USM and NIPA Sign MOU to Advance Regional Education
February 5, 2026
The University of St. Martin and NIPA have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen academic pathways, workforce development, and regional education collaboration. The partnership will support foundation year programmes, professional training, and expanded opportunities for students across
Pond Island, The University of St. Martin (USM) officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the National Institute for Professional Advancement Foundation (NIPA), marking an important step toward strengthening educational collaboration and professional development opportunities within Sint Maarten and the wider Caribbean region.
The agreement was signed by the University of St. Maarten Foundation, Valerie Giterson-Pantophlet and the President of the University of St. Martin, Dr. Antonio Carmona Báez, Chair of the NIPA Board, Benjamin Ortega, and NIPA Adjunct Director, Damali Bryson.
The signing ceremony took place this week and reflects a shared commitment between both institutions to enhance academic progression, workforce readiness, and human capital development. Both USM and NIPA, which are subsidized by the Government of Sint Maarten, recognize their joint responsibility in advancing education, training, and professional growth within the country.
The MOU establishes a framework for exploring strategic collaboration across several key areas, including the development of seamless academic pathways for students, joint academic programs and shared courses, and the implementation of two tracks, namely a Caribbean Academic Foundation Year (CAFY) and a Caribbean Vocational Foundation Year (CVFY). These initiatives aim to support students from Sint Maarten, Saba, and Sint Eustatius in building strong foundations to transition successfully into tertiary or post- secondary education.
Additional areas of collaboration outlined in the agreement include professional development opportunities for educators and staff through local, regional, and international training initiatives, as well as the exploration of teacher and faculty exchange programs to promote knowledge sharing, curriculum enhancement, and pedagogical innovation.
The partnership also emphasizes equity and inclusion by supporting access to educational opportunities for underserved communities across the region. Both institutions will work together to explore initiatives that ensure students from diverse backgrounds benefit from expanded academic and professional pathways. To guide the implementation of the MOU, both parties will establish a Joint Exploratory Committee responsible for monitoring progress, providing recommendations to institutional leadership, and ensuring measurable outcomes aligned with the partnership’s objectives.
Beyond academic collaboration, the agreement also promotes institutional cooperation through public engagement activities, policy information sharing, and coordinated communication on matters of mutual interest. The MOU further explores opportunities for public dialogue events, stakeholder engagement initiatives, and joint fellowship or leadership networking opportunities.
The signing of this MOU represents a strategic step forward in strengthening the educational ecosystem of Sint Maarten and reinforcing regional academic partnerships that support student success, workforce development, and long-term national growth. The partnership is scheduled to be formally launched to the public during an upcoming press conference later this month.
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The agreement was signed by the University of St. Maarten Foundation, Valerie Giterson-Pantophlet and the President of the University of St. Martin, Dr. Antonio Carmona Báez, Chair of the NIPA Board, Benjamin Ortega, and NIPA Adjunct Director, Damali Bryson.
The signing ceremony took place this week and reflects a shared commitment between both institutions to enhance academic progression, workforce readiness, and human capital development. Both USM and NIPA, which are subsidized by the Government of Sint Maarten, recognize their joint responsibility in advancing education, training, and professional growth within the country.
The MOU establishes a framework for exploring strategic collaboration across several key areas, including the development of seamless academic pathways for students, joint academic programs and shared courses, and the implementation of two tracks, namely a Caribbean Academic Foundation Year (CAFY) and a Caribbean Vocational Foundation Year (CVFY). These initiatives aim to support students from Sint Maarten, Saba, and Sint Eustatius in building strong foundations to transition successfully into tertiary or post- secondary education.
Additional areas of collaboration outlined in the agreement include professional development opportunities for educators and staff through local, regional, and international training initiatives, as well as the exploration of teacher and faculty exchange programs to promote knowledge sharing, curriculum enhancement, and pedagogical innovation.
The partnership also emphasizes equity and inclusion by supporting access to educational opportunities for underserved communities across the region. Both institutions will work together to explore initiatives that ensure students from diverse backgrounds benefit from expanded academic and professional pathways. To guide the implementation of the MOU, both parties will establish a Joint Exploratory Committee responsible for monitoring progress, providing recommendations to institutional leadership, and ensuring measurable outcomes aligned with the partnership’s objectives.
Beyond academic collaboration, the agreement also promotes institutional cooperation through public engagement activities, policy information sharing, and coordinated communication on matters of mutual interest. The MOU further explores opportunities for public dialogue events, stakeholder engagement initiatives, and joint fellowship or leadership networking opportunities.
The signing of this MOU represents a strategic step forward in strengthening the educational ecosystem of Sint Maarten and reinforcing regional academic partnerships that support student success, workforce development, and long-term national growth. The partnership is scheduled to be formally launched to the public during an upcoming press conference later this month.
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