Two tiny French islands broke away from Guadeloupe, gaining partial
financial and political autonomy, reports AP (July 15, 2007). St. Barts
and St. Martin can now create or change laws related to local taxes,
tourism, public transportation and other issues, according to the French
government. St.
Barts, a popular retreat for the rich and famous, also
gained jurisdiction over housing, construction and environmental and
energy affairs, areas over which St. Martin will have autonomy in 2012.
About 35,000 people live on St. Martin and about 7,000 on St. Barts.
Both are still considered French territories but are no longer
dependencies of Guadeloupe, an overseas French department. Residents in
both islands overwhelmingly approved the new status in a 2003
referendum.