GREAT BAY, Sint Maarten (DCOMM) – Executive Director of the Tallahassee-Sint Maarten Foundation (TLH-SXMF) Arthur (Arturo) Lugisse, is waiting to hear from Government officials with respect to the further expansion of relations between the Government of Sint Maarten and the Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University (FAMU).
Lugisse met with Honourable Minister of Education Rhoda Arrindell and her advisors with respect to FAMU.
FAMU is ready and prepared to send a curriculum and evaluation team to meet with the University of St. Martin (USM) and Government officials.
The initiatives identified to be explored are economic development, capacity building, and empowerment between FAMU and Sint Maarten.
Further discussions need to take place on cultural preservation and heritage trail sites, recruitment and training of students to meet Sint Maarten’s Government and private sector needs.
Discussions are also needed regarding the formal establishment of a "Two-PLus-Two Degree" offering, Distance Education Program, Hospitality and Management Training Program with USM administrators and other stakeholders.
Explore the possibility of the FAMU Marching Band "Marching 100" visiting the island to participate in Sint Maarten’s Emancipation Day Celebration from June 30 to July 3.
Explore the possibility of FAMU hosting a marching band, band members, and/or band directors to participate in FAMU "Marching 100" summer Band Camp on the campus of Florida A&M University from July 11 to the 19.
Explore the possibility of a steel drum band or musical bands/groups performing in the "World Music Festival," that will be held during International Education Week from November 14-18.
Lugisse met with FAMU Interim Assistant Vice President Joseph Jones in January. Hon. Minister of Education, Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs Rhoda Arrindell, also met with FAMU representatives during her working visit to Tallahassee, Florida in January.
"There is great opportunity here for the country and they are endless. With the island having all the constitutional responsibilities in Philipsburg, the Government is able to make more use of the partnership that exists with the City of Tallahassee," TLH-SXMF Executive Director Arthur Lugisse told DCOMM over the weekend.