The Maritime School of the West Indies recently secured two spaces for maritime trainees on board the 245 foot Canadian tall ship Caledonia.
The youngsters will board the ship in St. Lucia for a two-week sail and island visits to Martinique, Dominica, Les Saintes, Guadeloupe, Antigua and other islands en route back to St. Maarten.
Two young students sailed from St. Maarten to the Virgin Islands and back on the vessel several weeks ago during a two-week cruise with about 50 passengers.
The maritime program is an initiative of the St. Maarten Small Business Development Foundation (SBDF) which offers a secondary vocational education SBO Maritime Assistant course.
"I implore our St. Maarten youths to strive for excellence in their academic and non-academic endeavors. You can be anything you want to be, once you are determined and you put your mind to it.
"Our young people who have succeeded in the maritime sector are examples of success. With guidance from various stakeholders, they have excelled in this area. I commend the Maritime School of the West Indies for its role and wish them much success for the future.
"Within every young person a wealth of talent exist which must be developed and channeled in the right direction. You must have a plan and be determined to succeed and excel in whatever it is you want to do.
"Despite a person's economic circumstance, you can still achieve whatever it is you would like to do. It takes a plan, will power and determination to see it through to the end. Cherish every moment and every experience in life.
"I appeal to young people to reject improper behaviors and embrace positive things in life that will lead to your own personal advancement," Commissioner of Youth Affairs Maria Buncamper-Molanus told (GIS).
Students interested in participating in the trainee program are invited to email the Maritime School of the West Indies at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..