Retired teachers told: ‘You are So Special!’

Ten retired teachers have been awarded for their contribution to technical and vocational education at the Kingstown Technical Institute (KTI).{{more}}

The ten: Linda Allen, Alanza Daisley, Mercelle Jones, Sonja Lewis, Shirley Malcolm, Kenmore Ellis, Conroy Jack, Selwyn Jones, Winston Gaymes and George Wyllie were presented appreciation plaques at a dinner on Saturday, April 28, at the Methodist Church Hall.

Bearing the theme “You are so special”, the appreciation dinner was held under the auspices of Minister of Education and Acting Prime Minister Girlyn Miguel.

Miguel, a former headteacher, told her fellow educators that it was an honour to have the dinner held under her auspices.

The Education Minister said it is always heartening to see educational institutions giving recognition to those who have contributed to educational development.

“When I received word that the Kingstown Technical Institute was organizing to hold an awards dinner, I said ahh, that’s the way to go. That’s the right thing to do…”

“It is good to give thanks,” Miguel said.

She also applauded the ten retired teachers, each of whom has spent more than twenty years in the profession, for their devotion towards educating the nation’s men and women.

“With a special gift for teaching and learning and with a heart that deeply cares, you the awardees add love to everything you share. And even though you mean a lot, you will never know how much, for you have helped to change the world through every life that you have touched.

“You are special,” she said.

Principal of the KTI Bertillion Hamilton said that it is his hope that Saturday’s activity evolves into a national event “to recognize all retired TVET instructors and Auxiliary staff for their years of dedicated service.

“Our awardees have served our country well in all spheres of endeavour…” Hamilton further stated.

Congratulatory remarks were also made by Chief Education Officer Louanne Gilchrist; President of the St Vincent and the Grenadines Teachers Credit Union Dwight Lewis and President of the St Vincent and the Grenadines Teachers Union (SVGTU) Oswald Robinson.

Following the brief remarks, the awardees were presented their glossy crystal plaques by the Education Minister, after which they dined with relatives and friends, along with former co-workers. (AA)