On January 28, 2016, the Principal, Staff and Students of the Alwyn Allison Richardson Primary in West End, Anguilla welcomed over 50 visitors to its premises. Visitors, who over the years, have become partners and extended family included Ministry of Education representatives, Department of Education Officials, community partners, parents, supporting colleagues and friends with one common interest: to support the advancement of Anguilla’s Future leaders through education technology.
The Alwyn Allison Richardson Primary school (AARPS) in collaboration with the Department of Education and the Department of Information Technology and E-Services (D.I.T.E.S), embarked on an initiative during the latter part of term one of 2015 – 2016 academic school year, to upgrade its Information Communication Technology Lab to align it with the ever-changing technological advancement. Now, less than 3 months later the event, chaired by Mr. Chrishauna Hughes (New ICT Assistant) marks the Lab’s official opening.
The initiative would not have been possible without the gracious and generous assistance of Bob and Melinda Blanchard of Blanchards Restaurant and Blanchards Beach Shack who are the pioneers in the establishment of a fund for Anguilla’s Children. Mrs. Blanchard in her remarks alluded to Mr. Blanchard’s sadness for not being able to attend the opening ceremony due to health reasons, but assured the attendees that he was here in spirit; moreover, he prepared the remarks for her to express.
Although Mr. & Mrs. Blanchard manage the disbursement of their Children’s fund, the Blanchards gave all the praise to their hard working, diligent and dedicated team at Blanchards Restaurant and Beach Shack for being the co-pioneers in the initiative. Likewise, she mentioned that Mr. Blanchard designed, built and shipped the new computer desks from Florida to Anguilla. Their team, under the direction of Mr. Miguel Leveret; received, unloaded the container and painted the lab in preparation for D.I.T.E.S to layout and install the new equipment.
Moreover, the Blanchards remarks made clear that many places in the world have great beaches, bigger airports and very nice cuisines but it is the warm heartedness of Anguilla’s people that make doing what they do possible. Additionally, it is the people of Anguilla through their warmth and welcoming demeanor, who indirectly encourage their guests to return and invest in Angulla’s children, thus the establishment of the fund.
Permanent Secretary Mrs. Chanellle Petty Barrett, expressed in her remarks that, “Commendation must be made to the Principal Tr. Marcia Brooks, staff of AARPS, Tr. Sandra Liddie Gumbs (ICT Teacher) and community partners, specifically Mr. & Mrs. Blanchard for their support. She stated that Government of Anguilla would love to do more – much more – but in all honesty cannot do it all alone.
The Opening Prayer for the event was delivered by Tr. Carol Richardson, followed by the National Song and School Song by students. Additionally, Principal Tr. Marcia Brooks presented the Welcome remarks, followed by Tr. Sandra Liddie Gumbs who stated that “this investment and support holds true to the old saying that it takes a community to raise a child and in this case our children.”
Finally, the Vote of thanks was done by grade 6 student Rhianna Evans, who on behalf of the student body, vowed to take full advantage of the equipment and the opportunity afforded to them. Prior to the tour of the new ICT Lab and serving of refreshments by the Blanchards team, the cutting of the ribbon was done and Mrs. Blanchard who declared the lab is officially open.
