St. George’s, February 20, 2012 – Young Grenadian students at a St. George’s school have been urged to work hard at becoming future outstanding citizens like professional track athletes Kirani James, Rondell Bartholomew and Janelle Redhead.
MP for St. George South, Hon. Glynis Roberts, told students at Calliste Government that they must prepare themselves “to be productive working citizens of Grenada and the world.’’
“Prepare yourselves by listening to your teachers, doing your homework and other assignments, studying hard and passing your examinations,’’ Mrs. Roberts said at the official handing over of the school that was under repairs.
“As young people,’’ she added, “the future belongs to you. But you must properly prepare yourselves – academically, mentally, socially and otherwise – to take charge of your future. Commit yourself to obtaining a solid education that will put you in good stead to be our future government leaders; CEOs of business and commerce; scientists; inventors; and professional athletes like Kirani James, Rondell Bartholomew and Janelle Redhead.’’
Calliste Government was among dozens of schools severely damaged in 2004 by Hurricane.
Funding from friendly governments and agencies such the World Bank and Caribbean Development Bank has allowed for rehabilitation of the schools and expansion of facilities.
The work at Calliste Government, with financing from the Government of Turkey, included the installation of new toilet facilities, new classrooms, kitchen, as well as furniture for staff and students.
“While the physical work of the contractors has ended, today is the beginning of another phase for the teachers and students and the Calliste community,’’ said Mrs. Roberts. “You now have the serious responsibility of taking care of this school; treating it as you would treat your own home; making sure that no one vandalizes or destroys any school property; keep the school and its surroundings clean and tidy.’’
The MP, who is also Minister for Labour, Social Security and Ecclesiastical Affairs, said “the education of the nation’s children’’ is an issue which is “close and dear to my heart and the heart of our Prime Minister, Hon. Tillman Thomas, and all the members of Government.’’
Other speakers at the school handing over ceremony included Education Minister Sen. Franka Alexis-Bernardine, the principal of Calliste Government, and a representative of the Turkish Government.
