Here's why people speak French in the French part of St. Martin:
* Colonial History: France colonized the island in the 17th century. As a result, French became the official language and the language of administration, education, and most public life.
* Cultural Influence: French culture, including language, has been deeply ingrained in the society of the French side of St. Martin for centuries.
* Official Language: French is the official language of the French territory of Saint-Martin.
It's important to note that the Dutch side of the island, Sint Maarten, has Dutch as its official language.
While French is the dominant language on the French side, English is also widely spoken, especially in the tourism industry. This is because St. Martin is a popular tourist destination, and many visitors speak English.
So, people speak French in the French part of St. Martin because of its history, cultural influence, and official status.