By Lesroy W. Williams Observer Reporter
” (Basseterre, St. Kitts) – First Caribbean International Bank demonstrated its commitment to the education sector by donating the book, “St. Kitts and Nevis: A Portrait of a Nation Celebrating 25 Years of Independence.” The book was written by Dr. Timothy Harris, Member of Parliament in the Labor Administration. The handing over ceremony was held at the University of the West Indies Center in Basseterre on Nov. 5 and was attended by students and teachers of various schools throughout the Federation. Country Manager of First Caribbean International Bank in St. Kitts and Nevis, Mr. Robert Judd, told the students gathered that the foundation of their success as students and our success as a nation is the willingness to learn. “The only obstacle is yourselves, do not tell anybody that you cannot achieve,” Mr. Judd said. Dr. Harris gave the keynote address and linked the historic elevation of Barack Obama as the 44th President of the United States to that of the students, who he said “are called to aspire to the best that they can be.” He encouraged them to be disciplined, focused and hard-working. “In this world everything is possible if only we work hard, if only we persevere, if only we remain focused,” Dr. Harris said. “What Obama has achieved, you can achieve too if you remain committed, disciplined and focused. These are some of the character traits that you have to build from now.” “The challenge of the educational institutions, whether it be at the pre-school level, or primary, or secondary, or college level, is to prepare you to seize the opportunities which are going to come your way and there is no better foundation for that preparation other than in the educational institution,” he said. “I encourage all of you students to value this time in school. You will not know how precious and how important the time was until after you have exited. Make the best of it. Your parents would want that, your communities would want that, your teachers would want that and I would want that for you,” Dr. Harris said. Books were donated to the George Moody Primary School, Dean Glasford Primary School, Tyrell Williams Primary School, St. Paul’s Primary School, Bronte Welsh Primary School, Dieppe Bay Primary School, Sandy Point Primary School, St. Christopher Preparatory School, the Charles Halbert Public Library and the Clarence Fitzroy Bryant College. Regarding the structure of the publication, Chapter 1 presents a brief analysis of the pre-independence forms of government experienced by St. Kitts and Nevis and recalls some public positions as to why independence was necessary. “Chapter 2 describes the new emblems that define the Independence of St. Kitts and Nevis, paying particular attention to our flag, coat of arms, national anthem, and constitution and their significance. “Chapter 3 is a compilation of speeches made at the annual sessions of the United Nations General Assembly over the period 1983-2007. “Chapter 4 provides an overview of the former diplomatic relationships that have been established with other countries across the globe. “The Book contains 214 pages and is replete with a number of appendices listing the Ministers of Foreign Affairs from 1983 up to present, St. Kitts and Nevis Ambassadors to the United Nations and government officials who have addressed the UN Assembly.
