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Pierre Aliker | Martinique politician, 106

Pierre Aliker, a politician who fought for independence from French rule for his native Caribbean island of Martinique for over half a century, has died at age 106.

Pierre Aliker, a politician who fought for independence from French rule for his native Caribbean island of Martinique for over half a century, has died at age 106.

Mr. Aliker was a close ally of anti-colonial writer Aime Cesaire and spoke poignantly at his 2008 funeral. The two founded Martinique's Progressive Party in 1958, which sought autonomy or "departmentalization" for the island, though not total sovereignty from the French state. Mr. Aliker was Cesaire's deputy as mayor in the capital, Fort-de-France, for more than 40 years.

Martinique, however, remains a French overseas department. - AP