From September 8 to 11, 2026, the Capesterre-Belle-Eau Hospital hosted thesecond edition of “Focus on Les Saintes”: four days of exhibitions, culinary delights, music, and social gatherings designed to bring the Les Saintes islands to the residents of the Nou Gran Moun nursing home and the day care center.
A journey born from a resident’s dream
The first edition of “Focus on Les Saintes” was born from one resident’s dream: to return to Les Saintes, his native island. Thanks to his life plan, he was able to enjoy a personalized outing. The team then wanted to take things a step further for all residents: to bring Les Saintes to them by inviting local merchants, artisans, and cultural representatives from the archipelago to offer an authentic journey through the history, cuisine, and joie de vivre of the archipelago.
The success of this first event—among residents, staff, and partners alike—led the facility to repeat it, taking it to a new level.
ASecond Edition Open to the Community
This year, the CHCBE had the honor of welcoming Mr. Louly BONBON, mayor of Terre-de-Haut, and Mr. Gabriel FOY, mayor of Terre-de-Bas, alongside Mr. Jean-Philippe COURTOIS, mayor of Capesterre-Belle-Eau, at the opening ceremony on Tuesday, September 8.
The goal for the facility is to open up its nursing home to the social life of the community, so that residents can pursue their dreams to the fullest and continue to engage with the outside world—through music, flavors, scents, and the picturesque colors of the neighboring islands.
The Program
Tuesday, September 8 – CHCBE Lobby
- 9:30 a.m.: Opening ceremony, with remarks by Mr. Jean-Philippe COURTOIS, Mr. Louly BONBON, and Mr. Gabriel FOY.
- 10:30 a.m.: Stalls open—love potions, fish crepes, essential oils from Indian wood, salako… and a presentation on Fort Napoléon.
Wednesday, September 9 – Garden near the PASA
- 10:00 a.m.: Exhibition of a “saintoise” (boat).
- 10:30 a.m.: Visit with the residents and a chat with the sailor.
Thursday, September 10 – Event Hall
- 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.: Documentary film about Les Saintes.
- 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.: Workshop on showcasing shells from the Îles des Saintes in the form of a collage.
Friday, September 11 – CHCBE Lobby
- 10:00 a.m.: Quiz for residents.
- 11:30 a.m.: Quiz for CHCBE staff, awards ceremony, and closing of the event.
A Unifying Project
This joint project between the nursing home and the day care center is led by Ms. Claudia PETER (activity coordinator) and Ms. Astrid ROSIER-COCO (medical-psychological aide), with the active support of Mr. Patrick MAZAMBA (activity coordinator) and the staff at the day care center. It strengthens the bonds between residents, their families, and CHCBE staff, and is supported by the Basse-Terre Hospital Center.
“Focus on Les Saintes” is a multisensory journey that the CHCBE is proud to offer its residents, and one that it hopes to expand even further in the years to come, for their greater well-being.
