SXMElections.com

Teachers From Psve And Academy Questioned Stuart Johnson, President Of Witu, On His Support For Witu Members.

Cay HILL:--- On Thursday, December 7th, 2023, teachers of the FAVE school board requested a meeting with the WITU to discuss a few pressing issues. Among the issues were the COLA, the matter of the policy, as it pertains to legal support for which a 10% is now required as payment to the WITU, provided that the client supported by WITU has won the court case, and an unresolved matter concerning a few members that has been dragging on for almost a year now.
During the meeting, Mr. Mcwilkin, a former member of the WITU board, raised the question of the 10% remuneration fee associated with legal representation which the WITU has added Read more

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BARBADOS:--- In a landmark move towards fostering collaboration and solidarity, the Anguilla Teachers' Union (ATU) and the Windward Island Teachers Union St. Maarten (WITU) have officially entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). The signing ceremony took place today in Barbados, solidifying a commitment to joint initiatives that will benefit teachers in both territories.
The purpose of this MOU is to establish a comprehensive framework for cooperation and collaboration, promoting the interests and welfare of teachers in Anguilla and St Read more

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Witu Expresses Deep Disappointment In Government's Handling Of Public Education

PHILIPSBURG:--- Stuart Johnson, President of the Windward Islands Teachers Union (WITU), has voiced profound disappointment in the Government of St Maarten regarding the handling of matters within Public Education and the broader education sector.

President Johnson had anticipated that the commitment made to sign an agreement with the Government of St Maarten would have been prioritized, reflecting the collaborative efforts necessary for the advancement of education in St.Maarten.

Johnson drafted the agreement and repeatedly sought to have it signed by the Government of St.Maarten in anticipation that the mutual understanding would have been adhered to.

The agreement highlights the electrical works, air-conditioning in all classrooms/offices, and other infrastructural works necessary for all public schools.

Moreover, Johnson has diligently pursued resolutions to several unresolved matters in education, utilizing platforms such as the Committee for Civil Servants Unions (CCSU) to address these issues.

President Johnson emphasized, "Some might perceive my approach as an immediate recourse to the media Read more

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~Acting Ministers collaborate to strategize efforts on a proposal for repairs.~

PHILIPSBURG:---  Oranje School, a monumental public school of the primary division, will encounter a one-day closure on Wednesday, November 1, 2023. This urgent closure is due to essential roof repairs, air-conditioning, and general maintenance to ensure the safety and well-being of both students and faculty.

Some of the school's classrooms are currently in dire need of electrical rewiring, and repairs which caused discomfort and health concerns for the primary school teachers and students Read more

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PHILIPSBURG:--- The President of the Windward Islands Teachers Union (WITU) Stuart Johnson, explored the possible commitment of WITU to promote a values-based education by participating in the Values Education Conference held in Barbados from October 12th to 14th, 2023.

In light of the recent surge in negativity and unfounded claims within our country, Mr Read more

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PHILIPSBURG:--- The Windward Islands Teachers Union (WITU) is deeply concerned about the ongoing traffic safety issues that the staff and students of Oranje Primary School face daily. The school has been grappling with these challenges for many years, and President Stuart Johnson has issued a pressing call for immediate action to ensure the safety of all students and staff.

Johnson said, Every day, students and staff must navigate a precarious situation as they board school buses at the crossroads of C.A Read more

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PHILIPSBURG:---  The landscape of education is undergoing a transformation powered by advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI). As we step into an era of unparalleled technological progress, it is crucial to recognize the potential of AI in shaping the future classroom. However, concerns loom large over the responsible implementation of AI in education, highlighting the need for a balanced and thoughtful approach to ensure optimal learning outcomes for all, remarked Stuart Johnson President of the Windward Islands Teachers Union on Tuesday.

Johnson, added, With AI's capabilities to personalize learning experiences, provide instant feedback, and adapt to individual student needs, educators around the world need to explore innovative ways to harness its potential Read more

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Witu Is Concerned About The Proposed National Health Insurance For St. Maarten.

PHILIPSBURG:---  The President of the Windward Islands Teachers Union (WITU), Stuart Johnson, has voiced serious concerns about the proposed National Health Insurance (NHI) in St. Maarten. Mr. Johnson's concerns highlight issues related to public awareness, the quality of healthcare services, access to preventative care, medication policies, and the impact on the vulnerable in our country.

One of the primary concerns raised by Mr Read more

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PHILIPSBURG:---  On Monday afternoon, the Marie Genevieve de Weever Primary School (MGDW) held a heartwarming ceremony to honor and celebrate the exceptional contributions of Mrs. Anna Grantham-Halley, who served as the School Manager from 2015 to 2020. The event served as a token of appreciation for her dedicated service to Public Education.

