ROADTOWN Tortola BVI, February 27th, 2012 – Class Five students of the Ebenezer Thomas Primary School now have a deeper appreciation for the contribution of local stalwarts to the Territory as they recently recognised eight local heroes at a Black History presentation on the school’s grounds.
Honourees included Mr. Elmore Stoutt, Mrs. Inez Brathwaite, the Late Mr. Noel Lloyd, Ms. Jennie Wheatley, Mrs. Adel J. Frett, Ms. L. Adorothy Turnbull, current principal Ms. Cybil Hodge and Mr. Ebenezer Thomas whom the school is named after. Working in groups, the students presented on their honouree with dramatisations, brief biographies and charts which depicted elements of their life. The honourees were shocked by the gesture as they were invited but not told that they would be recognised and featured for their contributions.
Mr. Elmore Stoutt in his presentation expressed shock and thanks for the recognition. He said the program is one of the ways that the school can motivate the community and the parents to get involved.
"Your little project which was developed right within the classroom can become a bigger hit, thereby letting the whole community know what is happening and I think this is beautiful.” Mr. Stoutt said, adding, “I hope you would go on to do some more research when you get to high school and then unearth some of the history that we have. The Virgin Islands is filled with history and rich culture. We tend to think that what is outside is better than ours but what is better than ours? It’s ours!," Mr. Stoutt stated.
The Local Heroes Presentation developed from a Social Studies project put forth by Ms. Monnett Smith, the class five social studies teacher who coordinated and organised the February 24th event.
"Every year for the month of February, the focus is placed on Black History and the many persons who have touched the lives of many. This year, as part of my Social Studies lesson, we have decided to focus on our local heroes and there are many of them," Ms. Smith stated.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Natural Resources and Labour Honourable Kedrick Pickering, Minister for Education and Culture Honourable Myron V. Walwyn, and third district Representative Honourable Julian Fraser were among the audience members present in addition to parents and other supporters of the school.
Black History Month, also known as African-American History Month, is an annual observance in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom for remembrance of important people and events in the history of the African diaspora. It is celebrated annually in the United States and Canada in February and the United Kingdom in October.
The Ministry of Education and Culture supports cultural development of the students and the recognition of local heroes who have positively contributed to the growth of the Territory.
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