Public consultation moves Saint Martin flag initiative forward to next phase

MARIGOT--President of the Cultural Commission Valerie Damasseau and Cultural Department Director Claudine Lake Mingau are inviting the public to participate in the next phase of the process to create a territorial flag representing the identity, culture and heritage of Saint-Martin.

A public feedback presentation will be held on Monday, August 10, 2026, at 6:00pm at the Chamber of Commerce. During the meeting, residents will receive a summary of the views and recommendations collected during the public consultation process, including the colours, symbols and themes participants believe should be reflected in the flag.

Damasseau explained that the initiative originated from longstanding discussions within the community and was not created by any single person or administration. She said Saint-Martin has reached a level of maturity at which it should have a territorial symbol of its own, particularly as the Collectivité prepares to commemorate its 20th anniversary in 2027.

The proposed territorial flag would not replace the French national flag. It would serve as a local symbol representing Saint-Martin and its people, while being displayed in accordance with the established protocol governing national and territorial flags.

Lake Mingau said the flag would provide Saint-Martiners with a symbol through which they can identify themselves and their territory. Damasseau also pointed to the challenges sometimes faced by athletes and delegations representing Saint-Martin at regional and international events, where the territory does not currently have a formally recognised local flag.  

The public consultation was conducted from May 1 through the end of June. It included seven workshops held in communities across Saint-Martin, sessions involving young people and students, and an online survey that allowed Saint-Martiners living abroad to participate.

More than 400 people contributed to the consultation, sharing their views on the colours, symbols and meaning that should be incorporated into the territorial flag.

The findings will be presented during Monday evening’s meeting. The presentation will also outline the rules and submission procedures for the territorial flag design competition, which officially opens on Tuesday, August 11, and closes on September 30.

The competition will be open to Saint-Martiners of varying ages and artistic abilities, including students, schools and amateur designers. Participants will not be required to have professional graphic design experience.

Each entry must include the proposed flag design, along with an explanation of the selected colours, symbols, meaning and inspiration. Submissions must be made through the official process that will be announced during the public presentation. Designs sent informally to officials, including through WhatsApp, will not be accepted.

Lake Mingau explained that incomplete submissions will be removed from consideration. A jury will review the eligible designs and select the 10 leading proposals, which will then be submitted to a public vote. The voting process will contribute points to each proposal and assist in identifying three finalists.  

Designs created using artificial intelligence will not be accepted, as the process is intended to reflect the creativity, experiences and cultural understanding of Saint-Martiners. Damasseau said authenticity will be a central consideration throughout the process.

The selected concept will receive professional assistance to develop the drawing into a complete graphic design, including an official colour chart and guidelines governing the flag’s use. A symbolic prize will also be awarded, although officials stressed that the initiative is primarily about pride, identity and the opportunity to contribute to the history of Saint-Martin.

The goal is for the final design to be formally recognised by the Territorial Council as the flag of Saint-Martin. A legal team is supporting the initiative and will guide the process toward any additional recognition required at the national level.

Damasseau and Lake Mingau encouraged residents to attend the public presentation on Monday, August 10, at 6:00pm to learn what emerged from the consultation and obtain the official requirements for participating in the design competition.

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