In response to the need for country Sint Maarten to have a National Library in place, the SER by way of an advice letter to government recommends the Philipsburg Jubilee Library to be designated the National Library of Sint Maarten. This follows the usual state of affairs in many Caribbean countries, where the main public library carries the additional national tasks, consisting of collection and preservation of all publications produced in the country or authored by its citizens, providing universal access to the national collections, and seeking cooperation with and offering support to similar institutions nationally and internationally. A National Library is a cornerstone in the cultural and educational development of each newly formed country.
As the advice states: "The SER is of the opinion that the establishment of a National Library is of crucial importance for the further development of the country and its people." The initiative to submit an advice to this effect to government originated with SER member and WICSU/PSU representative William Reed, and was unanimously carried by the council.
The SER stresses that not only should the budget and subsidy of the Philipsburg Jubilee Library reflect the newly added tasks, the building and physical infrastructure should be brought up to par with the National Library status as well. "Furthermore, the board stressed the necessity to adapt and improve the Library's infrastructure and building to be able to successfully carry the additional responsibilities and execute the additional tasks. The board expressed a clear feeling that the present accommodation of the Philipsburg Jubilee Library is insufficient for its current tasks, and certainly a new or renovated building would be necessary to successfully carry the National Library tasks."
The SER advice was submitted to the Prime Minister in the form of an advice letter on Friday, October 26. The full text is downloadable from www.sersxm.org