PHILIPSBURG:--- Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sports, Mellisa Gumbs, has confirmed that the two students from St. Martin currently studying in Jamaica are safe and accounted for following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa.
Speaking at a press briefing on Wednesday morning, Minister Gumbs expressed solidarity with the people of Jamaica, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, and Haiti, who continue to suffer from the storm’s impact.
“I want to start by expressing my deepest solidarity with the people of Jamaica, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, and Haiti, who are still suffering from the ongoing impact of Hurricane Melissa,” Gumbs said. “With that in mind, I would also like to provide an update that the two students from Saint Martin are safe and sound after the passing of the storm.”
The Minister added that she had personally spoken with both students and that her Ministry is in contact with the Jamaican Consulate through the Department of Foreign Relations (DBB) to coordinate any potential evacuation efforts if needed.
“We are in touch with both students and working with the Jamaican Consulate to ensure their well-being and, if necessary, arrange their return home,” she said.
School Health and Air Quality Assessment Underway
In addition to the update on students abroad, Minister Gumbs announced that her Ministry will be conducting a comprehensive health and air quality assessment across all public schools on Sint Maarten.
The decision comes amid reports of air quality issues affecting classrooms in several institutions.
“We are taking these reports seriously,” Gumbs stated. “I’m on my way now to ensure that the assessments can be rolled out sooner rather than later. We need to identify and address any ongoing challenges in these establishments quickly.”
The Ministry will partner with relevant agencies to evaluate ventilation systems, humidity levels, and environmental health conditions across campuses before the end of the year.
Upcoming Regional Meetings in Aruba and Bonaire
Minister Gumbs also shared details of her upcoming official trip to Aruba and Bonaire this week, where she will meet with education ministers from across the Kingdom of the Netherlands as part of the Vierlanden Overleg (Four-Country Consultation).
During the meetings, the ministers are expected to discuss updates on the Strategic Education Alliance and other ongoing initiatives aimed at strengthening cooperation in education policy and development throughout the Kingdom.
“We will be meeting in Bonaire to provide updates and agree on next steps regarding initiatives that were started before I took office,” Gumbs said.
Reflection on Hurricane Melissa and Climate Resilience
In closing, Minister Gumbs reiterated her empathy for the people of Jamaica, noting the storm’s destructive force as a reminder of the growing impact of climate change on Caribbean nations.
“My heart breaks for the people of Jamaica who this storm and its power have deeply impacted,” she said. “It is a constant reminder that we are living in a new reality when it comes to climate change.”
She also urged St. Martin residents to remain vigilant, stressing that hurricane season is not yet over.
“We still have a month to go before we can say that everyone is safe and sound following the 2025 hurricane season,” Gumbs reminded.