Study financing ordinance in the works

PHILIPSBURG – The Council of Ministers has approved the draft ordinance study financing. “It is the first legislation the ministry has produced since 10-10-10,” Minister Jorien Wuite (Education) said at Wednesdays’ Council of Ministers press briefing.

Currently, the ministry is still working with the island ordinance and the study financing implementation decision. “It is completely outdated and reflects discrepancies in our policies,” the minister said.

The draft ordinance covers all aspects of applying for, receiving and paying back study loans.

“The overall goal is to regulate execution practices but the main objective has always been to afford young talented St. Maarteners the opportunity to pursue professional development and career opportunities,” Wuite said.

Highlights of the draft are among others incentives to stimulate graduates to come back to the island and the importance of parental contributions. “It will be an intense debate in parliament,” is the minister’s expectation.