New French citizens

In the courtyard of the Prefecture, eight residents of Saint Martin and Saint Barthélemy were officially presented with the certificate making them French citizens. The Prefect, Cyrille Le Vély, emphasised the significance of this step: “Becoming French is not merely an administrative formality. It is a fundamental act, a binding commitment,” he emphasised. This status confers new rights but also entails the duties associated with citizenship. The state representative also paid tribute to the sometimes difficult journeys of the new naturalised citizens, who had come to French soil to work, study, join their families or flee war and oppression. “France is happy and proud to welcome you into its fold,” he declared, urging them not to deny their roots. The ceremony then gave way to personal testimonies. A woman originally from Russia explained that she had been educated in France and had had her child there. “I took this step simply because I felt French,” she affirmed.   Another woman, of Armenian origin, spoke of her pride at becoming French after nearly ten years in the country. She also expressed her desire to demonstrate her commitment to the Republic “through her behaviour and actions”. Several Haitian nationals spoke of their love for Saint Martin, their professional careers and their attachment to France. The new citizens were presented with a welcome booklet before the ceremony concluded with the Marseillaise.