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Smiles, support and effort. These were the ingredients of the "Handi Color", the solidarity walk organized on Sunday January 19 by the Handi-Relais association. The six-kilometre loop between Saint-Jean and Gustavia attracted over 500 participants. An impressive Sunday turnout that made for a colorful procession, both literally and figuratively. Not surprising, however, given the islanders' natural ability to take part in events dedicated to worthy causes. This has been the case on numerous occasions, such as last October's "Marche rose". Nevertheless, what a reward for the members of the Handi-Relais association, who devote themselves all year round to improving the daily lives of people with disabilities. A reward, but also a relief and an encouragement. Because the "Handi Color" is not just a solidarity walk.
Raising public awareness
Indeed, as participants on Sunday January 19 were able to see, the "Handi Color" is also, and above all, an inclusive event. In the sense that it attracted people with a wide variety of disabilities, some of them minor, who also wanted to show their solidarity. Like this five-year-old boy who, despite his fatigue, insisted on completing the course. What's more, the "Handi Color" also exists as a means of raising public awareness.
In 2025, Saint-Barthélemy still has a great deal of work to do in terms of understanding and welcoming people with disabilities. In terms of structures, but not only. Of course, the Handi-Relais association, chaired by Manuella Lédée, is also present. With a board of eight members and, at most, a dozen volunteers. Among them are three health professionals: Guislaine Maurice and Aurélie Etcheverry, specialized educators for Coralita and private practice respectively, and Christian Onier, a teacher of adapted physical activities. With the "Handi Color", the association is trying to show everyone the importance of Handi-Relais, but also that commitment can take the form of small daily contributions. Thanks to financial aid, a number of schemes have been set up. For example, the Rotary Club of Saint-Barth offers families "respite tickets" for treatment sessions, as well as other recreational activities. The association creates links, raises awareness and informs, but has no structure of its own. In fact, the Maison d'accueil spécialisée (Mas) has yet to be built.
A "Pôle handicap" in the making
In December 2022, the elected members of the territorial council validated the project to build a medicoeducational institute and a specialized home. The former was set up at the end of 2023 in temporary premises on the grounds of the Anse des Cayes neighborhood. OVE educators welcome half a dozen children every day. The Mas, however, has yet to see the light of day.
In November 2023, at the suggestion of the Handi-Relais association, the local councillors approved the definitive establishment of the Mas (as well as the IME) on the Saint-Jean site, which is still used as a pound and scrapyard. An ideal location, since it's close to the playground. In January 2025, the pound is still in place, and not a single shovel has been turned. The famous "Pôle handicap" has therefore not really moved forward. At least not yet.
Indeed, a meeting was recently held at the Collectivité with representatives from the Agence régionale de santé (ARS), OVE, Coralita and Handi-Relais. The outcome of the discussions was a plan to launch an architectural competition. In other words, the Mas is not yet ready to emerge from the ground.
Fortunately, the social services department, OVE and the Handi-Relais teams are present on the island, working hard every day to provide support, care and prospects for people with disabilities and their families. With self-sacrifice, they continue their work. All the while knowing that Saint-Barthélemy still has a long way to go. Much longer, and much less festive, than that covered by the 500 participants in the fantastic and enthusiastic "Handi Color" on January 19.
