Minister Rhoda Arrindell’s Presentation During The Council of Ministers Press Briefing

The following is the presentation of Minister Rhoda Arrindell during the Council of Ministers Press Briefing that was held on Wednesday February 9th 2011. 

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Madame Prime Minister,

Members of the Media,

Residents of our beloved St. Martin,

Good Morning.

I take this opportunity to express condolences to our acting head of Public Education, Mrs. Glenderlin Holiday-Davis, and the rest of the Holiday family on the passing of the Holiday matriarch, Mrs. Leonie Cassandra Holiday-Marcham.

As you know, the public information campaign concerning the Compulsory Education Law is winding down. The campaign, which has been in progress for several weeks now, took us to the Belvedere Community Center yesterday. The theme of the campaign is "Compulsory Education: it’s not a choice; it’s the law." The objective is to provide detailed information about the implementation of the law, which is currently in its second phase, to every member of the various communities on the island. Although the numbers have not been as high as we had hoped for, the participation of those attending these sessions have been very intense and productive.

At the Belvedere Community Center yesterday evening, the Question and Answer period that followed the presentation given about the law by officials of the Ministry was very interesting, frank, and positive. I want to thank all those who came out yesterday, and remind the public that the last session will be held tomorrow at the Dutch Quarter Community Center. I am appealing to all residents of that district, and the public in general, to come out and participate in this town-hall style meeting. Whatever concerns or questions you might have about the Compulsory Education Law will be addressed in full.

Following this campaign, the registration drive will follow and will allow the Ministry to plan ahead for the coming school year. I want to stress again that Compulsory Education is not a choice; it is indeed the law. Children of school-going age ought to be in school, and parents, in particular, must make sure this happens; otherwise, they might find themselves in violation of the law.

Naturally, we will continue to bring this message forward at every opportunity we have.

Last Wednesday, I attended the graduation ceremony of Teacher Irene Kartopawiro of the Sister Magda School, who received her bachelor’s degree in education from the Christelijke Hogeschool Ede. I take this opportunity to again congratulate Teacher Irene and encourage other teachers to take advantage of opportunities like those provided by the Christelijke Hogeschool Ede and other institutions to engage in further professional development. In the end, this can only enhance our collective efforts to produce a better educated St. Martin society, which, in essence, is what all of us in education are striving for.

Also, during the weekend I attended an award ceremony in Anguilla in which our very own Marco Watley was honored for his stellar performance in "Nathalie Needs a Nightie." I will provide details of that trip in a separate bulletin later today.

Finally, I am sure you already know by now that Parliament has invited me to appear at the Public Meeting convened for this Friday to further explain my position on the "No work, No Pay" policy. I will, of course, honor the invitation and look forward to sharing all the information I have concerning this and any other policy related to my portfolios.

As always, I am available to answer whatever questions you might have for me.

I thank you.