While attending the Gwendoline van Putten School, I encountered many different teachers. While they all made an impact on me in one way or another, I must admit that Meneer Zaandam stands out in many ways.
Meneer Zaandam was my Physics teacher. While Physics was not one of my favorite subjects, Meneer Zaandam made the subject matter come alive by using local examples to explain concepts. His teaching, though, went beyond Physics. He would discuss everyday matters with us both in and outside the classroom.
When Meneer Zaandam entered politics in later years, I was an adamant supporter of his. Why? Because Meneer Zaandam was a strong believer in the right of self-determination for Statia. We had extensive face-to-face and email correspondence over the years about constitutional matters and Statia’s need for a referendum. Meneer Zaandam fought, like the warrior he was, for a new referendum for Statia. One of his most memorable acts was when he stood bravely on the floor of the Second Chamber in 2015, expressing the need for greater autonomy for Statia. His statements took the members of the Second Chamber by surprise.
Meneer Zaandam was a great teacher because he was not only able to make teaching from foreign textbooks real for us, but also because of his mentorship both in and outside the classroom. Most of all, he inspired me to think independently, ask critical questions, and remain committed to the future of Statia."
“Rest softly Meneer Zaandam. Semper Fidelis”.
Xiomara
