Marlin said another thing St. Maarten is looking at is partnering with the Dutch Government with regards to Saba and Statia. He said the school board that will be over the SBO schools would have to work closely with the Dutch government so that students from those two islands can attend school on St. Maarten. Marlin said instead of those students going to Bonaire, Curacao or Holland the students from the two neighboring island can attend the SBO School on St. Maarten when it is completed. Marlin said he already discussed these possibilities with officials from the two islands and the Dutch State Secretary even though no formal discussion and exchange of documents has not taken place.
The commissioner also refuted the comments and statements that are being made by one of the political parties and their candidates who are creating fear in the residents of Belvedere by telling them that no school will be built in the area.
Marlin said he wants the general public but particularly those living in Belvedere to know that a school consisting of eight classrooms will be built in the area. The commissioner said right now they are finalizing the project and very shortly a public bid will be held and soon after the construction of the school will begin. Marlin said one of the advantages of having a school in Belvedere is that students will no longer have to go to Philipsburg or St. Peters to attend school but a school will be within walking distance from their homes. Marlin said the education infrastructure is improving not only at the existing schools but government is busy with the construction of new schools.
The education commissioner said funding has been made available for the upgrading of the teachers as there is ongoing training and retraining of teachers taking place. Marlin said that the island government also intends to invest heavily in a quality teacher's education program in the future. He said right now the teacher's salaries are not as attractive when compared to those that have a bachelor's in business or IT. He said years ago teachers belonged to the better paying jobs but today they are the worst off. He said right now government has to take this in consideration if they are to attract the best and brightness to attract people in the education field.
