Student ambassadors urge nation to hold on to traditions, cultural values
By Melissa Bryant
Reporter-SKNVibes.com
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| L-R: Makeila Armstrong, Markysa O’Loughlin, Jherez Taylor |
BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – THE three Kittitian students who represented the Federation at the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) Participation Programme in the Cook Islands returned yesterday, (Nov. 3) and brought with them unique perspectives on small island sustainability.
During the October 27 to November 1 course Makeila Armstrong, Markysa O’Loughlin and Jherez Taylor had the opportunity to display the Federation’s culture and to discuss concerns relevant to the development of small island states.
In speaking with SKNVibes, the St. Kitts contingent said they “thoroughly enjoyed the experience”, as it was both an enjoyable and educational trip.
“We learned about the culture of the Cook Islands and the similarities and differences between them and us. They’re very traditional and I encourage Kittitians and Nevisians to hold on to our traditions and values. We also presented glimpses into our local and regional culture,” said O’Loughlin.
The students staged a variety of performances, including poetry-reading, singing, dancing and a steel pan rendition. The representatives delivered a presentation on Caribbean history which included the pre and post-emancipation eras as well as the current era.
According to Armstrong, they “practiced hard” to perfect their routines, which were well-received by the audience. ~~Adz:Right~~
The students met with the other representatives to discuss issues relating to sustainable development and visited sites of interest on the Rarotonga and Aitutaki Islands. They intend to share the information gained by visiting schools and publishing a Small Islands Voice newsletter detailing the trip.
“We got so many ideas from this conference. The Cook Islands have taken major steps to protect their environment; even their toilets have signs that differentiate between a small flush and a big flush in order to conserve water.
“I am positive that we can implement some of these ideas here in St. Kitts and Nevis and once we do so we will be better off as a nation,” Taylor added.
