Minister of Education Melissa Gumbs to attend country consultations in Aruba and Bonaire

GREAT BAY--Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport (ECYS) Melissa Gumbs will travel to Aruba and Bonaire this Friday, October 31, to participate in the Vierlanden Overleg, the periodic meeting of Ministers of Education from the four countries within the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

The Vierlanden Overleg brings together Ministers responsible for education to discuss shared priorities, exchange updates, and strengthen collaboration across the Kingdom. During this round of meetings, discussions will focus on ongoing joint initiatives such as the Strategic Education Alliance, which was established as a result of earlier consultations between the countries.

The Strategic Education Alliance is responsible for programs such as the CAFY preparatory course currently taking place at the University of St. Martin (USM). The CAFY program helps secondary school students prepare for tertiary-level education by improving their readiness for higher academic pursuits both locally and abroad.

While in Aruba and Bonaire, Minister Gumbs will also meet with representatives of the University of Aruba to explore areas of academic cooperation and alignment that could benefit St. Maarten’s students.

In providing the update on her upcoming travel, the Minister also reassured the public that the two St. Maarten students currently in Jamaica remain safe following the passage of Hurricane Melissa. The Ministry of ECYS continues to stay in close contact with both students through the Division of Study Financing and has coordinated with the Jamaican Consulate regarding any post-storm evacuation plans.

Minister Gumbs expressed gratitude that the students are unharmed and extended solidarity to the people of Jamaica, who have been severely impacted by the storm. She also reminded residents of St. Maarten that hurricane season is still active.

“The devastation in Jamaica is a reminder of our shared vulnerability and the changing reality of our climate. We must continue to remain vigilant as the hurricane season is not yet over,” the Ministry said.

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