Decision of the Executive Council of April 18, 2024

This project aims to renovate existing roads, create new roads allowing access to infrastructure that will be built and improve accessibility in this sector. In addition to roads, the project aims to review the organization and management of networks in this sector, in particular to design hydraulic structures (ditches, retention basins, etc.) to improve water management .

This global project also includes environmental and digital issues because it will allow the development of gentle modes of travel (cycle paths, public transport), the implementation of an efficient fiber network for the territory, the planting of plants to create shaded spaces.

The total amount of the revisited and amplified project stands at €21.34 million, compared to an estimate of €5 million in 2021.

The executive council approves the new financing of the development/repair project of “national road 7” located in La Savane for a total cost of €21,340,699.31, including €12,090,699.31 payable by the Collectivité. For its part, the State will contribute €9.25 million, or 43.3% of the total (€2.5 million under this 2019-2023 Convergence and Transformation contract and €6.75 million €, and planned for the next CCT 2024-2027.

The Collectivité project is to rehabilitate the old Grand Case primary school into a house of associations which will aim to be a space for meeting, dialogue and advice. It is a unique place for:

• Encourage, support and promote community life
• Help create new associations
• Support and advise associations
• Facilitate the organization of events, exchanges and meetings

This type of equipment is important for the region due to the current weak structure of the associative fabric.

The premises will also allow:

• The resumption of the activities of the neighborhood council, an important player in participatory democracy.
• The reconstruction and strengthening of the territorial police station in its location and operation, in order to ensure, in this very touristy sector, a good level of presence and security.

A new location could be an information office for the tourist office, as well as spaces for artistic expression.

The reinforcement and reconstruction of the old Grand Case school will make it possible to safeguard and highlight an important heritage element for the residents of the district. In order to reinforce this heritage image, part of the premises will be dedicated to a museum and exhibition space.

The project also aims to give real visibility to the old building and to include it as a public building in the urban fabric of Grand Case.

The development of a square is planned in order to give a little air to the urban structure of Grand Case, the beginnings of future developments more oriented towards working on depth than on urban linearity, which is very marked today. .

The Executive Council decides to approve the new financing plan for the rehabilitation project of the association house in Grand Case; and this, for a total cost of €4,018,000, compared to €2.5 million planned in 2018.

This reconstruction project of the Cultural and Sports Center - MJC of Grand Case represents much more than a simple reconstruction of damaged buildings. It embodies the Collectivité 's desire to revitalize Grand-Case and strengthen social ties between residents and re-establish a dynamic hub for cultural and sporting activities, thus contributing to the resilience and well-being of the population.

The challenges of this reconstruction operation of the Socio Cultural and Sports Center - MJC of Grand Case are multiple, and emblematic with regard to the revitalization of the territory of Saint-Martin:

• Restoring community life: After the devastation caused by Hurricane Irma, the reconstruction of the center aims to restore a vital meeting space for neighborhood residents, allowing them to come together again and strengthen the social bonds that have been altered by the disaster.
• Strengthening social cohesion: By providing space for varied cultural and sporting activities, the project aspires to create an environment conducive to inclusion and diversity.

This initiative will promote social cohesion by bringing together residents of the neighborhood and surrounding areas around common interests.

Optimizing space to meet diverse needs: The expansion and redevelopment of the center offers the opportunity to rethink the use of space to better meet the varied needs of the local population. With this in mind, it is crucial to ensure that facilities are versatile and suitable for a range of activities and services, whilst remaining accessible to all.

The symbol of resilience and reconstruction: The reconstruction of the Cultural and Sports Center – MJC of Grand Case symbolizes the determination of the Collectivité to recover after the disaster and to invest in the future of its neighborhoods. It is a testimony to the resilience of Saint-Martin and the commitment of public authorities to rebuild a sustainable and dynamic environment for future generations.

The financing plan for the Grand-Case Cultural and Sports Center is thus validated by the executive council on April 18, 2024 for an amount of €10,277,788.

The planned commissioning of the equipment is envisaged, at this stage, in the 1st quarter of 2027.

