Enis Adams Primary School Honours Long Serving Teachers
The Parent Teachers Association and the Fund-raising Committee of the Enis Adams Primary School joined in paying tribute to two of the school's outstanding Teachers. Principal Mrs. Sylvia Adams and Teacher Ms. Carren Mactavious were honoured at a recognition dinner held at the Treasure Isle Hotel on Saturday July 1st, for serving 29 and 22 years respectively and still going strong. They were presented with plaques and bouquets of flowers for their long service, commitment and dedication to the profession of education in the British Virgin Islands.
Teacher Sylvie, as she is affectionately known, began her teaching career in 1971 at the then Road Town Primary School before going off to Erdiston Teacher's Training College in Barbados for two years. Upon her return home, she taught for one year at Enis Adams Primary and was transferred to the BVI High School the following year. She returned to Enis Adams in 1978 and has been affiliated with the school since then. In 1985, Teacher Sylvie left to pursue a Bachelor's Degree in Music Education at the University of the Virgin Islands, where she graduated Cum Laude. In 1991, she was appointed Acting Principal of the Enis Adams Primary School. This appointment became permanent two years later. The Principal said she was overwhelmed by the tribute paid to her by the PTA of the school. "I am really grateful that the community decided to do that. Everything I have done over the years has been done with God's help and the tremendous support of the PTA, government and all whom I've worked with."
She singled out Deputy Chief Education Officer Dr. Quincy Lettsome and his wife, former Chief Education Officer Mr. Elroy Turnbull, and her own family, whom she said have been very supportive and helpful. "They have made working much easier," said Mrs. Adams. She said she intends to continue teaching for as long as her health permits as she really enjoys working with young people. "I'm really happy I'm in a profession I really love," Teacher Sylvie stated. Teacher Carren began teaching March 16th, 1978. She has taught at the Enid Scatliffe Pre-Primary School (Road Town Infant School), Althea Scatliffe Primary School (Road Town Primary School) and Enis Adams Primary (her current school). She obtained her initial training from Hull University in 1989 and later graduated Cum Laude from the University of the Virgin Islands (1999) with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education. "By any standards, teaching is not an easy job," said Ms. Mactavious. "There is immense pressure from all sides...but when students have accomplished even the tiniest task well, it gladdens the heart and makes all aches seem trivial." In her response, she admonished parents to love, nurture and help their children, especially through Stage One. "Do not take Stage One lightly, this is where the foundation for their education begins."
According to President of the EAPS PTA, Lena Thomas, too often, individuals are overlooked for their contributions towards the betterment of our islands. "We are pleased that the opportunity has again arisen where we may show our appreciation to you for your tireless efforts in educating our children," she told the honourees. In a message contained in the commemorative booklet, Chief Minister the Honourable Ralph T. O'Neal commended the two Teachers for the many years they have spent in the service. "In doing so, they have contributed much to the molding of hundreds of people's lives and by their devotion and dedication to duty, they have shown by example that people should not be weary in well-doing...I congratulate these two Teachers for having the stamina, determination and love of country to stick to their jobs for so long."
Deputy Chief Minister and Minister of Health, Education and Welfare Hon. Eileene Parsons noted that Teachers are the persons who help to lay the foundation to prepare our children for their role in society. "They contribute more than just teaching. They fill the void of working parents, help our children to mature, act as role models, motivate and assist students in realizing their dreams." She lamented that it is not often that society recognizes them for the contributions they make in the field of education. "Many of our Teachers routinely go the extra mile to ensure that the BVI is a better place and they do it not for fame or money, but, I am sure, out of love and concern for others and this country. Therefore, no recognition could be too much for these Teachers who touch the lives of so many people in such a lasting way." Hon. J. Alvin Christopher, District Representative, also joined with the parents and teachers of the Enis Adams Primary School to offer congratulations to Mrs. Adams and Ms. Mactavious. "Both Teachers' commitment to the teaching profession, through their love and devotion, as they used their teaching skills to impart knowledge and understanding to all their students, is exemplary." Congratulations also came from Deputy Chief Education Officer Dr. Quincy Lettsome, former Chief Education Officer Mr. Elroy Turnbull, Acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education and Culture Mrs. Josephine Callwood, former educator Mrs. Enis Adams-Cushnie and several parents, Teachers and family members. The Lashing Dogs provided musical entertainment at the recognition dinner.