Voters against autonomy

The citizens of Martinique and French Guiana have voted overwhelmingly against more autonomy from France.



In a referendum yesterday, nearly 79 per cent of voters on Martinique said no, while the result was almost 70 per cent in French Guiana.



The referendum offered the chance to vote for changes that would have given lawmakers in the two French Caribbean departments more scope to initiate legislation of their own.



Analysts say voters were fearful a change of status would lead to less generous financial support from Paris.