Dear Editor,
And dear Members of Parliament of St. Maarten,
The phrase “It takes a village to raise a child” has been embedded in our community for centuries. Today, this phrase has practically lost its meaning and relevance.
Over the past months, we have witnessed atrocities and atrocities committed to children, and in particular, our special needs students at our special needs school Prins Willem Alexander School (PWAS). Parents appear to be oblivious about what is happening with their children in school, educators become compliant about the day-to-day activities fearing for the safety of their jobs, and political leaders enable the situation to promote their agenda.
The only special education school in St. Maarten has not received attention from anyone from the beginning of the school year 2024/2025.
In August, as published in the media, WITU [Windward Islands Teachers Union – Ed.] called on the Minister of Education to reinstate two highly skilled education workers who were reassigned to another school. As reported, WITU issued “a formal appeal to Education Minister Lyndon Lewis, urging him to reconsider the reassignment, citing the potentially devastating impact on the specialised education provided to children with diverse abilities at the institution.”
To date, this matter has not been addressed by the minister nor the Parliament of St. Maarten. Where is the investigation into this matter? Has the SG been made aware of this and what is the report? Where is the stance of the Ombudsman in this matter?
What is happening now at PWAS? It has been reported that there is one person in management. How is this possible? Does the assigned individual have the necessary qualifications in special education? Is PWAS equipped with the special education teachers, music teacher, physical education, home economics teacher, handicraft teacher, Dutch teacher? Is the office equipped with a Director, Assistant Director, Student Care Coordinator, Social Worker/Counselor, Psychologist/Nurse and functioning administrative assistant? Why are there so many teachers out? Who are the substitutes when these teachers are out, taking into consideration the students are special needs and need individual attention, accommodations and modifications? Are the students receiving the necessary sensory materials to advance their learning?
How are the students treated? Why are they being pulled, pushed, kicked while no one in authority is investigating these matters? Why are the students being denied water to drink? WATER, a basic human need.
Why are there reports of special needs students being sent home without their shoes? Why are the students unsupervised for extended periods? Who is observing the teachers and guiding the new teachers? Why were the police officers called into the school to deal with threats among teachers? Why are parents being asked to keep their children at home because the challenges of these special needs students cannot be handled at school? What are the Truancy Department, Inspection Department, Student Support Services Department, and Ministry of Education doing for our special needs students?
MPs of St. Maarten, if you truly love Sint Maarten, do for our special needs students what they cannot do for themselves. Do not be intimidated by the threats and victimization of others, use your voice, and champion the cause of our students. Help Prins Willem Alexander School become the school that special education students deserve.
Return the skilled professionals to carry out exemplary work at that school for the sake of our special needs students. Ensure that the care and attention needed for our students is being received.
Do not go on hearsay, investigate, we beg of you. We plead with you.
On behalf of all Special Education Students and parents, thank you.
Concerned citizens
Names withheld at author’s request.
