SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - Minister of Education, Culture, Youth & Sport, Ms. Melissa D. Gumbs, issued a response to the press release by the Windward Islands Teachers’ Union (WITU) concerning classroom conditions at the Marie Genevieve de Weever Primary School (MGDW).

Gumbs stated that the Ministry welcomes constructive engagement on matters affecting the health, safety, and wellbeing of teachers, staff, and students. However, when public statements omit important facts, the Ministry has a responsibility to ensure that the full record is placed before the public.

On Friday, 5 June 2026, the Division of Public Education received a notification from the school manager of a proposed sit-out by the staff of MGDW planned for Monday, 8 June 2026. On Sunday, 7 June 2026, Minister Gumbs received a communication from the President of WITU confirming the intention of its members at MGDW to have a sit-out, and inviting the Minister to attend a meeting with union members, school management, and staff of MGDW on Monday, 8 June 2026, at 7:30 a.m.

Despite the extremely short notice, the Minister responded in writing later that day, outlining the status of the November 2025 Stop Work Order, the corrective measures undertaken, and the Ministry’s understanding of the concerns raised. In that response, she urged WITU to advise its members not to proceed with any disruption to the school morning and rescheduled the meeting to 12:50 p.m., at the end of the school day, so that the concerns could be heard without affecting instructional time, students, or parents.

The Ministry therefore notes that WITU’s public statement does not mention the proposed sit-out, the short notice given to the Ministry, the Minister’s written response of June 7, or the request that the matter be handled in a way that avoided unnecessary disruption to students and parents.

During the June 8 meeting, the Ministry again provided a comprehensive overview of the actions taken following the November 2025 inspection conducted by the Public Health Inspectorate of the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (VSA), including remediation works carried out in response to the Stop Work Order and Directive issued at that time.

Minister Gumbs reconfirmed that the Public Health Inspectorate lifted the Stop Work Order on January 12, 2026. The Stop Work Order had applied to classrooms 103, 104, 109, 113, 114, 115, 116, and 117 at MGDW, following the Inspectorate’s November 2025 inspection of the entire school, which was carried out after the Minister requested VSA’s review of health conditions at several public schools.

“This does not mean that every structural or maintenance concern at MGDW had been resolved,” Gumbs clarified. “It means that the classrooms placed under the Stop Work Order were the areas identified by the Public Health Inspectorate as presenting the most critical health concerns at that time, and that those specific concerns were addressed to the satisfaction of the same authority that issued the order.”

The Ministry does not accept the impression that teachers were left without information on this matter. Updates were provided at school level, classrooms were returned to use following the lifting of the Stop Work Order, and staff were requested on multiple occasions to submit any remaining or additional concerns in writing. This was also communicated during the Minister’s April visit to MGDW, when the only matter raised with the Minister was the pending air-conditioning installation, not renewed concerns related to the Stop Work Order.

During the June 8 meeting, staff were again given the opportunity to identify unresolved concerns related to the original Stop Work Order. The Ministry reiterated that the specific issues which formed the basis of that Stop Work Order had been addressed, while also acknowledging that additional concerns were being raised regarding other classrooms and maintenance-related matters.

Following the meeting, and at the Ministry’s initiative, the Head of DPE and a member of the Minister’s Cabinet conducted a walkthrough with WITU, school management, and teachers from the affected areas. The walkthrough documented concerns in several spaces, including classrooms 106, 107, 108, 109, 110, 111, 112, 112A, and the counsellor’s storeroom. The issues observed included missing louvers, ceiling tile deficiencies, possible pest entry points, plumbing concerns, and storage areas requiring cleaning and treatment.

For clarity, several of these spaces were not among the classrooms covered by the original Stop Work Order, which applied to classrooms 103, 104, 109, 113, 114, 115, 116, and 117. This distinction matters. It does not make the newly identified concerns any less important, but it does mean they must be treated as additional or newly documented maintenance concerns requiring follow-up, rather than as evidence that the original Stop Work Order matters were left unresolved. These matters have been documented for follow-up, and the Ministry will request further reassessment by VSA where necessary.

The Ministry has never claimed that all public schools are free of maintenance challenges. On the contrary, MECYS has repeatedly acknowledged the need for a more structured, sustainable, and properly funded approach to public school maintenance. This is why DPE is moving forward with a public tender for preventive maintenance across all public schools, with the intention of having a structured maintenance contractor and inspection schedule in place for the coming school year.

“It was disappointing to see many of the facts and processes shared during the meeting omitted from the subsequent public narrative, while recommendations reiterated by the Ministry were presented as though they originated elsewhere,” Gumbs stated. “Dialogue must be honest, complete, and responsible. The Ministry cannot allow an incomplete public narrative to stand where important facts have been omitted, particularly where those omissions may create the impression that no action was taken or that concerns were ignored.”

