The immediate closure of Philipsburg Jubilee Library (PJL) due to the unsafe condition of its present accommodations (see related story) is highly regrettable. The building was severely damaged by Hurricane Irma and subsequently drenched by Maria, while looters took the laptops and tablets.
Water poured in through the broken roof with every serious rain, the Health Inspectorate had already ordered measures to prevent mildew and only 12 per cent of the space could be used. What’s more, only a small collection of books remained as some 8,000 titles were lost.
Knowing that the complex had been declared a total loss by claims adjusters, a plan was made to temporarily move to the nearby Super Plaza building pending construction of a new National Heritage and Knowledge Centre (NHKC) in the current library location. The latter is to additionally house the St. Maarten Archaeological Research Centre Simarc and St. Maarten Museum, of which the premises were also respectively destroyed and badly damaged.
Meetings with then-Education Minister Jorien Wuite starting in November 2017 after several follow-up letters finally led to an agreement last May that part of the insurance proceeds government stood to get on its joint policy for schools and other public properties would go towards the temporary relocation. However, it later turned out the Council of Ministers had in fact rejected this move and the NHCK was not listed as a priority project for financing from the Dutch-sponsored Trust Fund managed by the World Bank as intended either.
Many people were understandably disappointed, considering the crucial role libraries play in the development of any community. Although it regards a private foundation, there is clearly a collective responsibility involved too.
A radiothon for the cause has so far produced about 32,500 Antillean guilders in cash while some US $100,000 is needed. Once the insurance monies due to PJL have been received the library will hopefully be able to relocate and reopen sooner rather than later in the interest of the general population and especially youngsters.
As the institution of learning marks 95 years of existence, this at the very least should be made possible by all concerned.
