On Saturday, August 15, Sandy Ground celebrated the 39th edition of its annual festival.
After mass at the Apostolic Faith church, elected officials, state representatives and community leaders gathered in the parking lot of the Albéric Richards stadium to pay tribute to the history and residents of the neighborhood.
Created in 1987, notably at the initiative of David Francillette, the August 15th festival has become an unmissable event on the island. But under the big top, the celebrations have also given way to demands.
Georges Richardson, founder of the job placement association “Sandy Ground On the Move,” raised concerns about the difficulties families are facing due to the heat during this drought. His hope is that the authorities will support vulnerable households in accessing solar energy to “help reduce electricity costs and contribute to a more sustainable world and a more sustainable Saint-Martin.” Cédric André, representative of Neighborhood Council No. 6, denounced the lack of responsiveness from institutions: “The neighborhood council isn’t important. […] Because, whether it’s the Collectivity or the State, they don’t listen to us!”
He also called for more resources for associations. “We’re at our wits’ end,” he concluded.
What is the current status of the work?
Louis Mussington, President of the Collectivity, praised the residents' historic resilience: “With every challenge, they have demonstrated their attachment to their neighborhood, and it is precisely this collective strength that makes Sandy Ground so vibrant today.” Regarding the lack of infrastructure, he indicated that the development and leveling work on the stadium was 80% complete, while plans for the perimeter fence and changing rooms were “progressing.” A first phase of work, carried out last year for approximately €170.000, renovated the fields and installed basketball hoops on the sports area. A second phase has been announced, while a cultural center project is under consideration. “What wasn't done during the first term will be done during the second,” promised Louis Mussington, also calling on residents “not to let a few individuals tarnish the neighborhood's image,” particularly during the bridge blockades.
“Things are progressing”
Frantz Gumbs reiterated issues raised as early as 2022, notably the environment, education, and health. “On these subjects and many others, no significant progress has been made,” the MP admitted, citing political and financial constraints. However, some progress is expected: the creation of a judicial court for SXM/SBH and a possible territorial reorganization of the Regional Health Agency.
Finally, Fabrice Thibier, the prefecture's secretary general, recalled that the state was "perfectly aware" of the neighborhood's difficulties, in terms of youth unemployment, security and isolation: "It's certainly a little too slow, but things are moving forward and I believe they show that we are all concerned about the future of this neighborhood." The rest of the ceremony highlighted the commitment of citizens to the neighborhood. _DR
