BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – DIFFERENT cultures from across the OECS were colourfully displayed yesterday at the Maurice Hillier Memorial Junior School.
The cultural exhibition featured pictures, historical information and even foodstuff native to the nine OECS member states. Held at the school grounds, the display was the work of the institution’s students as part of the ninth incarnation of the annual “No TV Week” of activities.
Speaking exclusively to SKNVibes, Principal Icilma Springer informed that the exhibition was the result of discussions the students had had earlier in the week with persons from different islands within the OECS. She explained that the purpose behind the activity was to expose them to different cultures and ways of life.
“St. Kitts is so small and our students have to recognise the world doesn’t end with our waters. They need to broaden their horizons and become aware of the differences in cultures between countries.”
Other activities throughout the week were Monday’s (May 18) “Family Affair” in which parents and children spent time singing and telling stories together. Tonight’s activity, the Rainbow Pageant, will be held at Carnival Village where a new Prince and Princess will be crowned.
According to Springer, the objective behind “No TV Week” is to strengthen the bond between parents and children. Calling television “no replacement for a mother or father”, the Principal urged parents to take advantage of the week to become closer with their children.
“This week is all about family and helping parents and children understand that the TV is not everything. Parents no longer gather around the table to read and discuss matters; it’s as though the TV has become a baby-sitter. We need to move away from that kind of thinking,” she declared.
