The implementation of a system of economic, social and linguistic

domination on the French part of the Franco-Dutch island of Saint-Martin

as of 1977 irremediably transformed the islanders' peaceful lifestyle and

quality of life. This tiny Caribbean island had escaped the attacks of the

colonial administration in the aftermath of the 1848 abolition of slavery.

As early as the 1960s the Dutch side's economic success confirmed the

Friendly Island's touristic vocation, and in 1986 a French overseas

investment tax exemption law provided the impetus for a massive

European immigration to the French side, coupled with an abundant,

inexpensive and illegal manpower pouring in from Caribbean countries.

The island became a type of Eldorado in which the world of business,

drugs, illegality, criminality and all kinds of trafficking unfortunately

prevailed. The natives are almost eliminated from the social and economic

structure, and their Caribbean culture is stifled by the enforcement of

discriminating policies and practices which lead to exclusion and the

chronic unemployment of this part of the population.

Today, two societies oppose each other: the "new" society vainly

looking for answers to juvenile delinquency and criminality, products of

rapid and unbridled development, and the Saint-Martin society,

abandoned, looking for a new social balance.