The reference library at Campus B has received a major boost to its stock of educational books – thanks to the Caribbean American Mission for Education Research and Action (CAMERA).

(L-R) Rhona Richardson, Orris Proctor and Dawn Reid.

The organisation is funded by a group of Afro-Americans and has as its Board of Directors a number of prominent United States nationals. The Honorary Chairperson is Renee Chenault-Fattah who is the wife of Congressman Fattah from the Philadelphia area. She is also a well-known television news anchor. The others are Michael Jones, Chairman of the Board; Barbara Wynne, Project Coordinator; Marilyn Monroe Board Member; and James Baker, President.

They were all at Campus B on June 11 and were welcomed by Deputy Principal Ingrid Lake. She spoke about the interest of the organisation in the education of young people and urged the students to take advantage of the opportunities of learning available to them.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Social Development, Orris Proctor, said CAMERA was a non-profit organisation with a mission to link educators and educational institutions in the Philadelphia, Washington DC, and New York area with those in the Caribbean. The organisation has selected Anguilla, the US Virgin Islands and Jamaica to be the territories in which to start its relationship in the Caribbean.

Last December, Mr. Proctor attended a conference held by CAMERA in St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands. He found that many persons associated with the organisation had visited Anguilla on many occasions and had grown to love the island because of the friendliness, kindness and warmth of the people. He explained that this was the basis of CAMERA’s decision to become involved with Anguilla. “They felt that it was important to commit themselves to assisting the island. They wanted to ensure that Anguilla remains the little paradise it is and they felt that the best way to assist in this regard is to help in the development of our education system.”

James Baker, Marilyn Monroe, Renee Chenault, Barbara Wynne, Mikel Jones

According to Mr. Proctor, Mr. Baker (CAMERA’s President) visited Anguilla in November last year to learn about the island’s educational system. “When he met with the officials in the Ministry of Education, we talked about our challenges, goals and needs and Mr. Baker promised he would help,” Proctor continued. “When I attended that conference in St. Thomas, last year, I was pleasantly surprised to be presented with two cheques, one for US$18,000 to fund the study for the Community College in Anguilla. The other cheque was for US$3,000 to buy books for the library that we are establishing here at Campus B.

“I am pleased to report to CAMERA that the study is well underway and that we expect to have the first draft master plan by August this year. It will then go up for public consultation. With regards to the books the school, in collaboration with the Education Department and the Anguilla Public Library, has gone to great lengths to ensure that the books procured will satisfy the needs and interests of students.”

He said that some of the books had already been received and a number of others would arrive shortly. “The others to come will include 22 volumes of the World Book Encyclopedia 2004 with CD roms, 20 volumes of the Young Scientist series, 19 volumes of the Child Craft series, 8 World Books Science Encyclopedia and a number of dictionaries. I am sure that you will agree with me that we need to say a hearty thank you to CAMERA for this gift,” Mr. Proctor added.

Principal of the Albena Lake-Hodge Comprehensive School, Darwin Hazell, presented a plaque to the Board of Directors of CAMERA in appreciation of their assistance.

Students at Campus B

Speaking on behalf of the Board, Mrs. Fattah said CAMERA was committed to excellence in education and was challenging each student at Campus B to set goals for themselves and to get as much education as they could. “We want you to know how proud we are of you and how we consider you as our children,” she told the students. “We are members of CAMERA and are committed to excellence in education and we challenge each of you to commit yourself to service.”

The Vote of Thanks was delivered be Senior Teacher at Campus B, Joyce Richardson.

(L-R) Darwin Hazell, James Baker and Renee Chenault-Fattah

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