Last modified: 2026-09-05 by olivier touzeau
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![[Flag]](../images/m/mf.gif)
Flag of France - Image by Željko Heimer, 22 September 2001
See also:
The island of Saint-Martin is located north of Saint-Barthélemy and south of Anguilla. Its southern part, known as Sint Maarten, belongs to the Netherlands, whereas its northern part (52 sq. km, 28,518 inhabitants) belongs to France.
Saint-Martin is an overseas community (collectivité d'outre-mer), as prescribed by Law of 21 February 2007, published in the French
official gazette on 22 February 2007. This new status was approved by
local referendum (95.5% yes) on 7 December 2003. Beforehand,
Saint-Martin was a municipality forming, together with the
municipality of Saint-Barthélemy, the third arrondissement (northern
islands) of the overseas department of Guadeloupe.
Ivan Sache, 16 October 2011
The official flag of Saint-Martin is the French national flag.
Ivan Sache, 18 February 2005
The Collectivity of Saint Martin has officially launched a process to
create its first flag, an initiative presented as a significant step
in the recognition of its territorial and cultural identity [Source: outremers360.com].
From the statements by the collecivity's officials, it can be
concluded thaht the current white flag with the emblem chosen in 2010
is not considered as official. The logo flag is only a flag of the
local government.
"The announcement was made on April 15, 2026, by President Louis
Mussington, accompanied by members of the territorial executive,
including Third Vice-President Dominique Démocrite Louisy and Valérie
Damaseau, President of the Culture Commission. The authorities
outlined a structured and participatory timeline designed to involve
the local population and the diaspora in the development of this
symbol. Currently, Saint Martin stands out as the only Caribbean
island without an institutional flag, according to the Collectivity of
Saint Martin.
While the French flag remains the official emblem, local officials
believe that a symbol specific to the Collectivity would allow for
better representation of the territory at cultural, sporting, and
international events. Shared between France and the Netherlands since
1648, the island has a unique organization and identity.
Since 2007, its French side has benefited from the status of an
overseas collectivity, endowed with enhanced institutional autonomy.
This unique status has fueled the desire to adopt a distinct symbol,
without replacing the national emblems.
The project, named "My Saint-Martin Flag," is based on an open and structured approach.Several phases are planned throughout 2026:
According to Valérie Damaseau, First Vice-President of the Collectivity of Saint-Martin: 'This initiative aims to fill a long-standing void.' The goal is to empower our people to embrace their identity and proudly represent Saint-Martin throughout the world. Beyond its institutional dimension, the future flag is presented as a tool for collective representation. It is intended to embody the history, cultural diversity, and aspirations of the inhabitants, while strengthening Saint-Martin's visibility on the regional and international stage. Local officials also emphasize that this flag will complement existing symbols, without calling into question the territory's belonging to the French Republic. The public is invited to actively participate in this project, particularly through public consultations and dedicated social media platforms."
Olivier Touzeau, 22 April 2026
From this article in local newspaper Le Pélican,
"On Monday, August 10, at the CCISM offices, the Department of Cultural Affairs officially unveiled the results of the public consultation regarding the creation of an official flag for Saint-Martin. The "My Saint-Martin Flag" project engaged 425 people: 128 participated in various workshops and meetings, while 297 submitted responses via the online questionnaire.
During the seven workshops held in various neighborhoods on the French side, participants had the opportunity to share their opinions and perspectives on the future of the territory's first official flag (see below). All six of Saint-Martin's neighborhood councils were represented; notably, 63 participants came from Council No. 4 (Concordia, Agrément, Galisbay, Hameau du Pont) and 43 from Council No. 3 (Grand Case, La Savane, Cul-de-Sac, Anse Marcel).
According to Joy Carty of the Carteum agency, which is overseeing the project, the results of the public consultation can serve as a guide for participants, though they are not required to follow them to the letter. "Each participant can explain their personal choices in their statement of intent," she explains.
The contest is open to both professionals and amateurs; parental consent is required for minors. Participants must have resided in the territory for at least a decade, have "a lasting connection to Saint-Martin," or be part of the "Saint-Martin diaspora," as Joy Carty explains.
