PHILIPSBURG:--- On Thursday, 7 May 2021, University of St. Martin (USM) President Dr. Antonio Carmona Báez and Dean of Academic Affairs Dr. Rolinda Carter welcomed the first and third vice-presidents of the Collectivité de Saint-Martin to the university campus at Philipsburg.
Madame Vice-President Valerie Damaseau, third Vice-President for Education, Madame Sofia Carti-Codrington, and their assistants set foot on USM campus last Thursday morning to engage in an introductory meeting with the university administrators and to explore the possibilities for USM to enhance its services to the local population living in the French territory.
Dr. Carmona reminded the French side authorities that USM was founded in 1989 to serve the entire island (Sint Maarten/Saint-Martin) and that it has grown from being a training school in hospitality to a full-fledged institution of higher education and research. The island’s sole university for locals sees students, faculty, and staff hail daily from across the border.
“Our mission is to contribute to the socio-economic development of the entire island. Since 2018, when I assumed the head administrative position at USM, it has been my intention to strengthen ties with the community in the North and receive recognition from the Collectivité and the government of France. Today I feel that we have taken a step closer to those goals”, said Carmona.
Dr. Carter, who was born and educated on the French side prior to pursuing her tertiary education at USM, took the chance to share with those in attendance her successful transition from the French to the Anglo-Saxon system, the programmes that USM offer, and how such a partnership can further benefit the island as a whole.
“While the university plays a role in providing degree programmes that help shape the community, the availability of these are based on research and in consultation with government data. Having a clearer view of what the island, and not just the South, needs will further foster tertiary education in the island of St. Martin.”
VP Damaseau and 3rd VP Carti-Codrington informed USM that as of late, legislation allows for French authorities to sponsor or financially support students in their academic endeavors outside of French territory. “We can explore the implications of this legislation for our island and USM, and look further to other areas where the university can be of service” stated Carti-Codrington.
Damaseau, who recently participated in a public forum on International Women’s Day sponsored by USM and Telem, recognized the efforts made by Carmona and Carter in promoting higher education, and applauded USM for its rebranding and continued commitment to the island’s diverse community.
The dignitaries expressed their satisfaction with the meeting and look forward to following up with other authorities of local government as well as by informing the Prefecture of the possibilities of collaboration. In new research projects in the areas of sustainability, food security, economic diversification, and climate change challenges, USM hopes to engage stakeholders, including the Collectivité.
