It is a historic project for the Friendly Island. The Collectivité of Saint-Martin has officially launched the process of creating its first institutional flag. Approved by the Executive Council on April 9, 2026, this participatory initiative invites all residents and the diaspora to contribute to the birth of a shared symbol.
The only Caribbean island without a flag
Since gaining the status of Overseas Collectivity (COM) in 2007, Saint-Martin has asserted its autonomy and singularity within the French Republic. Yet, nearly twenty years later, the island remains the only one in the Caribbean without its own institutional flag.
This absence is particularly felt on international sports podiums, at cultural events and on artistic stages, where Saint-Martin cannot display a strong visual symbol to represent its territory. The project fills this gap by addressing three major challenges: territorial identity, international visibility and social cohesion.
A process open to all: “My Saint-Martin Flag”
The project, named “My Saint-Martin Flag”, is based on a participatory approach spanning several stages over the coming months:
- May – June 2026: weekly citizen workshops organized in four neighborhoods on the island (Grand Case, Marigot, Sandy Ground and Quartier d'Orléans). In parallel, an online consultation will be open to the Saint-Martin diaspora worldwide.
- Late July 2026: a steering committee bringing together elected officials, historians and community representatives will draft specifications defining the expected elements of the future flag.
- August 1st – September 2026: graphic design contest open to all, amateur and professional artists, island residents and diaspora members alike.
- October 2026: citizen advisory vote to choose between the three best designs.
- December 2026: official adoption of the flag by the Territorial Council.
A flag that complements the tricolor
An important point: the future institutional flag will complement the French flag, not replace it. It will be used during official, institutional, sporting and cultural events, alongside the tricolor and the European flag.
The goal is to provide Saint-Martin with an emblem representative of its identity, culture, history and heritage. A symbol in which every resident can recognize themselves, whether born on the island or adopted by it.
How to participate?
The Collectivité encourages everyone to get involved in this collective initiative. Here are several ways to contribute:
- Follow the project on social media via the @MySaintMartinFlag account (Instagram and Facebook), where information, workshop dates and competition details will be shared.
- Attend citizen workshops starting in May in the four designated neighborhoods.
- Participate in the online consultation, open to all from May onwards, to share your views on the values and elements the flag should represent.
- Submit a design during the creation contest, starting August 1st.
A defining moment for the island
Beyond the graphic design aspect, this project represents a moment of collective reflection on what defines Saint-Martin's identity. Between cultural diversity, resilience, centuries-old history and Caribbean roots, there is no shortage of elements to fuel the creation of a meaningful symbol.
The adoption of a flag will be a first in the history of the Collectivité, established in 2007. One more step in affirming the identity of this unique island, shared between two nations since 1648 and true to its nickname: the Friendly Island.