Charlestown Nevis (May 24, 2005) Principal of the Charlestown Secondary School (CSS), Mr. Edison Elliot says that the many achievements, developments and successes that the school attained throughout the past, were based on the foundation which was laid some fifty-five years ago.
He was at the time delivering brief remarks during the school's fifty-fifth anniversary service held at the Charlestown Methodist Church on Tuesday May 24, where a cross section of the local community attended.
"Today we look back and analyze the fifty-five years of Charlestown Secondary School and conclude that the foundation was well laid," said Principal Elliot. "Today we boast of a school that has laid the foundation for the best among us, teachers, doctors, lawyers, engineers, nurses, politicians and managers, just to name a few."
In observing the significant milestone, Elliot noted that the School had experienced many changes as well as many challenges and added, "Today we view ourselves as the leading education institution in our federation. Leading because we are the only institution with secondary and tertiary education combined."
"We cater for students in first to fourth stream, first form to sixth form. The Multi Purpose Center is also an integral part of the CSS. This reflects the institution's diversified functions and collectively they bring us success."
The Principal noted that thanks must be given to the Almighty for bring the school thus far. He said, "We have come here today because we know that we will not be rejected. We have come here today because after fifty five years we must give thanks. Thanks to individuals but most importantly thanks to the Almighty, and we must continue to seek guidance."
The ceremony saw a cross section of the community that included Premier and Minister of Education, the Hon Vance Amory as well as other Ministers of Government, President of the Nevis Island Assembly, Mrs. Marjorie Morton, Federal Parliamentary Representative for Constituency 11, the Hon Patrice Nisbett, past principals of the school, past and present education officers as well as parents and guardians.
Junior Minister of Education and Library Services, the Hon Livingston Herbert gave brief remarks on behalf of the Ministry of Education and expressed congratulations to the school on behalf of the ministry as well as the Nevis Island Administration.
He pointed out that it was his belief that it was fitting to celebrate fifty-five years of providing secondary education and almost half of that time providing tertiary education. "Education is a significant achievement especially given our history and where we are in regards to our socio economic and political development. Whatever the accomplishment of the Charlestown Secondary School, it must be seen in the context of a journey," he added.
"The school has transformed since then. It has moved from a secondary status to a tertiary status. Those of us who has passed through and are passing through the hallowed walls of the CSS can readily identified with the journey of the CSS."
The challenges have increased exponentially and sometimes we are hard pressed to cope with the many situations that confront us, but I believed whatever the circumstances, we are able to draw from the experiences of the past fifty-five years and fortify ourselves with the knowledge that had it not been for the conviction and perseverance of our pioneers, education administrators, principals and faculty, we perhaps would not be engaged in this act of thanksgiving."
Also in attendance were members of the clergy as well as the first graduant of the Charlestown Secondary School, Mr. Spencer Howell who brought words of remembrances. A brief sermon was delivered by Pastor Dave Morton while Father Ernest Flemming bestowed the blessing.
The ceremony was followed by a march through the streets of Charlestown on to the school ground by principal, staff and students who displayed placards bearing positive messages.
