Saint Martin’s economic development is a key priority
On Tuesday 7 April at the Saint Martin Inter-Professional Consular Chamber (CCISM), First Vice-President Alain Richardson opened the seminar on the Territorial Plan for Economic Development, Innovation and Internationalisation (STDEII). A strategic plan aimed at defining the main priorities for the territory’s economic development over the next two years.
On 7 and 8 April, the STDEII seminar aimed to produce a working document using a methodology based on consultation and the sharing of experiences. To this end, key figures were brought together to share their vision; among them were representatives from the Guadeloupe Region, the French Development Agency (AFD), the Guadeloupe branch of the Institute for the Issuance of Overseas Departments (IEDOM) and the Caribbean Cybersecurity Agency (ACCYB). Thematic workshops took place throughout the day on Wednesday 8 April.
An operational plan
Led by the Collectivité’s ‘Attractiveness, Economy and Employment’ delegation, these consultation efforts were intended to establish a plan tailored to the territory’s needs. ‘We do not want to create yet another administrative document. We want to build a roadmap for economic and social development. This plan must be operational to avoid the administrative or regulatory straitjacket that acts as a brake. In a territory as small as Saint Martin, we must adopt a dynamic approach. This plan must evolve in response to opportunities and challenges,” argues First
Vice-President Alain Richardson.
The aim of this seminar is to identify priority actions to ensure Saint Martin’s economic development and to produce an STDEII that can be adopted in autumn 2026. This will then consist of an initial implementation roadmap as well as an interim review to allow for adjustments. To finance structural projects for Saint Martin, the Territorial Collectivity has partnered with the French Development Agency.
A vital partnership
To support the Territorial Collectivity, the AFD has committed to providing pre-financing for public grants. This mechanism allows for the advance payment of state grants and accelerates the implementation of projects essential to the territory. A sum of €12 million will thus be used to finance the initial projects. These include the refurbishment of the Maison des Jeunes et de la Culture in Sandy Ground, the reconstruction of Collège 600 in Quartier d’Orléans, the upgrading of the RN7 in the Savane area, the refurbishment of a media library with a cyclone shelter in Concordia, the eco-friendly renovation of the fire station, and the greening of schools. These projects address specific local needs and reflect a shared ambition: to modernise public facilities and strengthen Saint Martin’s resilience.
