Today Newspaper St. Maarten

Editorial: Integration by language

The decision by Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (Caricom) to investigate making Dutch and French official languages represents multiple opportunities for St. Maarten. On the hand the study could allow an enterprising linguist an opportunity to conduct a historic consultancy. It will also create steady employment for anyone who is proficient in both English and Dutch as the Caricom Secreteriat will need professional translators to sustain the measure.
On another note this initiative will allow the island to firmly put its foot in the door of the regional institution. The goal of Heads of Government with the initiative is to further Haiti and Suriname’s integration with the rest of the region. If the measure is finalized then St. Maarten, which has applied for associate membership, will fit right into the mix because English and Dutch are official languages here.
All things considered this is a project that St. Maarten should watch closely as it forges ahead with its efforts at regional integration and showcasing the language versatility of those who live here.