CHARLESTOWN, Nevis - PREMIER of Nevis, the Hon. Joseph Parry on Tuesday (Apr. 28) advised 52 students who graduated from the “Express Yourself” programme not to be shy about letting their feelings and opinions be known.
Addressing the participants at the graduation ceremony held at the Red Cross Building in Charlestown, Premier Parry said there is a tendency for people on the island to be shy. He said that in most settings, people prefer to occupy the back chairs while those up front are left empty. Parry also told the children to avoid the mistakes of the adults who sometimes prefer to speak after meetings instead of speaking openly and frankly.
“If you have a thought, express it,” the Premier said. He told the children to avoid solving conflicts by seeking vengeance and advised them to respect even those who did not agree with them and those whose opinions were illogical.
The five-session hands-on training programme was coordinated by the Ministry of Education and BBC-trained journalist and broadcaster Ricardo Blackman.
Blackman, who owns the Barbados-based public relations firm, JER, said Express Yourself was designed to enhance the communication skills of young people, aged nine to 11. The programme, he said, was successfully launched in Barbados last year with the endorsement of the Ministry of Education and Human Resource Development.
He said the format of the course included tutorials; practical role-playing sessions; a diverse range of communication related topics, including a working definition of communication; verbal and non-verbal communication; improving and developing English pronunciation skills; effective listening; projection; posture; barriers to communication; impromptu speaking; dressing to impress; news and sports casting; the importance of body language and eye contact; the importance of confidence in public speaking and even Chinese Newsletters.
“I wish to state that the five sessions which I have spent with the children of Nevis have been one of the most enjoyable and inspirational periods of my professional life…I speak as a granddad, father, public relations professional and friend of Nevis when I say that it was a great experience,” Blackman said.
Blackman said that Express Yourself could enable the children to overcome shyness and fear. He said all the children who participated in the course had performed exceptionally well. He however identified three of them who excelled.
He awarded the prize for Attitude to Trishana Shangoor of Lyn Jeffers, the Presentation prize to Yvado Simmons of St. Thomas’ Primary and Neila Jones of Ivor Walters Primary, and Cheslin Maloney of St. Thomas Primary was awarded the Most Improved Student’s prize.
