Scotia Bank honours Granny Rose

Germaine Monica Rose, affectionately known as “Granny” Rose was recognised for her lifelong contribution to early childhood education and child development.{{more}}

The 84 year old started her lifelong commitment to community when she opened her own school in the limited confines of her home, moulding the minds of the nation’s youth and turning out many of today’s leaders, including a prominent Parliamentarian.

All of this was done while raising six children of her own.

Her passion for teaching continued over the years and when the YWCA pre-school opened its doors, “Granny” Rose would go on to become a virtual household name.

In addition to the generations touched and moulded by her, she went on to make invaluable contributions to her church, the Anglican Church, helped to pioneer the Sunday School at Redemption Sharpes and also served as counsellor to those with whom she came into contact.

And “Granny” Rose was officially recognised for her outstanding contribution to education and community life on Tuesday by Scotia Bank.

“We have a value of valuing the work done in community,” Country Head Basil Alexander said.

But while the financial institution has had a long history of recognising the achievements of children, it was now associating itself with community, which included senior citizens, he continued.

The award also coincided with this year’s International Women’s Day celebrations on March 8.

Kenny Cozier, Service representative and member of the committee responsible for selecting the awardee, explained that the idea around the award was to honour an outstanding female in the community.

“The selection process involved running eligible candidates through the internal action team to look over the kind of work done,” he explained.

Cozier further explained that “Granny” Rose was an easy selection for her hard work and dedication to community life and teaching.

“It was a unanimous decision right off the bat and we wouldn’t be any happier with that decision, so it was a very smooth process from there on,” Cozier said.

It is the first time that the ceremony is being held in St Vincent, but according to Cozier, the plan is to make it an annual one.

Rose, in addition to having the privilege of becoming the country’s first awardee, received a plaque and according to Cozier, a monetary donation will be made to the YWCA pre-school. (DD)