Minister of Education and Human Resource Development, Ronald Jones (FP)??
Barbadian students are being urged to be more disciplined and to take full advantage of the educational opportunities offered to them.
This advice came from Minister of Education and Human Resource Development, Ronald Jones, today, while speaking at the Founder’s Day Service of the Princess Margaret Secondary School, at its Six Roads, St. Philip location.
He lamented the fact that while education was subsidised in Barbados "it is the view of many today that students are not taking full advantage of this free education and the myriad opportunities which it affords them.
"Discipline is the bridge between your goals and your accomplishments and will inform other crucial attributes which would allow you to take advantage of your educational opportunities… You must be prepared to make sacrifices, work hard and strive for excellence.?? Nothing will come easy, the effort you are prepared to make today could well be reflected in the rewards and successes you achieve tomorrow," the Minister said.
Mr. Jones also spoke about the good work produced by students of the school over the past 55 years.?? "Through the years, this school has made an invaluable contribution to the educational, sporting and cultural landscape of this country, and this contribution is worthy of being recognised….The school can boast of producing such scholars as … Minister of Economic Affairs, Empowerment, Innovation, Trade, Industry and Commerce, Dr. David Estwick; Financial Analyst, Senator Jepter Ince; University Lecturer, Dr. Aviston Downes; former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank, Carlos Holder and former West Indian cricketers Wayne Daniel and Thelston Payne," He observed.
He further pointed out that Principal of the school, Dr. Wismore Butcher and Deputy Principal, Denton Brathwaite, as well as some teachers and ancillary staff, were also past students.
The Minister encouraged parents, guardians, former students, businesses and Government to play a greater part in the development of schools and students, in an effort to promote educational excellence.??