Ryan Robin top student of BVI Tech/Voc Institute’s class of 2008
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| Education officials and faculty of the BVI Technical and Vocational Institute join the 2008 Graduating Class of the institute to capture this proud moment. (Mr. Aldrin Rabsatt/GIS) |
Roadtown, Tortola - Mr. Ryan Robin is the valedictorian of the third graduating class of the BVI Technical and Vocational Institute.
Mr. Robin, who was awarded a Secondary School Leaving Certificate and a technical certificate in Small Engine Repair, was among six students who graduated from the institute yesterday.
The other five graduates received certificates in the following technical areas: Mr. Kishorne Hughes (Auto/Air Condition); Mr. Hugo Martin (Visual Arts); Mr. Evrod Nickie (Air Condition); Mr. Keejan Thomas (Small Engine Repair); and Miss Shane Smith (Computer).
Minister of Education and Culture Honourable Andrew Fahie congratulated the graduates, principal and teachers for their hard work and dedication.
The Minister told the gathering that the students from the BVITVI have a lot of talent. “I continue to state in words and deed that we must change the perception of the technical vocational school into one in which everyone looks at it with the pride and joy as it should be looked upon,” he said.
“I am a firm believer that it does not matter how you start, what is important is how you finish,” the Minister added.
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| BVI Technical and Vocational Institute top student Mr. Ryan Robin proudly receives his high school diploma from Education Officer Mrs. Cecily Malone. (Mr. Aldrin Rabsatt/GIS) |
The Minister told the gathering that the ministry continues to work feverishly to ensure that this programme, as well as anything else in education, is dealt with in the highest of standards.
Education Officer for Technical and Vocational Education and Training Mr. Allen Hodge urged the graduates to continue to develop themselves and not to under estimate what they have achieved thus far.
“Do not under estimate what you have achieved because what you have are marketable skills which can be used to earn you a living and on which you can also build and get further education,” he said.
Principal of the Technical and Vocational Institute Mrs. Cynthia Brannigan said she has no doubt that some of the future top entrepreneurs of the BVI will be graduates of the BVITVI.
“These are the people who are going to be able to assist us with our vehicles, appliances, air conditioners, pottery, clothing and so on,” Mrs. Brannigan told the gathering.
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| The BVI Technical and Vocational Institute’s Class of 2008 throw their graduation caps in the air as they celebrate their achievement after their graduation ceremony on December 9. (Mr. Aldrin Rabsatt/GIS) |
Guest Speaker Mr. David Penn who is an attorney in the Attorney General’s Chambers told the graduates: “It is important for you, in reaching this milestone, to understand that from this moment on your life is now in your hands.
You now become responsible for you,” he said, adding, “You have now entered the phase of life that is adulthood and as such you will assume greater responsibilities for yourselves.”
Student respondent Mr. Robin said as a young man he has truly realised the importance of obtaining a good education. “In my community there are careers or jobs that can be filled by all of us who are graduating here today. We have the ability to do whatever we put our minds to and do it well,” he said.
The students received awards and trophies in the areas of most outstanding work in subject areas and good effort, among others.
The BVI Technical and Vocational Institute has graduated 24 students since its inception in September 2004 of which six have obtained their high school diplomas. The overall aim of the programme is to train persons in the school system with an interest and aptitude for work in technical areas.
British Virgin Islands News