Nevis, West Indies. ?A Non-Tourist-Trap? Blog About Nevis.

Saddlers Secondary School - St. Kitts

Basseterre, St. Kitts - Nevis
January 23, 2010 (SKNIS)

The investment in education over the past 14 years has significantly transformed the professional landscape in St. Kitts and Nevis producing doctors, engineers, business persons, accountants and technicians.

“I remember the days when we had one black doctor in St. Kitts,” recalled 84-year-old Stanley Morris. “Now most of the doctors are black and they come from right here (in St. Kitts and Nevis).”

Morris, was referring to the fact that a number of ordinary, young people have sought to better themselves by taking advantage of scholarships and concessionary loans established by Government to empower locals, particularly the youth.

One example highlighted is the fact that five students between the ages 17 and 22 left the Federation on a scholarship to study medicine in Cuba, last year. The scholarship is just one of many offered free of cost, or partially to locals, from various universities in the United States, West Indies, U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico and Taiwan.

Figures reveal that in the last 14 years, 1,821 loans have been approved for young people to pursue tertiary level education. However, Government has outlined its commitment to developing nationals of all ages and dramatically expand career opportunities.

The establishment of the technology-based Saddlers Secondary School was an important step in this process. The utilization of computers and related applications will help to boost the skill of the workforce to ensure they possess the necessary knowledge to build substantial careers in technical fields. Plans are being reviewed to expand technology courses to other primary and high schools.

Beginning this year, the Ministry of Education will introduce an after-school character development programme to help steer young people away from antisocial influences.

Additionally, commitments have been made by Government to add 250 additional childhood spaces, establish new daycare centers and move the Clarence Fitzroy Bryant College to full university status.

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2. New St. Kitts School Receives High Community Praise
3. Nevis Students Told To Take Advantage Of Business Opportunities
4. New Saddlers High Raises The Bar In Technology-Driven Education
5. PM Douglas Says “Education System Must Benefit Students And The Nation”

Ms Michelle Slack Posing With Award

Charlestown, Nevis
December 01, 2009

The Federation of St. Kitts - Nevis’ brightest young academic minds were honored at the 23rd Academic Excellence Recognition Awards Ceremony held at the Marriott Hotel in St.Kitts on Friday, November 27th, 2009.

Permanent Secretary in Education for the Nevis Island Administration, Mr. Joseph Wiltshire and Principal Education Officer in Nevis, Mrs. Lornette Queeley Connor and other top ministry officials were on hand for the event.

The evening began with an invocation by Bishop Ron Dublin-Collins - President of the St. Kitts Teachers Union, followed by welcome remarks from President of the Chamber of Industry and Commerce, Mr. Mark Wilkin.

Remarks were also made by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education the Hon. Sam Condor, who congratulated the awardees on a job well done.  He also noted that although education was very important, one should remember kindness and good ethics were equally important.

“We must remember that it was brilliant people that brought down Wall Street,” said Mr. Condor.

Of the numerous prizes distributed, notable recipients included both Nevisian State Scholar - Ms. Sashia Godet and Runner up State Scholar Ms. Michelle Slack.

High School Teachers were also awarded during the evening’s proceedings.  The Basseterre High School recognised Vinette Halliday, Charlestown Secondary School  Honoured Yvonne Hendrickson, Gingerland Secondary put forth Lineth Williams, Carline Edwards of the Sandy Point High School received an award as Verchilds High School noted Yonace Hall Herbert as an outstanding teacher and Sonia Hector of the Washington Archibald High School was recognised.

The St. Theresa Convent School named Teacher Linden Schwiers, while Jedroy Percival was recognised for his contribution to the Cayon High School.

The feature address was given by Cuban trained Dr. Garfield Alexander, who spoke on the importance of being happy with oneself and to always follow the beat of your own drum.

Head of Corporate Sales, LIME, Mrs. Bibiana Henry spoke to the young students about what she stated was of personal importance to her. She informed them that it was important that young people utilised their right to vote. “It is your right to vote and without you using that right you have no right to complain.”

Certificates and awards were given out by David Lake of LIME and a well received vote of thanks was given by Michelle Slack.

Chairwoman for the evening, Ms. Wendy Phipps concluded the ceremony by saying that in all her years of attending the Academic Excellence Awards, this year’s vote of thanks presented by Miss Slack was the best ever.

Ms Phipps also congratulated all the awardees and remarked,”You are on the path to becoming one of the future leaders of many communities and we encourage all of you on the path to greatness.”

Related posts:

1. Nevis Premier Delivers Speech On New Academic Year
2. Another Award For Top CXC Achiever
3. Charlestown Secondary Students Take 2009 State Scholar and Runner-Up
4. Nevis Students Honored For Artistic Talent
5. Nevis Premier commends Teacher of Excellence Awardees

Opening of Saddlers Secondary School
Photo By Erasmus Williams

Basseterre, St. Kitts - Nevis
November 13, 2009 (SKNIS)

Senior citizen Elvin Bailey of Saddlers beamed with pride when he cut a symbolic blue ribbon to officially open the Saddlers Secondary School on Wednesday.

The chorus of cheers that followed was a reflection of the community’s feelings for the new school as expressed to SKNIS by a number of teachers and students.

One young man explained that he felt privileged to be one of the fist persons to be enrolled in the school and as such wanted to ensure the school is not defaced or vandalized. A fellow student agreed and added that the technology component was “fun” and that he gained several new friends.

Teacher Lizca Bass noted that the environment at the facility is pleasant and very conducive to learning. She added that the technological component is a plus.

“It holds their interest, so if you’re doing math they’ll do it on the computer with an abacus and calculators (which) gets them into technology at an earlier age so that when they go off to university to study they are already familiar with the equipment,” she disclosed.

“Faculty member, Melissa Caesar Phillip explained that the smart board was complete new to her but she has since come to value the tool. She also marveled at the fact that students can access the internet wirelessly in each class room which lessens the demand to use the computer lab.

“I love my job,” she declared.

Senior Government officials including the Prime Minister, Honourable Dr. Denzil Douglas and Deputy Prime Minister Honourable Sam Condor attended the opening ceremony.

Related posts:

1. High Praise For Nevis’ New School Food Program
2. Nevis’ Gingerland High School Tops The Rest
3. New Saddlers High Raises The Bar In Technology-Driven Education
4. Nevis School Receives Laptop From Former Student
5. PM, Ministers Visit CFBC, High Schools