This cultural and sports center, once a lively place in the heart of one of the two Priority City Districts (QPV) of the Territory, offered a range of varied cultural and social activities, such as cinema screenings, and welcomed local associations and a restaurant. However, after the disaster, only the associative activities were able to continue, leaving the rest of the site abandoned.

It is important to emphasize that the location of the MJC plays a central role in the daily life of the neighborhood community, as it also houses two educational establishments, the nursery school.

Jérôme Beaupère and Sandy-Ground elementary school. Although these schools are not an integral part of the Socio Cultural and Sports Center, they are fully part of the social and educational fabric of the said district.

The Collectivité therefore took the decision to rebuild this equipment in order to rehabilitate the site and restore its vocation as a “meeting place”.

This ambitious project aims to meet two major objectives: strengthening social cohesion within the neighborhood and bringing together local public services on the same site.

To achieve these objectives, a second land area was allocated to the Sociocultural Center by the Collectivité, thus making it possible to redevelop and extend its facilities.

This expansion also provides a unique opportunity to reconfigure space to better meet the diverse needs of Sandy Ground's population, while providing more accessible and efficient public services.

The challenges of this reconstruction operation of the Socio Cultural and Sports Center - MJC of Sandy Ground are multiple for the revitalization of the territory of Saint-Martin:

• Restoration of community life: Hurricane Irma not only destroyed buildings, but also disrupted social and cultural life. The reconstruction of the center aims to restore this vital meeting place, allowing residents to come together again and strengthen the social bonds that have been affected.
• Strengthening social cohesion: By offering a renovated and expanded space for varied cultural and social activities, the project aims to create an environment conducive to inclusion and diversity. This will promote social cohesion within the neighborhood by bringing residents together around common interests and encouraging residents' participation in local public and cultural life.
• Improving the accessibility of public services: By grouping local public services on the same site, the reconstruction of the center will facilitate residents' access to these essential services. This will help support local residents in their administrative procedures.
• Optimizing space to meet diverse needs: The expansion and redevelopment of the center provides an opportunity to rethink the use of space to better meet the diverse needs of the local population. This involves careful planning to ensure facilities are versatile and suitable for a range of activities and services, whilst remaining accessible to all.
• Symbol of resilience and reconstruction: The reconstruction of the Socio Cultural and Sports Center - MJC of Sandy Ground symbolizes the determination of the Collectivité to invest in the future of its neighborhoods. It is a testimony to the resilience of Saint-Martin and the commitment of public authorities to rebuild a sustainable and dynamic environment for future generations.

The Executive Council decides to approve the new financing plan for the reconstruction project of the Sandy-Ground Socio-Cultural and Sports Center; and this, for a total cost of €10,686,068 compared to €9.7 million of the previous estimate established in December 2022.

The planned commissioning of the equipment is envisaged, at this stage, in the 1st quarter of 2027.

The site of the former sugar cane plantation, housing an old mansion in Mont VERNON, is one of the last witnesses to the colonial history of Saint-Martin. Having suffered a lot of damage following the passage of Hurricane Irma, the Collectivité is carrying out the project to rehabilitate this old construction and simultaneously restore its landscaped park which, before Irma, included a collection of banana trees, tamarind trees, coffee trees, gum trees , sugar cane, mango trees, flamboyant trees.

On the entire site, the project is to create a cultural, commercial and artisanal space. The park will thus be able to host exhibitions, concerts and shows, while itself being a place of activity open to the public with horticulture courses, vegetable and medicinal gardens.

This project has the following objectives:

• Enhancement of local identity: The rehabilitation of this place offers the opportunity to highlight the cultural and traditional identity of our territory. By highlighting local gastronomy, local products and traditional crafts, we create a true mirror of our heritage for visitors and residents.
• Creation of a tourist attraction: By transforming this site into an attractive place, we are stimulating tourism. Visitors will be attracted by the diversity of experiences offered, ranging from culinary discovery to the exploration of endemic plant species, including local crafts.
• Economic development and employment: The creation of such a cultural and tourist place is not limited to the cultural aspect, but should also induce a significant economic impact. By promoting tourist numbers, we stimulate the local economy by generating income for neighboring businesses and creating job opportunities in the tourism and hospitality sector.
• Transmission of traditional know-how: By highlighting local gastronomy, endemic plant species and traditional crafts, we participate in the preservation and transmission of ancestral know-how. This project thus contributes to perpetuating traditions and raising awareness among new generations of the importance of their cultural heritage.
• Strengthening social ties: This rehabilitated place will become a real meeting point for residents and visitors, promoting intercultural exchanges and strengthening social ties within the local community. It will become a convivial space where flavors, smells and knowledge mingle, conducive to meetings and sharing.

