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It's not yet 7:30 a.m. on Sunday, May 4th, when book lovers are already beginning to take over the Quai du Général de Gaulle in Gustavia. At 8:00 a.m., the traditional book exchange organized by the Saint-B'Art association opens. Even though they've been working since dawn, the courageous volunteers don't hide their surprise at seeing visitors arrive so early. In fact, as soon as the stalls, which contain several hundred books of all kinds, open, the aisles are practically packed. Latecomers will therefore have limited reading choices. But what a satisfaction it is for the members of the association and for the island's authors invited to present their works. Jérôme Montoya, Françoise Gréaux, Jean-Jacques Dayries, and Jean-Jacques Rigaud saw curious and loyal visitors stream past their small table throughout the morning. The Book Fair is also an opportunity for the Saint-B’Art association, and its president Christian Hardelay, to reveal the names of the winners of the mail art and short story competitions. For the latter, the jury awarded first prize to the anonymous Tian Bercotine (who is none other than the second vice-president of the Collectivité, Bettina Cointre) for her short story entitled “Eux” (see below). Jean-Marie Eravile (JSB n°1611) won second prize with “Le pari fou” and Justine Esminger third with “Les échos du passé” (JSB n°1611). A little culture and literature can never hurt.
Christian Hardelay, president of the Saint-Barth association, during the short story competition awards ceremony, in front of the winners and the president of the Collectivité.
