Education in the Caribbean undergoes continuous changes, as the syllabuses and lessons are rendered more relevant to the emerging new trends. With Physical Education being promoted as an area of studies, at least one Vincentian student is taking the plunge. {{more}}

When the Caribbean Examination Council (CXC), Tests are written this year, Otis Charles a Campden Park Secondary School student will be breaking new ground. He will be the only Vincentian to sit the Physical Education component. That is one of nine subjects he will we writing.

Charles, captain of his school’s Cricket squad, missed out on the United Insurance Secondary Schools Cricket final carded for this Monday.

But perhaps, his school’s elimination is a blessing in disguise.

At least, Charles will have more time to prepare for his Student Based Assessment. Part of his programme entails a 15 over Inter-House Softball competition at his school. And with the Campden Park Playing Field not too far from the school compound, facilities are well in place for completion of that aspect.

Charles, a well-built youngster, over six feet tall, is a devoted cricket lover. His father Norris Neil whom he saw following cricket with intensity inspired him. It was only natural for the young Charles to gravitate towards the sport, in typical Caribbean style.

He is a fast bowler for his team, very much in keeping with his natural physique. But he is an allrounder of merit.

“I am looking forward to doing some cricket coaching,” Charles said. When the Searchlight spoke to him at his school compound in the South Leeward constituency, Charles was preparing to launch his Inter-House Competition.

From the village of Lower Questelles, also in the South Leeward district, Charles is already something of a community figure. He is a member of the South Leeward United Cricket team, which takes part in the Ju-C first Division Cricket Competition.

Charles will have Roxell John to do his assessment, and with help from his Physical education teacher Hollis Christopher, and immense solidarity from Principal and the rest of the staff, Charles is on course to achieving his mission.

Even though cricket may be going through some torrents, Charles has strong faith in the legacy and ability of West Indies cricket.

He acknowledged that he had been doing well in the subject and described the syllabus as “fairly easy.”

One with a pioneer status, Charles admitted “feeling good,” about his task ahead. He added: I will try and further myself in being a cricket coach.

The Searchlight congratulates Charles on his initiative. His name will be etched in the annals of this country’s history. For he will forever be remembered as the first Vincentian to do Physical Education at CXC.