CHARLESTOWN, Nevis – GUYANESE nationals on Nevis have been commended for their positive attitudes and the willingness with which they perform their duties.
This praise came from Education Officer Palsy Wilkin during her feature address at the 4th Annual Students Award Ceremony of the Guyanese Association of Nevis on Wednesday (Nov. 25) at the Red Cross building in Charlestown.
Wilkin said her husband Pearlievan Wilkin, who worked with many Guyanese nationals during his time as Permanent Secretary in two ministries and as Principal of the Charlestown Secondary School, always remarked on “the positive attitudes and the willingness with which Guyanese have performed their duties – “Duties and task which we Nevisians sometimes refused to perform…and the way you show such humility and seized every opportunity for advancement, be it in training or entrepreneurship.”
The Education Officer identified teacher Parikhan Ram as one such persons who could be emulated. She said Ram came to Nevis 20 years ago when there was a paucity of qualified teachers and when those who were qualified were moving on to other professions. She pointed out that Ram made an outstanding contribution as a teacher of English and History at the Charlestown Secondary School and Sixth Form College, and by extension to education on Nevis.
“He seized the opportunities available to him.”
According to Wilkin, Ram’s name became a household word because he was a dedicated worker and tower of strength for her husband who was then Principal of CSS. She also praised Ram’s wife Banmattee who, like her husband, was a founding member of the Association, for the valuable service she provided as the school’s librarian.
“They paved the way for other Guyanese.”
Wilkin said she has also observed the dedication and determination of Guyanese teachers, especially those at the primary level. She singled out former Association director Shevonne Lowe as one such, noting her progression from graduation from the Fitzroy Bryant College to being recognised as a Teacher of Excellence by the Ministry and Department of Education on November 21.
Association Secretary Yolanda Lowe came in for praise as Wilkin mentioned the interest shown by Guyanese parents in Parent Teachers Association meetings and workshops.
“I always admire the way some parents have always thought to enquire and to understand our system and the way things work. Yolanda Lowe is a perfect example that comes to mind. She joined us at the Nevis Dyslexia Association so she could learn more of how she could help her child at home. I wish we could take a page out of your book.”
Wilkin also mentioned how her family was blessed by Sharon Semple whose dedication, reliability, love and affection ensured that Wilkin’s mother, a quadriplegic; receive “the best care and attention humanely possible”.
“Sharon made it possible for us to take her to church on Sunday for the first time since she had her accident in March 2007.”
Directly addressing the four students present, Wilkin told them their families have contributed to every strata of society, despite the many challenges. She said locating to a new country must have brought many challenges in their personal lives, “but the fact that you are here together this evening as an organisation is indicative of the fact that you have banded together to continue to give support to each other. May we as Nevisians take a page from your book”.
Wilkin encouraged them to keep in mind universal as well as their own unique challenges and they would find enduring solutions and directions.
“Read broadly and deeply and make use of every opportunity that is available for your continuous education…you made the necessary investments in your education. This will sustain and increase your success one, five, 10 years from now.”
The Education Officer also commended the Association for the gesture, saying that through recognition comes a stronger sense of community and self-importance.
“The ability to build strong self-esteem is the most powerful tool a recognition program of this kind can provide. People love to be recognised.”
Also addressing Wednesday’s ceremony were Guyana’s Honorary Counsel to St. Kitts and Nevis, Stanford Conway, and former teacher Ira Hanley.
Seven students were indentified for awards from their performances at CSEC but three of them, Indra Williams, Roberta Scott and Ozini Collins, did not attend the ceremony. Those who attended were Daiyana Ramnauth, Jawhiwattie Tilackdharry, Latoya John and the only boy Marvin Ross who received the Chairman’s Award for Excellence.
Prizes were donated by TDC Nevis, Dalton Construction, Sertima Construction and A&D Fraser.
The Association is meanwhile scheduled to hold its annual election of officer-bearers on December 2 at the Red Cross building. Starting time is 7:30 p.m.
