Education Minister Condor challenges CFBC graduates to let their careers and choices create pathways for excellence
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| Acting Principal, Mrs. Sonia McPhail and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Hon. Sam Condor, proceed the mace bearer at the start of the Processional of the 19th Commencement Exercises of the Clarence Fitzroy Bryant College (CFBC) |
BASSSETERE, ST. KITTS, NOVEMBER 22ND 2007 (CUOPM) – Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Hon. Sam Condor told over 200 graduates of the Clarence Fitzroy Bryant College (CFBC), their achievement marks a significant accomplishment in their lives and has special implication for their future, the future of the tertiary level institution and the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis.
“This occasion also gives a deep sense of satisfaction, when one considers the output of our Education System. In a very real sense, this Commencement Ceremony assists in sustaining an abiding belief and faith in the inherent potential and ability of our people, to do well, and to prosper,” said Minister Condor.
He told the graduates they have tested the institution. “You have been tested, and you have also tested yourselves. Through it all, you have extended what you know about the world, and about yourselves. This is not a place that tells you what to think, but rather how to think; how to deal with different points of view; how to work through problems, and how to absorb new knowledge, and to recognise that there is always more to know,”
he said as he extended words of congratulations.
“This evening, we celebrate and congratulate you, another batch of that special “crop” of graduates. Go now, to further prepare yourselves, to contribute meaningfully, in diverse ways to the dynamic process of National Development,” said the Education Minister.
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| 2007 Graduates of the Clarence Fitzroy Bryant College (CFBC) |
He noted that it was just last September in his report to the Nation on the results of the CXC-CSEC and CAPE Examinations, he had reason to laud and applaud those alumni of the CFBC, who not only did well, but who made exceptional efforts to perform; and those, whose individual and collective perseverance, commitment and dedication to the task at hand, have been commendable, and have paid dividends.
“You have come to the end of a long road, and you deserve to be congratulated for your efforts. I have heard it said, that ‘it is good to have an end to journey toward, but it is the journey that matters in the end’,” said Minister Condor, who pointed out that graduation is a time to reflect on all the different paths taken, “to get you to where you are sitting right now. This day means so little without all the wonderful people, events and memories to accompany it and all the friendships and relationships you have built during your sojourn, with other students, faculty and staff.”
He said it was important they understand that, while others have had an effect on their collective journey, they too, in a manner unparalleled, have impacted many other people’s journey as well.
~~Adz:Left~~“But now you are beginning another journey, a new challenge; ---- one that is longer, more difficult, and whose path is less clear! It will be a marathon, not a sprint! But the fact that you are here today, indicates that you are up to the challenge!” Minister Condor said.
In giving words of advice, he encouraged the graduates to “take the skills you have learnt and the knowledge you have gained, and go………. make a difference! Not only for yourselves, but for your Country and fellow countrymen and women.”
“Just think for a moment, how our Country can be catapulted from the threshold, into a fully developed Nation, were all the abilities and talents and potential, of all our young people to be harnessed, amalgamated and exploited for the common good! Indeed, what a paradigm shift it would be, if all our young men in particular and young people in general, were to put to full use, what they are positively capable of,” he asked.
Telling the graduates they are all potential role models, the Deputy Prime Minister and Education Minister issued a challenge to them to let the careers and choices they make create pathways for excellence in their individual, professional, spiritual and social lives.
“Make this world a better world. Reach out and touch someone in a manner that heals and helps. Let us attack this myth, that there are no mentors for young people. There are no better mentors for your people, than young people themselves. Be a mentor!! Be a mentor! You must be able on greeting each other. To say HI MENTOR,” concluded Deputy Prime Minister and Education Minister Condor.
