Last week, delegations from the three BES islands (Bonaire, Eustatius, & Saba) travelled to the Netherlands to have direct talks with the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture, and Science. As one of the four pillars of society, Education would play a crucial role of raising the overall level of the BES islands. The Dutch ministry of Education felt that, as opposed to a two-hour slot during BES week to handle issues, it would dedicate a few days to deeply investigate topics.
The topics that were discussed during the week were secondary education, technical education, Department of teachers, study financing, primary education, media/libraries, early childhood care, as well as issues concerning culture and archives.
During the meetings the BES delegations were split into different groups to discuss specific topics. Commissioner of Education, Chris Johnson emphasized that civil servants of the Dutch Ministry took a hands-on approach to dealing with the respective delegations.
"The BES islands exist as a legal form, but it is important for the Dutch civil servants to realize that each of the BES is becoming part of Holland. Therefore one on one negotiations are essential to a proper development of each individual island", stated Johnson.
The subject of study financing was touched on and note was taken that it would closely resemble our current system. The current system allows students to study within the United States and this will not change.
During the trip, the Saba delegation was able to hand in specific requests for materials, school transportation, and teacher recruitment packages directly to the representatives in Holland. One very positive note was taken that the primary school on saba was declared to be equivalent to that of a primary school in Holland.
Source: Saba Government Information Services – gis@sabagov.com