PHILIPSBURG:--- President of Parliament Hon. Gracita Arrindell met with the board and members of St. Maarten Connection (USC) foundation which is located in the Netherlands.
USC is engaged in assisting young St. Maarteners studying in Holland as well as young professionals.
A number of issues were brought forward by USC for discussion including the right of Sint Maarteners studying and living abroad being given the right to vote in Sint Maarten elections.
The Holland-based organization is seen as an essential body that can provide clarification on scholastic and other issues and social and informative events that bring students and young professionals together.
The organization stands for fostering a greater sense of unity among St. Maarten students and young professionals in the Netherlands and on St. Maarten, and to parlay this dynamic into affecting change that is beneficial and related to the unique position we hold within the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
"I would like to take this opportunity to commend the USC board and its members for taking the initiative and establishing this social group for Sint Maarten students and those living in the Netherlands.
"I had a good and open dialogue with students on several issues including the functioning and role of the country's institutions of government including Parliament.
"The students were engaged, knowledgeable, motivated and most importantly very involved in the Netherlands with their foundation as it serves to assist and connect students from Sint Maarten.
"They do keep a keen eye on their future endeavours as it relates to their return back to the country, and are therefore interested in how the country is governed and the challenges it faces after achieving the new status. I am very excited and motivated by their vision of their future," President of Parliament Hon. Drs. Gracita Arrindell said on Friday.
The website address of the organization is www.uscfoundation.com.
