SXMElections.com

MARIGOT--Member of Parliament (MP) Daniel Gibbs said illiteracy is still a phenomenon affecting a large part of St. Martin and attention must be paid to it, as part of his message to children, parents and teachers on the start of the new school year.

   “Unfortunately, a huge part of St. Martin suffers from illiteracy, and I am aware of this scourge,” he said. “Special attention must be paid to this urgent issue. It is from the youngest age that our teachers need to make sure that no child is left behind. Our ultramarine territories have resources to be used in education. The learning of several languages from the youngest age in a multicultural environment is one of the characteristics of our islands. We must highlight it.”

Wishing much success for the new school year, Gibbs stated it will be “full of challenges.”

“After well-deserved holidays, let us rise to the occasion while overcoming the apprehension of returning to school and work. It is always a pleasure to see fellow classmates again, because schooling has to be perceived more as an opportunity than a constraint.”

“Let us start this school season with determination so that the work of our teachers and their staff continues. I take the opportunity to recognise again the support and dedication given by the entire teaching staff. They are the ones who shape the youth of our islands,” Gibbs said.

“The start of the school year is also the occasion to remember that school is not only a place to transmit knowledge but it is also a sanctuary for our republican values. The citizens of tomorrow will be trained at school. Advancing education on our islands also advances our communities.”

   “I wish all the children, parents and the teachers of St. Barths and St. Martin my warmest wishes for this new school year.”