Inauguration of the Saint Martin Land Agency
On Friday 26 June, the official opening of the Saint-Martin Land Agency in Marigot took place. It was a symbolic occasion attended by the President of the Territorial Collectivity, Louis Mussington, and the Prefect, Cyrille Le Vély, although the office has been open to the public since 4 May 2026.
Announced many years ago, the Saint-Martin Land Agency (AFSM) is finally coming into being. The project has been in the pipeline since 2023, following the arrival of Marc-Étienne Pinauldt, a government administrator tasked with resolving land disputes in Saint-Martin. “The year 2026 marks a decisive milestone in the creation, structuring and operational launch of the Saint-Martin Land Agency,” says Gaëtan Grach, director of the AFSM. Co-funded by the Territorial Collectivity and the State, this organisation was established in response to a pressing need. “60 per cent of private land suitable for building or available for development is tied up due to land tenure issues or joint ownership,” states Gaëtan Grach. This is an alarming situation in a territory with a limited land area. Furthermore, the lack of title deeds penalises occupants, who are unable to sell, let, insure or benefit from reconstruction aid, particularly in the event of a natural disaster. “This situation therefore prevents any economic or heritage-related value being realised from properties located on the island, which cannot be transferred either through inheritance or by way of a gift,” argues the agency’s director. The AFSM’s mission is therefore to provide free support to Saint-Martinians who wish to obtain a title deed. “We have devised a form, translated into French, English and Spanish, which allows people to enter their initial details and then arrange an appointment,” explains Jessie Jean-François, a lawyer at the AFSM.
These documents are available at the reception desk of the Collectivité de Saint-Martin, as well as at the prefecture, the national gendarmerie, the territorial police, and through partner neighbourhood associations and committees. “Since we opened, we have received around thirty applications; unfortunately, two-thirds of these concern properties that fall within the public maritime domain,” explains Gaëtan Grach. Indeed, land situated within an 81.20-metre coastal strip, known as the ‘50 geometric paces’ zone, is subject to different legislation. “In these specific cases, we issue a certificate confirming that we have reviewed the application and refer applicants to the relevant committee within the Collectivité.” Furthermore, AFSM professionals also act as mediators in cases of difficult joint ownership, in an effort to find amicable solutions. This enables the people of Saint-Martin to regularise their situation by providing them with “economic, legal and health security”.
