GREAT BAY--Public school teachers in St. Maarten had still not received their annual Teacher Appreciation Coupon Sheets up to the time of this release, after distribution was halted following a request from the Minister of Education, according to educator and youth advocate Angelique Romou, founder of the “Loving Our Teachers Out Loud” initiative.
The delay comes as the initiative celebrates its fifth anniversary in recognition of World Teachers’ Day on October 5, and after coupon sheets had already been distributed to every school board and private schools, including SECDA, on the southern side of the island.
Romou said she was informed that the Minister of Education had requested that distribution of the coupon sheets to public school teachers be halted because of a policy governing donations. She stressed, however, that the initiative is not a donation to any school, but rather a token of appreciation intended directly for teachers.
Following the development, Romou said she held discussions with the Minister and understood that permission would be granted for the coupons to be released once an email explaining the initiative was submitted. Although that discussion took place at the end of the day on Friday and the requested email was subsequently sent, Romou said she later learned that the public school teachers had still not received their coupons up to the time of the release.
“I must express my profound disappointment with how this matter has unfolded. For the past five years, this initiative has been undertaken from the heart, with the sole intention of showing our educators that they are appreciated, and never before was there an obstacle to this gesture of gratitude,” Romou stated.
She said she respects the importance of policies and procedures but believes administrative requirements should assist, rather than obstruct, genuine community initiatives intended to benefit teachers.
Romou also said she had been told that the situation might be politically motivated. She stressed that politics and bureaucracy should not prevent educators from receiving appreciation that was intended specifically for them.
“This initiative is not political in nature and has never been intended to serve any political interest. It is a personal and community-driven effort to celebrate educators, made possible through the generosity of the business community,” Romou said.
The timing of the delay is of particular concern because some participating businesses have extended offers that are especially beneficial during the upcoming midterm break. Romou highlighted Simpson Bay Resort Marina & Spa, which has provided teachers with an offer intended to give them an opportunity to enjoy a well-deserved break during the midterm period.
“If these coupons are not distributed in time, our teachers will miss out on an opportunity that was specifically arranged for their enjoyment during the midterm break. This is particularly disheartening because the businesses have already demonstrated their willingness to give, and our teachers should be able to benefit from that generosity,” she said.
In an effort to resolve the matter, Romou has requested that the head of the relevant division of Public Education return any undistributed coupons to her so that she can personally ensure they reach teachers who would welcome and appreciate the gesture.
This year, the initiative has also expanded to include retired teachers. Romou invited teachers who would welcome the coupons to contact her via WhatsApp at +1 721 528-6006. She stressed that her primary concern is ensuring that the generosity of participating businesses is not wasted and that teachers are not deprived of the benefits intended for them.
Despite the setback, Romou said the fifth anniversary remains an important milestone for Loving Our Teachers Out Loud, an annual Teacher Appreciation Initiative established out of her love and appreciation for the teaching profession.
As an educator herself, Romou believes teachers deserve recognition not only for their work in the classroom, but also for the influence they have on students, families and the wider community.
“Teaching is more than a profession; it is a calling. Our teachers dedicate their time, energy, knowledge and, very often, their personal resources to nurturing the next generation. Loving Our Teachers Out Loud is my way of reminding them that their sacrifices do not go unnoticed and that they are valued, respected and appreciated,” Romou stated.
Approximately 30 businesses have partnered with the initiative this year, offering discounts, complimentary services, gifts and other special benefits through the annual Teacher Appreciation Coupon Sheet.
Participating businesses include Obersi Xerox, Dominos, Sal & Pepe, Pineapple Pete, KFC, Georgina’s Nails, Polo Ralph Lauren, Armani, Beirut Restaurant, Office World, Coffee Lounge, Victors, T’s Closet, Ace, Inglot, Addicted Hair Lounge, Lucky Shopping Center, Shop and Take, Bold Buddha, Marks Place, Sparkle Hair Lounge, Beautylicious, Divico, Dollar Smart, Natural Health Store, Sugar Mill Café, Overstocks and Simpson Bay Resorts.
The coupons give teachers opportunities to benefit from special offers during October and, where applicable, throughout the year.
Romou expressed gratitude to every participating business, with special recognition for those that have continued supporting the initiative throughout its five years.
“I am immensely grateful to every business that has opened its doors and its heart to our teachers. Your continued generosity and willingness to give back demonstrate the true spirit of community partnership. You are helping us turn appreciation into action, and I sincerely thank each and every one of you,” she said.
Romou remains committed to growing the initiative and attracting additional businesses and community partners while reinforcing the importance of recognizing educators and the teaching profession.
“Our teachers are among the most important pillars of our society. Every doctor, lawyer, engineer, entrepreneur, public servant and leader has, at some point, benefited from the guidance of a teacher. We cannot continue to speak about the importance of education without demonstrating genuine appreciation for the people who make education possible,” she stated.
Romou concluded by again thanking participating businesses, educators who continue to serve with dedication and everyone who has supported Loving Our Teachers Out Loud since its inception.
“Five years later, my message remains the same: let us not wait until our teachers retire or leave the profession to acknowledge their worth. Let us celebrate them while they are here, while they are teaching, while they are inspiring and while they are making a difference.
“Let us continue to love our teachers, and let us love them OUT LOUD!” Romou stated.
