Here Are Some of the Most Celebrated Women Associated With Saint Martin

Here are some of the most celebrated women associated with Saint Martin, particularly from the French side (Saint-Martin):

Ruby Bute (1943–2024)

An iconic Saint-Martinois artist, poet, and storyteller:

• Authored the island’s first poetry book by a woman, Golden Voices of Sʼmaatîn (1989), selling out instantly and bringing women’s stories to the forefront
• Her vivid paintings depict island life, culture, and the aftermath of Hurricane Irma. She taught art locally and ran the Ruby Bute Silk Cotton Grove Gallery
• Often called “the first dame of St. Martin’s cultural arts.” She was honored locally and internationally, including recognition in the Dutch parliament buildings

Aline Hanson (1949–2017)

• FFirst woman elected President of the Collectivity of Saint-Martin in 2013, leading local government on the French side
• EEducator and policy-maker who championed education, cultural development, and social inclusion during her tenure

Annick Petrus (b. 1961)

• FirsFirst woman to represent Saint-Martin in the French Senate, in office since October 2020 Has Has served on the Territorial Council since 2017 and held vice-presidential roles in local governance. BefoBefore politics, she was a dedicated teacher and school principal in Saint-Martin

Laurelle Richards

• Folk Folk artist, griot-poet, and cultural activist who preserved Saint-Martinois oral traditions through poetry and storytelling FoundFounded the Cultural Women Association of Rambaud‑Saint Louis and played a key role in community education and heritage preservation

Honorable Mentions (Cross-Island / Cultural Figures)

• **RolRoland Richardson — Renowned Saint-Martinois painter recognized for his impressionistic portraits and landscapes ChaChantal Mussington — Soulful singer-songwriter blending French and Caribbean influences *ShaShakiya Reiph — Young visual artist and cultural entrepreneur promoting local heritage through modern design ClaClara Reyes — Passionate dancer and cultural activist preserving local dance traditions

Summary Table