Visit by Overseas Minister Marie Guevenoux

The visit of the Minister for Overseas Territories, Marie Guévenoux, as part of the Antilles Guyana Regional Cooperation Conference (CCRAG), organized for the first time in Saint-Martin, took place in 5 highlights:

The opening of the CCRAG, Tuesday April 23, at the Secrets Resort hotel in Anse Marcel, in the presence of the executives of the Antilles-Guyana, was the opportunity to sign a joint policy declaration for the Antilles-Guyana zone. in the Caribbean basin and the Guiana plateau. The declaration signed by the respective executives reaffirms the shared desire of the State and French communities (Antilles-Guyana) to strengthen their cooperation in terms of external relations in the Caribbean and Amazon region in order to promote the values ​​of France, to shine overseas territories and strengthen regional integration.

The next morning, the executives, parliamentarians, ambassadors and prefects of the Antilles Guyana met alongside the minister around a breakfast at Anse Marcel, the objective of which was an informal exchange on joint issues.

The ministerial visit continued at the Hôtel de la Collectivité in Marigot, in the form of a bilateral meeting bringing together President Louis Mussington, his 4 vice-presidents and the senator from Saint-Martin, followed by a meeting with all territorial elected officials, at the end of which the CCT 2024-2027 was signed.

This convergence and transformation contract is a flagship document of the development policy of the Collectivité of Saint-Martin, for the next 4 years. It commits the State and the Collectivité to jointly implement development projects, with financial contributions contractually agreed by both parties which amount to €43,500,000 for the State and €71,423,515 for the Collectivité.

Among the main projects identified in the CCT:

· The reconstruction of youth and culture centers (MJC) in Quartier d'Orléans, Grand Case and Sandy Ground for an amount of €10 million

· The rehabilitation of heritage sites and equipment: €9.1M

· The reconstruction of the Albéric Richards stadium: €18.3M

· The reconstruction of the 600 college in Quartier d’Orléans: €24.6M

· Development of Savane: RN7 roads and 900 college: €18.5M

· Redevelopment of public spaces in Marigot, Spring Concordia and Agrément: €8M

· Very high speed deployment (Tintamarre project) – phase 2: €7.2M

· “Chevrise” solidarity land operation: €6M

· Work on drinking water and wastewater infrastructure: €7M

· Rehabilitation of the media library (including a cyclone shelter): €11M

As a novelty, the development of culture has been integrated into the CCT, with the financing of dedicated infrastructure; a strong will from President Mussington and his team, and a necessity understood by the State.

President Louis Mussington was satisfied with the exchanges during this official visit, he also welcomed the support of the State, in particular from the Minister of Overseas Territories who is committed to supporting Saint-Martin on the issue. land, in particular by extending the mission of the National Urban Renovation Agency (ANRU), in order to move forward on the issues of joint ownership and inheritance.

The minister also underlined the State's desire to support the creation of a public interest group (GIP) in Saint-Martin, to support families leaving joint ownership, to constitute or reconstitute title deeds. property causing inheritance difficulties. The National Housing Agency (ANAH) will also be called upon to identify housing rehabilitation needs.

Regarding the airline Air Antilles which is awaiting its operating approval, the minister indicated that the issuance of the Air Transport Certificate (CTA) was on track. The State is also committed to intervening and supporting the demand for the manufacturing of spare parts which are sorely lacking in French airlines.

The rehabilitation of drinking water production and distribution infrastructure was also the subject of a discussion with the Minister who perfectly identified the issues and requested a detailed file on the action plan and funding identified by the Collectivité and its water and sanitation establishment (EEASM).

President Louis Mussington requested state assistance in view of the urgent need to size the production plant to reach a capacity of 14,000 m3/day compared to 6000m3 currently, and to renovate the dilapidated distribution networks. Project included in the 2024 budget.

Minister Marie Guévenoux underlined the pugnacity of President Louis Mussington who obtained 10 measures for Saint-Martin, or 10% of the measures, within the framework of the Interministerial Overseas Committee (CIOM) which should meet again at the next fall.

The minister closed her official trip to Saint-Martin with a visit to the construction site of the future 900 college in Savane, in which the State is participating financially, before taking the coast guard shuttle to reach Saint-Barthélemy.