Among the five persons who applied for the coveted position was Joyce Watson, the Dean and acting president of the University of St. Martin for the past eight months. SMN News also learnt that Watson will be returning to the civil service of the government of St. Maarten as requested by the Minister of Education Rhoda Arrindell. Sources say the Minister requested Watson's return in exchange for higher subsidy to the University.
Already critics at USM are questioning the appointment of Van Assen and are wondering what the new employee can do for higher education on St. Maarten. They said the new president already indicated to them during a meeting that she does not know anything about St. Maarten's culture and thus she would be recruiting her staff outside of St. Maarten.
Some has already began speculating and questioning the high salary the new manager will be receiving while others said that appointment was done in conflict of interest with one of the board members.
The source alleged that one of the board members has an affair with the incoming president of USM. They said because of this, the other candidates were not treated fairly. Efforts made to secure the names of the other persons who applied for the job proved futile as the information is considered to be top secret. SMN News understands that Van Assen managed to obtain an indefinite contract.
The source further said that the appointed president will be working for $100,000.00 per year while the other 40 faculty staffs are working for mere pittance.
