B.V.I. Monday, June 15 – Students of the Eslyn Henley Richiez Learning Centre wore their black and white to be recognised for their many accomplishments at an award ceremony held Thursday June 11.
The school’s students received awards for their athletic ability, skills in art and craft, improved performance in school and determination.
Speaking at the award ceremony, Minister for Education and Culture, Hon. Andrew Fahie congratulated the students and teachers for the work they had done. He recalled his participation in the school’s sports day months earlier and reminded the students that they were special to him. He said that there is need for more attention to be paid to the school, but he intends to do what he can “one by one”. The minister then announced that one day before the ceremony, the ministry had received plans for the new Eslyn Henley Richiez Learning Centre.
“It is coming soon”, he said, after the ministry thoroughly reviews the plans. The minister also indicated that the plans are the result of consultation with the principal and staff of the school to ensure that the best things were included in the new school to enhance the learning experience.
Acting Principal Mrs. Vansittart Huggins spoke of the school’s activities recalling the Special Olympics initiative in which the students at the school are participating. She also gave personal glimpses into the curriculum at the school, speaking highly of the school’s sports and recreation programme, the art and craft programme and the water sports programme which has had the success of being able to place one of the students in permanent work, based on the training they received through the programme.
As a special part of the ceremony, past teachers, Elaine Malone-Lewis, Tulor Frett-Cameron, Janet Blyden, Juliette Wheatley and Mrs. Alice Leonard-Harry were given gifts in recognition of the service they provided to the school. Former Principal Phyllis George was also honoured for her role in bringing the school thus far. Parent Raymond Fonseca was announced as parent of the year.
Several businesses and persons including the BVI Water Sports Centre, Boyne’s Welding, LIME and the BVI Red Cross were recognised for their continuous support of the school.
The Eslyn Henley Richiez School was opened in 1972 by the BVI Red Cross and was formerly known as the Fort Charlotte Centre. In 1974 the school became Government assisted and in 1977, Government assumed full responsibility for the school.
British Virgin Islands News