Marigot celebrated Bastille Day on Tuesday, July 14th, in an atmosphere blending tribute, republican tradition, and conviviality. After the ecumenical mass at the Catholic church, official ceremonies and festivities enlivened a crowded seafront until late into the night.
The traditional parade brought together young and old on Rue de la République. Twelve groups were present, including the security forces, firefighters, the SNSM (French Sea Rescue Society), veterans, scouts, after-school students and cultural and musical associations, who participated in this 2026 edition.
During the tribute to those who died for France, Rodolphe Arnal, a veteran, received the French commemorative medal with the "ex-Yugoslavia" clasp for his involvement in operations carried out in that region.
Assessment, projects, and defense of republican values
On the seafront, the official speeches began with Jahid Hamlet, President of the Territorial Youth CouncilIn his first official appearance since his election in April, he recalled the actions of the CTJ, notably " Dej First which made it possible to distribute more than 800 breakfast kits to students taking their exams in June.
During his address, the President of the Collectivity, Louis Mussington, reviewed his term in office, highlighting the "structuring projects" undertaken for the territory. He also announced the securing the 38 million euros needed to acquire the Beauperthuy estate, intended to promote access to property. As the 20th anniversary of the Overseas Collectivity approaches, he also mentioned discussions with the State to amend the organic law, in order to have tools better suited to the realities of Saint-Martin.
Speaking a few days after the attack she suffered at her homeSenator Annick Pétrus gave particular resonance to this celebration. She recalled that "the Republic can be put to the test," but that it rests on "the strength of the law, the commitment of those who serve it, and the refusal to give in to violence."
MP Frantz Gumbs reminded everyone that July 14th is not simply a page in the history of mainland France. Referring to the events of 1789, he emphasized that this period also resonated with the history of Saint-Martin, particularly with the completion of Fort Louis, and argued for the preservation of this heritage which testifies to the links between the island and the history of France.
Concluding the speeches, the sub-prefect Marie-Hildegarde Chauveau, representing the prefect on a visit to Saint-Barthélemy, notably called for thanks to the military and rescue forces of the territory for the protection they offer us.
Local commitments highlighted
The ceremony was also an opportunity to pay tribute twelve employees of the local authority with more than thirty-five years of public serviceAll of them began their careers when Saint-Martin was still a commune and are featured in the book 'Footprints', which traces the journeys of those who have marked the administrative history of the territory.
Three other local actors received certificates of recognition: entrepreneur Antoine Baker, who had several professional lives before creating the Baker's Suites Hotel in Simpson Bay, as well as the associations Grain d'Or, founded in 1988 by Juliette Mingau for her cultural commitment, and the Saint-Martin Carnival Festivities Committee, created in 2011 for its role in promoting the carnival.
After the official tributes, the party began: barbecues, music, and entertainment filled the evening on the seafront. Despite the French team's defeat in the World Cup semi-final that afternoon, the residents of Saint-Martin continued the celebrations until the early hours, culminating in the traditional fireworks display. _DR
