PHILIPSBURG--Students studying abroad are left stranded, as they are unable to return to the island as their semesters come to an end.
Many students, especially those in the United States (US), usually start their return home to the island during the months of April and May. These students are now faced with difficult situations, as all travel in and out of St. Maarten has been restricted for the time being.
Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport (ECYS) Rodolphe Samuel said earlier in the month that the ministry had reached out to all students abroad enquiring about their current situations as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. He said many students had indicated that they had been asked to vacate their dormitories. Some students said they were able to remain where they were, whereas others were not so lucky. However, several students were able to find accommodations elsewhere.
Samuel said the ministry has been and will continue to “keep an eye on this issue”.
“We are in contact with them. It has not been across the board that all [students – Ed.] have received requests to move at the same time,” he said. He assured that as the ministry continued to receive requests for assistance from students, they would be receiving a response.
According to Samuel, there are more than 400 students studying abroad. He said due to current travel restrictions, flying students back to the island is not possible at the moment. He said as soon as it is possible and flights have resumed at the airport the ministry will do all it can to assist in helping these students return home.
Samuel assured parents that this matter has his full attention.
