BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – STUDENTS and staff of the Dean Glasford Primary School arrived at the learning institution this morning (Sept. 10) to brighter surroundings, thanks to a collaborative effort amongst a member of the business community, the Ministry of Education and the St. Peter’s Football Club First Division.
The youngsters of the club – as explained by player/coach Vere McClean – took to the school last Saturday (Sept. 8) to give the surrounding a mini facelift as the external walls of the institution’s buildings were inappropriately decorated with graffiti.
“There was need to fix the school after the summer break and I spoke to the Head Teacher, Miss Martin, and she said she needed some help in getting some things finished. When we went there, we realised the school had lots of graffiti on it so I spoke to the fellows on the team and I told them since we were not practicing on Saturday we would go over to the school and begin painting.”
He said about 15 of the team’s members showed up and the process of repainting the walls of the school buildings began.
McClean said – with only one coat applied – the job is yet unfinished and is scheduled to continue this Saturday.
“Most of us went to the Dean-Glasford Primary School, so we decided we have to do something in the community and we decided to take on the primary school.
“The Motto on the school is ‘Rise Up and Achieve’ and that is what we want for the school and for the St. Peter’s community. It would be somewhat difficult for the students to learn in an environment where there is graffiti and we feel that the little facelift would assist in some way.”
The Player Coach expressed thanks to Recardo’s Home Centre and the Ministry of Education for the part they played in giving life to the idea.
“We are very grateful to the Ministry of Education and Recardo’s Home Centre for their help with this project. We received about 30 gallons of paint and a number of paint brushes, roller pads and roller pans which we used to get the job done. We also want to thank Miss Martin for giving us the opportunity to come out and show that we are not just about football, but that we are genuinely interested in the development of the youths of the community.”
To those individuals who are bent on defacing the school’s property, McClean issued a warning and indicated that it would not be tolerated. He also encouraged members of the St. Peter’s community to report to the police any person they observe defacing the school or other property.
“I urge persons in community, when you see others defacing the property in whatever shape or form, please do not hesitate to report it to the police, because in addition to the material being expensive, defacing the property can affect the children because that is there learning environment.
“I – personally – would be reporting anyone to the police who I see defacing the school property. I personally would be reporting anyone to the police station who I see defacing the school property.”
