The saying, that we must give flowers to deserving persons while they are alive, came into focus at what was called “A Farewell Salute in honour of Mrs. Verna Fahie” on Wednesday, October 21, at the Rodney MacArthur Rey Auditorium.
But during her lifetime she must have been aware of the high esteem and love in which she was widely held by those she taught and moulded – and her colleagues who worked closely with her and admired her. A special feature was a series of tributes in song by schoolchildren from across the island, adding much variety, appreciation and a sense of patriotism to the occasion.
The beloved and long-serving educator, who reached the echelons of the profession, as Chief Education Officer and other top level achievements, suddenly passed from this life on Friday, September 18, at the age of 69. Her departure certainly brought a tremendous amount of grief – not only among her close-knit family circle, but across the length and breadth of Anguilla.
It was in this spirit of fondness and sorrow that members of the teaching fraternity, and the rank and file of the community, turned out in large numbers at Wednesday’s farewell event. Their hearts heavy at her loss, they forced back tearful emotions with music, singing and words of tribute that were both comforting and heart-warming.
Mr. David Carty and Mr. Rodney Rey, who were two of Mrs. Fahie’s former teaching colleagues, co-chaired the proceedings. Setting the stage for the occasion, Mr. Carty said in part: “Perhaps the most succinct and profound Christian principle we all have learned, and can follow, if we so choose, was expressed by Jesus in nine simple words: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive’. In a more modern vein, that truth simply states that the secret to living is giving.
“We are here today to express, in inadequate words, and song, since those are all we have, our thanks to someone who gave and gave again; someone who understood in a deep emotional and intellectual way the nobility and responsibility of the teaching profession; one who heard the call to give and to guide; the call to draw out the best in young minds; and who practiced that call with an indefatigable consistency that demanded, without asking, our respect.
“It is right and fitting that this tribute is given not only to say thanks for the life and contribution of Verna Sebastian Fahie, but to let her life stand as an inspiration to teachers everywhere; that though their path may be a hard one, difficult and so often frustrating, it is still one that reminds us that a good teacher is a brilliant light, illuminating the prison of life, revealing to students a rainbow of possibilities. Verna, Miss Sebastian, Mrs. Fahie, will undoubtedly be placed in the pantheon of our best and most impactful teachers and leaders in the ever-changing world of education. She was a river, not a reservoir, that flowed freely in the search of knowledge and learning for the greater good of all. For this, we give thanks.”
An applause, for those fitting words, that captured the thoughts of the mass gathering, echoed throughout the auditorium.
The rest of the programme included the following: welcome remarks by Chief Education Officer, Mr. Bren Romney; a song by the Class of 1972; a tribute from the CXC Examination Council, read by Ms. Colleen Horsford; a video presentation entitled “Journey in Education”; school tributes: a song “He’ll do it Again by Pre-school teachers; a poem “Someone Special” by the Omololu International School; songs: “Beulah Land” by the Vivien Vanterpool Primary School; “People Lke You” by the Morris Vanterpool Primary School; “My Redeemer Lives” by the Orealia Kelly Primary School; “Lean on Me” by The Valley Primary School; “Oceans” by the Adrian T. Hazell Primary School; “It is well with my Soul” by the Alwyn Alison Richardson Primary School; “The King of Love my Shepard Is” by Guishard’s Academy; “Because He Lives” by Blake’s Academy; “Great is Your Faithfulness” by Gospel Light Christian Academy; “You will never walk Alone” by the ALHCS Concert Band; and a selection by the teachers of the Comprehensive Learning Centre.
There were also brief remarks by Mr. Stanley Reid, the Chancellor’s Representative, UWI Open Campus Council and former President of the UWI Alumni Association Anguilla Chapter; the song “Still” by the Department of Education; brief remarks by the President of the Anguilla Teachers’ Union, Ms. Cherise Gumbs; songs “As the Deer Panteth” by past and present teachers; “Here I am , Lord”, by former colleagues; “You raise me Up” by the Class of Seventy Something’; songs by past student, Mr. Evan Webster; and the Class of 1995; a video collage by past Colleagues; and a selection by Roots Bingi.
The Farewell Salute in honour of Mrs. Verna Fahie, ended with the overall singing of the fitting hymn: “To God Be The Glory”.
