CHARLESTOWN Nevis, April 7th 2011 - As Commentator Rudy Browne called out the final scores, the mass gathering at the Elquemedo Willet Pak was in an unusual hush. Something told the spectators that the results from the final races of the day at the Gulf Insurance Inter Primary Schools championships or the ‘mini Olympics’, may have caused the final scores to be mighty close and so they were. However, when the announcement for second place was made as the Charlestown Primary School, the shouts rose to a crescendo as it sunk in to the Gingerland supporters, that the Joycelyn Liburd Primary School had successfully defended its championship in the A division, won last year by the narrowest of margins - this year winning significantly by all of 27 points.
On the other hand, to demonstrate the level of competition experienced all afternoon, just 4 points separated the second and third placers, with Charlestown Primary on 168 in second and the St.Thomas’ Primary School on a heart stuttering 164 in third.
In the B division, an obviously improved St.James’ team outshone last year’s champs, Elizabeth Pemberton Primary, to take first place honours.
As was generally predicted, the competition was intense from the very first race and with neither Charlestown Primary nor the champions JLPS dominating the first few races, an upset seemed in the offing as some of the more lowly rated schools dominated the early exchanges.
However, as the crowd swelled to massive proportions, it was obvious to all that the defending champions were indeed in this thing for the big haul.
Speaking of the crowd, it was an amazing mixture of hairstyles and clothing attire which made the big day what it was—from Idella Newton cutely attired in her orange Nurse’s uniform (an all time first), to the two magicians for the CPS in the well known Pat Claxton and Jean Caines who amazingly even though injured managed to fit into her magic suit and hobble into the ETW park on crutches, to Super Chic in his usual purple gear, to Special Advisor Llewellyn Parris in a eye catching orange suit which must have just been flown in from the US, to the Hon Carlylse Powell in a not so conspicuous purple shirt—and many more. It was clear to see that the hair stylists and the stores in downtown Charlestown had made up for a lean Christmas last year.
The day had started with an impressive march past of the schools at 12.30—a definite improvement over last year. The inspection of the teams was conducted by a group of dignitaries which included Minister of Sports-Hon Hensley Daniel, Patron of the meet—Akeem Bailey, local Gulf insurance rep-Arthur Evelyn and Gulf Insurance rep from Trinidad—Leon Williams.
The athletes then retreated to their various camps while the speeches were delivered. The proceedings were ably chaired by NAAA’s PRO, the hard working Halstead ‘Sooty’ Byron and the national anthem was beautifully rendered by a student from the JLPS, followed with prayer by Pastor Cumberbatch.
Among those delivering addresses were: Ms Michelle Sutton representing the Sports Department who gave welcoming remarks; NAAA’s chief Lester Blackette delivered a very passionate address during which he outlined his ‘dream’ for athletics on Nevis and Anna Leah-specially invited guest from Sweden who noted the event is unmatched, even in Sweden;.
The most touching moment of the day however, was an address given by ailing Sports Coordinator within the Ministry of Education, Lydia Thompson-Claxton who greeted the crowd via cell phone and thanked all who had made contributions to her in her fight against breast cancer.
Mr. Leon Williams who spoke next indicated that he was so moved by Lydia’s address that he had quickly made arrangements for a donation to her cause from Gulf Insurance. He also pledged his company’s continued commitment to the event and promised some surprises for next year’s 20th anniversary of its sponsorship.
Principal Education Officer, Mrs. Lornette Queeley-Connor lauded the efforts of Gulf insurance and Lester Blackette in particular and asked the athletes to strive for excellence. Minister of Sports, Hon Hensley Daniel was confident that ‘the best team would win’. He referred to the meet as ‘a great family event and a business event’.
He too was high in praise for Lester Blackette, the NAAA and Gulf Insurance. He noted that all of the teams were fully geared up and that all teams had a chance on the day and referred to the mini Olympics as ‘an unstoppable force’.
Victrix Ludorum of 2010 Kurvella Wallace then read the athletes’ oath and Levi James did the officials’ oath.
Special presentations were then made on behalf of the NAAA and the Ministry of Education by reigning Miss Culture, Verna Grant, firstly to Gulf Insurance rep Leon Williams and then to Patron of the meet, Akeem Bailey who later declared the meet officially open.
A moment’s silence was then observed in honour of the late outsanding athlete and official, Junior Seabrookes.
Then the buzz was focused on the track for the remainder of the day.
When the dust settled the final scores were:
A Division
Joycelyn Liburd Primary—Champions—195 points
Charlestown Primary—168
St.Thomas’ Primary—164
Ivor Walters Primary—92
B division
St.James’ Primary— Champions--91
Elizabeth Pemberton Primary—70
Maude Cross Prep—44
VOJN---42
Combined Schools (Lyn Jeffers and Belle Vue Int)—8
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