Future Roots programme sets out history, heritage and archive projects

Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport Melissa Gumbs said the Future Roots programme will fund a national St. Maarten history curriculum, monument documentation, genealogical research, heritage scholarships, archive digitisation and cultural facilities. Gumbs gave the details while answering Members of Parliament during deliberations on the draft 2027 national budget.

Gumbs said the programme grew out of the Action Agenda Slavery Past and is backed by a US$5.3 million multi-year grant for remembrance, education, archives, genealogy and heritage work. It runs from October 2025 through September 2029 and is being implemented through projects under the Department of Culture.

The St. Maarten Development Fund is involved under a memorandum of understanding with Government, Gumbs said. Government remains responsible for policy oversight, monitoring, financial and performance reporting, and accountability.

Gumbs said the history curriculum is intended to include slavery, colonialism and their lasting impact. Other projects include an updated inventory of historical monuments, digital documentation, restoration and educational signage. About US$1.3 million from Future Roots is to be combined with US$2 million in capital funding for renovation and expansion of the Philipsburg Cultural and Community Center, including completion of both phases and a furnished second floor.

Quarterly reporting will track progress, according to Gumbs. Expected measures include work on the curriculum, monument mapping and signage, scholarships, genealogical research, books, audiovisual material and historical records made available to the public.