The Charlotte Brookson Academy for The Performing Arts is proud to announce the appointment of Ms. Silveria Jacobs, former Prime Minister of St. Maarten as its new Executive Director. With a lifelong dedication to leadership, education and the arts, Ms. Jacobs brings a wealth of experience, skills and passion to guide CBA into a new chapter.
Effective July 1, 2025, she steps into the new position, bringing an exciting opportunity to
advance CBA’s mission while building on the foundation laid by her predecessors. In her
capacity as Prime Minister, Ms. Jacobs led St. Maarten through impactful events such as dealing
with the aftermath of Hurricane Irma and the global pandemic. Her two terms were characterized
by dedication, resilience and resolve, ensuring St. Maarten’s stability and progress.
On behalf of the Board of Directors of Charlotte Brookson Academy for the Performing Arts,
President Mrs. May-ling Derby-Chun states, “Ms. Jacobs’ recruitment and appointment marks a
transformative moment for CBA. Her unparalleled experience in governance, education, and the
arts is exactly what we need to propel our institution to new heights.”
“I am deeply honored to join CBA as its Executive Director,” says Ms. Jacobs. “Education is the
foundation and building block to acquire knowledge which has the power to change people’s
circumstances.” Passionate about our youth and education, experienced in leading and
committed to delivering impactful results, is how she describes herself.
Ms. Jacobs’ contributions extend beyond her role as Prime Minister, as she also served as
Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport and held several terms as Member of
Parliament. Prior to this, Ms. Jacobs spent years in the classroom as a teacher, student care
coordinator and later as School Manager. She was also actively involved in the arts as a
professional dancer. Her commitment to people, education and nurturing talent and creativity
mirrors the mission of CBA- to inspire and empower the next generation of citizens and artists.
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With the transition from active politics back to education Ms. Jacobs confidently notes, “Along
with my experience, knowledge and skills, I am equipped for this position.” She sees this new
role as an exciting opportunity to continue contributing to our society and the world while also
growing in a field that she loves.
“This is more than a leadership transition it’s the beginning of an exciting new chapter where
CBA expands its regional footprint, deepens its impact, and becomes a true hub for artistic
innovation,” Mrs. Derby-Chun adds.
Charlotte Brookson Academy for The Performing Arts, with Ms. Jacobs at the helm, aims to
expand its outreach programs, elevate its reputation in the arts, and continue providing
excellence in education to aspiring artists from all backgrounds. She indicates that she will be
seeking ways to increase access to the arts such as the signing of service level agreements with
artists, creatives and businesses. With this approach, students will have access to knowledge
relating to the educational, creative and business sides of the arts. A school is a family, another
home for the students, teachers and staff, and Jacobs strives to collaborate with them all to create
the opportunities for their success and well-being.
“We can achieve more if we work together,” Ms. Jacobs states.
This statement, however, is more than words, it is part of her leadership style. The new CBA
Executive Director indicates that participatory leadership, which centers on collaboration, is
what she is all about. She adds that she will be easing into her new role, firstly observing and
gauging the strengths and weaknesses of staff, looking at the limitations of CBA and then
focusing on strengthening the organization. This would include aligning staff, engaging
students, and meeting with entities such as the building committee to secure future plans.
Ms. Jacobs also adds that she will also be looking at the school’s subsidy requests and lobbying
for more funds. This will be coupled with engaging the business community and looking at
possibilities for funding through international agencies.
“We need to be innovative and cannot sit back and rely solely on government funding,” she
notes.
Additionally, she says that she will also be looking into the Caribbean Examination Council
(CXC) system to see if more subjects are possible for students at CBA. The type of students that
Ms. Jacobs envisions CBA producing are those “Artists at heart, striving for excellence across
the board and who see themselves as an important cog in the wheel of St. Maarten’s
development and as impactful citizens of the world.” She also foresees students being more
involved in oratory activities and classes.
“CBA is the perfect platform to promote the Orange Economy,” the newly appointed Executive
Director states, adding that, “It is important for ensuring that our students know our culture,
heritage and also the business end of the arts because for many of them, their passion in the arts
is the dream for their future.”
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She also envisions a CBA with its own space (campus), a creative learning environment – a place
to put on productions (stage/auditorium), a school where students from other schools can take
classes in the arts, where collaborations with dance schools, music and creative institutions or
professionals take precedence and ultimately with CBA being known in the region as a platform
for the performing and creative arts where artists can hone their talent, enhance their creativity
and share it with the world.
The Charlotte Brookson Academy for The Performing Arts is a 7th to 12th grade secondary
school established in 2012. It offers academic and performance classes (music, theater arts,
visual arts, physical education and dance. The school is currently located in the Cannegieter
Street #10 in Philipsburg, St. Maarten. The contact number is Tel. (721) 542-1929 or Email:
charlottebrooksonacademy@gmail.com.