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| Mr. Anthony Jones responding from his plane to the receptive welcome at the Vance W Amory International Airport. |
Charlestown Nevis (February 28, 2005) It was a festive setting at the Vance W Amory International Airport as principal, staff, students and members of the Parents Teachers Association of the Combermere Primary School, along with family, friends and well wishers welcomed their Former Principal Mr. Anthony Jones, back to his homeland.
Mr. Jones, who retired in July 2003 from teaching, was involved in a vehicular accident on New Years Day 2005 and lost his left leg. He was recuperating at a hospital in Trinidad, before returning home earlier today (February 28).
While expressing sentiments on how happy they were to see Mr. Jones, Principal Mrs. Ermilita Elliott said, We are quite happy to see you back here in Nevis with us and on behalf of the Combermere School, the Violet O Jeffers Nichols School and the Parents Teachers Association, we are saying a very warm welcome and we are going to sing your favourite song, Love is a thing if you give it away. So welcome home Mr. Jones, we are quite happy to see you this morning, Mrs. Elliott ended.
Mr. Jones, who was in high spirit, uttered words of appreciation to those who supported him during his time in Trinidad. He said, I believe you have played a very important part in my recovery in Trinidad, in your greetings, in your thoughts and whatever you have done for me. I am extremely grateful.
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| A section of the receptive audience on the ramp |
Although he lost his left leg, Mr. Jones echoed that his injury did not make him any less off. He added, As a matter of fact, I believe it makes me a better person. I really start to understand what life is about. Its about good times and its also about rough times. Its about thinking about people, its about loving people and its about remembering people.
He told the students that he had come back to work along with them because he still believed that he had a little contribution to make in whatever way; and called upon all present to accept him just as he had accepted them. He also noted that he would do whatever in his powers to ensure that the little community that they live in continues to grow from strength to strength.
Mr. Jones expressed special thanks to his wife and children, his immediate relatives and all who supported him and all who constantly called him on a daily basis. He singled out the Combermere Primary School for its exceptional role played while he was away and noted that after each phone call, it gave him strength to come back home.
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