A commitment to excellence marked Mrs. Grantham-Halley's tenure at MGDW, tireless dedication to the well-being of students, and a passion for education.

Stuart Johnson, the current School Manager of MGDW, led the heartfelt tribute to Mrs Read more

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Witu To Host General Membership Meeting On Thursday

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Windward Islands Teachers Union (WITU) is announcing its upcoming General Membership Meeting, scheduled to take place this Thursday. This meeting will bring together the esteemed members of WITU to discuss critical matters, share insights, and chart a collective course toward advancing education and further fostering the welfare of educators.
The General Membership Meeting will convene on Thursday, August 31st, 2023 at 5:30 p.m. at the WITU Office.

WITU recognizes the indispensable role that teachers play in shaping the minds of the next generation and acknowledges the importance of creating a strong network of educators who stand united in their mission to enhance education standards and advocate for the rights of teachers, said Stuart Johnson President of the WITU on Tuesday afternoon Read more

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PHILIPSBURG:---  As the temperature rises and schools welcome students back for the new academic year, the issue of hot and uncomfortable classrooms is coming to the forefront. The lack of adequate air conditioning and proper ventilation in several of our nations educational institutions has raised concerns among parents, educators, and students alike. It's time to prioritize the learning environment and take proactive measures to ensure the health, comfort, and productivity of all those within, Stuart Johnson President of the Windward Islands Teachers Union (WITU) said on Monday.

Hot and stifling classrooms can have a detrimental impact on students' ability to focus, learn, and engage effectively Read more

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United People's Party Extends Gratitude For Successful 2023 Convention, Recognizes Outstanding Contributions.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The United People's Party (UP Party) has expressed heartfelt gratitude to the general public and the more than seven hundred attendees who made the UP Party's 2023 Convention an unparalleled success. Held on Sunday, August 13, at the esteemed Aleeze Convention Center, the event was a remarkable display of unity, strength, and meticulous organization.
Distinguished by an impressive parade, the convention saw the dynamic leadership duo of Member of Parliament, the Honorable Rolando Brison, securing his reelection as the UP Party leader, and Minister Omar Ottley officially being elected as the Deputy Leader Read more

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PHILIPSBURG:--- "I am deeply concerned about the situation at the Charlotte Brookson Academy (CBA)," remarked Stuart Johnson President of the Windward Islands Teachers Union (WITU).

Johnson sent an email correspondence to the board of CBA over the weekend questioning a number of concerns.

One of the most alarming concerns was the situation regarding the Financial support of the CBA.

"What is the situation regarding the Financial advisor of CBA? Has the staff of the CBA been fully informed about this development? Has a contingency plan been put in place? Who is responsible for the financial responsibilities now?" Johnson questioned.

He minced no words in expressing, "if any negative impact happens to the staff or by extension the students, you will bare the full strength of the WITU Read more

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~ Internal protocols discussed ~

PHILIPSBURG:--- "I am truly surprised by the recent public remarks made by a member of the Teaching fraternity of St.Maarten. Even more surprising is these remarks are from an educational assistant, Ms. Glenda Mussen who also is the General Secretary of WITU," said Stuart Johnson President of the Windward Islands Teachers Union (WITU) Read more

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~ Says confidential information regarding teachers and students is leaked by DPE to WITU President and Vise Versa.~

PHILIPSBURG:--- Local Teacher Glenda Mussen who has been teaching at the Prins Willem Alexander School (PWAS) decided to speak out on Friday after she was informed that she will be transferred to the Marie Genevieve de Weever School as of Monday, August 7th, 2023.
Mussen said that she has been working at PWAS for the past four years and that a number of teachers filed complaints against the School Manager Norma Barry, these complaints she said has gone on deaf ears, she explained that the Department of Public Education had a mediator intervene in issues the teachers are having at PWAS and instead of DPE or the mediator contacting her and informing her of the outcome of the mediation, she only got word on Thursday that she would no longer be teaching at PWAS but instead be moved to Marie Genevieve de Weever School.
Mussen maintained that she will not be going over to the school she has been assigned as the manager of the Department of Education did not inform her in a timely manner Read more

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~Top student in Public Education~

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Marie Genevieve De Weever Primary School (MGDW) hosted its School Leaving Ceremony 2023 on Wednesday morning on the school campus.

Under the theme, "Lift me up," 32 students will leave primary education and embark on their journey in secondary education for the new school year 2023-2024.

