Business, housing and transport on the agenda at the entrepreneurs’ breakfast

Around the table, discussions centred on issues directly affecting the day-to-day operations of businesses in Saint-Martin. Financial difficulties, access to housing, public procurement and air links were all addressed.

The State supporting businesses 

Fabrice Thibier, Secretary-General of the Prefecture, presented the relaunch of the Territorial Committee of Funders (COTEFI). This mechanism allows for a case-by-case examination of the situation of businesses facing social or tax-related difficulties. In Saint Martin, COTEFI relies on the CCISM’s CARE unit, which is responsible for assisting businesses in preparing their applications. Public procurement was also discussed. A study, funded by the Collectivité and led by the CCISM, has identified several areas for improvement. According to Fabrice Thibier, the Collectivité’s departments have submitted a document containing “67 pages of proposals”, with the aim of “stronger public procurement that is better suited to the reality of the territory”.
The Secretary-General of the Prefecture also highlighted the introduction of national aid schemes linked to rising fuel prices. In Saint-Martin, these apply to the fishing and road transport sectors. For fishermen, the support can amount to 20 to 35 cents per litre for the months of April and May. For transport operators, the aid takes the form of a lump sum of €300 to €500 per vehicle, with a deadline for applications set at 15 June. Entrepreneurs can contact the prefecture to benefit from this aid.

Facilitating access to housing

Jacques Fayel, president of the Guadeloupe regional Action Logement committee, presented the scheme in Saint Martin. Action Logement is involved in both the financing of social housing and support for private-sector employees. The support mentioned includes, in particular, help with security deposits, as well as loans for home improvements or the purchase of a property. To apply and find out more, entrepreneurs can visit the Action Logement website. The aim, as Jacques Fayel summarised, is to “facilitate housing to promote employment”. Following on from this presentation, Nicolas Gigot, Managing Director of SIKOA, the property arm of Action Logement, indicated that several projects were in the pipeline, following an initial scheme launched in Friar’s Bay. SIKOA is also working with the Collectivité on opportunities in Marigot town centre, with the aim of developing a supply of affordable housing and helping to revitalise the area.

Ensuring territorial continuity

Air Caraïbes reaffirmed its commitment to territorial continuity. Noella Abitbol, Commercial Director for the Antilles and French Guiana, announced special offers for MEDEF members, with permanent fares of €199 (including tax) for Saint-Martin–Pointe-à-Pitre and €249 for Saint-Martin–Fort-de-France. The airline also plans to launch two weekly direct flights between Saint-Martin and Fort-de-France from 3 July. The direct flight to Paris is set to resume from 16 October, once a week on Thursdays. 

Discussions and questions

Following the presentations, several contractors from the construction sector raised the issue of late payments with the President of the Collectivité, Louis Mussington. This was a concern shared by various companies present, who were facing varying payment delays and amounts. Some reported delays of up to “two years”, highlighting the cash flow pressures weighing on their companies. Whilst the President of the Collectivité said he was mindful of these difficulties, business leaders are, for the time being, still awaiting a precise payment schedule.