Piteå Day: stronger ties between Piteå and Saint-Barthélemy

Since 2018, the twinning celebrations between the Swedish town and the island of Saint-Barthélemy have been held in the absence of representatives from Piteå. This year, thanks to the presence of a delegation from Northern Europe, Piteå Day had a very different flavour. Led by the Mayor of Piteå, Patric Lundström, the group of visitors were able to explore the island, deepen discussions with elected officials and the local population, soak up the island's spirit and atmosphere, and consider future prospects. In short, to update and strengthen the ties forged 47 years ago when the twinning agreement was signed.

Towards "concrete collaborations
Being there makes a big difference," confirms Patric Lundström. We've been able to hold discussions that can lead to concrete collaborations. On waste treatment, educational, cultural, sporting and technical exchanges. "During their stay, in addition to all the events organized as part of the twinning celebrations, the Swedish deDuring their stay, in addition to all the events organized as part of the twinning celebrations, the Swedish delegation visited the Public waste management center and the Service territorial d'incendie et de secours fire station in Saint-Jean. Twinning has a cost, so we need to turn it into something practical that benefits both Saint-Barthélemy and Piteå," emphasizes a pragmatic Patric Lundström. It's useful to go beyond the friendly and historical aspect, for the population too. "
In addition to this practical aspect, the mayor of Piteå was astonished to feel and observe so strongly the Swedish heritage still present on the island. I didn't think there would be so many things reminiscent of Sweden," he admits. Piteå nurtures a tradition of twinning. For years, the town had been linked with an Icelandic commune that was unfortunately destroyed by a lava flow. It was also twinned with a Russian town, "for humanitarian reasons". But the link was broken by the war between Russia and Ukraine. Piteå's elected representatives are now planning to establish a twinning arrangement with a Ukrainian town (Loutsk). To this end, meetings have already been organized in Poland. These examples show that the link between the small Swedish town and Saint-Barthélemy is unique in its duration and evolution.
The Piteå delegation boarded their return flight yesterday, Wednesday November 12. With their heads full of memories, and their minds full of new prospects for developing relations with Saint-Barthélemy.