ROADTOWN Tortola BVI, June 12th , 2012 --- Good afternoon Principal Huggins, staff, parents, and especially to all of our students and awardees at today’s prize giving ceremony at the Eslyn Henley Richiez Learning Centre.
Let me say how pleased I was to see Mr. and Miss Eslyn Henly Richiez Learning Centre and a few other students at Sunday’s Territorial Dress and Song presentation. It was an historic opportunity for Virgin Islanders and residents to get together as we look to assert Virgin Islands heritage in the daily lives, hearts and minds of all.
I want to encourage Principal Huggins and all teachers and parents to ensure that students at this learning institution get the opportunity to be exposed as often as their peers to these types of functions. Those opportunities are also important to developing all of our students.
My vision for all of our children, and I stress, all of our children, is for them to become productive and contributing members of our society. I believe all children are blessed with talents and abilities that our community should get the benefit of. As Minister responsible for Education and Culture, I will continue to advocate for equitable education for all and work to find the support and resources to realize that goal.
As we work towards developing a culture of excellence in our education system, I know it also involves us, the policy makers and education administrators, finding the best resources to help students excel and achieve with excellence.
That is why our Ministry, is continuously working to find qualified and trained individuals that can assist with the learning needs of students with different needs. In addition, we continue to work on finding appropriate learning tools, computers, applications and other technologies that can assist in the learning process.
I know that the work of teachers at this school is important. I was very pleased to learn of the significant improvement of a number of our students here today including:
• Tasha Isles
• Devin Joseph
• Deandre James
• And Khalid Liburd who I understand has shown vast improvement in several areas.
Teachers thank you very much for helping our students have the opportunity to learn and find ways that they can make their contribution to their families and eventually, to our community.
To the parents, guardians and family members of our children here today, I want you to know that I do understand the challenges you face seeking services and the appropriate learning environment for your child.
You have my commitment and that of the Government that we will continue to be engaged with the community of
Parents and Caregivers of Children with special needs and I will continue to do all that I can from my seat as the Minister for Education and Culture and as a Territorial Representative to ensure that the support, resources and commitment is there from our community to allow your child the opportunity to live a full and independent life, right here at home in these Virgin Islands.
Thank you all again for having me and I look forward to this afternoon’s presentations.
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