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>PHILIPSBURG:----  Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport & Telecommunications Hon. Claret Connor, on Saturday, August 15, 2015, had the honor to speak at the graduation ceremony for the first cohort of the Pre-University of St. Martin (USM) Program.
Some 20 students received their certificates for successfully completing the GED program as well as a few prerequisites making each student eligible to enroll in a USM degree program of their choice.
Minister Connor on Sunday stated that what made the evening more remarkable, especially in light of the recent tragedy that struck the community a few days ago, is the fact that these promising individuals all carried their own unique recount about why this second chance was essential for them personally.
“Some of the presenters shared about students being promoted to advance grades because of their ability to learn quicker; while for others their aspirations were curtailed because of life or personal circumstances. Also inspiring to hear were the sacrifice on the part of parents whom had to go the extra mile to ensure that their child completed formal education or even high school. Despite the individual sacrifices, these same individuals were all present some years later following through with their dreams and aspirations, which will finally allow them to matriculate.
“Without a doubt our entire community still bears a heavy heart for our young fallen comrade. And this feeling will linger for some time. Questions abound regarding the future for our young people. For this reason, I dare say that the Pre-USM program is one of the programs that is available that can be used as a catalyst for “second-chances”; a program for empowerment and employability. There are many who may have not recognized the significance of a Pre-USM program. I also wish to reiterate that when we sat out to coordinate this program, it was done more so for the formation of the students rather than for personal recognition. A small leap of success will precede many more, and as such we cannot simply stop now.
“Our unemployment percentage reported in 2013 was at 9.2%, unemployment amongst our youth ages 15-24 in 2013 were at 28.2% for males and for females 23.5%. When looking at those numbers relative to education levels the numbers are elementary education 11.4%, Secondary Education 11.9%, Secondary II, 4.4% Tertiary level I, 2.6% and Tertiary level II, 2.7% .
“It can then be concluded that if we must continue to fight and persist that our young St Maarten population continue to matriculate. At the end of day this will have a positive effect on our unemployment numbers; while enforcing our workforce by providing capable candidates for the job market. Therefore, let us continue building our institutions of higher learning so that we can surely and securely build our communities, our economy and product. With product I mean what we do collectively to sustain continuous development of our destination, our economy and most importantly our people
“I would like to take this opportunity to once again congratulate the graduates, parents, family and friends, the University of St Martin, the St. Maarten Chamber of Commerce & Industry, the participating corporate partners and the community of St. Maarten on this achievement,” Minister of Tourism Hon. Claret Connor told the graduates on Saturday.

Claret Connor mentioned 2 times