Philipsburg- Commissioner responsible for Education Affairs Sarah Wescot-Williams, based on discussions with Tallahassee Community College (TCC) officials last week Friday during her working visit to the City of Tallahassee, is very encouraged with the intentions of TCC to re-establish its relationship with St. Maarten where it concerns instates tuition for the island's students.
TCC several years ago discontinued the instate tuition program for St. Maarten students due to a policy change within the US.
Another major development is that TCC is willing to allow St. Maarten students to complete their first two years of college at the former and then be able to transfer to Florida State University (FSU).
All departments at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) were present for the meeting with Commissioner Sarah Wescot-Williams and Study Financing Head Calvin Mardembrough last Friday.
During the meeting, FAMU officials provided feedback about how St. Maarten students are doing at the educational institution and what their studies entail. Commissioner Wescot also provided information about developments on the island especially constitutional renewal and education.
Educational officials from TCC, FSU and FAMU were desirous in continuing with the relationship that has been developed over the years with St. Maarten based under the sister-sister city agreement that exist between the City of Tallahassee and the Island Territory of St. Maarten.
"I am very pleased with the deliberations that have taken place and one can summarize that the relationship between the City of Tallahassee and the Island Territory of St. Maarten is as stronger than ever. This has been a relationship that has developed during the past 10-years.
"These are the indications that I have received from the officials. The same can be said from the relationships with the various educational institutions. From here onward, we will continue to build upon the different opportunities that are offered in the sister-sister agreement and continue to open up more possibilities for our nation's youth where overseas study is concerned," Commissioner of Education Sarah Wescot-Williams told the Government Information Service (GIS).