The Statia Government officially handed over the newly constructed Gwendoline van Putten School to school management on Wednesday, 28 October, marking a major milestone in the island's educational development and the completion of one of its largest construction projects.
The ceremony included the formal signing of the handover documentation by Island Governor Alida Francis and Gwendoline van Putten School Director Mirella Thijm. This was followed by the symbolic presentation of the key by Jamie Lopes, Managing Director of Statia Construction, to Commissioner of Education Reuben Merkman, who then presented the key to School Director Mirella Thijm, officially placing the new school facility in the hands of school management.
The project, first conceived in 2019, reached an important milestone with the groundbreaking ceremony in 2022. Designed by MAS Architectuur, the new school was constructed by Statia Construction under the supervision of the Public Entity Sint Eustatius' Programme and Project Management Office (PPMO).
Construction was made possible through funding from the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science (OCW) and Statia Government, with the support of the Island Council.
Reflecting on the challenges encountered throughout the project, Commissioner of Education Reuben Merkman emphasised the importance of perseverance and the government's commitment to providing quality educational facilities.
“What we see here is proof that when Statia sets a goal, we finish the course, no matter how long the journey takes. We did not compromise because we knew that our children deserved nothing less than the absolute best,” said Commissioner Merkman.
The new 3,500-square-metre facility is designed to accommodate more than 250 students and 50 staff members. It features over 25 teaching and learning spaces, a restaurant, basketball court, large water cistern, climate-controlled facilities, modern fire safety systems and solar panels. The building is also designed to withstand Category 4 weather conditions, providing an additional level of protection for students and staff during extreme weather.
“A school only truly becomes a school when students feel safe there. Safe to learn, safe to ask questions, safe to make mistakes and try again. That is when each and everyone of them will excel. We know that a building does not make education. People do. Our teachers and staff, who are there for our students every day with heart and soul. The parents, who entrust their children to us. And you, our students, who will bring this building to life,” said Mirella Thijm, Director of the Gwendoline van Putten School, during the official handover ceremony.
With the formal handover completed, school management will begin preparations for furnishing and equipping the new facility. Planned facilities include a modern kitchen, carpentry and metal workshops, a music and dance room, and specialised classrooms for Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
Students and staff are expected to begin gradually using the new building in early 2027. The full relocation is scheduled for the summer of 2027, allowing the Gwendoline van Putten School to begin the 2027–2028 academic year in its new home.
The handover represents a significant investment in the future of education on Statia, providing an improved learning environment and
