Founder Angelique J.G. Romou Expresses Gratitude to Participating Businesses and Disappointment Over Delays in Coupon Distribution to Public School Teachers
PHILIPSBURG:--- As the world commemorates World Teachers’ Day on October 5, educator and youth advocate Angelique J.G. Romou proudly celebrates the fifth anniversary of Loving Our Teachers Out Loud, her annual Teacher Appreciation Initiative
Born out of a genuine love and appreciation for the teaching profession, the initiative seeks to recognize the dedication, sacrifices, and invaluable contributions of the educators who help shape St. Maarten’s future.
As an educator herself, Romou believes that teachers deserve to be celebrated not only for their work in the classroom but also for the profound influence they have on the lives of students, families and the wider community.
“Teaching is more than a profession; it is a calling. Our teachers dedicate their time, energy, knowledge and, very often, their personal resources to nurturing the next generation. Loving Our Teachers Out Loud is my way of reminding them that their sacrifices do not go unnoticed and that they are valued, respected and appreciated,” Romou stated.
This year, approximately 30 businesses namely, Obersi Xerox, Dominos, Sal & Pepe, Pineapple Pete, KFC, Georgina’s Nails, Polo Ralph Lauren, Armani, Beirut restaurant, Office World, Coffee lounge, Victors, T’s Closet, Ace, Inglot, Addicted Hair Lounge, Lucky shopping Center, Shop and Take, Bold Buddha, Marks Place, Sparkle Hair Lounge, Beautylicious, Divico, Dollar Smart, Natural Heath store, Sugar Mill café, Overstocks, & Simpson Bay Resorts, have partnered with the initiative, generously offering discounts, complimentary services, gifts and other special benefits through the annual Teacher Appreciation Coupon Sheet.
Romou expressed her heartfelt gratitude to every participating business, particularly those that have remained committed to the initiative over the past five years.
“I am immensely grateful to every business that has opened its doors and its heart to our teachers. Your continued generosity and willingness to give back demonstrate the true spirit of community partnership. You are helping us turn appreciation into action, and I sincerely thank each and every one of you.”
The coupons are intended to provide teachers with opportunities to enjoy special offers during October and, where applicable, throughout the year.
While celebrating the initiative's fifth anniversary, and having distributed the coupon sheets to every single school board and Private schools, including SECDA, on the Southern side of the island, Romou expressed her disappointment over difficulties encountered this year with the distribution of the appreciation coupons, particularly to teachers within the public school system.
Romou indicated that she was informed that the Minister of Education had requested a halt to the distribution of the coupon sheets because of a policy governing donations, albeit the coupon initiative is not a donation to any school but is a token of appreciation to teachers.
Following this development, s engaged in a discussion with the Minister, during which she understood that once an email outlining the initiative was submitted, permission would be granted for the coupons to be released.
Even though this was at the end of the day on Friday, despite this discussion and the email being sent, and understanding that school managers would be informed that the coupons could be collected from the perspective schools and be distributed, Romou subsequently learned up to press time that the public school teachers had still not received the coupons.
“I must express my profound disappointment with how this matter has unfolded. For the past five years, this initiative has been undertaken from the heart, with the sole intention of showing our educators that they are appreciated, and never before was there an obstacle to this gesture of gratitude.
“I respect the importance of policies and procedures. However, I firmly believe that administrative requirements should facilitate, rather than hinder, genuine community initiatives that benefit our teachers. Romou also said she was told this might be politically motivated, then added, “At no point should politics or bureaucracy stand in the way of educators receiving the appreciation they so richly deserve.” She emphasized, “This initiative is not political in nature and has never been intended to serve any political interest. It is a personal and community-driven effort to celebrate educators, made possible through the generosity of the business community.”
Of particular concern is the timing of the delay, as some of the participating businesses have extended offers that are especially beneficial during the upcoming midterm break.
Romou specifically highlighted the generous contribution of Simpson Bay Resort Marina & Spa, which has offered teachers an attractive deal intended to help them enjoy a well-deserved midterm break.
“If these coupons are not distributed in time, our teachers will miss out on an opportunity that was specifically arranged for their enjoyment during the midterm break. This is particularly disheartening because the businesses have already demonstrated their willingness to give, and our teachers should be able to benefit from that generosity.”
To resolve the matter, Romou has asked the head of the relevant division of Public Education to return any undistributed coupons to her so she can personally ensure they reach teachers who would welcome and appreciate the gesture. Romou also mentioned that this year the initiative is reaching out to retired teachers, and she asked teachers who would welcome the coupons to contact her via WhatsApp on +17215286006.
She reiterated that her primary concern is ensuring that the generosity of the participating businesses is not wasted and that teachers are not deprived of the benefits intended for them.
Notwithstanding this unfortunate setback, Romou remains committed to the vision that inspired her to establish Loving Our Teachers Out Loud five years ago.
She hopes that the initiative will continue to grow, attracting even more businesses and community partners while reinforcing the importance of recognizing the teaching profession.
“Our teachers are among the most important pillars of our society. Every doctor, lawyer, engineer, entrepreneur, public servant and leader has, at some point, benefited from the guidance of a teacher. We cannot continue to speak about the importance of education without demonstrating genuine appreciation for the people who make education possible.”
Romou concluded by extending her heartfelt appreciation once again to all participating businesses, the educators who continue to serve with dedication, and everyone who has supported the initiative since its inception.
“Five years later, my message remains the same: let us not wait until our teachers retire or leave the profession to acknowledge their worth. Let us celebrate them while they are here, while they are teaching, while they are inspiring and while they are making a difference.
Let us continue to love our teachers, and let us love them OUT LOUD!” Romou stated