Friday, November 13 – Students of the Bregado Flax Educational Centre, both primary and secondary divisions, took part in the dedication of their playground and new steel pan room on November 12.
Premier and Minister of Finance Honourable Ralph T. O’Neal, OBE who is also the Ninth District Representative in his remarks highlighted the importance of his attendance at the ceremony. “A ceremony like this I put high on my list to show the children that we care and look out for them. I count it a joy to be here and I hope that the interest of the parents and children will continue,” the Premier said.
He also noted that with recycling taking place in our Territory today, “this is one good use of the old oil drums to be used as musical instruments.”
The Premier also congratulated the Minister for Education and Culture Honourable Andrew Fahie and his staff for the work being done throughout the schools. “I am sure that this will continue to improve and enhance the school’s environment for the benefit of the children so that they can come up in an environment where they are exposed to quite a few things that are necessary for the improvement of their learning and betterment. I am pleased to see that the steel pan band has been revived and I hope that the other school band is also doing well,” he added.
Also speaking at the dedication ceremony, Honourable Fahie said, “This is a special day. This day is for the children and I remember a year ago when I did classroom visits the students asked me for a playground and today I am glad that we have dedicated a playground on behalf of the students.”
The Minister also told students that, “The key to improving Virgin Gorda, your life and your family is through education; if you want to better your life, do your school work and listen to your teachers.”
He also thanked the Premier for approving funding despite the limited resources and high demands, the Ministry of Education and Culture’s staff and Mr. Hilroy George, principal of the Primary Division and the teachers.
The ceremony was highlighted with steel pan selections from the primary division students who played, “Yellow Bird”, followed by the secondary students playing “What a beautiful day in paradise”, under the directorship of Instructor Reverend Tyrone Hunkins. The primary division also did a poem and song written by Culture Teacher Mrs. Beverly Nisbett, which expressed the students’ appreciation for the facilities. The song and poem were well received by the audience.
Territorial at Large Representatives Honourable Irene Penn-O'Neal and Honourable Keith Flax, Ministry of Education and Culture Permanent Secretary Mrs. Sheila Brathwaite, Ag. Chief Education Officer Dr. Marcia Potter, Deputy Chief Education Officer Mrs. Beverlie Brathwaite, Department of Youth Affairs and Sports after school programme coordinator Ms. Sherna Saunders, Sister Islands Coordinator Mr. Vincent Wheatley and the contractor Mr. Leon George of Virgin Gorda also attended the ceremony. Miss Mariah Christian, a class four student, cut the ribbon to open both facilities.
The opening of the playground and steel pan room facility is in keeping with Government’s commitment to enhance the school’s facilities.
British Virgin Islands News