Last week was another great week for the pomp and ceremony associated with achievements in education. There are those who would comment that these events seem overdone while others (myself included) would suggest that even if that were the case it is perhaps an important incentive to those in attendance. Those in attendance could include siblings and other students who would be encouraged to work hard to achieve that privilege, as well as parents who very often seem to derive more pride from such events than the graduates themselves.
While I did not get the opportunity to attend the graduation of the Anguilla Community College (ACC) I was most privileged to attend the Albena Lake-Hodge Comprehensive School (ALHCS) 25th Year Graduation Ceremony. Both of these events were historic. The ACC Graduation was the first for that institution and the ALHCS Graduation was a milestone twenty-fifth or silver jubilee celebration.
I am yet to determine whether my absence from the ACC graduation was because of my own negligence or an oversight by the institution — but it really doesn’t matter at this point. I am extremely proud of my support and contribution to the institution as well as the achievements of past and present Management and Staff. The President; the Faculty; the Management and Staff; and the Board of Governors must be commended for the brilliant work they are doing.
What was glaringly obvious to anyone present at or listening to those two events was the absence of the Minister of Education, the Hon. Jerome Roberts. And it is not clear whether he was on island or off-island. However, what is most important is that despite what is an apparent aversion to education, as is evident in the reluctance to pass the Education Bill and the abusive comments by Ministers to educators — these institutions continue to perform well.
Quite to the contrary, it is noteworthy that among this First Graduating Class at the ACC was the Hon. Othlyn Vanterpool who took the opportunity to do a City and Guilds Course in Plumbing for which he received his Certificate at this historic event. It is therefore quite clear that any ambitious Anguilla who wants to improve his or hers skills may find that course of study available right here on Anguilla. As a consequence one does not need to disrupt the pace of one’s life by having to travel overseas to get the necessary training. This is a vision being realized and an opportunity for the young, and the not so young, in the Anguillian community to prepare themselves to participate fully in our development at all levels.
I was particularly impressed with the ALHCS graduation ceremony because it is always for me an opportunity to get a glimpse into the future. On every occasion it brings a great sense of hope as I realize, that despite the negative comments we hear from time to time, the majority of our young people are on the right track. And even more significant is the fact that many of them are exceeding our expectations as well as our imaginations. The theme of the Class was inspiring: “the past — our heritage; the present — our responsibility; the future — our challenge”. And the keynote Speaker Mr. David Carty took the opportunity to challenge the class to make their mark on life in a way that even at the end they could be remembered for their contribution. His presentation was captivating throughout, and he kept even the more fidgety youngsters engaged with his moving illustrations that brought the theme alive.
But as a lover of music and the entertainment arts, I was again impressed by the talent of the young people at this event as in the past. I will forever be grateful to the Music Department at the ALHCS for their presentations on these occasions. Truth be told, this is usually the highlight of my attendance. And perhaps it is because I regret the fact that we were not so privileged. Even though we had exceptional music teachers we did not have the resources to give so many young people the opportunity to hone their talents. While I congratulate all the teachers at the ALHCS for the great job they are doing, it is the Music Department that radiates its brilliance on these occasions. It is a part of our culture to embrace music and I am happy that it is alive and well at the ALHCS.
As we look to the future we always try to imagine what our leaders will look like and, most importantly, their communication skills. On this occasion, like every other, we had a chance to get a glimpse of this as we do at the Debating Competitions. The Valedictorian, Gesel Hodge, acquitted herself in excellent fashion as she delivered her address. She captured the moment with both humour and seriousness befitting the occasion and, in many ways, was as engaging as Mr. Carty in the way she kept the audience entertained. Simply put, she did a great job. Malik Richards who is always uninhibited in making comments at most school events did the vote of thanks in his usual grand style as well. The future looks bright.
I was listening to a recording of a public meeting in South Valley by the Anguilla United Movement because I was told that a number of statements were made that I should evaluate. We have developed this strategy because we are determined that in this campaign we will eradicate the tendency by the Anguilla United Movement candidates to employ lies and defamatory statements to get reelected. Already one of the AUM loudmouths is crying foul that I should sue him for slanderous statements he made against me. His statement is so ridiculous that one is left to wonder whether he actually understands the fundamental right of the individual to protect his/her good name. It appears he believes that he should be able to say anything he wants (quite irresponsibly) and, because he calls himself “a poor man”, should be allowed to get away with it.
To put it more clearly! He has the right to freedom of expression but I do not have the right to defend myself against willful and deliberate defamation of my good name. Well “Mr. Loudmouth” you need to revise your thinking. And, for the benefit of the public, let it be known that all the compensation that I have requested from you is for charity — not for me personally. However, if you persist that too can change!
But what I heard in listening to those tapes is that my elected representative, the Hon. Evan Gumbs, commented that after he lost the 2005 election he was asked by one of his brothers to go overseas to further his education to prepare himself for the election in 2010 (or words to that effect). Obviously, Mr. Gumbs did not take that advice but on that platform in South Valley he commented: “Could you imagine what could have happened to Anguilla if I had left to further my studies and Mr. Banks had won the election? Anguilla would have been destroyed and I would not have had anything to come home to!”
Yes! Mr. Gumbs we will be forever grateful for the fact that you made that sacrificial decision not to further your studies so that you can protect Anguilla. You are a great hero! But, fortunately, now that the Anguilla Community College is offering courses right here in Anguilla — if you are so inclined there is no need to make any further sacrifices for your own improvement. Like the Hon. Othlyn Vanterpool, you can do those studies right here on Anguilla and you wont have to run the risk of leaving Valley South and Anguilla in the hands of that villain Victor Banks. We are truly blessed! Homegrown Education for We Nation!
