I've been off island and since my return; I have been hearing some disturbing things and the UP Faction would like to hear the information directly from the authorities in charge. Since the new coalition took charge, it has been alleged that a "purge" is taking place within the civil service of the country and its extended indirect bodies, and this is a great concern to the country.
It has been alleged that "political victimization" is the order of the day, and if this is true, it is not right, and I encourage those persons to seek justice via the different bodies at their disposal.
The UP Faction will be forwarding a letter to the Minister of Education seeking clarification on a few matters of great concern on how the Ministry of Education is running its business. Decisions apparently are being made that are impacting the lives of persons. The Minister will be given a reasonable period to comply. I know she will be in Holland on a working visit, however, the Minister has a Cabinet who can do the necessary research while she is away and the Minister can approve her response to the UP parliamentary faction's questions. Should this not be forthcoming in a timely manner, the UP Faction will move to request a meeting of Parliament with respect to the chaos at the Ministry of Education. The people have a right to know!
Some of the issues of concern are:
- Study financing
- Hanze Hogeschool Program and USM
- Status of construction works at the Genevieve de Weever Elementary School and the Seventh Day Adventist School in Cole Bay
- S4 Foundation and Relationship with the Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth & Sports
- Role of the Sint Maarten House and the Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth & Sports
- Process to Appoint School Managers and Assistant Managers at nation's schools and in particular at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary School
- Position of the Secretary General of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth & Sports
- The Ministers position with respect to future Olympic Games and Sint Maarten's participation