BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS, August 30, 2024 (MMS-SKN) -- Prime Minister and Area Parliamentary Representative for St. Christopher Eight, the Hon Dr Terrance Drew, has reiterated that children are the future, and that it gives him great pleasure to influence the future positively through them.
The Prime Minister made the remarks on Thursday afternoon, August 29, at the Honourable Dr Terrance M. Drew Constituency #8 Annual Scholarship Awards 2024 ceremony, which was held at the CUNA Conference Centre in Fortlands, where 91 primary and secondary school students were awarded.
“I am elated whenever I have an event like this, because when I actually see the opportunity to influence the future in a positive way I consider it a great, great opportunity - one that should never, ever be taken for granted,” said Prime Minister Dr Drew, who is also the Federal Minister of Finance; National Security, Citizenship and Immigration; Health; and Social Security.
The colourful ceremony, which was attended by a large group of parents and family friends, was chaired by Mr Shannoid Bass. It was also attended by among others, Prime Minister’s wife, Mrs Diani Prince-Drew; Chair of Constituency Number Eight Labour Branch Executive Ms Avonelle Martin; and other members of C8 Labour Branch Executive.
“If you want to glimpse into the future, just take a look at the children,” said Hon Dr Drew.
“You should not only take a look at the children, but you must ask yourself, how can I positively impact the children, so they grow up to be the adults, who will take the mantle of leadership in the community and therefore ensure that the future is not only bright for them but it is also bright for their communities and their families, the country and indeed for the world.”
Stressing the need for families and communities to take care of the children, the Honourable Prime Minister advised parents to know who the friends of their children are, where they are hanging out, where they eat their lunch, where they play football, where they play basketball, and with whom they go around. He also advised them to be careful with whom they meet in church as there are predators in churches waiting for the children.
“So, as I look at these beautiful young faces here, this afternoon, I feel hopeful,” said the Honourable Prime Minister. “I feel hopeful that the future is bright, the future is secured. I feel hopeful that we can pass the mantle on to them. I feel hopeful they will live out their dreams, I feel hopeful that they have the potential to become what we hope for them to become.”
An inspirational poem was delivered by Master Malik Burroughs, who captured the undivided attention of everyone in the room including Prime Minister the Hon Dr Terrance Drew, by ending his poem: ‘Let us always remember: One book, one pen, one child, and one teacher can change the world’. When Prime Minister Dr Drew rose to deliver his speech, he acknowledged that those words were indeed inspiring.
Students were called in order and each came forward to receive their award from the Prime Minister, the Hon Dr Drew. However, before all the students could have received their awards, the Prime Minister had to leave for Antigua, where the first Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League cricket game between St. Kitts and Nevis Patriots and Antigua and Barbuda Falcons, being played at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua. The Patriots won by one wicket.
Ms Avonelle Martin, Chair of Constituency Number Eight Labour Branch Executive, took over from Prime Minister Drew, and presented awards to the rest of the students. Earlier on Mr Doan Ferdinand had offered the invocation, while Mr Nigel Miller gave the vote of thanks at the end of the ceremony.
Students receiving the awards were drawn from the Beach Allen, Dean Glasford, and Cayon Primary Schools; and Washington Archibald, Cayon, and Basseterre High Schools. Assisting the Master of Ceremonies Mr Bass, and ensuring that the children received their awards in an orderly way was Director in the Prime Minister’s Office, Ms Viera Galloway.
The scholarship programme which was started several years ago, before he became the Prime Minister, is funded through his Community Enhancement Programme and aims at raising scholarships both on merit and needs, ensuring that deserving primary and secondary students from various communities in Constituency Number Eight, including the greater Basseterre area, receive the support that they need to excel.
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