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

Nevis Premier – Joseph Parry

Charlestown, Nevis
October 06, 2011

In a public statement on October 4th, to herald the official start of International School Library Month, Premier of Nevis and Minister of Education, the Hon. Joseph Parry encouraged the young people of Nevis to read.  The month is observed in October and this year will be held under the theme “School Libraries Empower Learners for Life”.

“One must be aware that reading is one of the best rewarding skills that human beings can have.  It opens doors to what would otherwise be impossible and gives the satisfaction, esteem and self worth that we need to make us, for the most part, complete,” said the Premier.

He added that for the most of Nevis’ history, its literacy rate has been high but a new way of looking at literacy had put the focus on “one’s ability to understand, access and analyze what is written rather than simply calling words.”

The Hon. Joseph Parry expounded on the importance of school libraries, noting that children needed to utilize the school libraries and browse through the many books that were available.

A number of events organized for the observance are a Nevis Authors Open Day on October 14th at St. Thomas’ Primary School and a Poetry and Essay Competition at the Charlestown Primary School on October 18th.  On October 19th, a Characterama will be staged at the Ivor Walters Primary School.

In addition, the Elizabeth Pemberton Primary School Book Quiz will take place on October 20th, a Book Banquet at the St. James Primary school on October 21st, a lunch and book discussion on October 25th at the Gingerland Secondary School, a Book Carnival at the Violet O. Jeffers-Nicholls Primary School on October 27th and a Quiz will be taking place at the Charlestown Secondary School on October 31st.

Premier Parry stated he was pleased that many of the Month’s activities were meant to get families and communities involved and urged that the public support the activities.

During his speech, the Premier noted that the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) had approved funds for a pilot project to establish a state of the art library at the Elizabeth Pemberton Primary school.

“I thank UNESCO and congratulate the Director of the Nevis Library Services and the Nevis Association for the Development of School Libraries for sourcing these funds,” concluded the Premier.

Related posts:

1. Nevis Premier Launches Child Month
2. Nevis Library To Celebrate Black History Month
3. Nevis Premier Declares Child Month Open
4. Nevis Premier Declares Child Month 2011 Open
5. Nevis Premier Parry Opens School Sports Meet

MSI U270 Netbook

Basseterre, St. Kitts – Nevis
September 21, 2011 (SKNIS)

The MSI U270 netbooks recently distributed to fourth and fifth form students in St. Kitts and Nevis under Government’s One-to-One Laptop Project is specially formatted to facilitate self-paced learning.

Director of Technology Christopher Herbert demonstrated to SKNIS the capabilities of the machines which boast a dual core processor, 2GB of RAM, 320 GB hard drive, 3 USB ports, SD Card slot and VGA and HDMI inputs along with a 12.1 inch screen display.

“We are very excited about this batch [of computers],” he stated, explaining that these laptops address shortcomings of the machines distributed in the initial first deployment in June. “We have loaded it, at least initially with an alternate operating system – Edubuntu which is directed very specifically at educational institutions.

Mr. Herbert added that the use of the laptops must be in line with the empowerment thrust of Government to transform the learning environment by enhancing teaching techniques and technological tools.

The MSI U270 netbooks were preloaded with a variety of educational software suites covering mathematics, science and geography.

Math was an obvious choice given the efforts of the local Government to improve math scores which has generally been at unacceptable levels in St. Kitts and Nevis and in other territories across the Caribbean Region.

“Some of the [applications] … speak to geometry as well as algebra,” he disclosed. “They allow students to plot graphs and derive equations from the lines that are plotted. There are applications that allow for solutions of algebraic equations and it’s not just a matter of solving the equations but it allows them to learn the process of solving the equations.”

Mr. Herbert encouraged the students and their parents to ensure that the netbooks are kept in good condition. He revealed that any issues should be reported immediately to the appropriate authority at the respective schools or the Department of Technology.

Students in Forms 1 to 3 will receive their personal computers by the end of the year.

