Minister Gumbs to host info session Thursday for students impacted by U.S. study changes

GREAT BAY--The Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport (ECYS) will host an important information session this Thursday, June 12, at 7:00 PM for students and parents impacted by recent changes affecting study financing and U.S. visa access. Organized through the Division of Study Financing, the session will outline alternatives for tertiary education, including options in the Netherlands, Canada, the Caribbean region, and other parts of the United States.During Monday’s continuation of the Central Committee meeting on the 2025 national budget, Minister of ECYS Melissa Gumbs assured Parliament that students currently receiving study financing, and who are negatively affected by the Florida Board of Governors’ decision to cancel the Latin America Caribbean Scholarship Program, will be granted an out-of-state tuition allowance for the duration of their studies.

Minister Gumbs explained that discussions are actively ongoing with at least seven universities in U.S. states outside Florida, as well as institutions in Canada and across the Caribbean, to establish new Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs). These MOUs are intended to expand educational opportunities for St. Maarten students facing uncertainty in the United States.

She also confirmed that Florida State University Panama will continue its 2+2 transfer program with FSU Tallahassee, allowing students who earn 60 credits and maintain a 3.0 GPA to continue their degrees in Florida.While there is no decision by the Ministry to end support for U.S.-bound students, Minister Gumbs reiterated her call for families to engage in honest conversations about their plans. “Tertiary education is a personal decision, and the Ministry supports students who meet eligibility criteria,” she said. “However, the choice of country and institution carries personal and financial responsibilities, especially when those choices fall outside of the coverage defined by the study financing program.”On the issue of U.S. visa availability, Minister Gumbs noted that the Ministry has been informed by the U.S. Consulate in Curaçao that student visa appointments are currently not being accepted.

She is in communication with the consulate and monitoring the issue closely to assess the broader implications for St. Maarten students.“The situation in the United States has my attention as well as that of my Kingdom colleagues in Aruba and Curaçao,” said Gumbs. “We will continue to monitor developments and engage at the Kingdom level with those who may be able to provide guidance, particularly where foreign affairs are concerned. I remain in contact with the U.S. Consulate in Curaçao to better understand the impact of these policy changes on our students.”The Minister emphasized that while immigration policy is the sole jurisdiction of sovereign nations, her Ministry is taking every step to mitigate the impact on students.

She has publicly urged students and parents to remain vigilant and well-informed, acknowledging that decisions affecting visa access and scholarship programs fall outside the Ministry’s control.Regarding viable alternatives, Gumbs pointed to existing legislation that requires study financing recipients to pursue their education in institutions deemed “effectual”, meaning they are cost-effective, efficient, aligned with St. Maarten’s secondary education system, and capable of supporting student supervision.

The legislation also stipulates that degrees must be recognized and accepted in St. Maarten.As some students consider shifting their plans, Minister Gumbs confirmed that the Student Support Services Division (SSSD) and the Division of Study Financing are available to assist students who wish to change their place of study. Additionally, some students have chosen to take a gap year to better evaluate their options in light of recent developments.This Thursday’s session at 7:00 PM will provide a critical opportunity for affected students and parents to receive up-to-date information and explore the full range of educational alternatives available.