Marigot: --- St. Martin has attained his status change some two years ago but at no time did the elected officials on the island tell its residents that they were leaving the State and going independent. According to what we know is that St. Martin is now governed under the article 74 of the French constitution. The State according to what the politicians said still has the obligation to give St. Martin all its financial benefits. If that is the case is yet to be seen even though the funds actroi de mer has already disappeared. However, the obligation and the duty of the island are to give respect if they are to be respected.
Over the years all overseas islands including St. Martin has celebrated the fete de la Bastille (July 14) our children look forward to the days activities and the fireworks at night as this marks their culture and tradition as a French nation. However, this year the Collectivity of St. Martin allowed the organizers of the Caribbean Festival to have carnival celebrations on July 14.
Sources tell us that even the monies for July 14 were used up for the Caribbean Festival. This they said caused some confusion in the COM since those organizing the fete de la Bastille were not happy with the organizers of the Caribbean Festival.
The COM has decided to conduct the protocol of July 14 during the morning hours where they would have the traditional church services and the wreath laying in the garden of the COM or what we know as the veteran’s monument. Strangely while residents of Grand Case will be preparing for their boat show and other activities several persons and troops would be parading through the streets of Marigot. It is still not clear if the traditional concert and other activities would be held on the night of July 14. What we are told is that there would be some sort of mini fireworks.
