PHILIPSBURG--It is "unfortunate" that Democratic Party (DP) Island Councilman Roy Marlin chose to "drag his daughter into his personal political campaign to get political mileage" in connection with study financing appeal requests, said Education Commissioner William Marlin on Wednesday.

Island Councilman Marlin had expressed concerns about not getting a response to his daughter's appeal "under the guise of a concerned parent" and chose to "rant and rave" about political victimisation when none had taken place, the commissioner said.

Study financing for the councilman's daughter, Gillian, "was never denied." Financing was granted for her second choice: studies at University of St. Martin (USM) and not for her first choice to study in the Netherlands. An appeal for the decision to be reversed and funding granted for the Netherlands was submitted but no answer had been received by the councilman or his daughter up to late Tuesday.

The commissioner told a press conference Wednesday that he never made an issue when his son was given a run-around by government when he had applied for a job after completing his studies. He said the councilman and DP seem to think it "looks good" to strum the media together with claims such as victimisation. "I am not in the business of victimising anyone...all the nonsense about political victimisation was totally unnecessary."

Some nine study financing appeals were handled and signed off on by the commissioner on Tuesday afternoon. About three were missing grades and those documents were later provided by the study financing committee enabling the entire package to be signed off on, according to the commissioner. He said he had instructed the Education Department to call the parents of appellants to inform them of the decision so they can prepare.

The package of documents was not completed because the committee's secretary fell sick and another member had to pick up the work, causing the delay. Commissioner Marlin said he knows the series of events "sounds like a story" but it was the reality of events.

He added government was in a race against time when it comes to preparations for country status on St. Maarten slated for 10-10-10. "I'm not saying that other things are not important" but it is the same small group of public servants who have to provide support for the several government activities.

The first batch of St. Maarten students for the Netherlands leaves on Friday. Those who appealed the study financing grants and are now headed to the Netherlands are supposed to leave on August 8. Florida-bound students are expected to leave later in August.