The Village des associations is brimming with new projects for local young people
On Saturday 24 October, the third edition of the Associations Fair took place at the Jean-Louis Vanterpool sports hall in Marigot, from 9.00 am to 3.00 pm. With some 35 associations in attendance, the event once again brought together local residents, eager to discover the sporting, cultural and community initiatives that are continually enriching the island’s social fabric.
11 small organisations honoured for their innovative work
Dominique Louisy, 3rd Vice-President of the Collectivité in charge of human development and citizenship, was present at the event to encourage the participants. This event, which takes place every two years and is co-organised by La Vie Associative and the Collectivité, provides an opportunity to take stock of new business start-ups and to recognise initiatives aimed at improving residents’ lives. This year, 11 new associations received a certificate of recognition for their participation in the ‘Creation and Support for Small Associations’ scheme, including Hands in Kulture, which focuses on passing on traditions, ‘Élégance des îles’, which focuses on fashion design, and ‘Roseau Bleu Santé’, which works to promote health, prevention and support for the public.
New associations dedicated to supporting young people
Among the exhibitors was a newcomer to the 2026 edition: AJ3P (Association Jeunesse et Police pour la Protection et la Prévention), founded by Peggy Zadigue in Guadeloupe and establishing itself in the region this year. Represented by Pauline and Steve Barbier, the organisation aims to raise awareness amongst young people and school pupils about key issues affecting their daily lives, such as bullying, addiction and the lack of guidance that can sometimes lead to violence. But that’s not all: it also offers young people the chance to broaden their horizons by organising educational trips. Over the last three years, young members have been able to explore Japan, New York and Paris, as well as its institutions, such as the National Assembly. “We want to show young people that the police are about support and positive action, not just enforcement,” says Pauline Barbier.
Ping Passion, for its part, aims to address a gap identified by its founders in the sporting sector: the lack of a table tennis club. Christophe and Jenna arrived on the island in August and wanted to meet this need: “As a former club president, coach and player, I wanted to join a club here and realised that the island simply didn’t have one. Padel, on the other hand, is very popular. We are therefore being supported by the Guadeloupe Table Tennis League in setting up our club on Saint Martin, and we are hoping to secure premises in one of the island’s schools.”
It is clear that, despite persistent obstacles, the dynamism of Saint Martin’s voluntary sector shows no sign of waning and demonstrates an undiminished determination to take action and bring the region to life.
