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In a few days—on September 27, to be precise—Micheline Jacques will face a vote by the electors to determine whether or not she will retain her seat as senator for Saint Barthélemy for a second term. But before she may eventually hand over her seat to one of the two other candidates (Benoît Chauvin and Maxime Desouches), the senator and territorial councilor wanted to honor two prominent figures from the island’s sports and cultural communities. Thus, during the Associations Forum on Saturday, September 12, she presented the Senate medal to Dany Brin, president of the Saint-Barth Tennis Club and a long-standing member of Ajoe, as well as to Nadège Emmanuelian, founder and artistic director of SB Artists and the Théâtre du Paradis.
Dany Brin surrounded by his family and volunteers from Ajoe and the Saint-Barth Tennis Club.
Dany Brin’s Emotion
“After all these years dedicated to community life in Saint-Barthélemy, receiving this honor touches me deeply,” said a moved Dany Brin. In the presence of his loved ones, Ajoe President Cécile Coudreau, and SBTC Director Yves Lacoste, the honoree made a point of dedicating his award to “all those” he had the privilege of working alongside at Ajoe. “People have come and gone, generations have succeeded one another, but each, in their own way, has contributed to the cause,” he said. He naturally had a special thought for Yves Lacoste, his “faithful sidekick” for the past 35 years. He thanked his family, his loved ones, those present for the occasion, and also those who were absent—those with whom he had “shared part of this long journey.”
A few minutes later, Micheline Jacques placed the Senate medal into the hands of Nadège Emmanuelian. “Thank you for choosing this moment and this place,” said the medal recipient. “Thank you to Bettina (Cointre, regional councilor) for making this possible during the Forum des associations. SB Artists was founded in 1997; it offers performances, theater workshops for children and adults, and a theater festival… ” Nadège Emmanuelian shares this honor with all the members of SB Artists and everyone who has supported her over the past thirty years. “It’s thanks to them—their enthusiasm, their passion, and their hard work—that this adventure continues,” emphasizes the artistic director. Nadège Emmanuelian points out that “bringing culture to life in Saint Barthélemy isn’t easy because it’s a small territory, but culture brings people together, forges bonds, and is an integral part of the island’s history.” She adds: “It is with great emotion that I accept this medal, because the island means so much to me. I will cherish it, and I share it with all of you.”
To continue savoring these heartfelt moments, Micheline Jacques, Nadège Emmanuelian, and Dany Brin then raised a friendly toast with a few sips of sparkling Champagne.
