Dr. Rhoda Arrindell presented her doctorial dissertation at the Philipsburg Jubilee Library on Monday to about 35 educators, cultural workers, and community activists, according to the Conscious Lyrics Foundation (CLF).
Library director Monique Alberts welcomed the guests to the public presentation despite the downpour that evening. "We are happy to welcome you to Philipsburg Jubilee Library and to this most interesting presentation of Dr. Arrindell’s dissertation," said Alberts.
Dr. Arrindell spoke of her journey toward achieving her doctorate. "It started way back, after high school, when I made the decision" that I wanted to study for a PhD, said Dr. Arrindell, who is also the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports and Youth Affairs.
With limited financial resources and no Island government scholarship, Arrindell pursued her academic goals, obtaining a BA in linguistic (Syracuse University) and an MA Ed in Education Administration (UVI) along the way.
Dr. Arrindell’s PhD in language studies was obtained from the University of Puerto Rico last May, graduating with the summa cum laude honors.
On Monday, the educator kept the audience at the library spell-bound during the hour and a half presentation. She also read from her 190-page dissertation, "Language, Culture and Identity in St Martin," according to the CLF release.
Dr. Arrindell answered a number of questions from the audience about the different features of the St. Martin’s vernacular or way of speaking.
"I was so happy to see the great interest the people have in language," said Alberts, who plans to organize a follow-up discussion on the language issue in St. Martin.
A bound copy of "Language, Culture and Identity in St Martin" by Dr. Rhoda Arrindell was presented by the author to the Philipsburg Jubilee Library at the end of the program.
The presentation was organized by the Philipsburg Jubilee Library and CLF.