Graduates of the Island Harbour Primary School were encouraged by Mr. Evan Webster to live up to their graduating theme – ‘Moving On’. He told them that they would face new challenges as they made the transition from primary school to the secondary level of their education. He continued: “a new resolve will be essential for each one of you, if success is to be achieved.”

Graduates receiving gifts from staff of FirstCaribbean International Bank

“Dedication, commitment and hard work must be words to describe your attitude from now on.” He admonished them to do their best at all times, set aside time for study, but also take time out for recreation and to develop healthy relationships.

Webster, a past student of the school and now Account Manager at Scotiabank, advised the students to give thought to what they would like their lives to be in the future and not leave this to chance. “Above all,” he said, “have a positive attitude, believe in yourself, be honest, show respect to your teachers and other students and trust in God who makes all good things possible.”

Principal Ornette Edwards-Gumbs gave an account of the progress of the school over the past months leading up to graduation.

Graduates with Mr. Evan Webster, Principal Ornette Edwards-Gumbs, Maysel Samuel and Antoinette Pickering

Graduation certificates and awards, on behalf of FirstCaribbean International Bank, were presented by Ms. Maysel Samuel, Mrs. Antoinette Pickering, staff of the Bank, along with Ms. Kaysha Fleming a teacher at the school.

FirstCaribbean took an initiative to launch an Adopt-a-Cause programme. The Island Harbour Primary School has benefited from this cause over the past year. According to the bank, they are ‘visibly partnering to assist schools and other educational institution and worthy community projects – literally showing the “face” behind its contributions.

The aim is to create an environment of volunteerism and teamwork among staff, encouraging employees to give of their time, in addition to funds that the bank is donating to various projects.

Special awards were also given by Cheddie Richardson, Caribbean Alumni for Regional Progress on behalf of Bren Romney and the Royal Anguilla Police Force.

Patsy Adams, poet extraordinaire and former teacher at Island Harbour Primary, penned the words to their graduation song which in part says: “The music here has stopped and I hear the sound of a different drummer calling me away to a brighter place and I am moving on. I am following the sound so I am moving on.”

Following the graduation ceremony the students, parents and well-wishers were invited for snacks at the school.

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