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Saint-Martin |
From the Arawaks to Dual Nationality
The first inhabitants of the island were the Arawak
Indians, who arrived several centuries ago. Shipbuilders and fishermen,
they cultivated corn, manioc, and tabacco, and were skilful basket-makers.
Traces of their presence on the island are now preserved in the
Marigot Museum.
Saint Martin Island was discovered by Europeans on 11 November 1493--"Saint
Martin Day"--by explorer Christopher Columbus.
Beginning in the seventeenth century (1626), the island became an
attraction for Dutch and French colonists. Their descendants share
the island peacefully. A treaty was signed between the two nations
in 1648 on Mount Concordia. The Dutch took over the South with the
salt marshes of what would later be known as Philipsburg, while
the French occupied the northern part of the island. The result
of this accord was the birth of the smallest territory in the world
that is shared by two nations.
The treaty recognized both the dual nationality of the island and
its unity at one and the same time: There would be no physical boundary
between the two nationalities, and there would be completely free
exchange of persons and property between the two parts of the island.
Thanks to this peaceful coexistence, Saint Martin, nicknamed "the
beautiful Creole," is now a free port that has established
itself as one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Caribbean.
63°05 West and 18°05 North on the Tropic
of Cancer
An hour from Santa Domingo and three hours from Miami by air,
Saint Martin is located at 6 degrees South of the Tropic of Cancer:
At 63°05 West and 18°05 North, it is at the extreme Northeast
of the Caribbean chain.
Geographically, Saint Martin forms the junction between the Greater
and Lesser Antilles. The island lies in the waters of both the Atlantic
Ocean to the North and Southeast and the Caribbean Sea to the West
Rising to the height of nearly 1,400 feet, Pic Paradis (Paradise
Peak) dominates plains and plateaus. Tourists find a unique pleasure
in discovering such diverse topography amidst the forty or so idyllic
beaches that grace the island. Two free ports, one at Philipsburg
(on the Dutch side) and the other at Marigot (on the French side)
offer the most beautiful imaginable cruise and pleasure ships. Yet
more new marinas are currently under construction.
25°C every day
Saint Martin has an inter-tropical climate.
Temperature differences between the two seasons are minimal: 75°F
(24°C) in the winter and 82°F (28°C) in the summer.
The temperature of the water remains comfortable, between 77°
F (25°C) and 84°F (29°C). Rains are always brief and
localized, if more frequent, in winter; in the summer, rainfall
is less frequent but more abundant.
The "coolest" season lasts from November to March and
the warmest runs from July to September.
The trade winds blow freely all year long.
Despite its small size (800 ft.2), the island of Saint Martin
is host to inhabitants of over 70 different nationalities: West
Indians, French, Dutch, Americans, Indians, Spanish and others...
The primary language is English, which coexists with French, Spanish,
and West Indian. The intermixing of cultures is just an additional
advantage. Speaking more than one language is a tradition on the
island.
The population increased fourfold from the count taken in the 1982
census to that of 2002, growing from 8,000 inhabitants in 1982 to
35,000 in 2002.
Color in the Local Architecture
The architecture on the island is a reflection of this cultural
diversity.
On the Dutch side of the island, we can appreciate the touch of
Americanization, with all the scintillating colors that emerge with
nightfall.
On the French side, by contrast, one is struck by more traditional
Creole buildings.
The surroundings, then, can appear a bit fragile. Yet, as we explore
the island, we come to appreciate its typically Creole-style huts
(cases), especially in the village of Grand Case.
The vibrant colors of the houses predominate and are the pride and
joy of their inhabitants. It is through these facades that we feel
the joie de vivre, the conviviality, and the special hospitality
of the island's residents.
Flora and Fauna
With its often dry climate, Saint Martin has vegetation that differs
from that of its neighboring islands. Areas in the interior such
as Paradise Peak offer more lush vegetation. There you will find
cactus, bougainvilleas, crotons, royal poincianas, poinsettias,
and galangas. Along the beaches and rocky coasts, there are numerous
species of marine birds, including terns, frigate birds, brown pelicans,
bald buzzards, and still many others.
A concentration of particular species of flora and fauna are nested
in the mangroves located in the north side of the island near Oyster
Pond. In particular, from the point of view of tourism, this diversity
of vegetation enables visitors to observe a multitude of species
in the mangroves areas and in the Mangles Médaillés.
There you may encounter the raccoon and the mongoose, which most
often feed on crabs and small fish.
Aquatic flora are nonetheless to be found everywhere. The presence
of significant quantities of herbs allows the water to be oxygenated.
This vegetation is in turn inhabited by molluscs and fish including
starfish, sea urchins, lobsters, and grouper, puffins, barracudas,
and skate. Today, these flora and fauna are being protected and
have been since 1980, when a maritime reserve and coastal reserve
was established in the Eastern part of the island.
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Heavenly Beaches
The island offers over forty beaches. Take your choice: Some offer
the delicate shade of their coconut palms; other beaches are more
savage, swept by the trade winds. Select the shade, the sand, rocks,
wind, waves, a bar, a restaurant, lively activity, or pure solitude--every
beach has its own special character.
The largest, Long Bay and Plum Bay, in the Terres Basses (the French
word for "Lowlands"), are most appropriate for long contemplative
walks in the sunset. The rockiest beaches, Baie Rouge, in the "Terres
Basses", and Dawn Beach, at Oyster Pond, tend, by contrast, to attract
a galaxy of multicoloured tropical fish. The most romantic beach,
Anse des Pères (towards Friar's Bay), will persuade even the most
reluctant holdouts.
And not to be forgotten is Pinel Island at "Cul de Sac", which can
be reached in just minutes by a shuttle boat. Four good reasons
to visit this spot: A very good restaurant that serves fresh lobster,
a beach with impossibly clear water, a spot clearly marked out for
those who love to contemplate the "world of silence", and finally,
an extra advantage for those who love to walk. The most popular,
and one of the most beautiful beaches on the island, Orient Bay
offers any number of restaurants and a full array of nautical and
sports activities. It is the ultimate trendy beach.
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