PHILIPSBURG:--- The CBA Board acknowledges the recent publication by The People’s Tribune on January 14, 2025, and wishes to address the information presented. It is regrettable that only the former director, Ms. Arrindell, was contacted for comment, and the CBA Board was not given the opportunity to provide a comprehensive account of the matter. To clarify, on July 26, 2023, the CBA Board initiated legal proceedings against the former treasurer, Mr. G. Rondei, following discrepancies brought to our attention by Ms. Arrindell on July 23, 2023. It is, therefore, inaccurate and misleading to suggest that the Board allowed Mr. Rondei to continue in his role after these issues were discovered. The CBA Board acted promptly and in accordance with established protocols, including informing the previous government immediately about the situation. We understand the concerns about the timeline for addressing this matter. Unfortunately, the Office of the Public Prosecutor (OM) has a known backlog, which has delayed progress on the case. However, the Board, through our legal counsel, has been consistently following up, and a meeting with the OM was confirmed last week. We are optimistic that this case will soon be addressed and resolved. In the interim, the Board has maintained open communication with key stakeholders. When the first Mercelina government assumed office in June 2024, then Minister of Finance, the honorable Marinka Gumbs, requested an immediate meeting with the Board, during which both the Board and the former director were present and provided
an update. Additionally, in August 2024, the Board met with the former Minister of Education’s cabinet, Lyndon Lewis, to provide further updates. Looking ahead, we have a confirmed meeting next week with the new Minister of Education, Culture, Youth, and Sport (ECYS), the honorable Melissa Gumbs, to discuss all matters related to the Academy, including this case and the progress made to date with our school. Regarding the termination of Ms. Arrindell’s employment in August 2024, the Board emphasizes that this decision was based on a dispensation request on April 1, 2022, the former treasurer Rondei submitted, and it was denied according to articles 34, 35, and 36 of the National Ordinance governing secondary education. This letter of denial was stamped on October 25, 2023, and was only sent to us in June of 2024. A ministerial administrative decision was also submitted to the board in June 2024. Ms. Arrindell’s inability to provide the requested education credentials despite multiple reminders is unfortunate. As a subsidized educational institution, the CBA is required to adhere to strict policies. Obtaining education credentials from the Netherlands—a highly organized system with comprehensive archives—should not have posed a challenge. Furthermore, the Board approved Ms. Arrindell’s enrollment in an online degree program at the Kennedy School of Business on the condition that she report her progress. Unfortunately, no reports or completed coursework were ever submitted, leading to the Board’s decision to terminate her employment, which included six months’ pay. While we understand that Ms. Arrindell may be disgruntled, it is disheartening that such divisive tactics are being used during this sensitive situation. The CBA Board reassures the community that we have addressed this matter with urgency and diligence from the outset. We remain committed to ensuring a resolution and upholding the integrity of our institution. We are diligently working on bringing the institution up to par. We encourage anyone with questions or concerns to contact the Board directly.
