AN HONOUR

While many nation builders are celebrated by monuments being named in their honour after they have passed, local educator Doris McKie said that she is glad to be one on the persons around to see such a monument.{{more}}

Speaking to Searchlight following last Thursday’s dedication of the Learning Resource Center at Cane Hall, the pillar of the community, as referred to by Acting Prime Minister Sir Louis Straker, said that she had no objection to the centre being named in her honour, and congratulated the authorities for doing so.

She said she was especially glad that the centre was dedicated in the month of her birth. McKie, a long term resident of Arnos Vale said that the centre would be a great benefit to the community, and encouraged the users of the facility to use it wisely and reminded them that it should not be used only for fun but also furthering their education.

The educator, who started her teaching career at age 16, spent 39 years in the profession until her retirement in 1979, and continued tutoring up to age 80.

McKie taught and touched many lives while teaching students in private, or at the Wesley Hall (Methodist), Richmond Hill, Kingstown Preparatory and Sion Hill Government Schools.

The 83-year-old mother of four, including insurance executive Cecil Mckie and electrician Joe McKie is the widow of the late well known and liked road overseer Clive McKie.

She is still active despite some sight problems, running the couple’s Gospel Bookstore in Upper Kingstown, and although not tutoring, she would often be approached by former students seeking advice or to reminisce.

Some of her former students include Searchlight’s very own Norma Keizer and Bassy Alexander, John Horne, Lennox John, Kenneth John and area representative Mike Browne.

Looking back, the matriarch says that times and people have changed.

She said that people were more loving but now are less tolerant than before, and that may be the cause for the breakdown in society.

However she believes that constant education could bring about some positive changes.