Death of Christian Laplace: "It's a great loss for the island".

The island of Saint-Barthélemy has lost one of its leading figures. Entrepreneur and enthusiast Christian Laplace passed away on Tuesday October 15. Three days after being involved in a car accident in Pointe Milou on Saturday night. The news of his death, unexpected and brutal, was greeted with stupefaction by a large part of the population. It also prompted a number of reactions. Messages of condolence and support for the family of the deceased multiplied on so-called "social" networks throughout the day yesterday. In particular, the President of the Collectivité territoriale, Xavier Lédée, wrote: "It is with great sadness that I learned of the death of Christian Laplace. A major player on our island for many years, he was a long-standing partner of the Collectivité in public works, particularly roadworks. A lover of the island, his workaholism was matched only by his strong character, which led to lively discussions. He will be sorely missed by his family and those who knew him. My sincerest condolences to his partner, children and loved ones. Christmas carols will have a special resonance this year. "

"A boy who loved life
Mayor and then President of Saint-Barth for 27 years, Bruno Magras made no secret of his emotion as he spoke of Christian Laplace's passing. "He was a friend. More than a friend... I saw him grow up in the shadow of his father, Gilbert. Then he took over at the head of the company and turned it into a flagship. It's a great loss. For the island, for his family. He was someone who looked after those closest to him. He had very strong family ties. He was a young man from the island who succeeded through his ambition, courage and determination. I have in mind his investments in Cul-de-Sac, Saline and the project he had just completed in Lorient. He's an astute entrepreneur. A conductor. It's sad to lose a young man of sixty. He had clear-sightedness and well-founded analyses. "Beyond the entrepreneur, it's the man that the former president of the Collectivité will remember. He was a boy who loved life," says Bruno Magras. He loved music, partying, fishing... When his boat was at my place and he'd come back from fishing, he'd drop by at 6 p.m. to bring me some wahou. And then we played music together, with the band he'd founded with his friends from Vitet. When we disagreed, it was only for a short time. He put up with me for years, like his father before him. "And to repeat: "It's a great loss...".

"Saint-Barth loses a landmark

Leader of the Saint-Barth d'Abord group, Romaric Magras believes that "Saint-Barthélemy has just lost a great man, a being with a generous heart, in the person of Christian Laplace".
He describes Christian Laplace as "a hard worker, a man of conviction who left his mark on the island through his unfailing involvement in all aspects of local life". He also recalls that he was "very involved" in the island's economic fabric. Christian was a driving force, a pillar on which many could count," writes the elected representative. He had a wise and constructive eye for everything he undertook, giving everyone sound advice and always available to help and support. His love of sport, particularly traditional sailing, but also of music, testified to his deep attachment to our culture. Today, Saint-Barthélemy loses much more than a man. It loses a landmark, a figure appreciated by all, whose smile and kindness will remain engraved in our memories. May his memory continue to inspire those lucky enough to have known him. "
Throughout Wednesday, countless messages of condolence and sympathy were posted online. Messages that hinted at the figure of a well-liked man, bearer of "great values" and whose kindness was hailed by all.

"A defender of our culture

The Laplace Construction boss had lent his support to Saint-Barth candidate Alexandra Questel in the legislative elections last June.

Last June, Alexandra Questel launched her campaign for the legislative elections. With the support of Christian Laplace. She paid tribute to him with these words: "Dear Christian, you are a model of hard work, dynamism and professional success. In your many lives, you have also found the time to devote to your island's politics. You may not always have been in the limelight, because you didn't choose a public political life, but you're still a pillar. A true sage, a know-it-all, you were always concerned by decisions affecting the island, ready to do what it took to defend its interests, passionately sharing your experience and your vision of our future. First alongside our predecessors, then with us, whom you liked to call "the youth". It was along this political path that I was lucky enough to share with you some of the high points of our collective history. As an unfailing and thoughtful supporter, you prepared us to take over. You were also the defender of our culture, whether it be music, chanté Nwel, fishing, neighborhood festivals, family, our traditional dishes, the patois or our links with Saint-Thomas... You left too soon, and although we would have liked to benefit from your advice for longer, I can confirm that the values and love of your island that you passed on to us will remain engraved as a strong political legacy. "

Tribute from Vincent Berton, Delegate Prefect for the Northern Islands
"It is with deep sadness that I learned of the death of Mr. Christian Laplace, which occurred on Tuesday, October 15, 2024, following a road accident. Mr. Christian Laplace was a respected and appreciated figure in Saint-Barthélemy, a man whose commitment and achievements left a lasting imprint. As head of a construction and public works company, he helped to build and beautify the island of Saint-Barthélemy. Above and beyond his professional achievements, Christian Laplace was a great music lover. Every year, he brought the joy and magic of the festive season to families around the tradition of the Chanté Nwèl truck, an initiative he cherished and brought to life in the streets of Saint-Barthélemy's neighborhoods. On behalf of the French government, I would like to express my deepest condolences to his family and friends, and to all those who knew and loved him. "