Related posts:

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2. St. Kitts – Nevis Students Sit In On National Assembly
3. St. Kitts – Nevis Residents Urged To Take Advantage Of Educational Opportunities
4. Nevis Sixth Form Students To Receive Laptop Computers
5. Nevis Premier Meets With Students At UWI

ICCS Auction Attendees Enjoying Themselves
Photo By Erasmus Williams

Basseterre, St. Kitts – Nevis
June 01, 2011 (CUOPM)

Last Saturday’s First Annual Grand Auction and Dinner to benefit the Immaculate Conception Catholic School (ICCS) at the St. Kitts Marriott Resort has been dubbed a “raving success story.”

Chairperson of ICCS Auction Committee, Dr. Pat Hensley said 270 persons including parents, faculty and staff, Board Members, Business owners, managers and employees, expats and local community members attended to support the Christian value-based education for Kindergarten through Form 5.

“The evening commenced with a Cocktail Hour and the Opening of the Silent Auction.  With support from over sixty local businesses contributing donated goods and services for both the Silent and Oral Auction.  Over one hundred items including artwork, jewellery, furniture, plants and electronics were up for bids,” said Dr. Hensley, adding that students and past students of ICCS volunteered and assisted with the selling of raffle tickets and the drawing of door prizes.

The evening’s events included a visual and audio presentation by ICCS Head of School, Dr. Patricia Hensley followed by a tasty buffet Dinner presented by the gracious staff of the St. Kitts Marriott Resort.

“The buffet dinner included Nevisian mixed greens, Tilapia with Creole sauce, pistachio crusted steak with mushroom sauce, roasted vegetables, curry rice, pineapple upside-down cake and black forest cake.  Compliments flowed regarding the food selection and preparation by the staff of the Marriott. The elegant theme for the evening was created by Sunlinc whose noticeable touch and attention to detail in décor could not be missed in creating the atmosphere in the ballroom,” said Dr. Hensley.

The evening instrumental pieces were performed by Stephen Richards on his Steel-Pan Drum, while Adrian Lam provided piped-in instrumental selections.

Notable Oral Auction items included a cricket bat signed by Michael Holding and the West Indies Cricket Team, an original Kate Spencer oil painting, “Boon”, Name the New Entrance – Circle Drive to ICCS (2 years of advertising), two (2) American Airlines tickets to anywhere in the continental USA, and hotels stays including the St. Kitts Marriott two-night stay, massages, breakfast and dinner for two (2) at La Cucina Restaurant. Brunch and stays at Ottleys Plantation Inn, Nisbet Plantation Beach Club and Oualie Beach in Nevis.

Throughout the evening Dr. Hensley appealed to attendees to support the ICCS scholarship program by launching “Create a Leader tomorrow” programme where attendees committed to financial assistance towards students school fees and lunches at ICCS.

“The entire evening was a success story not only for the High School Students who will benefit from having the most modern and well equipped Science and Computer labs this coming September but also for the students of the primary division who will be blessed with a long awaited “Playground” where they can be managed and supervised in an enclosed environment and at the same time play and interact with their friends in a fun and productive manner, encouraging team spirit and sharing which should be part of every school environment,” said Dr. Hensley.

“To the business community who despite the challenging economic times facing many still committed to the cause and belief in Christian value based Education and knowing without a doubt our community will benefit in the in years to come. To the Management and staff of the St. Kitts Marriott Resort who from day one supported our vision to host this event.  Sincere thanks to all who made this event such a success!  In truth, “It takes a village to raise a child”. (African proverb),” she said.

Toni Frederick, WINN-FM hostess, graced the event as the Leading Lady at the Auction with her Leading Man, Cuthbert ‘Cutie” Woods, as the Official Auctioneer.

Other members of the Committee are Mrs.  Sandra Kelsick, Mrs. Giselle Matthews, Mrs. Daislyn Sharpe, Mrs. Sarah Owen, Mr. Lester Ible, Mr. Val Henry, who all “exhibited untiring effort  with effective organization and are duly congratulated for their time, talent, perseverance, and interest in advancing Christian value-based education for the youth in St. Kitts and Nevis.”

Related posts:

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2. NHCS Silent Auction A Great Success!
3. Nevis Reformation Party Convention: A Grand Success!
4. Submission Deadline Of Photos For ICCS Magazine Is November 01
5. Nevis’ Culturama 2010 Hailed As A Grand Success