Nevis, West Indies Premier – Joseph Parry
Charlestown, Nevis
September 19, 2009
Premier of Nevis Hon. Joseph Parry applauded the people of Nevis for accepting the responsibility of nation building with dedication and vigour. His commendation came when he delivered an address to mark the 26th anniversary of Independence of St. Kitts and Nevis on Saturday.
Mr. Parry pointed to the strides made on Nevis in particular in the area of education.
“We have achieved much. We have every reason to be proud from a country which was associated with a system of poor quality roads, water problems and electricity blackouts.
“We are now in a position where we have a regular reliable water supply, better quality roads and a developing electricity system. We are strong in the field of education,†he said.
The Premier pointed to the outstanding performance of Primary School Students in the 2009 Test of Standards examinations and also to that of the Secondary School students in the 2009 Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) and the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE).
He used the opportunity to congratulate the teachers for their hard work and also to parents who he said had made special effort to work with and support to their children every step of the way.
The Premier assured continued work to ensure that the children of Nevis got the best education possible and that the environment in which they studied was conducive to positive performances.
“The government is presently investing in an additional four classrooms at the Charlestown Secondary School and a new staff room which would be ready for use in January 2010. Shortly, construction will start at the St. Thomas’ Primary School for two additional classrooms and the Schools Meals Programme will be introduced at the Charlestown Primary School and the Gingerland Primary School,
“Preparations are on the way, in that plans are being finalised to locate two kitchens, one in the Charlestown Primary School and the other at the Gingerland Primary School for meals preparation,†he said.
Mr. Parry noted that the position of Director for the School Meals Programme had been created, to ensure that the School Meals Programme was properly established and the children received nutritionally sound meals.
He announced that Education Advisor Mrs. Christine Springette, was leading a study for the conversation of the two high schools into institutions that would meet the needs of all the children of Nevis.