Minister Miguel urges students to make a positive contribution

Young Vincentians have been called to make a positive contribution to nation building in order to secure a bright future for St Vincent and the Grenadines.

Under the theme, “Working together to enhance national pride,” the annual schools’ Independence Rally was held yesterday{{more}} at the Victoria Park.

The event, which was put on through the collaborative effort of the Ministry of Education and the National Independence Committee, showcased a number of cultural performances from students of various educational institutions.

In her capacity as the minister of education, Girlyn Miguel told students that the future of this country was in their hands.

“Being Vincentian, my heart is swollen with pride to be associated with this beautiful and blessed isle called St Vincent and the Grenadines, and I am supremely confident that the great sense of pride resides in your hearts also as young Vincentians. As young Vincentians, you will be entrusted with the future of our nation sometime later. A future I humbly submit, that will depend on your positive contributions for its continued development,” Miguel said.

While referring to the event’s theme, the education minister declared that persons should ensure that they do what is necessary to make St Vincent a better place for nationals as well as visitors.

Furthermore, she challenged the youths to be patriotic with regard to nation building.

“It is indeed a theme which should resonate with all Vincentians regardless of colour, social class, religious faith and I daresay political affiliation,” she said.

“Be assured that whatever positive contributions you make to St Vincent and the Grenadines will redound to your benefit and the benefit of all Vincentians.”

In his feature address, Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves expressed faith in the current generation while encouraging persons to always strive to do their best.

“I believe from the bottom of my heart that this generation of young people is the best that our country has produced since it has been founded. And I have faith in you. I believe in you and that’s why every day I go out of my way to make sure that you are well cared for well protected and that we train and educate you the best that we can,” the prime minister said.

“I know that you believe in St Vincent and the Grenadines and the future and I can tell you I believe in you, in St Vincent and the Grenadines and its future and when I see you doing well, you renew my strength like the eagle.”

The 2014 National Scholarship Award recipients were also announced at this event, with Shannique Clarke receiving the Prime Minister’s Award for Academic Excellence.

Gonsalves congratulated all 20 recipients and encouraged them to excel as they go off to further their studies.

Minister with responsibility for youth, Frederick Stephenson, representative of the National Youth Council, Deandra Browne and chief education officer, Lou-Anne Gilchrist also gave brief remarks.(BK)