Ministerial visit: engaging with local communities and understanding the reality on the ground
Following an initial visit to Saint Martin on Sunday and a day in Saint Barthélemy on Monday, the Minister for Overseas Territories concluded her tour of the northern islands with a series of on-the-ground meetings. This first visit to the territory provided an opportunity to discuss with Naïma Moutchou her understanding of the realities and needs on the ground.
Following the signing of an international treaty on the right of hot pursuit at sea with the Netherlands, the Minister continued her visit to Marigot with a tour of the premises of the Mission Locale and the RSMA. In addition to hearing from the respective heads of these two institutions about their work, the visit was above all an opportunity for the Minister to meet young people and gain an understanding of the realities of their often difficult journeys in the region. After a short break at Mont des Accords secondary school, she then travelled to Quartier d’Orléans for a visit to Roche Gravée secondary school in Moho, organised by the pupils themselves. At Jielle Formation and the Compagnons Bâtisseurs premises, she was able to fully appreciate the vital role these organisations play in supporting young people entering the workforce, and more broadly, those who are distant from the labour market or facing illiteracy.
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She said she was particularly proud to be in Quartier d’Orléans, with the message “we forget no one”, recalling that she herself comes from a working-class neighbourhood in the Paris suburbs, which shares a number of similarities. She paid a heartfelt tribute to all those, whether staff or volunteers, who come forward to support young people in finding solutions. “The State will step up and stand alongside all those who wish to advance these major priorities, particularly that of youth.” However, other significant challenges remain, with the Minister citing energy, security, the fight against drug trafficking, health – including access to healthcare for all – and the environment.
During this final press briefing before boarding her flight back to Paris, Naïma Moutchou expressed her great satisfaction with this three-day visit, which she had specifically requested as a field trip to gain a full understanding of the realities on the ground. Although she indicated that the visit was intended to identify solutions, no announcements have yet been made because, she said, these solutions must first be adapted, which is in line with the government’s intentions. It remains to be seen how the State can provide further support on these issues, and the question has been raised by the minister herself.