The rules strictly prohibit the use of artificial intelligence. Only one design per entry is accepted. Schools may also participate, either as a specific class or on behalf of the entire institution. The submission package must include a visual of the proposed flag, a copy of an ID card, a statement of intent, a description of the creative process (including sketches), and the signed application form (available on the website https://www.mysaintmartinflag.com).
The selection process takes place in several stages. An initial pre-selection phase will begin after September 30, involving the sorting of eligible and ineligible entries. The jury will review the various proposals and score the entries out of 80 points before ranking them. The top ten will be selected as finalists. Please note that a minimum score of 60 points is required to pass this stage. The jury comprises seven seats, including representatives from institutions, an expert on cultural identity, a graphic designer or art director, and a representative from the neighborhood councils. The seventh seat is reserved for a 'citizen advisory vote.'
The second stage involves seeking public input through a vote open to everyone (residents and the diaspora) to select preferred proposals from among the finalists. The voting procedures and date are currently being finalized. This vote will generate a score out of 20 for each participant, which will be added to the initial jury score (out of 80). Based on a final total of 100 points, the three highest-scoring entries will be selected for the final stage. An interview—either in person or via videoconference—will be held between the candidates and the jury to 'verify the authenticity of the creative process.' Please note that failure to attend the interview will result in automatic disqualification. The three finalists will not learn the outcome until the new flag is officially adopted by the Territorial Council of Saint-Martin; the vote on this matter is scheduled for the end of 2026."
Offical website of the process: www.mysaintmartinflag.com
Olivier Touzeau, 30 August 2026
On August 23, 2022, the President of Saint-Martin, Louis Mussington, and the Prime Minister of Sint Maarten, Silveria Jacobs, discussed the significance of the St Martin Unity Flag for both parts of the island. They emphasized the long-standing peaceful coexistence and cultural unity of the two communities and agreed to adopt this flag, first unveiled in 1990, as a shared cultural symbol.
However, on September 29, six territorial councilors abstained from voting on this matter, with Daniel Gibbs proposing a public consultation similar to those held in Guadeloupe and Martinique. The Economic and Social Council (CESC) also opposed the approach, calling for a collective process to identify common values before adopting a flag. Louis Mussington rejected calls for a referendum and described the flag as a non-political symbol of shared identity and pride for the people of Saint Martin.
President Louis Mussington wanted this flag to be hoisted on November 11, the territory's common feast day. "It is a strong cultural symbol that will also pay tribute to the historian Daniella Jeffry who participated in the creation of this flag and to Dr Hubert Petit who was the mayor of Saint-Martin between 1959 and 1977. Do not see anything political in this symbol, but it is a strong and symbolic act for the cultural identity of the Saint-Martin."
Olivier Touzeau, 21 October 2022
The Collectivity of Saint-Martin uses a white flag charged either with the logo or the emblem of the collectivity (photo, photo, photo).
Paraskevas Renesis, Jens Pattke & Ivan Sache, 22 November 2016
Flags with the logo
![[Flag]](../images/m/mf-coll3.gif)
![[Flag]](../images/m/mf-coll2.gif)
Flag of the Collectivity of Saint-Martin - Images by Zoltán Horváth, 16 September 2024 & 5 November 2010
This flag was also used without its name under the logo. (According to images I found this version is used more often than version with inscription.) Images of flag: photo, photo, photo.
Zoltán Horváth, 16 September 2024
Picture of the flag without inscription in use outdoor: photo
Olivier Touzeau, 16 September 2024
The ribbon forms a "S M" monogram, for Saint-Martin. It symbolizes sophistication, elegance and stylishness. Very flexible, the ribbon adapts itself to any shape and to twisting and tension it can be submitted to. The ribbon cannot be cut easily and is robust. Light, it can fly in a windborne move and gives a wavy effect on water. Therefore, the image as built in the logo suggests traveling waves: the multiplication of skills creates energy, which is traveling, propelling to the sea and beyond, towards future and success. These terms represent saint-Martin and the Collectivity: adaptation to constraint, flexibility, dynamism and strength. The ribbon is a modern symbol of solidarity and hope.
