By:St. Clair ‘Sazam’ Hull
Nevispages.com
(CHARLESTOWN NEVIS)- The Ivor Walters Primary School held its Independence Patriotic Program on Friday, September 18, 2015 at the school’s auditorium, under the Independence theme, ‘United in Building a Stronger Nation’.
The event started with the Invocation which was followed by the National Anthem.
Principal of the school, Mrs. Janice Richards gave the opening remarks. She told those in attendance that the islands of St. Kitts and Nevis, as a nation ought to be proud for coming this far. The Principal stated that those who were responsible for achieving Independence, for the islands should never be forgotten and should be highly commended. She wished the Independence celebrations success and hoped that they would proceed without crime.
Chairperson of the ceremony, Mrs. Giovanie Hendrickson also gave brief remarks. She noted that Independence was a time for us to celebrate as an Independent nation. Mrs. Hendrickson pointed out that since Independence in 1983, the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis has achieved a lot. She told the gathering, that we have now reached a milestone of 32 years as an independent nation, and we must do all we can to make the St. Kitts and Nevis a better place.
The scripture reading was done by Yakera Elliott, a student of Grade 3.
The children of Kindergarten made their contribution to the program by modeling; while the students of Grade 1 did a song entitled; ‘Nevis I Love you’. The students of Grade 2 performed a dance.
Past student of the school, Mr. St. Clair ‘Sazam’ Hull delivered the feature address. He told the students that just imagine 32 years ago, two islands as small as St. Kitts and Nevis that appeared then, as they do now, as mere dots on the map, trying to make it in such a competitive world. To highlight the importance of the point, he continued, “We had no Four Seasons Resort, no Bank of Nevis and no Marriott Hotel, and what would have happened if we were to be struck by hurricanes and natural disasters?”
Hull stated that our forefathers sought to prove to the rest of the world, that St. Kitts and Nevis was not a country to be doubted. The island he said were, “Not to be doubted because they knew deep in their hearts, that whatever our country, lacked in geographical or population size, we would more than compensate for by our dedication and the creativity of our people”.
Hull told the students, that the greatest contribution they can make right now to their nation, is to ensure that they do not waste the opportunity for a quality education. He pointed out, that there is a responsibility on every single one of them to keep the country moving forward in the future. He stated, “Every single one of you from Kindergarten to Grade 6, carries the future of St. Kitts and Nevis in your school bag, and that is something you should never ever take lightly”. In closing, Hull indicated that he was completely confident that with a full appreciation of the country’s motto “Country above Self” a more prosperous future will be secured for the nation.
Poems were recited by Grade 3 and Grade 4 entitled, ‘Happy Anniversary’ and ‘The Journey’. A solo was performed by Grade 6 student, Tyra Kelly.
Prizes were given to students of the institution, who answered questions related to Independence.
The vote of thanks was given by teacher Ms. Kayla Webbe.