GREAT BAY--Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport (ECYS) Melissa Gumbs has expressed satisfaction with the progress being made on several major reconstruction projects under her ministry, pointing to developments at Charles Leopold Bell School, Sister Marie Laurence Primary School, the St. Maarten Library and various school gyms and sports facilities as evidence that longstanding projects are moving forward.
During her latest public update, Gumbs reflected on the progress achieved since assuming office, emphasizing that focused decision-making, continued coordination and commitment have been important in advancing projects that are critical to the country's educational and community infrastructure.
"It's been a pleasure as minister to see real progress on these projects," Gumbs stated.
The minister said the progress demonstrates what can be achieved through focused decision-making and commitment, particularly when government departments and project partners work together to address outstanding issues and move projects through the various stages of preparation and implementation.
She acknowledged that the process has involved challenges and adjustments but said she is encouraged by the developments now becoming visible at several project sites.
Charles Leopold Bell School Moves Toward Contract Signing
Providing an update on the reconstruction of Charles Leopold Bell School, Gumbs announced that she had been informed that the construction contract had been awarded and that the process toward contract signing was progressing.
The project represents the final major reconstruction undertaking under the trust fund's school reconstruction program, making its advancement an important development in the ministry's ongoing efforts to restore and improve educational facilities.
Gumbs said she looks forward to the eventual groundbreaking and indicated that the reconstructed institution will feature a specialized educational approach as a public school.
She explained that further details about the school's future educational model and special designation will be shared in a subsequent public presentation.
Steel Construction Progressing at Sister Marie Laurence Primary School
The minister also reported progress at Sister Marie Laurence Primary School in Middle Region, where the installation of the building's steel structure is underway. She described the pace of construction as encouraging, noting that steel components were being installed shortly after materials arrived at the site.
Gumbs specifically acknowledged the work being carried out by the company whose team is responsible for the steel installation. The visible development represents another stage in the reconstruction of the school, with the minister expressing satisfaction that work is continuing to advance.
St. Maarten Library Foundation Preparations Underway
Progress is also being reported on the reconstruction of the St. Maarten Library, where site stakeout activities and preparations for foundation work are underway. Gumbs said she is particularly looking forward to the point when the foundation is completed and the new building begins to take shape.
The minister emphasized the importance of the library to the community, noting that St. Maarten has been without the facility since Hurricane Irma. She described the eventual reopening as an important moment for the country, given the library's role in education, literacy, research and community development.
Alongside the construction activities, Gumbs confirmed that inventory preparation and procurement planning have already begun for furniture, equipment and interior finishes for the new library and Charles Leopold Bell School.
She explained that the interior arrangements will incorporate a modernized appearance while reflecting St. Maarten's identity and the specific purpose of the facilities. In the case of Sister Marie Laurence Primary School, Gumbs clarified that the Catholic School Board, as the competent authority for the institution, agreed to seek separate funding for furniture and finishes.
She said the arrangement followed discussions with the National Recovery Program Bureau (NRPB) and decisions taken to accommodate existing budget realities.
Reflecting on the work required to advance the projects, Gumbs acknowledged the contributions of the individuals and institutions involved, including the ministry's liaison with the NRPB, Aurelie Bourrad.
She explained that the projects had benefited from continued efforts by those responsible for coordinating the reconstruction process, while emphasizing the importance of leadership and effective decision-making in overcoming obstacles.
According to the minister, moving major projects forward requires consistent follow-up, cooperation and the willingness to make decisions when challenges arise.
Although she acknowledged that there had been growing pains along the way, Gumbs said she is satisfied with the direction in which the projects are moving and looks forward to seeing construction continue.
The minister expressed hope that the three major facilities will be completed during 2027 and become fully operational by early 2028.
Additional Progress on School Gyms and Sports Facilities
Beyond the major school and library reconstruction projects, Gumbs also reported developments in the rehabilitation of school gyms and public sports facilities. She announced that the final contract covering school gyms and sports facilities under the Emergency Recovery Project 1 (ERP1) had been signed, with the outstanding works moving forward as the project transitions toward closure.
The minister identified several facilities included in the rehabilitation efforts, among them the L.B. Scott Sports Auditorium, John Lamine Center, Philipsburg Cultural Center and José Lake Ballpark.
She also pointed to work being carried out at school facilities, including those associated with Sundial School, Milton Peters College and Prince Willem-Alexander School. Gumbs said she is pleased to see the improvements progressing and looks forward to the facilities being returned to schools and the wider community once the necessary rehabilitation work is completed.
She emphasized that restoring these facilities is important for providing students, athletes and community organizations with suitable environments for physical education, training and recreational activities.
For Gumbs, the ongoing developments represent important steps toward restoring educational and community facilities that have required significant attention since Hurricane Irma.
While several projects remain in different stages of procurement, preparation and construction, the minister expressed confidence in the progress being achieved and the work continuing among the ministry, NRPB, school authorities, contractors and other stakeholders.
She said she is particularly looking forward to the groundbreaking of Charles Leopold Bell School, the continued construction of Sister Marie Laurence Primary School and the new St. Maarten Library, and the eventual return of rehabilitated sports facilities to public use.
The minister reiterated her satisfaction at seeing tangible progress and emphasized that continued coordination and decision-making will remain important as the projects move toward completion.