Ruby Labega Primary School

Gumbs also provided an update on the Ruby Labega Primary School roof as part of the Ministry’s broader work to address longstanding maintenance and structural concerns across public schools. A June 1 site visit with structural engineers confirmed that, due to the advanced deterioration of the roofing materials and the current roof design, it would not be feasible to install galvanized roofing sheets on top of the existing roof structure. The current roofing system will therefore need to be fully replaced.

“The approach we are taking now is to initiate an emergency public tender process by the end of June, with the intent to start works in July,” Gumbs stated. “The target timeline for completing these works is by September 2026.”

Gumbs explained that her objective is to avoid relocating students during reconstruction, as this would disrupt learning. However, DPE and the Ministry are also exploring temporary mitigation measures, including possible class adjustments, in the event parts of the works extend beyond the reopening of school.

“It is my full intention to ensure that there is minimal disruption to teaching and learning experiences as we address this long-running structural issue,” Gumbs stated. “All timelines are, of course, tentative and fully reliant on the success of the public tender and the mobilisation ability of the winning bidder. This is one of the more concerning structural integrity challenges at our public schools, and it highlights the critical need for the preventive maintenance SLA that is being tendered alongside all other pending matters.”

Shared Responsibility & Proper Reporting

Gumbs noted that sustaining safe school environments requires more than emergency repairs. It also requires timely reporting, consistent follow-up, and shared care for school spaces once improvements are made. “The Ministry has its responsibilities, and we will continue to act on them,” Gumbs stated. “At the same time, proper reporting and care for public school facilities help ensure that issues are identified early, documented clearly, and addressed in a timely manner.”

“Trying to catch Ministries, whether this one or any other, in a ‘gotcha’ moment does not help the teachers, students, or parents we are all trying to serve,” Gumbs concluded. “The challenges in our public schools were not created overnight, and they will not be solved overnight. But there is a difference between holding the Ministry accountable and presenting only part of the story in a way that creates unnecessary public distrust. Where facts are omitted or presented without full context, it becomes harder to move the work forward.

I will not engage in a public back-and-forth, but I will say this: there are measured approaches to solving decades-long structural problems, and there are reactive approaches that may create even greater disruption. My focus remains on the measured path: addressing urgent concerns, moving the preventive maintenance process forward, and ensuring that teaching and learning are disrupted as little as possible while we work through these long-standing challenges.”

 [ES1]We need to include a paragraph about the classroom tour and the findings.

SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - In Emilio Wilson Park with Uncle Joe, the debut book by St. Maarten educator Oswald Francis, has received an enthusiastic reception.

This 5-star-rated book, published by Victorious Living Publishing in partnership with Walton Publishing House, and funded by the Cultuurfonds Caribisch Gebied, celebrates Caribbean heritage and values. It is moving quickly — a clear sign that St. Maarten has been anticipating this collection of stories.

In the attached photo, Secretary General of UNESCO, Marcellia Henry, also a former student of author Oswald Francis, proudly holds a copy of her book at the opening of the St. Martin Book Fair on June 5th at the Heritage Village, Spring Garden, Colombier.

The Official Book Launch will be held on Sunday, July 19th, 2026, at the Emilio Wilson Museum — the former home of Emilio Wilson himself — within walking distance of the park that inspired the book. It is a moment of profound cultural significance for St. Maarten.

Highlights of the launch include:

*Complimentary Sky Explorer (360° Views) rides courtesy of Rainforest Adventure St. Maarten, a proud Literary Partner of Victorious Living Publishing.

*Solidarity with the CLIMB Foundation’s Drop Everything and Read St. Maarten Book Party on July 8^th.

*Complimentary copies to be distributed to schools, libraries, the prison, and community institutions in conjunction with Victorious Living’s anticipated literary partners.

Pre-order physical copy: https://tinyurl.com/Pre-order-In-Emilio

Published by Victorious Living Publishing in partnership with Walton Publishing House, with a grant from het Cultuurfonds Caribisch Gebied.

Secretary General of UNESCO Marcellia Henry with her book.

SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - The Windward Islands Bank (WIB) will officially launch the Kompa Leon Gift Card on Thursday, June 11, 2026, a date that coincides with the start of the FIFA World Cup and Curaçao’s historic first qualification for the tournament.

The Kompa Leon Gift Card is an easy-to-use, single-use prepaid card in Caribbean Guilders (XCG) that can be used up to the available balance loaded on the card.

Accepted at more than 4,000 Kompa Leon merchants across St. Maarten, Curaçao, and Aruba, the card gives recipients the freedom to spend however and wherever they want.

Available in amounts from XCG 25 up to XCG 500 and valid for 12 months after purchase, the Kompa Leon Gift Card is ideal for gifting, celebrations, employee rewards, promotions, and everyday use.

