GREAT BAY--Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport Melissa Gumbs has provided updates on several ongoing Ministry initiatives, including study financing approvals, repairs to sports facilities, the development of a satellite library at the Point Blanche prison and preparations for regional sporting events.
Study financing approved for 75 students
Minister Gumbs reported that 75 new students were granted study financing for the upcoming academic year, while 12 applications were denied. This represents an approval rate of approximately 86 percent.
The Netherlands remained the leading study destination, with 33 of 34 applications approved. The United States followed with 19 of 25 applications approved, while 15 of 18 applications for local study were granted.
Students were also approved to pursue studies in Canada and Barbados.
Business was the most selected field among approved applicants, with 13 students choosing programs in that area. Other fields included biology and medical sciences, finance and financial control, accounting, psychology, radiologic technology, healthcare management, social work and electrical engineering.
Students were also approved for aviation management, marine engineering, mechanical engineering and hospitality management.
Minister Gumbs welcomed the interest in fields connected to the country’s developing healthcare, aviation and technical sectors. She noted that building local capacity in areas such as airport management and healthcare administration could create opportunities for graduates to return and contribute to St. Maarten.
The Minister also observed a decline in interest in hospitality studies. She said this may reflect concerns among young people about the opportunities available to advance into management positions within the island’s tourism industry.
Students travelling to the Netherlands have participated in preparatory workshops focused on the academic and personal transition ahead. Those studying in the United States and other destinations are expected to depart closer to the beginning of their respective semesters.
Work continues on school gyms and community sports facilities
Repairs and improvements to school gyms, sports facilities and community courts are continuing under the Trust Fund-supported sports facilities project.
Minister Gumbs said contractors have taken possession of several sites, including the Sundial School location, and that progress is becoming visible in parts of the country.
Further updates are expected as work advances and additional facilities move into active construction.
Public education tendering process resumes
The Minister also confirmed that the tendering process related to public education is resuming after a delay caused by personal losses experienced by members of the Ministry’s staff.
She said employees were given the necessary space to grieve and that work on the tender can now continue.
Additional information concerning the scope of the tender and its revised timeline is expected to be provided as the process advances.
Satellite library planned for Point Blanche prison
Minister Gumbs highlighted the signing of a memorandum of understanding for the establishment of a satellite library at the Point Blanche House of Detention.
The initiative is being developed in collaboration with the Ministry of Justice, the St. Maarten Library and prison authorities.
The planned library service will provide inmates with improved access to books and audiobooks. Listening stations are expected to be installed inside the prison library, allowing inmates to use the materials within the designated space.
Discussions have also taken place about increasing the amount of time inmates can spend in the library and establishing a prison book club.
Minister Gumbs said access to reading and writing can play an important role in literacy, rehabilitation and personal development. She also expressed interest in supporting the library with book donations, noting that some of the facility’s existing titles are outdated.
The Minister welcomed the interest shown by inmates during the signing and said the project could give them additional tools to improve themselves while incarcerated.
Sports Auditorium air-conditioning project moving forward
The heating, ventilation and air-conditioning project for the Sports Auditorium is continuing, although the Ministry encountered an issue involving the contractor originally expected to carry out the work.
ECYS must now coordinate with the National Recovery Program Bureau because other activities under the school gyms and sports facilities repair project also affect the auditorium.
Minister Gumbs said the matter will be a focus over the coming weeks and that a further update will be provided as the project progresses.
St. Maarten athletes compete regionally
Minister Gumbs recognized St. Maarten’s aquatic athletes representing the country at the 2026 Central American and Caribbean Games in the Dominican Republic.
She encouraged the public to follow the competition and support the swimmers as they compete against athletes from across the region.
The Minister also congratulated the athletes and organizers involved in the Latin America and Caribbean baseball tournament hosted in St. Maarten. She attended the tournament’s opening activities and acknowledged the work involved in bringing the regional event to the island.
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