As is customary, the traditional vows ceremony took place this Thursday, January 19, 2023 at 18 p.m. on the patio of the Prefecture during which Vincent Berton, Prefect delegate to the Representative of the State in the communities of Saint-Martin and of Saint-Barthélemy, took stock of his experience since taking office on March 28, 2022.
Vincent Berton, delegate prefect accompanied by Pascaline Berton, expressed his emotion to reinstate this event during his speech: "I am happy to welcome you here after several years of interruption linked to the health crisis which has profoundly degraded our crisis. social”. Welcoming, in English this time, the presence of officials from the Collectivity, Sint Maarten, neighboring islands, representations of associations, public and private organizations and socio-professionals, the Prefect returned to his 10 months of activities: "The year 2022 was a year of transition in Saint-Martin. (…) Fate wanted me to take up my duties in Saint-Martin at the same time as the president of the Collectivité Louis Mussington, which allows us, even if we do not have the same responsibilities, to progress at the same pace. I hope, missions that are incumbent on us”. Welcoming the resumption of normal life and the appeasement of the social situation in Saint-Martin, while bearing in mind the work still to be done, Vincent Berton shared his feeling of renewal: "I hope that this republican climate continues because nothing can be built in conflict, violence and uncertainty. It is therefore with serenity that we can approach the year 2023”. A year that will be marked by the resumption of tourism, work projects whose prosperity must remain in the territory. The planned construction projects are an opportunity for young people from Saint-Martin to access employment. With an unemployment rate of 35% in Saint-Martin, and 50% among young people, the Prefect "calls for the patriotism of business leaders and decision-makers in order to respond to a training and skills ". Still on the theme of youth, Vincent Berton praised the talent of young people, starting with the students of the Professional High School Daniella Jeffry who provided service during the ceremony: "Young people are the future of Saint-Martin". The theme of insecurity was also discussed, the politician has the will to take up the challenge of combating this scourge with the help of all the actors mobilized "narcotics are poisoning our territory". The housing issue is also one of Vincent Berton's priorities. Like that of culture, “cultural expression makes us more human”, he recalled his pride in now having the Culture Pass accessible to young people, a device that will support local artists.
After a speech marked by sincere optimism, Vincent Berton presented the medal for an act of courage and dedication to the security guard who, in July 2022, intercepted a criminal who was about to commit a armed robbery at Howell Center after the latter shot dead his faithful four-legged service companion, his dog the Kick. Great moment of emotion felt by all. The evening continued around a cocktail in a friendly atmosphere with the sweetness of a typical Saint-Martin evening. _VX
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