As Minister of Education, Culture, Youth, and Sports, I have accepted the challenge to dedicate my energies to foster the wellbeing of the people of St. Maarten.
I understand that my actions and decisions will have lasting influences on your precious lives and welfare. I also acknowledge that it will be a reflection of how St. Maarten is viewed both in the kingdom and internationally.
I thank God for yet another blessing and to congratulate my fellow Ministerial echelons on their journey of governing our people.
I acknowledge my Ministerial post as one of the most valued and respected form of leadership of any nation. As a result, it is stimulating for me to embrace the challenges of my commitment, in performing the tasks before me, with integrity.
My mind is completely absorbed with the tasks before me.
In no way am I naive about the immense challenges I am faced with. As I take the torch from my predecessors, I feel extraordinarily energized, focused and ready to take charge.
The ideas, plans and policies of my predecessors, will be considered. I will be determining my own definite course or method of action, which will be selected from among alternatives...to guide and determine present and future decisions.
In order for St. Maarten, to achieve the goals set for the Ministry of Education, Youth, Culture and Sports, our policies will have to be characterized by "Cooperation", "Continuity" and "Evolution" NOT "Revolution". Rebellion is a lost cause and therefore has no room for positive growth.
It will be necessary to explore syndicates with parents, guardians and the community at large, to assist my ministry in the successful development of graduates, athletes and diverse culture-conscious personalities, who are personally successful, economically productive, and actively engaged responsible citizens and residents. The business community will play their necessary roles in this process also.
My family is very proud of my achievements and is prepared for our new journey. With God as the epicenter of all things, we are confident that all challenges will be overcome.
With the optimism that my aforementioned thoughts are understood, and in my capacity as one of the leaders of our nation, I invite the presence of the most high to take control of the daily procedures of our lives, and continue to guard guide and protect us as one people, granting us all the deliverance of the harsh challenges we face daily.
God Bless St. Maarten.
Minister Of Education, Culture, Youth and Sports
Mrs. Rita Bourne-Gumbs
