MAKE MAY 22 MARTINIQUE'S NATIONAL HOLIDAY
A former member of the National Assembly from Martinique and a prominent figure in local politics, Guy Lordinot is returning to the forefront of public debate with a proposal of great symbolic significance. Through a call to establish May 22 as a true national holiday for Martinique, he questions the very foundations of the island’s collective identity, caught between its republican heritage and its own distinct history. Beyond simply commemorating the abolition of slavery, the initiative aims to fill a void in unifying symbols within a society marked by persistent divisions. By linking historical memory, political recognition, and the quest for popular unity, this initiative raises a central question: how can we «forge a sense of community» in Martinique today, and around what shared values?
Martinique is part of the French Republic, whose emblem is the blue, white, and red flag, under which the French people unite. The national holiday is celebrated on July 14.
But Martinique is also an overseas collectivity, characterized by historical and geographical particularities that can legitimately justify—in addition to July 14—the existence of its own national holiday.
A FOUNDING DATE: MAY 22, 1848
Victor Schoelcher secured the government’s agreement to abolish slavery on April 27, 1848. However, the abolition did not take effect in Martinique until May 22, 1848, when a slave revolt forced Governor Rostoland to proclaim it.
For the past 43 years, May 22 has been a public holiday. However, it has never been officially celebrated by all of Martinique’s elected officials.
BUILDING A NATION: THE NEED FOR A SYMBOL
To come together as a people, a population needs strong, shared symbols. For France, that symbol is the tricolor flag. For Martinique, that symbol still needs to be established.
We propose making May 22 a true national holiday.
UNITY THROUGH COLLECTIVE EMOTIONS
Today, the rare moments of total unity in Martinique can be found in popular sports:
– The Round Yole Tour
– the Martinique Cycling Tour
These events demonstrate that there is a real capacity to bring people together.
A FOUNDING CELEBRATION IN 2026
We propose celebrating the establishment of this national holiday on May 22, 2026.
Placed under the patronage of the Prefect, the representative of the French Nation, it would bring together:
– the 6 members of Parliament
– the President of the Territorial Collectivity of Martinique
– the 34 mayors
– and the entire population
A DAY OF RECONCILIATION
This event would be:
– an opportunity to overcome divisions
– a time to put aside our differences
– a highlight that brings together all the sons and daughters of Martinique
– beyond all divisions
It would bring together all segments of the country. It would be a day of reconciliation.
Only under this condition will the people of Martinique be able to truly come together as a people.
A SYMBOL IN NEED OF REHABILITATION: THE RED, GREEN, AND BLACK FLAG
Let’s remember: in 1962, while incarcerated at Fresnes Prison, Rodolphe Désiré, together with his fellow members of the OJAM, designed a red, green, and black flag for Martinique.
A HISTORIC DECISION TO MAKE
In 2026, 64 years later, isn't it time to:
– to pay tribute to these pioneers
– and to endorse this flag as a symbol of Martinique
A PEOPLE, A DATE, A SYMBOL
On this May 22, the people of Martinique, united as one, answer in unison: YES.