Present at the ceremony was the Honorable Minister of VROMI Egbert Doran, Chief of Staff of the Minister of ECYS Glenderlin Holiday, a former student of MGDW Pilot Captain Aaron Leerdam, and another distinguished guest along with proud parents/guardians.

"We are extremely proud of our students as we continue to encourage them to reach their maximum God-given potential," remarked Stuart Johnson School Manager of MGDW.

Johnson said in his address, "We have a collective responsibility to ensure we lift up our students if there is a moment of weakness Read more

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PHILIPSBURG:---The Minister of Public Health, Social Development, and Labor, Omar Ottley, led a high-level delegation to the 111th International Conference held in Geneva. The delegation included Secretary-General Joy Arnell, Department Head of Labor Linda Froston, Cabinet Members Alissa Rios and Johnnie Richardson, as well as representatives from the employers Ms Read more

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~Attorney Brenda Brooks was elected president of the board.~

Cole Bay:--- A sizeable crowd turned out to the URSM's first congress held on Sunday afternoon at the Tropicana Ball Room in Cole Bay. Attorney at law Brenda Brooks was elected president of the URSM board while the other elected board members are Veronica Webster Jensen, Josianne Artsen-Fleming, Stuart Johnson and ---
The elected leader of the URSM is its founder Dr Read more

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PHILIPSBURG:--- The Board of the Windward Islands Teachers Union (WITU) is astonished at the Council of Ministers (COM) sudden decision to grant additional vacation days to Teachers.

After a Board meeting of the WITU held on Monday afternoon, April 17th, 2023, President of WITU Stuart Johnson said: "It is remarkable how quickly and with sudden haste, the COM is able to handle certain other matters, and when needed can have the opportunity to meet on weekends."

A concerned President Johnson emphasized that: "We have so many critical issues that need to be addressed, but continue to be ignored Read more

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PHILIPSBURG  (DCOMM):--- The Minister of Education, Culture, Youth & Sports Hon. Rodolphe Samuel announced over the weekend that the Council of Ministers (COM) on March 7, 2023, has granted teachers, management, and support staff of all divisions of public education schools three additional days off during the school vacation 2022-2023.

The additional vacation days that have been granted are from July 31 to August 2, 2023 Read more

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PHILIPSBURG:--- The Les Harris Cricket Tournament was held in Trinidad from April 3 to 7, 2023 at the Diego Martin Sporting Complex.
Jamaica, Guyana, and Trinidad participated in the bi-annual Cricket Tournament of the Caribbean Union of Teachers (CUT).
Stuart Johnson traveled to Trinidad as the 3rd Vice President of the CUT as the responsible CUT Officer supporting the host organization the Trinidad & Tobago Unified Teachers' Association (TTUTA).
In his address, Johnson extended his appreciation to TTUTA for answering the call of CUT to host the Les Harris Cricket Competition which was put on hold since the Covid-19 pandemic Read more

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~Laptops should be delivered soon ~

PHILIPSBURG:--- The board of the Windward Islands Teachers Union (WITU) submitted a proposal for an adjustment to the Salary Scales of employees in Education.

The fight continues to ensure Education is truly prioritized in our Country as teachers should be respected and not be neglected, remarked Stuart Johnson President of the WITU.
Johnson submitted the proposal addressed to the Honorable Prime Minister Silveria Jacobs on Friday, 24th February 2023 Read more

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-- No political agenda --  

PHILIPSBURG:---  The  President of the Windward Islands Teachers Union (WITU) Stuart Johnson stated, We want to see a genuine effort to truly ensure one of our nations greatest assets, teachers and staff in education are properly taken care of.

Johnson minced no words in expressing that the WITU is not being political, "I understand with our Country seemingly heading into yet another election, I expect some level of rhetoric, but I had hoped that there would be some improvements to the level of discourse and the rhetoric would be less especially from a Member of Parliament."

The Windward Islands Teachers Union (WITU) submitted a letter to Honorable Prime Minister Silveria Jacobs and the Council of Ministers on Friday, February 10th, 2023.

In the letter, the WITU stated, The Windward Islands Teachers Union (WITU) board attended a meeting with you and the Ministers of ECYS, TEATT, and Finance on Wednesday, February 8th, 2023 Read more

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Public School Teachers On Day Two Of Industrial Actions.

~Minister not aware of all issues raised by teachers. ~

PHILIPSBURG:--- Teachers of all public schools downed their tools for the past two days as they said that have been in meetings with their union representatives the Windward Islands Teachers Union during school hours.
In an interview with SMN News, the teachers said the Government of St. Maarten have disrespected them in many ways one being they were not paid their vacation allowances, and their salaries have not been indexed for a number of years Read more

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