The ribbon represents a stylization of the sea (blue) and of Fort
Louis (green), forming a "social concept": the sea and the fort are
symbols of Saint-Martin recognized by all and to be easily adopted by
all citizens.
The two ribbons (blue and green) form a "federating concept": they
unite in spite of their different color and surround the word "Saint-
Martin". Therefore, the logo gathers the strengths of the two ribbons
and unite them to Saint-Martin while maintaining a wide opening.
[Official website]
Fort Louis (photo) was built in 1789 by Knight de Durat, Governor of Saint-Martin and Saint-Barthélemy, to watch the port of Marigot, where coffee, salt, rum and sugar were stored. English squads coming from neighboring Anguilla, as well as all kinds of pirates, enjoyed looting the port. Once abandoned, the fort was restored in the 19th century and eventually decommissioned.
Paraskevas Renesis & Ivan Sache, 16 October 2011
The answer can be found in the official magazine of the collectivity saved and uploaded by French vexillologist Pascal Vagnat (source, p.15): it is said that the logo was adopted on January 9th, 2009.
"The new logo for the Collectivité in Saint Martin was used for the
first time at the President's goodwill address last January 9th. An
invitation to tender was offered in 2008, and a work group was formed
to design a logo to reflect the new image of the Collectivité. After
much thought, the group decided upon this logo. What does the logo
symbolize? Saint Martin has entered a new era with the change of
status, and a new image should accompany this change. The logo
symbolizes openness, development, multiplicity of cultures, vitality
and organization. The blue ribbon symbolizes the sea, which links us
together in our Caribbean environement. It also symbolizes hope,
strength, the openmindedness of the Saint Martin people and their
appreciation towards thos who are striving on behalf of the country,
our future and our success. The green part represents the land and
Fort Louis, which personifies our history and heritage. At the same
time as this logo, which is used for letterheads and as a symbol of
identification for the Collectivité in daily transactions, a
competition was organized for the people of Saint Martin to create an
emblem."
in Point Com, magazine of the Collectivité of Saint-Martin, #5, February 2009.
Olivier Touzeau, 19 September 2024
2018-2021 reconstruction logo
Logo (no flag !) of Collectivity of Saint-Martin 2018-21 - Image by Olivier Touzeau, 17 March 2025
Beside the [ribbon] logo, a new logo was adopted in 2017, which consists of a Phoenix bird, a grey map of French part of the island with a flanked by a stylized heart. This logo was used together with SM logo, but I haven’t found a flag displayed them together.
Zoltán Horvath, 16 September 2024
The Phoenix emblem was adopted in
January 2018 (source).
Daniel Gibbs named his recovery plan after Irma, Phoenix, named after
this legendary bird with a long life and the ability to be reborn
after being consumed in flames. "Saint-Martin will be reborn from
chaos," he himself declared. This recovery plan was developed by the
president of the Collectivité and his close collaborators. It will be
presented on Monday during the New Year's ceremony. It is illustrated
by a logo that has been on the Collectivité's website for a few days
in place of the official logo of the Collectivité. The logo represents
the bird flying over Saint-Martin, which is surrounded by a heart. It
is in the colours of the Union for Democracy (UD), Daniel Gibbs'
party, namely orange and green. The colours of the COM logo are green
and blue. This logo should be used during the coming months, during
the reconstruction."
Although the official website of the Collectvité is only partially updated, it appears that the Phoenix logo appears only in documents dated between 2018 and 2021. It was not any more in use after the end of the mandate of Daniel Gibbs in april 2022.
Olivier Touzeau, 19 September 2024
Flag with the emblem
![[Flag]](../images/m/mf-coll.gif)
Flag of the Collectivity of Saint-Martin - Image by Jens Pattke, 3 January 2016
At last on 26 October 2010 the Territorial Council adopted the new emblem (image) for the island that had been chosen last July.
[...] Arnell, a first year architectural décor student at École Nationale Supérieure des Arts Appliqués et Métiers d'Art (ENSAAMA) "Olivier de Serres" in Paris swayed the judges with his Flying Pelican canvas featuring the symbols the island is best known for, such as the Flamboyant and Coralita flowers, the border monument, slavery walls, salt, sea, sunrise, mountains, and shells. These were all headed by a scroll depicting the paper the Treaty of Concordia [the Partition Treaty signed on 23 March 1648 by France and the Netherlands] was written on.