To mark Curaçao’s World Cup milestone, WIB is also making available a limited-edition Blue Wave Kompa Leon Gift Card featuring a special commemorative design. The Blue Wave card is available in limited supply and can be purchased at any WIB branch while stock lasts.

“The Kompa Leon Gift Card was designed with both individuals and businesses in mind,” said Daisy Tyrol-Carolus, Country Head of The Windward Islands Bank. “Whether you are celebrating a personal milestone or recognizing the contribution of your team, this card offers a simple, practical way to give people the freedom to choose how they want to spend. That flexibility is something we are proud to offer our community.”

Express Lane Gift Card Purchase – All Branches

To make the launch as convenient as possible, all WIB branches will feature a dedicated express lane for Kompa Leon Gift Card purchases on Thursday, June 11 and Friday, June 12. Customers are encouraged to stop by any branch and take advantage of this faster service to pick up their cards with ease.

Customers can access all information, including balance checking, terms and conditions, and ordering, at www.wib-bank.net/giftcard.

Orders of 1 to 14 cards can be processed directly in branch and are available on the same day. For businesses and organizations looking to reward their teams or customers, bulk orders of 15 or more cards are available through the website.

The Kompa Leon Gift Card reflects WIB’s continued investment in practical, everyday financial tools for the St. Maarten community.

For more information, visit www.wib-bank.net/giftcard or any WIB branch.

SINT MAARTEN (SIMPSON BAY – By SMYC) - That’s a wrap! The Sint Maarten Yacht Club (SMYC) concluded its 2025-2026 Keelboat Season Championship on Sunday, June 7, with Race Day 4, which saw tight competition between three CSA 1 boats in a great breeze on Simpson Bay. Sponsored by Grant Thornton, this year’s series included four Sundays of racing across three fleets: CSA 1, Diam 24, and Sun Fast 20. 

The season kicked off with Race Day 1 on Sunday, November 23, and the sailors knocked off some rust in shifty but sailable conditions. Four races were completed and in CSA 1 was Ian Hope Ross on the J/105 More Zessin’ in third place, second place went to Erwan le Normand on the Melges 24 Caraibes Diesel, and the top spot was claimed by Frits Bus on the Melges 24 Team Island Water World.

In the Diam 24 class, Miha Krumpak came in second place on Merlin, and Jolyon Ferron took first place aboard Anomaly. Rounding out the competition were four boats in the Sun Fast 20 class with the podium finishers being Pieter Soons on Ms. Lily in third, Garth Steyn on IGY IGY Marina Racing Team in second, and Sam Peeks in first skippering SMYC’s Sun Fast 20. 

On Sunday, January 11, Race Day 2 brought light wind but close racing action. Again, four races were completed In total, and it came down to the final contest to determine the winner in the Diam 24 and CSA classes. In the Diam 24s, Buzz Race Team took third place with 8 points, Anomaly came in second with 4 points, and Merlin captured first with 4 points—winning the tiebreak by getting a first in the final race. Similarly, in the CSA class, the J/105 More Zessin’ took fourth place with 12 points, Melges 24 Budget Marine grabbed third with 9 points, Melges 24 Caribes Diesel got second with 4 points, and Team Island Water World stood atop the podium with 4 points—also winning the tiebreak with a first in the final race. In the Sun Fast 20 class, FKG came in second place, and IGY Marina Racing Team took first place.

Next up was the Heineken Regatta Warm Up, which took place on Sunday, March 1, and offered racers an opportunity for a final chance to hone their skills before the main event. After four races, three CSA 1 teams were all within a point of one another with More Zessin coming in third place, Island Water World grabbing second, and FKG taking the top of the podium. In the always fun Sun Fast 20 class, six boats gave it their all with the Sint Maarten Yacht Club coming in sixth place, Miss TyKnight in fifth place, Island Water World in fourth place, Miss Lily snagging third place, Team Spellbound taking second place, and IGY Marina Racing Team hoisting the first place trophy—a bottle of rum. Well deserved!

Race Day 4 on June 7 gave racers one more chance to improve their standing in the final season standings. In a beautiful easterly breeze on Simpson Bay, it was the Melges 24 Caribes Diesel in third place, the J/105 More Zessin’ in second place, and the Melges 24 Team Island Water World on top of the podium.

When the overall season standings were tallied at the end of the day, Team Island Water World won the CSA 1, with Caribes Diesel in second, and More Zessin’ in third.

In the Diam 24 fleet, Merlin took first place, followed by Anomaly in second and Buzz Race Team in third.

The Sun Fast 20 fleet was won by IGY Marina Racing Team, followed by Miss Lilly in second, and Team Spellbound in third.

The Sint Maarten Yacht Club thanks Grant Thornton for sponsoring this exciting keelboat season and to all the staff and volunteers who helped run the events. We look forward to another great season starting in November 2026!