Public Primary Schools Honour Teacher Veda With An Admirable Memorial

On Tuesday, 5th April, at the Rodney McArthur Rey Auditorium, the Education Department conducted a well-organised memorial event in which the island’s six public primary schools paid special tribute to a fallen educator –
a stalwart of her vocation – the late Veda Vincencia Harrigan, affectionately known as Teacher Veda. She passed away on February 7th when she succumbed to a brief illness overseas.

To begin Tuesday’ s event, prayer was offered by Pastor Julet Simon, and the lively singing of the song, “How Great Thou Art”, gave way to a series of songs by each primary school – as well as other renditions and video messages by members of the Department of Education.

Welcome remarks were given by Chief Education Officer, Mr. Bren Romney. He welcomed everyone, but he especially acknowledged the presence of Teacher Veda’s daughter, Natisha Fleming-Buffard, who was accompanied by her husband Charles. He also gave recognition to Teacher Veda’s son, Kareem Fleming. Mr. Romney remarked that Teacher Veda was a beloved Teacher, a Principal, and an Education Officer. He then solemnly stated in his address: Today, I am giving my farewell salute to a departed colleague, friend and mentor.”

Following Mr. Romney’s address, special tributes got underway. Moderators for this segment were Ms. Sandra Fahie, Mrs. Susan Smith and Mrs. Tracelyn Hamilton.

In 1972, Teacher Veda began her teaching career at the Island Harbour Primary School, now the Vivien Vanterpool Primary School. There she worked in various capacities, including Temporary Uncertified Teacher, Certified Teacher and Acting Principal. The first school to render tribute, therefore, was the Vivien Vanterpool Primary School. They sang a medley of “The Blood Will Never Lose Its Power” and “Because He Lives”.
In 1978, Teacher Veda embarked upon teaching at the Stoney Ground Primary School, later named the Orealia Kelly Primary School. The next tribute was a song, entitled “The Goodness of God”, sung by student representatives of that school.

In 1983, Teacher Veda began serving at the St, Mary’s Pre-School, where she gained experience in pre-school teaching. The St. Mary’s Pre-School students sang the song “You are My Strength” presented via video. This was followed by “A Shelter in the Time of Storm” sung by the pre-school teachers.

In 1990, Teacher Veda began to work at the Road Primary School, now the Adrian T. Hazell Primary School. There she served as Acting Principal. A group of students from Adrian T. Hazell performed “In Christ Alone” in tribute to her memory.
In 1996, Teacher Veda was transferred to the West End Primary School, now named the Alwyn Allison Richardson Primary School. There she served for two terms as a class teacher and later as a Principal. A contingent from that school gleefully sang, in tribute, the song “Trust in You”.

In the latter part of 1996, after her two-term tenure in West End, Teacher Veda moved to The Valley Primary School where she served as Principal for ten years. She completed her service there in 2006, being the longest of her tenure at any one school. Students from Valley Primary sang an inspiring tune entitled “Lord I need You”.
Though Teacher Veda did not actually work at the East End Primary School, during her years of service, she nonetheless affected the careers of many teachers who taught there. Consequently, a group of students from the East End School, now formally known as the Morris Vanterpool Primary School, beautifully rendered “Ten Thousand Reasons” in her honour.
Other tributes included video messages by Teachers Patsy Adams, Allison Hughes, and Celestine John. A special tribute, in the form of an address, was delivered on the behalf of the Anguilla Teachers’ Union, by its President, Ms. Cherise Gumbs. Also rendered in tribute was the song “Find Us Faithful” by the full body of teachers, “If I can Help Somebody” by the Department of Education, as well as a poem “How Do We Say Goodbye”, also by the Department of Education.