Educational farm inaugurated but not yet open to the public

This moment has been awaited for many years. More precisely, since June 2018 and the unanimous vote by the Executive Council of the Collectivité territoriale to create an educational farm in Gouverneur, on the site previously occupied by the Galop des îles association. A few months prior to this decision, the structures used for equestrian activities had been devastated by Hurricane Irma. On Friday July 4, the educational farm was officially inaugurated. However, the site is not open to the public for the time being. For the simple reason that not all administrative and safety conditions have yet been met. Starting with the need to obtain authorization from the safety commission, an essential step for any establishment that welcomes the public.

A place for discovery and sharing
Be that as it may, it was a remarkable site that was presented on the day of the inauguration to the dozens of guests invited by the Collectivité territoriale. It goes without saying that the site is still home to the Galop des îles association. Future visitors to the site will find eight ponies, an aviary, play areas and wooden structures for children to enjoy, as well as alleysThey'll also find walking paths, breathtaking vistas (notably of Saline), relaxation areas with tables and benches, and a wealth of plant life reclaimed from the island's construction sites. What's more, an "anti-cyclonic" stable has also been set up to accommodate livestock in the event of an alert.
Several "officials" spoke at the inauguration ceremony. David Bonnet, who joined the technical services team at the end of 2023, helped finalize the project. In particular, he insisted that the educational farm is "a space dedicated to children" but also "a place to enhance the value of local flora", a space for "discovery, sharing and raising awareness". Francius Matignon, the Collectivité's second vice-president, emphasized the involvement of the Galop des îles association, which will "guarantee the relevance of the educational actions" carried out within the structure.

"A renaissance
President of the Collectivité, Xavier Lédée recalled that the project was launched under the mandate of his predecessor, Bruno Magras. "Today, we're here to celebrate what amounts to a rebirth," he declared. The president also praised the commitment of former local councillor Elodie Blanchard, and the work of Bettina Cointre and the cultural commission. Xavier Lédée sprinkled his speech with strong references to the current political situation within the Collectivité (rejection of the single financial account, conflicts, tensions, etc.). In particular, he declared: "Difficulties and blockages will always exist, but when we act for a collective project then things eventually come to fruition. "
On this inauguration day, the person who has given the most of himself since Irma probably didn't speak. In accordance with her own wishes, Sylvie Grévin, president of the Galop des îles association, stood back to listen to the speeches. A few minutes later, it was with some emotion that she assisted President Lédée with the traditional cutting of the tricolor ribbon. Later, online, Sylvie Grévin wrote: "Since Irma, I've had to dig deep within myself to offer safety to our rescued ponies, those who are with us and those who left in unimaginable chaos. A new page is about to open, and together we can continue the story. "All that remains now is for the Collectivité to resolve the final administrative formalities, so that the inhabitants of Saint-Barthélemy, young and old, can set off to discover the educational farm.