Congratulations to Mayor Bruno Magras! On July 1, 2007, St Barth elected the first president and Territorial Council of the Overseas Collectivity of Saint Barthélémy. Technically, it is today, July 15, when the newly elected Territorial Council will officially vote in the new president - but, that's just a formality. Former Mayor Magras had 72.24% of the votes in the first round on July 1, over 2000 of the 2399 votes that were cast. Sixteen of those in his proposed Territorial Council were also elected. The remaining three seats went to the other three presidential candidates. Today is also the day when the Overseas Collectivity of Saint Barthélémy officially replaces the municipality of Saint Barthélémy. How fitting that this occurs the day after Bastille Day!

Photo: President Magras performing the traditional blowing of the lambi (conch shell)