St. Martin News Network - Government Monitoring Developments at USM --- Rhoda.

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Philipsburg:--- Responding to questions posed by SMN News regarding the dismissal of teachers at the University of St. Martin (USM). Minister of Education Dr. Rhoda Arrindell said that government is monitoring the situation closely. Arrindell further explained that she met with the USM on several occasions to discuss the quality of education the institution is providing to students on St. Maarten. One of the programs that has the Minister's attention and was widely discussed is the Teacher Education Program (TEP). Minister Arrindell said that USM made a presentation to government however, the current discussion will continue for a longer period. As for the dismissal of the teachers, Minister Arrindell said no one feels good when people are losing jobs but she believes that should remain on the accountability of USM.
"Government is more interested in the quality of education that is provided to students and we will hold them to higher standards like anyone else. It is services that are paid for. Therefore, we will be keeping a close eye on USM." Minister Arrindell said she is in the process of writing a position paper for USM, mainly on how she and government views education at the institution. The matter regarding the position paper she said was discussed with the Council of Ministers and an agreement was reached where they will put their thoughts on how they view a university on paper.

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