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Re-elected as the representative for Saint Martin and Saint Barthélemy in 2024, Frantz Gumbs visited the island in late April. The parliamentarian met with business leaders during a meeting at the Multiprofessional Economic Chamber (CEM) in Saint-Jean, before providing an update on his work in the National Assembly. His deputy, Territorial Councilor Melissa Lake, was present.
Frantz Gumbs participated, as rapporteur, in drafting the bill known as the “restitution of cultural property” law, which addresses cultural assets that France allegedly acquired illegally—primarily during the colonial period in Africa. “This law stems from President Macron’s visit to Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso) in 2017, when he promised to initiate a process that would facilitate restitution,” explains the deputy. Restitutions will take place at the request of the concerned state. This work began in February with a series of hearings featuring specialists, art historians, experts on colonization, museum directors, and others.” The bill has already been passed by the Senate and is continuing through the legislative process. The Cultural Affairs Committee adopted the bill unanimously, as did the National Assembly. “But since the text passed by the National Assembly is not identical to the one adopted by the Senate, it will go before a joint committee to be refined and will then return to the National Assembly and then the Senate.” As part of an expedited procedure.
“How can we lower the price of airline tickets?”
Previously, the representative participated in a so-called “flash” mission on the Parcours Sup platform. The report has been published and contains some twenty recommendations to improve the system’s effectiveness, particularly in terms of student support. Another “flash” mission kept the parliamentarian busy. Initiated by the Overseas Delegation, it concerns the impact of taxes and fees applied to air transport. These involve the consequences of these taxes on airfare prices. Airlines serving the overseas territories were heard. These discussions raised questions, notes Frantz Gumbs, who adds: “How can we lower ticket prices? The report will address that. But I haven’t heard any solutions. And it’s even harder to find them right now.”
Another important issue: the bill on the high cost of living initiated by the former Minister for Overseas Territories, Manuel Valls. The bill has passed the Senate. The current minister, Naïma Moutchou, consulted with all overseas parliamentarians beforehand. “The document is well-written and easy to read,” explains Frantz Gumbs. It served as a working document.
A Controversial SURE Law
“Before that, the SURE law proposed by Gérald Darmanin (Minister of Justice) must be addressed,” the representative emphasizes. “I have heard from lawyers in the bar associations of Guadeloupe, Saint Martin, and Saint Barth. They have expressed their dissatisfaction with a number of issues in the law. In particular, the plea bargain provision, which has them quite upset. But that is not the only point of contention.” Consequently, counterproposals will be formulated. “Mr. Darmanin may have been irritating on several issues, but with elections approaching, I don’t think he’s inclined to be tough. I think he’s willing to negotiate. Because for him, the disaster would be if the law doesn’t pass. ” The bill is expected to be adopted by the end of June. The SURE law, which aims to reform the criminal justice system, is the subject of fierce opposition from many legal practitioners.
Finally, Frantz Gumbs wishes to commend the Collectivité de Saint-Barthélemy’s assumption of the presidency of the Association of Overseas Countries and Territories (OCTA). “This is an opportunity for the Saint-Barth executive to gain a better understanding of what OCTA does and what European institutions can do, as they help fund projects in countries that are completely outside of Europe.”
During his visit to the CEM, the deputy also learned about the difficulties faced by businesses and the local population, such as the operational issues at La Poste—an issue he plans to address as well.
