ABE students graduate

History was made last Saturday at the New Testament Church of God at Wilson Hill, when the Institute of Professional Development (IPD) held its first Graduation for students who have completed the Association of Business Executives (ABE) Certificates and Diploma programs.

Formally known as Professional Secretarial Institute, the IDP is now accredited to the ABE, a professional body based in England since 2002. Programs offered include Business Administration, Tourism and Hospitality and Business Information Systems among others.{{more}}

Founder of the IPD Camille Crichton gave an overview of the institute and the programs offered. Lyndon Jones, a representative of ABE made brief remarks and told the audience that he does not list his qualifications on his business cards as you have to constantly upgrade yourself in this changing world. He also said that he was taught at University by Caribbean Nobel Laureate Sir Arthur Lewis.

In her remarks The Honourable Rene Baptiste urged the graduates to “Get the job, keep it, then advance. Let this diploma be a stepping stone, be competitive, adopt the “can do” attitude and do not become the plantation overseer”.

Keynote speaker Chief Education officer Susan Dougan congratulated Crichton on her achievements. “I always knew she would be successful, you see she was one of my students”, she said. Dougan implored the graduates to do what they love first, and to be adaptable and creative, and not let challenges make them lose hope and to make a difference.

Awards were given to the most outstanding students in the various programs. Thirty-six students received certificates while 17 were awarded diplomas, ten of which also received certificates.

Keziah Malcolm received the award for the most outstanding BA student; the most outstanding IT Certificate student was Marlene Rogers; Camille Soleyn was the most outstanding student in the Travel & Tourism Programme. Karen Layne and Sharleen Lewis received the award for the most outstanding results in the Diploma programme; The best overall grades for both the certificate and diploma went to Nicole Bailey. Maria Delpesche was awarded the Institute of Professional Development Award, while Neteko Quammie was awarded for being the lone male to complete both programs. Joanne Richardson was the valedictorian.