SVGTU honours long-serving teachers

At its 19th biennial convention, held last Tuesday, the St Vincent and the Grenadines Teachers’ Union (SVGTU) honoured four teachers for their long-standing service and contributions to education and nation-building.

Cetroy Wilkes, one of the awardees, delivered remarks on behalf of them all, and thanked the SVGTU for its recognition.{{more}}

“Collectively, we would have given 138 years of service…. When one would have reached this juncture as we have… it’s a heart-warming, humbling experience,” enthused Wilkes.

Reiterating his gratitude and that of the other awardees, Wilkes said that he sees the SVGTU as more than a trade union.

“This, for me, is an institution whose visible quest and drive is for quality education for all coming through our system… It engages itself in facilitating and providing opportunities for such professional development.”

The awardees were Cleopatra Jackson, Elton David, Maurissa Creese and Cetroy Wilkes.

Cleopatra Jackson

Jackson began teaching at the tender age of 14 in 1964 at the Lowmans Windward Anglican School. She was transferred to the Union Methodist School in 1969, and continued teaching there until 1973. In 1974, she was transferred to the Lauders Primary School, where she remained for the majority of her teaching career.

In 1994, Jackson returned to the Union Methodist School, where she was instrumental in preparing students for the Common Entrance Examination.

Elton David

David began teaching in October 1975 at the Sion Hill Government School. In 1978, he was transferred to the Richland Park Government School, where he served longest during his teaching profession. Throughout his career, he has also taught at the Belmont Primary School and the Cane End Primary School. Currently, he is the president of the Richland Park Government School’s Parent-Teachers Association.

David believes that: “Education is the medium that can liberate people from backwardness and poverty.”

Maurissa Creese

Creese began her long career in teaching at the Barrouallie Anglican School in June 1977. She attended Teacher’s Training College from 1994 to 1996, and further enhanced her teaching skills in 2007, when she graduated from the University of the West Indies (St Augustine Campus) with a Bachelor’s degree in Educational Administration. In 2008, she was assigned to the post of senior teacher at the Spring Village Methodist School, then subsequently was transferred to the Questelles Government School, where she remained until her retirement in 2012.

Cetroy Wilkes

“I didn’t choose teaching; teaching chose me.”

This is was how Wilkes summed up his decision to join the teaching profession, which started for him in April 1985 at the Fancy Government School. In 1988, he successfully completed his teachers’ training course and was placed at the Richmond Hill Primary School, and then subsequently at the CW Prescod Primary School when it opened in September 1989.

Wilkes further thanked the outgoing executive for its efforts during its tenure, and wished the incoming executive well in its endeavours over the upcoming two years. (JSV)