Through your previous donations, you have made the choice to financially support the actions of our SNSM station in Saint-Martin, and I would like to renew my thanks to you, on behalf of all our volunteers who, despite their family and professional constraints, are operational day and night to respond to calls from CROSS des Antilles-Guyane, to save lives and boats at sea.
During this year 2017, on the occasion of the fiftieth anniversary of the creation of the SNSM, the State recognized the Rescue at sea as "Great national cause", and we hope that the public authorities, on the one hand, and all those who live or benefit from tourist and nautical activities, on the other hand, will know how to support us without fail. Even if the cyclone IRMA of September 6, 2017 hard hit most of our members, our Saint-Martin station was able to remain operational, despite degraded resources and a reduced workforce.
More than 90% of our actions and our resources are financed by private initiatives. It is therefore undeniable: the first rescuer is you, the donor! Without you, without your donation, our volunteers could not fulfill these missions of public utility which are the upkeep, maintenance and management of our station, as well as our actions of prevention, training and rescue at sea.
Nautical tourism is one of the main economic resources of our region and the relationship of Saint-Martin and its inhabitants with the sea is constantly evolving: number of boaters, diversification of water sports, new risky practices, legalization of society, etc. We must therefore adapt, strengthen the training of our team members, ensure the maintenance of our nautical resources and renew our safety, communication and rescue equipment. Many challenges await us and we sincerely hope that we can count on your support by our side.
If you are a taxpayer of Saint-Martin, we also draw your attention to the fact that the tax system of the Collectivity provides for 20% tax deduction for donations to associations, except for those to local associations, like ours, where the deduction is increased to 80%, both for individuals and for companies. For example, a donation of € 400 payable to the SNSM of Saint-Martin will in fact only cost you € 80, after tax deduction. Upon receipt, our treasurer will be happy to send you a tax receipt for your next IR or IS declaration for 2017.
With our thanks for your faithful help and with our best wishes for the new year 2018, for you and all those who are dear to you, please accept, dear Madam, dear Sir, the expression of our best feelings.
René-Jean Duret, president of the SNSM station of Saint-Martin
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