Suspension of ‘Tuesdays in Grand Case’: the Local Authority sets the record straight

“The Collectivité of Saint-Martin notes with regret the announcement of the suspension of ‘Les Mardis de Grand-Case’, a major event for the territory’s cultural life, appeal and economic vitality, and wishes to point out that grants to associations are governed by law and must be applied for well in advance. For several years, the Collectivité has supported Les Mardis de Grand-Case, both financially and logistically, which demonstrates a consistent and significant public commitment. 
A grant of €50,000 was awarded in 2024, increased to €64,000 in 2025. In that same year, including support from the Tourist Office, public funding accounted for up to 64% of the event’s overall budget. As early as June 2025, the Collectivité’s departments invited the organising association to submit its grant application in advance. However, the complete application was not submitted until 20 November 2025, after the deadline for financial commitments for the financial year, making it impossible to process it within the 2025 budget framework. The committee (CAERT) was consulted on 23 December 2025 for its opinion, although this did not constitute a decision to award the grant.
On several occasions, it was made clear to the association that no grant could be awarded before the vote on the 2026 budget, in accordance with public management rules. The Collectivité’s budget was adopted on 27 March, and the allocation of a grant to the Calypso Event association was immediately placed on the agenda of the Executive Council meeting of 2 April 2026, demonstrating the Collectivité’s ongoing commitment to supporting the event.
For several years, the Collectivité has been alerting the Calypso Event association to certain vulnerabilities (business model, cash flow, reliance on public funding) and proposing concrete solutions: better forward planning, diversification of resources, strengthening of private partnerships and the establishment of a multi-year framework.
The Collectivité reiterates that a grant constitutes support, with the association remaining solely responsible for the financial balance of its event, as well as its organisation and management. After more than twenty years in existence, the sustainability of Les Mardis de Grand Case appears to require a more robust organisational structure and business model.
The Collectivité regrets that a partial statement was issued without reflecting the full scope of discussions and the timetable. It reaffirms its willingness to work with the organisers to build a partnership that is clearer, more forward-looking and sustainable. The Collectivité of Saint-Martin will continue to support initiatives that contribute to the territory’s appeal, within a framework that is responsible, transparent and compliant with public management rules.”