The Vivien Vanterpool Primary School (VVPS) is in the news once again with a high degree of recognition for the work of a few prisoners who teamed up recently with some past students to paint the school’s buildings.
During the course of the short summer vacation, Ms. Shariffa Wallace, the Rehabilitation and Development Coordinator at Her Majesty’s Prison, along with Prison Supervisor, Devon George, made arrangements for five prisoners to paint both the interior and exterior of the school’s buildings.
Priding themselves as the “Green Gators”, the teachers and students of the school, in past years, had settled on green as the official colour of the school. And in line with that tradition, the prisoners and ex-students — who freely rendered their willing service — provided a fantastic facelift through varied shades of green.
The Principal, Mrs. Mavis Fleming-Drakes, expressed much appreciation and praise for the sterling contribution of the workmen, saying: “Her Majesty’s Prison system must be commended for their contribution to the Vivien Vanterpool Primary School. In fact, for the past years, Officer George had been bringing the same group of prisoners to trim the school yard. He informed us that when the prisoners were told about painting the school, they were happy to come and make their worthwhile contribution.”
The Principal continued: “A group of eight young men, who are past students of the Vivien Vanterpool Primary, also assisted under the supervision of Ms. Denisha Sponsper and Mr. Wayne John. They helped with painting the school’s banisters, the foundation of the buildings and the benches in the school corridors. They also collected garbage and debris from the yard and put the refuse in a dumpster which was donated by Vanterpool Services.”
She went on to say: “The maintenance crew of the Department of Education was truly relieved with the help they received. I join with the school’s staff, parents, students and the community at large, to express our gratitude to Ms. Shariffa Wallace, Officer Devon George and the prisoners, as well as Mrs. Deniesha Sponsper, Mr. Wayne John, and the past students.”
Mrs. Fleming-Drakes concluded: “We are also grateful for the support given by Mr. Russell Webster and Mr. Donald Wilson of the Department of Education’s maintenance crew. Sincere thanks are also given to Ms. Sheila Webster, our current PTA President, who prepared meals daily for the workmen. We extend thanks, as well, to Mr. Keanu Belle and his yard cutting team, including Mr. Chad Smith. We are blessed and happy to have our beautiful, well groomed, freshly painted school, and we say hearty thanks to all who have contributed towards that end.”
– Staff Reporter, James R. Harrigan