The Executive Council decides to approve the modification of the financing plan for the self-financing renovation, development and development of the Mont Vernon plantation site; and this, for a total cost of €4,936,703.00.

The planned commissioning of the equipment is envisaged, at this stage, in the 2nd quarter of 2026.

The Collectivité is faced with a major challenge: rehousing 341 agents whose work premises were seriously damaged by the devastating passage of Hurricane Irma in September 2017. Faced with this situation, the challenges of the construction project of a new city administrative are multiple:

• Restoration of public services: The construction of a new administrative city will make it possible to effectively group all services, thus promoting better coordination and a quicker response to the needs of the population.
• Improvement in working conditions: Many Collectivité agents are still forced to work in precarious conditions, scattered across several temporary sites. The new administrative city project aims to provide modern and functional infrastructure, thus improving comfort and well-being at work for all staff.
• Optimization of resources: The relocation of nearly 400 agents (out of 1,000) to the same site will allow more efficient management of human and material resources, while currently, the Collectivité spends more than €2 million per year in rent, spread over around twenty sites. The proximity of the different departments will promote collaboration and communication between teams, thus strengthening cohesion and organizational efficiency.
• Strengthening resilience: The new administrative city will be designed to resist climatic hazards, thus reducing the risks linked to possible natural disasters in the future. This increased resilience will allow the Collectivité to face environmental challenges more effectively and guarantee the continuity of services in the event of a crisis.
• Impetus for urban renewal: The construction of the new administrative city is part of an urban renewal process, contributing to the revitalization and economic development of the region. The new administrative city will be located at the intersection of rue de Concordia and rue de Hollande.

The total amount of the project is, at this stage, €35 million, compared to a first estimate of €20 million in September 2022.

The Executive Council decides on April 18 to approve the overall financing plan for the construction project of the administrative city of the Collectivité of Saint-Martin; and this, for a total cost of €35,000,000, as shown in the table below.

The transformation of the media library makes it possible to reconcile two different objectives, including the protection of populations and the return to service of a major socio-cultural infrastructure in Saint-Martin.

Concerning the protection of populations, this project will allow the Collectivité to achieve its objective of increasing the reception capacity in cyclone shelters.

Feedback from cyclone IRMA highlighted the fragility of many existing constructions due to the exceptional violence of the winds; the phenomenon of marine submersion, exceptional in its amplitude (up to more than four meters of rise in sea level) has highlighted the vulnerability of many sectors of the territory, on which highly impacted coastal urbanization has developed.

This dual wind/submersion phenomenon makes it essential to create additional places in fully secure shelters that meet standards.

Although not impacted by marine submersion, the primary purpose of this building will be to shelter the populations of the Concordia district in optimal security conditions (accommodation capacity of approximately 600 places).

It is also planned that this rehabilitation will include a territorial operations center, which is a crisis management tool available to the prefect which will be activated in the event of a major event (climatic episode impacting road safety, large-scale accident. ..).

In the event of a major crisis, it will bring together all civil security actors, the territorial police and the national gendarmerie, the State services concerned and representatives of the Saint-Martin Collectivité .

Concerning the rehabilitation of the media library into a microfolie cultural center, this project is part of a perspective of upgrading and bringing into service the cultural facilities of the neighborhoods of the Collectivité which were impacted by cyclone IRMA.

The project will be an important cultural venue for the Concordia district and more broadly for Marigot to the extent that it will include various cultural spaces including a game library and media library space and a microfolie museum allowing fun access to the works of the largest national museums.

