PHILIPSBURG:---The Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth, and Sports (MECYS) closed their doors to the public on Thursday afternoon to make welcome the newly appointed minister, the Honorable Whycliffe Smith as they bid farewell to the outgoing caretaker minister, the Honorable Jorien Wuite.
Acting Secretary General, Shermina Powell-Richardson opened the session by extended congratulations to Minister Smith. Powell shared that in preparation for the incoming minister, the departments and divisions compiled a transition document, outlining the priorities of the departments and their plans for the way forward.
Minister Smith addressed the gathering, thanking the outgoing minister, the Honorable MS. Wuite for laying the ground work and easing the transition process. Minister Smith said that he plans to meet with each department and division to listen to their concerns and their plans. He assured them that the way forward will be charted in the spirit of togetherness, striving towards accomplishing the vision in line with the goals of the governing program. According to Smith, this fourfold ministry will seek to bring greater emphasis to Culture, Youth, and Sports, as the Education sector has long been the focal point.
Being the first male Minister of Education, Culture, Youth, and Sports, Minister Smith shared his background and experience in education, and why this ministry is dear to him. The Honorable minister has taught at the elementary, secondary and tertiary levels on the island. Minister Smith formerly served as the Inspector of Education for the SSS islands and as President of the University of St. Martin.
In the 1970s as an educator, he strongly advocated for English language to be recognised as the language of instruction for the Leeward Islands after he learnt that the level of Dutch being taught in the Caribbean was substandard to the language spoken in the Netherlands.
The minister was instrumental in advocating for an inclusive educational curriculum – “Education for One And All”. This resulted in the FBE proposal. Noting that the program was implemented differently, it is already part of the governing program to address the deficiencies of the curriculum. Minister Smith also plans on strengthening sports programs and policies. The governing program is aligned with the National Recovery and Resilience Plan, in keeping with the ministry’s year program and goals.
Acting Secretary-General Powell then introduced the heads of the departments and divisions of the Ministry, along with their staff. The Ministry has a human resource near three hundred, two-thirds of which belong to the Department of Public Education. Minister Smith introduced the current two members of his cabinet, executive assistant Michnella Eugenio, and Cabinet chief Peter J Gittens.
According to the Governing Program, some of the other priorities for the MECYS are urgent school repairs, ensuring that school buildings are disaster ready, introduce a Smart IT market, strengthen the cultural events and promote a national identity, creating youth employment opportunities, and finalizing legislation regarding early childhood education and higher education. Minister Smith encourages all to access and read this document. The governing program is available online at http://www.sintmaartengov.org/Documents/Sint-Maarten-Governing-Program_2018-2022_signed.pdf
http://www.smn-news.com/st-maarten-st-martin-news/29553-mecys-welcomes-their-new-minister-bids-farewell-to-wuite.html
