Charlestown-Nevis-The annual Tea party and ceremony which significantly commemorates the birth date of the renowned Nevisian son, Alexander Hamilton, took place at his original birth place, in Charlestown, on Friday 11th January.
The fund raising endeavour, which is geared towards assisting needy students at the Charlestown Secondary and Gingerland Secondary Schools each year, is a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Social Development, specifically the Department of Community Development and the Nevis Historical and Conservation Society.
The proceedings were ably chaired by Mr. Shefton Liburd, a member of the NHCS who in his opening remarks noted that the program was geared towards assisting the students in their endeavour for academic achievement and warmly welcomed all present.
The program flowed smoothly thereafter and included the invocation by Miss Bernadette Browne of the Community Development Department; the national anthems of the USA and the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis, superbly played on pan by TRINI and a poem by young Akimron Willet.
Director of the Community Development Department, Mrs. Janet Meloney, then gave a comprehensive report on the progress of the scholarship students over the last year and noted that several of them had excelled at their overseas examinations.
She was also happy to point out, that for the most part, the students are keeping their required end of the bargain, in maintaining high grades and committing to their stated hours of volunteering in certain specific areas and urged the new recipients to commit to using the opportunities provided to excel in their academics.
NHCS board member, Mr. Kris Liburd, then gave brief remarks and he urged the scholarship holders to learn as much as they could about Alexander Hamilton, as it will serve as a source of inspiration for them in making similar quality achievements in their lives.
Scholarship recipient, Shelliqua Carmichael, also thanked the organizing committee for including her in the program and noted that it has helped her tremendously and pledged to continue to strive for excellence.
Minister responsible for Community Development, Hon. Eric Evelyn then delivered a stirring address, during which he encouraged the students to aspire to be like Alexander Hamilton. He also challenged the NHCS to seek to find out if they can acquire some of the funds being made through the use of the name of the famous man, as for example, the Hamilton Musical, which is making waves across the world.
Interspersed with the inspiring remarks of the speakers, were a song by Mikkel Meloney, which certainly captured the audience; an impressive cultural presentation by the St. Thomas’ Primary School and a creative dance by Kyrena Grant and Nykeisha Henry.
The scholarship awards were then presented to the new students by Minister Evelyn. They each received a cheque for $500.00 and will continue to receive such annually, as long as they maintain good grades; acceptable behaviour AND COMMIT TO THEIR REQUIRED HOURS OF VOLUNTEERISM.
The vote of thanks was presented by scholarship recipient Kimarni Hanley and then all present retired for an elaborate tea break at the newly renovated Trott house.
The scholarship holders for this year are:
Gingerland Secondary: Shaneh Evelyn and Hadassah Daniel.
Charlestown Secondary School: Dwjay Dore and D’yoniqua Bergan