build something here."

Young entrepreneurs like Teddy Riner (though better known for judo) invest in local development. Cultural activists like Karyl Petit use social media to promote Creole language and culture to global audiences.

"We're not waiting for permission to be ourselves," declares rapper Misié Sadik. "We're Guadeloupean, Caribbean, French, global—all at once. That's our strength."

Environmental activism particularly mobilizes youth. Groups like Jenes Pou Kilti organize beach cleanups, permaculture projects, and climate strikes. "This is our future at stake," insists 17-year-old activist Luna Stanislas. "We'll fight for it."