PHILIPSBURG: ---Former Acting Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sports (ECYS), now Member of Parliament Lyndon Lewis, asked the current Minister of Education Melissa Gumbs during the budget debate to explain the actions she took at the Prince Willem Alexander School (PWAS).
The Minister of ECYS, Mellissa Gumbs, recently retracted the decision made by Lewis and removed the person he placed in a management position. The Minister also said that an investigation has been launched.
Lewis informed the Minister that as a former detective, he did his due diligence based on the LMA before replacing the management team of PWAS. Lewis said he heard all involved and made clear that his predecessor did not act because the person in the management position had a direct relation to him.
Lewis further asked the Minister of Education, Mellissa Gumbs, to inform Parliament about what the White and Yellow Cross Care Foundation (WYCC) has to do with PWAS and why the WYCC needed to write a report. As a detective, he did his research and found out that a member of the board of the WYCC has a member directly related to the Minister.
The Minister of Education, Culture, and Sports recently stated that nothing had been done within the Ministry of Education for the past four years and six months. As a former Acting Minister of Education, Culture, and Sports, he finds that statement troubling.
The current Minister of Education is his successor, and he is one of the parliamentarians who is still there today, along with two predecessors.
Lewis made clear that no one should disrespect the work he put in during the six to seven months he held the post.
The situation at PWAS has always had his attention, and it continues to concern him, especially since, when he took office, The former Minister said that immediately after taking office, he addressed the issues at PWAS. He explained that he met with the individuals involved and met with the unions prior to making decisions.
This is not just about the future of St. Maarten children—it’s about the St. Martiners who went abroad to study and returned home to contribute to their country. They deserve to be respected for their commitment to the people.
Moreover, Lewis said he understands victimization—particularly in managing PWAS (Princess Williams Alexander School)- and knows how serious and far-reaching the issue is.
As a leader, it is critical to initiate investigations when necessary. In this case, he prioritized listening to the individuals involved before taking any further action. “As a former detective, he knows that an investigation must start with understanding all perspectives before making any decisions. This is exactly what he did:” Lewis said he listened and then made an informed decision. A leader needs to make fair and just decisions for all individuals without disrespecting anyone.
The former Minister said he received multiple reports and concerns from parents, teachers, and staff members at the school and felt it was necessary to raise these questions on behalf of those directly affected. These concerns affect not only the morale of staff but also the safety and well-being of students under the care of the manager.
These questions stem from the community's serious concerns, and he strongly urges the Ministry to address these issues with the utmost urgency and transparency. The safety and well-being of students and staff must be a top priority. The investigation must be carried out fairly and without delay, ensuring that all parties can be heard and that justice is served on time.
While asking about the WYCC report, the Member of Parliament did not mention any specific names. Still, a Member of Parliament chose to stand up and interrupt, making it clear to everyone who he was referring to in his question. He said he directed his question to the Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sports, someone with years of experience and expertise, who should not be making abrupt decisions, especially after he just stated that a crucial letter had come in from the White and Yellow Cross. Lewis questioned whether that documentation is directly affiliated with the current Minister of Education.
“The community raises these concerns, and as a representative of the people in this country, I have to address them. It is important to bring such matters to the floor of Parliament because they have financial implications for individuals. As one of the 15 representatives, I must know what happens within each government portfolio. We represent everyone in this country, and we are responsible for ensuring transparency and accountability. Thank you for the opportunity to make these points.”
