Fifty years ago, Mr. Hillary A. Hunkins was born in Old Road, St. Kitts. He completed his secondary education at the Basseterre Senior High School in 1978. Two years later, Mr. Hunkins embarked on his teaching career at the then Verchild’s All Age School. His love for the profession propelled him to the St. Kitts-Nevis Teachers’ College from which he graduated in 1985. In 1978 he was assigned to the Non-Formal Youth Skills Training Project as a Job Development Officer. After attaining his under graduate degree from the University of Birmingham in the United Kingdom, He returned to the Youth Skills Training Project becoming its Social Skills Instructor and Guidance Counselor.
From 1996 to 2000, Mr. Hunkins worked at the Dr. William Connor Primary School. In 2000 he was transferred to the Sandy Point High School for brief stint as a Guidance Counselor. Later that year he assumed duties at the Basseterre Senior High School as a teacher of Remedial Education. This particular assignment, his last before formal retirement, might have appeared as the most challenging to him but it proved to be one of his most rewarding. In his own typical style Mr. Hunkins served his students not only as their teacher but more so as their mentor and guide. He made an indelible mark on the lives of students who had serious behavioral issues.
As a two term President of the St. Kitts Teachers Union, Mr. Hunkins fought vigorously, passionately, selflessly, and fearlessly for the rights of teachers. He led his organization with professionalism, forthrightness, dedication and vision. His vibrancy, oratorical skills and his capacity to get things done secured him a spot as an executive member of the Caribbean Union Teachers.
On December 31, 2005 after 25 years of distinguished service to his native St. Kitts, Mr. Hunkins retired from the teaching service and migrated to the United States to join his wife, Brenda, and his sons, Ricky and Jay. After a short two years at the Partin Settlement Elementary School in Kissimmee, Florida, the difference that he made earned him the top vote as the school’s Distinguished Minority Educator Award for 2008-2009. Among other awards of which Mr. Hunkins was the proud recipient, was the BHS Teacher of the Year presented at the Annual Academic Excellence Award sponsored by the Chamber of Industry and Commerce.
Mr. Hunkins saw education as a field where excellence knows no bounds. Education has always been at the top of his agenda. He knew that the school like the church was another important pillar on the society stands. At nights after work and on weekends he pursued a master’s degree at the University of Phoenix graduating in 2008 with a Master’s in Business Administration.
Sadly, on February 21, 2010, Mr. Hunkins, this noble teacher, leader, mentor and community activist was called to a higher service. His untimely demise came after a brief battle with cancer. His mortal remains are at rest at the Methodist cemetery in Middle Island. May his soul rest in eternal peace!
