135 Students Graduate From BVI High School
Principal of the BVI High School Mr. Elmore Stoutt has expressed concern about the wide variance in the academic output of male and female students, particularly Secondary School students and has reiterated a call for the establishment of a trade school in the British Virgin Islands. He made the comments at the 2000 Graduation and Prize Giving ceremony held on Thursday June 29th at the Sir Rupert Briercliffe Hall.
Mr. Stoutt noted that young women always produce better grades and insisted that the difference does not rest with the level of intelligence but rather how young men are socialized in this community and what the homes reinforce. He likened graduation to reaping time, a time for reflection and re-focus, thereby ensuring a better yield next time around. He said in education, as with farming, all of the conditions necessary to realize full yields are not always present. "It is obvious that the great majority of female students attend Sabbath or Sunday School and church weekly, whereas the majority of male students are left to roam the beaches, sleep or become involved in some other activity which contributes nothing to their moral and social and spiritual fabric," the High School Principal remarked. He noted that the incomplete assignments and low grades of male students are directly attributed to work and other activity after school and the in-disciplined and undesirable behaviour adopted by our male students. He applauded government for having an open policy in education, but "what I do not applaud is where some students come as long as they can, they behave as bad as they wish and there are no demands placed on them."
Mr. Stoutt said a great percentage of the male students who seem to be lagging on the academic side may well find favour if they are exposed to an education with a more practical orientation. "Thus, another signal for the school of trade on these islands." He added that all is not lost, as the 2000 graduates have experienced full returns from the seeds sown and have kept the school's academic lamp aglow. The Principal encouraged them to maximize on these returns, be committed and always display a sense of purpose.
The 2000 valedictorian, Kamika Forbes, said the students owe much gratitude to the government, teachers and taxpayers who contribute to the development of the BVI High School. But she said, while it may be redundant, they need to know that there is much more to be done and she especially appealed to those who can make a difference. "Why should we have to remind our education officials and community members of the dilapidated condition of the school? Why should we remind them that we are still in dire need of an auditorium? Why should we remind them that as the world advances in technology, so should our school library? Why should we emphasize the fact that there are leaky classrooms which threaten to flood with the slightest rain?"
Ms. Forbes also looked at the social problems affecting the school - the frequent disruptions (including a bomb scare, several explosions of minor devices and an arson attempt in the last year) and the indiscipline that pervades the atmosphere and said these issues need to be addressed. She touched on the fact that the Principal does not have the authority to expel a deviant student, that the school compound is now becoming a trailer park and suggested that more guards be employed to ensure a safe and conducive environment. "In spite of all the negative aspects that I have mentioned, the BVI High School continues and will continue to inspire and motivate all students in our community," the valedictorian stated, insisting that 99% of BVI High School students are well behaved and recognize the value and importance of a good education.
Michael Frett was named salutatorian of the 2000 graduating class. In his remarks, he paid tribute to all of the dedicated teachers who worked to prepare him and his fellow students for the future. To the students who did not graduate, he advised them to recognize their past mistakes and build on them and they will eventually succeed. "As my fellow graduates and I move on to higher institutes of learning, remember this is only the beginning of our future...education is your password to the future for tomorrow belongs to the people who prepare for it today." The highlight of Chief Minister the Honourable Ralph O'Neal's remarks was a pledge to take a proposal to the Legislative Council to exempt computers from customs duties. He said this should encourage every household in the BVI to own a computer, thereby keeping pace with the high tech age. "I am considering seriously, subject to the approval of the legislature, to exempt from customs duties, computers." Chief Education Officer Mr. Angel Smith also brought congratulatory remarks. The guest speaker was Coordinator of the BVI Pre-Vocational Centre Ms. Lorna Dawson of the Class of 1980, who encouraged the students to always have the right attitude, as this is the first quality that makes a successful man and ultimately what determines one's altitude. She stated that some students could have done better throughout the year with their attitude to wearing the proper uniform, managing their time, setting their priorities and concentrating more on their lessons. Ms. Dawson stated that the attitude that brought the graduating class to this point could be shaped and nurtured to take them even further. She suggested to parents and other members of the community the need to be conscious about their own behaviour, as they are role models for the young people.
Minister of Health, Education and Welfare Hon. Eileene Parsons told the graduates that there is nothing they cannot do if they try and they are serious, as opportunities abound. Ecclesiastes 11 & 12 formed the basis of her encouragement. She urged them to enjoy their youth, follow their heart's desire, further their education, invest their money wisely, be grateful for each year they live, do not worry unduly and remember their Creator while they are still young.
Ten scholarship winners were announced compliments the government, eight from Territorial Representative Hon. Reeial George, ten from Dr. Natalie Brewley and Mr. Alred Frett, one from the Social Security Board and one from the Class of 1990. The first two years of the four-year scholarships leading the Bachelor's Degree are tenable at the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College. Applications are being invited from students for two-year awards tenable at HLSCC and leading to the Associate’s Degree. Further details can be obtained from the Ministry of Education and Culture. Completed forms must however be submitted on or before July 14th, 2000.