July 14, 2025 Celebration

The military ceremony at the war memorial was an opportunity for Prefect Cyrille Le Vély to decorate three recipients:

• The Medal of Honor for Act of Courage and Devotion, Bronze Level, is awarded to: Mr. Richard COCKS.
• The Bronze Level Youth, Sports and Community Engagement Medal is awarded to: Mrs. Vernicia BROOKS.
• The State Territorial Administration Medal, Bronze Level, is awarded to: Mr. Alain RIOUAL.

The official speeches on the Marigot seafront were delivered by Klohé Francillette, president of the territorial youth council, Louis Mussington, president of the Collectivité, Frantz Gumbs, Member of Parliament for St Martin St Barthélemy and Prefect Le Vély, recalling how much July 14 and the storming of the Bastille are founding moments in the history of France and our Republic.

Five prominent figures from civil society were honored by President Mussington. These individuals received an official certificate of recognition marking their involvement in the community, in the worlds of music, education, and vocational training:

• Percy RANKIN (musician)
• Pépin RATCHEL (Saxophonist)
• Augustin ARRONDELL “Gusto” (musician)
• Joseph DILENORD (training)
• Janine HAMLET (Education)

Finally, the President and the Prefect awarded the Regional, Departmental and Municipal Medal of Honor, "Gold" and "Silver" level - class of 2025 to 12 agents of the Saint-Martin Collectivité (1 absent) to honor their 30 years (and more) of public service:

• ILLIDGE Pierre (37 years old)
• HODGE m. SEAMAN Marie Monique (35 years old)
• MINGAU ep. WILLAMS Annick (36 years old)
• ROACH Diane (36 years old)
• CHITTICK Silvia (36 years old)
• HAMLET Raymond (36 years old)
• RATCHEL Mylène m. MANUEL (36 years old)
• GIBBS Joël (37 years old)
• PAINES Félix (37 years old)
• MINVILLE Ernest Albert (37 years old)
• JOE Marie Monique (38 years old)

Congratulations to the civil society figures honored on July 14, 2025, for their artistic talent and their commitment to the emancipation of Saint-Martin culture and the population, as well as to the 12 recipients from the Collectivité de Saint-Martin who were distinguished for the longevity of their professional careers and their unwavering commitment to serving the community.