Last Friday, the Dauphin Telecom lobby was transformed into place of emotion and recognitionSurrounded by his family, colleagues, and numerous prominent figures, Alain Haillant, founding president Group Dolphin Telecom, Cariburo, Norinfo et Normdia/BSS, received the insignia of Knight of the National Order of Merit from the hands of Prefect Cyrille Le Vély.
“We are gathered for to honor a man whose discreet but decisive action has profoundly marked the territory of Saint-Martin,” declared the State representative, saluting “a builder, a visionary entrepreneur and a committed citizen.” Recalling General de Gaulle’s philosophy when creating this distinction, the prefect emphasized that This medal “rewards the creativity, dedication and exemplary civic-mindedness” that Alain Haillant has demonstrated since his arrival on the island in 1985..
In forty years, the multi-entrepreneur and former top-level football player accompanied the modernization of the territory, from office automation to telephony, from paper to fiber, while providing unwavering support to the local community network. The prefect praised “a man who was able to reduce the isolation of the northern islands and open up new horizons for their inhabitants.”
Visibly moved, Alain Haillant thanked “the President of the Republic for this decree signed on May 15, 2025, exactly forty years to the day after my arrival in Saint-Martin (…). I was a young 24-year-old computer scientist with a laptop under my arm, weighing 15 kilos, no dollars in my pocket, only a few hundred francs,” before paying tribute to his teams, his wife Roberta and his family: “It is also for them that I receive this medal.".
Before the assembly, Alain Haillant delivered strong words : “Through this medal, it is the resilience of Saint-Martin that the State honors today. Here, more than anywhere else, success is built together, with heart, courage and faith in the future.”
He concluded addressing the youth of Saint-Martin, whom he encourages to believe in their abilities: “Have the courage to study, to never stop learning throughout your life. Believe in your dreams and believe in your island.” Bravo, Alain!
Link to the full ceremony: https://urls.fr/USryBv
https://faxinfo.fr/en/recompense-alain-haillant-decore-de-lordre-national-du-merite/
