Six former Valley Secondary School teachers in Anguilla have been recognised and honoured for their contribution to the learning and wellbeing of a number of their students.
The event was a luncheon on Tuesday, September 29, at the Royale Caribbean Resort at Little Harbour. It was organised by the owners of the property, Mr. Quincy Gumbs and his family, for his birthday celebration. The function was also an opportunity for Mr. Gumbs and some of his former schoolmates to thank several retired teachers who had taught them, and other fellow students, at The Valley Secondary School – many years ago.
The past students involved in the event, along with Mr. Gumbs, were: Mr. Wycliffe Fahie; Mr. Glen Hodge; and Ms. Jean Lake. They were all attired in the school’s uniform – bringing back memories and much delight of the then school life in Anguilla. Led by Glen Hodge, the former students mimicked some of the classroom expressions of the teachers, much to the amusement of the gathering.
The retired teachers were: Mr. Sinclair Buchanan, Mrs. Stella Horsford; Mrs. Yolande Hodge-Richardson; Mrs. Rosena Brooks; Ms. Irma Richardson; and the late Mrs. Verna Fahie. Bouquets of flowers were among the presentations made to them. A plaque, in memory of Mrs. Fahie, who passed away on September 18, 2020, was presented to her widower, Mr. Marcel Fahie.
In addressing the gathering, Mr. Quincy Gumbs said in part: “I want to remind all the teachers, who taught us back in 1972, that you are still very special to us. We appreciate the impact that you had on our lives. To my very good high school friends, thank you for dressing up as having been good high school boys; and Jean, for having been a good high school girl. ”
Mr Gumbs also paid tribute to Mrs. Verna Fahie. “She was beautiful, smart, intelligent and jovial,” he recalled. “To her, laughter was a medicine. She was our Form Mistress and she had our respect. No doubt a piece of her went with us through the remaining classes of The Valley Secondary School. As we made our way into the world of work, her 1972 Form Class made in an indelible mark on this country and the world.
“When the history of The Valley Secondary School is written, it will be said, of Mrs. Verna Sebastian-Fahie, that she did her best for every student. That’s why, today, we can say she will live on in us.”
Mr. Gumbs concluded: “Mr. Fahie, our heartfelt sympathy goes out to you and children – and may her soul rest in perpetual peace.”
