On Wednesday, November 11th, the entire island celebrated the Saint-Martin unit in Quartier d'Orléans. Between calls to strengthen cooperation et prospect of a new common structureThe speeches outlined the outlines of a shared future beyond administrative boundaries.
On the RN7, the heat didn't deter the spectators. Gathered on the sidewalks of Quartier d'Orléans, many displayed the colors of the Unity flag, mixed with the blue, white, and red of the French and Sint Maarten flags. To the rhythm of drums and applause, the parade preceded the speeches. at the dojo, near the Les Salines residence, after the traditional mass and the laying of a wreath.
Political representatives from both sides of the border took turns at the podium to celebrate a shared identity. “Our blood, our history have never been divided, only our administrations,” they reminded everyone. Melissa Gumbs, Minister of Youth and Sports of Sint Maarten.
A unity to be brought to life through actions
For Valérie Damaseau, territorial councillor and chair of the Culture committeeUnity cannot remain just a word spoken every November 11th. It is practiced “even when no one is watching,” in the mutual respect and the ability to accept disagreement“Young people will not learn respect through our words but through our behavior,” she reminded everyone, inviting them towant to do better".
The President of the Collectivity, Louis mussingtonannounced progress in the discussions initiated in Paris, and more recently in Guadeloupe, with the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Overseas Territories : the planned creation of a joint legal entitybringing together a elected representative from the North of the island, and another from the South. Funded by European fundsthis structure would take part of the major decisions particularly concerning health, culture, education, tourism and the environment. A perspective which he considers likely to “significantly improve cooperation” between the French and Dutch sides of the territory.
Le Sub-prefect Fabrice Thibier he, for his part, called for “continuing to forge the path of this harmony” begun more than 380 years ago, particularly on the key issues such as water, energy and waste managementThese are all challenges that should be overcome together, beyond the borders. In the room, a conviction was strongly expressed: Saint-Martin is not only celebrating a shared past, but also the will, and the need, to to build our future together. _DR
