Charlestown, Nevis
March 28, 2008
Premier of Nevis Hon. Joseph Parry and Minister with the responsibility for Education and Tourism in the Nevis Island Administration (NIA), attended a presentation Ceremony held at the Gingerland Primary School and the Prospect Special Education Unit, on Thursday, March 27, 2008 to honour two students for their artistic ability
The ceremonies were held to acknowledge the achievements of Ms. Kelsia Liburd and Master Nick Dias’ art submissions, which best illustrated the preservation of the island’s environment at the Florida Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) Children’s Environmental Poster Competition.
Premier Parry first visited the Gingerland Primary School where he congratulated Ms. Liburd for capturing the FCCA first place junior category award that was coordinated and judged by Tourism Representatives from the Department of Tourism in the NIA. He also had the honor of presenting her with the prize award of US $200.00.
He informed the School’s student fraternity about the benefits earned from participating in future poster competitions coordinated by the Ministry of tourism, in conjunction with the FCCA.
“I have in my hand $200.00 dollars. You have just made a promise that you are going to try to compete in Next year’s competition and you can win $200.00 dollars or more,” he said
The FCCA annual poster competition is used as a marketing tool to promote the island’s tourism industry and to help market Nevis as a high-end tourism destination. Benefits of the promotion generate a higher percentage of income earned, which would also increase the employment figures.
“The Ministry of Tourism promotes tourism to let you know how good it is for all of us. It brings money and jobs to Nevis, and it makes the island known [internationally],” Premier Parry said.
He congratulated the School’s Principle Mrs. Marion Lescott, the teaching fraternity and the student body for contributing to Kelsia’s success.
The Premier’s words of encouragement to the students were for them to remain consistent in making their added contribution to help keep Nevis an environmentally friendly destination.
“I just want to leave a few words with you. I want for you to try and make sure you keep Nevis clean. Whatever you will do now, you will inherit when you grow up. I want you to demand that the older persons like your parents, your older brothers and sisters keep Nevis clean. When you see them dump garbage on the road, tell them don’t do it because they would make their island look bad.
“I want you to continue to have a consciousness and an awareness to keep your island clean. Start with your classroom and your entire community of Gingerland, then move out of Gingerland and make sure that you help to keep the whole of Nevis clean,” he said.
Premier Parry also enlightened the students of the economic benefits accrued from tourism for the island’s economy. He also said the preservation of the environment was crucial to the sustainability of the island’s main industry.
Meantime, later that day, Premier Parry also congratulated Special Education Student Nick Dias for having captured first place in the senor category of the FCCA Environmental contest. During the presentation ceremony which took place at the Special Education Unit at Prospect.
Premier Parry told Master Dias that he was very proud of him and encouraged him to continue to show excellence in whatever he pursued. He presented him with a check of US $200.00 dollars. He also recognised the Principal and Staff of the school for their hard work and dedication as Special Education teachers.
The celebrated students expressed their heartfelt gratitude for receiving the first place award.
A total of 13 students from schools across the island participated in this year’s contest, each illustrating the preservation of the Environment.
A range of high profile officials attended both presentation ceremonies from the Department of Education. They were Principal Education officers Mrs. Jennifer Hodge, Permanent Secretary (PS) in the Premier’s Ministry Mr. Joseph Wiltshire and Special Education Official Ms. Andrea Bussue. Mrs. Vanessa Webb represented the Department of Tourism, she also officiated as moderator.