Discuss Cooperation between USM and the soon to be University of Curacao
Caption From left to right: Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences and Economics at UNA Ethelworth Merien, Rector Magnificus of UNA Francis B.G Lanooy, the Hon. Prime Minister Sarah Wescot-Williams, Presidents of the University of St. Maarten Annelies van den Assem, and Dean of Academic Affairs at the University of St. Maarten Mr. Glen Yeung after presenting the PM with the UNA publication Multiple Cultures and Citizenship.
The Prime Minister of St. Maarten the Honorable Sarah Wescot-Williams received a high-level delegation from the University of the Netherlands Antilles, soon to be the University of Curacao, headed by the Rector Magnificus of the University Dr. Francis B.G Lanooy. The President and Board of Directors of the University of St. Maarten were also in attendance as was the dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences and Economics at the UNA Ing. Ethelworth Merien. The Rector and his delegation are on island to sign a cooperative agreement in the field of various educational programs between the University of St. Maarten and the University of the Netherlands Antilles. One of the primary items currently being worked on is the offering of a Bachelor’s in Business program in cooperation between the University of St. Maarten and the University of Curacao. The Bachelor’s program being offered at USM in cooperation with UNA is a Dutch accredited program offering students the opportunity to get academic training in the field of business, thus strengthening their contribution to the country.
"This is indeed quite exciting; for many years the University of St. Maarten and the University of the Netherlands Antilles, which now will soon be the University of Curacao, have been partnering on various projects, some of which succeeded and some of which didn’t, but I believe that nothing happens before its time especially considering where the University of St. Maarten stands now. It is therefor good to see where the cooperation stands now and how it is being solidified and how we are moving forward at this time. I think both institutions should be congratulated in formalizing this working agreement and it bodes well for both institutions," commented the Prime Minister.
The Prime Minister also received information from the Rector regarding the courses the University of Curacao is offering with regards to the education of their Civil Servants, something the Government of St. Maarten is investing heavily in. "This is an area which the Government of St. Maarten is putting a lot of focus on. Training courses are paramount in developing our civil service and thus developing our Government," concluded the Prime Minister.