The St Luke’s Primary School in Pointe Michel has unveiled and officially opened its own folk museum earlier today, at a ceremony under the distinguished patronage of the President of Dominica H.E. NOJ Liverpool and Mrs Liverpool as well as Mr. and Mrs Alwin Bully and Dr. Lennox Honychurch.
The project was spearheaded by Sister Anita Peter, teachers at the school and other community members and is aimed at showcasing traditional home and work items and tools in an effort to preserve the unique history and culture of Dominica and more specifically the southern regions and Pointe Michel.
One of the chief benefactors David Wilson, whose daughter attended the school, initially contributed £7,000 towards the project and also assisted with other donations.
“I came to be inspired by Sister Anita’s vision for the school and by her desire to help the school develop in some way. Initially, this was actually a very humble but practical project, tiling the walkway [into the school], but then Sister mentioned to me her concept for the folk Museum at the school and this really captured my imagination; a museum to show how people in Dominica worked [and] lived 60, 70 years ago and a time which, if we’re not careful is coming out of many people’s living memory,” Wilson said.
He concluded, “I am delighted to have contributed to the construction of this beautiful museum and I pray that it will become the success that it deserves to be.”
Director of Continuing Studies at the Dominica State College Merrill Matthew relayed the congratulations of the college and spoke of the DSC’s involvement in training the workers who will facilitate tours of the museum as well as commended the bravery of those involved to do something unique as a school.
“The courage to be diverse, people like to do things the same way all the time and there is a certain sense of security when you’re doing things like everybody else, but Sister Anita and her staff, the PTA and the community helpers have decide to be different, diverse and spread their wings and let Dominica see that the school can do different things.”
He also commended the fact that the school has strived for excellence in this endeavor and urged those in attendance to be “excellent in our consciousness”. The college trained 21 persons in a 4-day workshop that covered a number of areas related to customer relations and hospitality.
Mrs Liverpool cut the ribbon and declared the museum officially opened and was led, along with the president on the inaugural tour of the facility.
A segment of the museum will also feature art from the community that will be available for sale.
Some of the items on display are below.
Congratulations to sr Anita Peter. I am pleased to read so great news concerning her religious ministry as educator.
Well done Sister Anita , my school mate . I always knew that you possessed great ideas . Let greatness prevail.
thats nice of y6ou sister aunita
congratulations st. lukes. this is very positive and will surely get our children to appreciate their culture. continue the good work sister and your staff. job well done!
THE MUSEUM IS AN OUTSTANDING GESTURE TOWARDS LEARNING. SISTER ANITA, YOU ARE ALWAYS ONE AHEAD OF EVERYONE ELSE. I AM QUITE IMPRESSED WITH THE POSITIVE DEVELOPEMNT YOU HAVE DONE AND CONTINUE TO DO AT MY ALMA MATTER. I WISH YOU AND YOUR HARDWORKING, AND CO OPERATIVE STAFF THE BEST OF LUCK IN ALL YOUR FUTURE ENDEAVOURS. YOUR VISIONS AND GOALS ALWAYS PUT PTE. MICHEL IN THE EYE OF THE PUBLIC IN A POSITVE WAY. YOU HAVE MY SUPPORT
Way to go St.Lukes School….you have produced many strong men and women….keep up the good work.. A museum is a great way to showcase our past and also our diversity in the Pointe and in D.A… Sister Anita and the staff job well done.. And I can’t wait to bring my kids back home to show them this wonderful school we call St. Likes….’Our school we hold so dear..it’s message stand so clear….we treasure all it’s teaching and praise God for His blessings..we want to be victorious …..Go St. Lukes …we will always love you…
Much Love
Alwyn Bully is now Dr.Alwyn Bully
Please, please give the man His Due
Well done sister ans the staff of SLS. Keep up the good work.
Great job St Luke’s and of course great inspiration for the project by Sr Annita, Ms Carbon and Mr Wilson. Rest assured there will be write ups for all the artifacts and also descriptions for everything. This will all be done by the children in due course as part of their learning and overall holistic development. Way to go St Luke’s – you inspire us all!
Lovely!
Labels with a short description of the use of the items would greatly improve
I am always overjoyed when I hear of accomplisments of St. Luke’s. I was a young teacher(Std. 4)in 1959-60 after leaving the St. Mary’s Academy. I hold very fond memories of the teachers and pupils and Mother Olivia who was Principal. One celebrity who was a young girl then is Mrs. Ophelia Marie who was nine years old at the time. Great memories of the wonderful people of Pointe Michel.