CHAPTER II : The State representative

The State representative, representing each of the members of the Government, is the custodian of the powers of the Republic. He is responsible for national interests, compliance with the laws and international commitments of France, public order and administrative control.

The State representative directs the State services in Saint-Barthélemy, subject to the exceptions listed exhaustively by decree in the Conseil d’Etat. He alone is empowered to speak on behalf of the State before the Territorial Council and to commit the State to the collectivity. Unless otherwise provided for by this Book, he exercises the powers devolved to the representative of the State in the départements and regions.

I. – The representative of the State may take any measures relating to the maintenance of public health, safety and tranquillity. If the maintenance of order is threatened, the representative of the State may substitute himself, by reasoned decree, for the president of the territorial council for the repression of offences against public tranquillity, for the maintenance of public order and for the policing of bathing and nautical activities. II….