The St. Maarten Marine Trades Association (SMMTA) presented the First Annual Paul Marshall Memorial Scholarship to the three students of the Maritime Assistant Course SBO Level 1 this Thursday, October 15th at the St. Maarten Yacht Club.
The SBO Maritime Assistant Course, organized by SVOBE (Board of Milton Peters College and Sundial School), trained students in various marine related subjects such as Basic Mechanics, Boat Handling, Swimming Proficiency, Painting, Sails and Canvas Repairs, as well as basic safety and first aid; in addition to general course work. The Small Business Development Foundation organized the first block and presented the students with certificates for First Aid and Dingy Driving.
SMMTA members such as Aqua Mania, Bobby’s Marina, Budget Marine, Eagle Tours, FKG, Island Global Yachting, Island Water World, Palapa Marina, St. Maarten Sails, Tropical Sail Loft, and 12 Meters have all provided a rotating internship for the students in order to expose them to the different facets within the local Marine Industry. Students were able to become familiar with opportunities within the sector and try their hand at various skilled tasks real time.
The Graduation Ceremony for the 9 students who successfully completed the SBO level course was held on Thursday, October 15th. The SMMTA Board together with Lisa Marshall, widow of the late Paul Marshall presented 3 students, Curran Pierre, Wolky Faudoas and Carlos Cecilia with the First Annual Paul Marshall Memorial Scholarship. This scholarship was founded to further the Maritime education of St. Maarten students through skills advancement. This year’s recipients have elected to expand their sailing skills through a private course offered by the St. Maarten Yacht Club, which will ensure the skill level of the participants to CWO Level 2.
The SMMTA congratulates all students of the inaugural class, as well as the organizers in promoting the Marine Industry on St. Maarten. We look forward to the continued success of the program and good cooperation between SBO providers, SBO Service Center and the marine businesses.
The SBO Maritime Course has been financed with funds from the Island Government of Sint Maarten and Dutch Development Funds through USONA.
For more information about the SBO Maritime Course, contact Alvin Rombley (SVOBE 5423427) or Saskia Kliphuis (SBO Service Center 5549554). For more information about the Paul Marshall Memorial Scholarship, contact the SMMTA at 545 -2676.