Philipsburg:--- The Prime Minister of St. Maarten the Honorable Sarah Wescot-Williams attended the WITU 40th Anniversary Celebration yesterday. The Prime Minister, accompanied by Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport's the Hon. Patricia Lourens, congratulated the Union and its President and the important work it has done representing teachers in the community.
I was honored to be present at WITU Office in Madame Estate as it celebrated its 40th anniversary. I, of course, would like to congratulate WITU President, Mrs. Claire Elshot, the WITU board and members on this milestone. I would like to encourage you to look back and appreciate the strides made over the years. No denying, education has come a long way, and teachers over the years have experienced many changes to the educational system, and their role as teachers have also become more complex.
"Often times the union and I have sat at opposite sides of the table, however at the end of the day, it is about the community of St. Maarten, because teachers themselves are also parents, children, and spouses. It is therefore that issues that affect the youth, the elderly, the unemployed; issues related to healthcare and other matters, also affect teachers. Hence the role of unions in social dialogue becomes critical for the positive development of our nation," commented the Prime Minister.
The PM wished the Union many more years of representing the interests of teachers on St. Maarten.
From the Cabinet of the Prime Minister