Harry Christophe: nearly half a century of service to the French Ministry of Education
After four years in the region, Harry Christophe is stepping down. Having reached retirement age, he is leaving his post as head of the National Education Department for the Northern Islands this week. Last Wednesday at Soualiga Secondary School, the school community and local dignitaries gathered to wish him well as he embarks on this new chapter in his life.
His teams had a few surprises in store for him – gifts, a short video, and a few light-hearted jibes – for this once-in-a-lifetime occasion: his retirement.
As is customary, each guest gave a short (or long) speech to pay tribute to Harry Christophe’s four years of service to education in the Northern Islands… and much more besides, given his career spanning 47 years at various levels within the French National Education system.
More convivial than formal, the small ceremony provided an opportunity during the speeches to pay tribute to the character of this vice-rector, who maintained Olympian calm in all circumstances. High praise was offered in turn by the 2nd Vice-President of the Collectivité de Saint-Barthélemy, Francius Matignon, the Rector of the Guadeloupe Academy, Gabriele Fioni, and the Prefect, Cyrille Le Vély. The Collectivité de Saint-Martin was not represented. Only MP Frantz Gumbs, a former teacher, was present in the gallery, keeping a low profile. The final word naturally went to the man of the hour who, after recounting his career and offering the customary thanks, concluded with Caesar’s quote: “Veni, vidi, vici”.
A temporary interim role
The post of Vice-Rector, Deputy to the Rector of the Guadeloupe Academy, was created in November 2019 and inaugurated by Michel Sanz. The Vice-Rector, Head of the National Education Service for Saint-Barthélemy and Saint-Martin, is responsible for organising the public education service in both communities on behalf of the Rector, whom he represents on these two islands. Whilst he has hierarchical authority over all National Education staff in primary and secondary education, he remains attached to the Guadeloupe academic region.
Around thirty candidates have applied to succeed Harry Christophe, and the final choice will be announced by ministerial decree next Tuesday. We will then have to wait for his arrival, which should be within a fairly short timeframe according to the Rector of the Guadeloupe Academy, Gabriele Fioni. In the meantime, the role will be filled on an interim basis by Fanny Giausseran, the current National Education Inspector, who has been based on the Northern Islands since September 2025.