The Executive Council decides to approve the new financing plan for the construction project of a “Media library in a cultural center and cyclone shelter” located in Concordia; and this, for a total cost of €11,010,000 as shown in the table below compared to a previous estimate of €7.25 million in November 2023.

It will be financed by the Collectivité of Saint-Martin for an amount of €4.96 million, or 45% of the total.

For its part, the State will contribute €6.05 million, or 55% of the total, i.e. €3 million under the EIF, €1 million under this Convergence and Transformation contract and 2, €05 million planned for the next CCT.

The provisional commissioning of the equipment is envisaged, at this stage, in the 4th quarter of 2025.

Organized since 2022 by the Services of the Ministry of National Education, the Festival of Languages, Arts and Cultures is an annual event highlighting cultural and linguistic diversity through the involvement of all educational establishments in the two communities of Saint- Barthélemy and Saint-Martin. It is therefore in this context that last year, a delegation from Mireille CHOISY college was welcomed to Saint-Martin.

This year, the delegation from Saint-Martin expected in Saint-Barthélemy, supported in this context, is made up of:

• 43 students under 12 years old; - 17 students aged 12 to 17.
• 3 Collectivité agents authorized to participate in this trip.

The Executive Council decides to ratify, as part of the project cited above, the payment of round-trip maritime transport tickets between Saint-Martin and Saint-Barthélemy for the benefit of the 60 students of the Territory's public schools and the 3 agents of the Collectivité for an amount of €2,950 and approves the reimbursement of transport costs incurred by the association “Union Sportive de l’Enseignement du Premier Degré (USEP) Iles du Nord”.

Cultural action, now understood as an instrument of social cohesion and development, has become a transversal field of local policies. The Collectivité of Saint-Martin provides financial support to numerous associations to help them sustain and develop their cultural activities, carry out projects, and set up new actions or events. It provides this on the basis of requests processed by the one-stop shop for Associative Life, or exceptional requests, based on factors such as the rigor of their management, their level of association activities, their number of members, access of the widest audiences to the proposed actions.

Following the opinion issued by the culture commission dated March 20, 2024, the elected representatives of the executive council approve:

the first breakdown of subsidies to cultural associations for the year 2024 for a total amount of €412,840.00 for the following associations:

• Veterans of Saint-Martin
• We are Karibbean
• Ariana
• Headmade factory
• Stateless people
• The voice of Saint-Martin
• Ass the 5 weeks of Orleans
• Hot n Spicy
• Acs zepin
• History Society of Saint-Martin
• Learn
• Rhythm & groove
• Blowing stars sxm
• Soualiwomen cultural Association
• Coffee & soda cookies ass
• Karaib sun
• DP salsa dance
• Swali ka
• IDN Montessori School
• Sparks Association
• Egnigmagia
• The Gunslingers Steel Pan
• Good friends
• Uforik Mass
• Grain d’Or Association

Agreements concluded between the Collectivité and Associations benefiting from a subsidy amount greater than €23,000.00.

In Saint-Martin, for almost 17 years and following the statutory change, the Collectivité has been responsible for “Road traffic and road transport”; and this in accordance with the provisions of 2° of I of article L. O 6314-3 of the General Code of Territorial Communities (CGCT). Therefore, national law on road traffic and road transport is a law “frozen” as of July 15, 2007.

At the same time, it should be remembered that the Transport Code does not apply to Saint-Martin with regard to road transport; and this, under the provisions of article L. 1841-1 of the said Code.

It is therefore up to the Collectivité, via its transporters service, to ensure the issuance of the professional card to duly authorized taxi artisans, and to organize initial and continuing training sessions at the appropriate time according to the needs expressed by the active professionals and the training expectations of future craftsmen with a Favorable Opinion for the transfer or assignment of a taxi license.

The Executive Council decides to establish in 2024 in Saint-Martin a training session for the benefit of active taxi craftsmen awaiting continuing training as well as future operators awaiting qualifying training.

The council also approves the agreement concluded between the Collectivité and the approved taxi trainer relating to the organization of adapted, qualifying, initial and continuing training in professional capacity for taxi driving in Saint-Martin, with a view in particular to obtaining the certificate of professional capacity as a taxi driver and specifies the training period.