[...]
"With the sunrise, and the Pelican, the idea was to show new beginnings and the new future of the Collectivité, the Pelican taking off, but keeping a protective eye on the population," explained Arnell of his winning design that took two months to complete using acrylics and water colours. "I also included the yellow butterflies which are common on the island and wanted to recall the texture of the paper the Treaty was written on. I used a tinted grey canvas because that brings out the colours.
[...]
Fifty persons submitted presentations for the competition and participants were required to follow specific rules and guidelines under the theme, "The Future Inspired by Our Heritage." The competition was driven by the need for a fresh emblem to go with the Collectivités new logos.
A judging panel composed of six men and six women coming from various professional backgrounds had the difficult task of judging the work. Territorial Councillor Guillaume Arnell was Head of the Jury. "We had to have separate judging sessions of 15 entries at a time in order to reduce the original 50 down to a final 20," said Arnell. "It was a difficult task."
Judging criteria and scoring included written presentation (15 points), artistic merit (15 points), technical aspect (30 points), integration of nature, cultural and historical elements (20 points), and overall presentation (20 points). [...]
[The Daily Herald, 23 July 2010]
Paraskevas Renesis & Ivan Sache, 16 October 2011
From The Daily Herald article too: "President Frantz Gumbs noted he was extremely pleased to see such an abundance of talent and creativity exhibited by the competition. The Territorial Council still has to validate the jury's decision though this is expected to be a mere formality as the Council has already seen the work." (23 July 2010)
See also: France Antilles, 27 July 2010
And according to the Official gazette of Saint-Martin [link],
p. 6:
The emblem was adopted with 21 votes, and 1 vote against.
Although the date on the top of the pages of the gazette is erroneous,
the text shows that the adoption of the emblem was during the 26
Octobre 2010 meeting of the council.
Olivier Touzeau, 19 September 2024
![[Flag]](../images/m/mf-coll1.gif)
Former flag of the Collectivity of Saint-Martin - Image by Olivier Touzeau, 17 March 2025
The flag used by the Collectivity c. 2007-2009 was white with the Collectivity's former emblem. A similar flag, with a slightly diofferent rendition of the arms, is displayed at the Flag Museum, Budapest.
Jens Pattke & Zoltán Horváth, 17 February 2008In issue 21 of the vexillological bulletin edited by László Balough (at some date between 1995 and 1997), the flag of Saint-Martin is shown as a light blue flag with a shield.
Jaume Ollé, 30 August 1998
![[Local flag of Saint-Martin]](../images/m/mf!1.gif)
Dubious flag of Saint-Martin - Image by Christian Berghänel, 30 August 1998
This flag was reported as the flag of Saint-Martin in László Balogh's A Világ Nemzetei - Zaszlók, címerek, térképek, adatok [blg94].
Christian Berghänel, 30 August 1998
This flag cannot be seen anywhere on the island. The local political leaders never sawit nor heard about them.
Jérôme Sterkers, 27 September 2006
According to Everett D. Emerson (The Flag Bulletin [tfb], No. 218, p. 172, 2004), this flag is spurious. He says that his cousin visited the island four times and reports never having seen this flag displayed on land or sea or even for sale. He adds, "One might speculate that the 'flag' as depicted was from an inaccurate verbal description of the legitimate [Dutch] Sint Maarten flag, that it was a hoax, or that it was an idea for a flag to be commercially marketed that never achieved usage. Emerson traces the origin of the supposed Saint-Martin error to an anonymous author who wrote Eiropas Pilsetis I (Riga, 2001) [l9v01]. That author attributed the flag to Saint-Barthélemy, possibly through a typo, but Emerson adds "Several Internet sources attribute it to French St. Martin."
Al Kirsch & Ned Smith, 18 December 2005
This flag design is similar to a white Martini glass on a blue background with a little bit of liquor on it (red) and a slice of lemon (yellow). I think somebody was playing with the similarity of the words Martin and Martini and decided to make his own design.
Hernán Bustelo, 31 July 2012
