The University of St. Martin opened its campus this week in support of the National D.E.A.R. — Drop Everything and Read Movement, joining students, educators, and community members in promoting literacy across the island.
The initiative, led by CLIMB SXM, encouraged participants to pause their daily activities and spend 30 minutes reading, reinforcing the message that literacy is a shared community responsibility. Held on the USM campus, the event attracted students, faculty, staff, community partners, and residents, many of whom brought books by local and Caribbean authors to celebrate the region's literary heritage.
Special guests included St. Maarten authors Rolando Tobias and Brenda Maynard, who participated in the reading session and interacted with attendees. Members of the USM Student Government Association also had the opportunity to have copies of Maynard's books personally signed. Representatives from Windward Islands Bank also joined the event in support of the literacy campaign.
USM expressed appreciation to Dr. Yadira Boston and Dr. Delroy Pierre of CLIMB SXM for leading the National D.E.A.R. Movement. General Liberal Arts and Education Programs Division Head Juliana Shipley Hodge said the initiative reflects the university's commitment to fostering literacy, critical thinking, and lifelong learning.
The university says the event underscores its role as both a higher education institution and a community partner dedicated to promoting education, literacy, and meaningful public engagement throughout Sint Maarten.