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Prefect Cyrille Le Vely took part in the traditional New Year's greetings ceremony on Thursday, January 22. On the terrace of the prefecture delegation in Gustavia, the representative of the State recalled that a prefect "must remain close to his territory in order to fully carry out his duties."
Cyrille Le Vely emphasized that he had "rediscovered the history of the region" since his appointment as the first full-time prefect for Saint Martin and Saint Barthélemy. He particularly highlighted the "exchanges" that have marked the history of the Caribbean islands. "There have been movements and migrations here for a very long time," he said. "They must be integrated into public policy. Saint Barthélemy is an important player in regional cooperation. With what is happening today at the international level, territories that share the same challenges have every interest in joining forces to defend their values." " To do this, the prefect believes it is necessary to rely on the presence of a "strong state." He added: "A strong state is also one that knows how to take on its partnerships." Cyrille Le Vely thus highlighted the "rich work" being done with the Collectivité of Saint Barth. This includes topics such as energy (with the upcoming signing of a framework agreement) and security. The prefect reiterated the importance of strengthening port and airport infrastructure. "These are not easy issues, because sometimes certain practices need to be called into question," he warned.
The state representative also focused on the high cost of living, the medical demographic situation, which he noted was "deteriorating," sargassum, and education ("We need to start a little earlier this year so that there are no gaps in the system when school starts," he said), and housing. On this last point, the prefect stated: "We know that it is difficult to find housing in Saint Barth, but here too, the State can help you move forward on this complicated issue." Among the pile of "complicated issues," Cyrille Le Vely singles out one in particular: the hospital. "Health concerns everyone, so it is vital that we overcome the current difficulties surrounding the hospital's land," he said, assuring that he intends to "work to find ways and solutions" alongside those involved in the issue.
"For a region to progress, it needs resources," Prefect Le Vely continued. He then cited the "fifteen or so" additional staff members who are to join the prefecture's services in 2026, as well as the announced opening of a new administrative and judicial center in Saint-Martin, a fully functioning court, and the construction of a prison. "Alone, a prefect has no means, no power," said the representative of the State, before praising the work of the prefecture's agents and his close colleagues.
