Fancy Government School tops 2011 Schools’ Co-operative awards

The Fancy Government School took the top honours at this year’s annual Schools’ Co-operative awards held on Tuesday, October 18, at the Peace Memorial Hall, Kingstown.{{more}}

Of the 87 registered schools co-operatives across the country, the Fancy Government walked away with the three top prizes: the top schools award, the co-operator award and teacher-guide award.

With a savings of EC$2,066, Jamal Edwards was the awarded a plaque for his achievement as top co-operator, while Phillecia Alexander copped the teacher-guide award.

Other students also received certificates for their contribution towards the program.

The awards ceremony, which is in its 34th year, is a collaborative effort of the Co-operative Department, the Ministry of National Mobilization, the Ministry of Education and St. Vincent and the Grenadines Co-operative League and its affiliates.

Representatives from the General Employees Cooperative Credit Union (GECCU), the Kingstown Cooperative Credit Union (KCCU), the SVG Teachers Cooperative Credit Union (SVGTCCU), the Barrouallie Co-operative Credit Union (BCCU) and the SVG Co-operative League Ltd were all on hand for the ceremony. All of the representatives encouraged the students to continue saving.

Acting Permanent Secretary (PS) in the Ministry of National Mobilization, Jasmine Hull, who gave the welcome remarks, revealed that as of June 30, 2011, the savings of the programme amounted to EC$830,641.68.

“This is significant and we applaud the young co-operators of our nation…“I will, therefore, like to encourage the many teacher-guides, students, principals and students to continue to build and support this noble programme. We must, therefore, provide that early encouragement and direction as we instil in our youth that desire to save and to be prudent,” the acting PS said.

The keynote speaker at Tuesday’s ceremony was Frederick Stephenson, Minister with responsibility for National Mobilization.

The Minister advised the students that the government has invested significant sums of money in educational development and the development of our young people.

“Your parents have invested in you, the children, and they are looking for returns; and you the children have invested in the thrift program and you are also looking for rewards,” he added.

Stephenson also noted that he anticipates continued growth in the schools’ Co-operative programme for the balance of this year 2011 into 2012 and beyond.

Following the brief but enlightening speeches, there was a musical rendition by well renowned steel pan player Ken Isles. This was then followed by the awards which were presented by Stephenson to former Registrar of Cooperatives Sandra Davis and present registrar Cecil Jackson.

One of the other highlights at Tuesday’s award ceremony was Keyana Bailey, the youngest Co-operator, still attending pre-school, but who has already saved a total of EC$1,213.AA