Minister calls on private organisations to join forces with Government

Private organizations here have been summoned by the Minister of National Mobilization etc Frederick Stevenson to join forces with the government in an effort to further develop the nation.{{more}}

“It is important for organizations and government to work together. It’s a partnership approach we have to take in education and the development of St. Vincent and the Grenadines,” the Minister said.

The National Mobilization Minister made his comments at a presentation ceremony hosted by the Basil Charles Education Foundation.

The ceremony, which was held on Tuesday, November 22, at Basil’s Bar located in the Cobblestone Inn, Kingstown, saw the donation of over 200 cots to three of the country’s pre-schools.

Stevenson said government will continue to support the work of the Foundation. “We are very grateful for the tremendous support and help you have given pre-schools…

“I thank you very much on behalf of the Ministry and the Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines for the Foundation and the work you have been doing over the years,” Stevenson added.

The Gems pre-school, Biabou pre-school and the Clare Valley pre-school were the three beneficiaries at Tuesday’s short ceremony.

The Foundation’s chairman Basil Charles said it is the aim of the Foundation to help as much as possible with the pre-schools.

“They say kids learn more between the ages of 1 to 7 than any other time. I have looked at the pre-schools and we have been working very hard to upgrade lots of pre-schools,” Charles told the small gathering.

Tuesday’s event was originally scheduled to coincide with the launch of the Foundation’s website. However, according to Charles, “The site still needs to be fine tuned, and it’s better to do something well than to be too quick and hurry.”

Senior Education Officer Elizabeth Walker congratulated Charles for his contribution towards nation building in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

“So often the sterling contribution of these organizations goes unnoticed …

“The Ministry acknowledges the contribution towards Education. It continues to nurture our country’s youth, ensuring a positive development for them,” Walker said.

Since inception in 1996, the Basil Charles Education Foundation has granted several five-year scholarships to primary and secondary school students from across St Vincent and the Grenadines.

The Foundation has spent to date EC$64,113.13 in its primary schools program and EC$48,425.00 for the secondary program. There are 420 children in the primary program and 35 in the secondary.