Strike leaders in Guadeloupe and Martinique have agreed to resume talks after an offer from the French president aimed at ending weeks of protests.
The French Caribbean territories of Martinique and Guadeloupe, promote an image of tropical peace and luxury - but in the past few weeks that image of the French Antilles has been tarnished by strikes and violence that have left one person dead and the economy in tatters.
Guadeloupe may be a tourist destination, but it suffers from the highest unemployment rates and most expensive living costs in France.
The French government has promised $736m to raise living standards in the country's overseas departments, and to make payments to low wage earners - as demanded by unions.
President Sarkozy has promised to visit as soon as things calm down.
Local journalist Pascale Lavenaire told the BBC's Roger Hearing about the poverty and social inequality that are behind the unrest.
Listen Listen to Pascale Lavenaire's interview (2 mins 53 secs)
