President of the Dominica State College Dr. Donald Peters has told graduating students of the institution to become agents of change to some practices in Dominica.
He made that call at the institution’s 9th Commencement ceremony for 295 students at the Windsor Park Stadium on Tuesday.
“You are graduating at a time in Dominica when the average citizen continues to depend primarily on government for almost all aspects of their lives, you need to change that. At a time when each day you wake up, you have to listen to an abundance of radio talk shows, manifesting unbelievable ignorance, you have to change that. Amongst these background dear graduates, much will be expected of you. You are entering a Dominica workforce that is in dire need of your young mind and energy. A Dominica looking for new solutions to old problems,” he said.
He also called on the graduating class to find ways of changing the approach to work in Dominica.
“Today according to the Employers Federation, the country loses thousands of man hours per year in sick time, either real or imagined. The most welcoming change to our national character that will benefit our economy and our country would be a new approach to work. You can be new workers with a new approach to work. A work ethic that shifts the paradigm to production,” he said.
He said students should set personal goals, be honest, always helping customers with a smile, being responsible, and always being on time.
“I would like to share five short tips with you that I always put to graduates. One, where ever you travels may take you, call home often. Two, always remain street smart even though you have a degree; do not buy the Brooklyn Bridge, it is not for sale. Three, never forget your bag or your cell phone on a bus, you won’t get it back. Four, never pay your VISA bill with your Mastercard. And five, never pierce any part of your body that you cannot hide when you seek a johb interview. I urge you to go out in the world and show everyone that each of you are indeed a DSC rising star,” he concluded.
Sidney Jules was the valedictorian of the graduating class and received awards in economics and mathematics as well as a give package from LIME that included a laptop. Jules had also previously placed first on island in A-Levels when the results were released a few months ago.
Mr. President if you are trying to teach us values you must teach it in a holistic manner, and also practice it. We the students know that you are very often out of office and that your secretary is left to take all decisions for the college and believe me sir, she has no idea what she is doing. I would therefore advise you to play back the recording of your speech and ask yourself whether it was written as a result of guilt. I can tell you that this is the worst president the college has had and it is in a real mess.
SO WHAT ABOUT GOD, He SHOULD BE NUMBER ONE.. you forgot about telling the students about Christian Values… stupzz about you cannot buy the brooklyn bridge and don’t leave your bag or phone on a bus.. plz! stupzzz
Agent of positive change is not limited to the areas that you mentioned…as a matter of fact you should encourage the students to do the opposite of some of the things that you mentioned. Talk shows are healthy in any democratic society and you should encourage them to continue to strengthen our democracy, this is very very key.
As I mentioned earlier, agent of change is not limited to the areas that you mentioned, and when a young graduates goes to work and try to bring positive change, most of the times in Dominica they are being met with opposing forces. There are people that are set in doing things their way or the way they know how. What’s going to happen to this new graduate, well, alot of things but ultimately, this new graduate might loose his/her job.
This is just the nature of the beast here in Dominica, sad but this is reality.
Lol
I support what u said Mr Peters,that is true. I think they got the message thanks.
The picture of the graduating class in the stadium is fantastic! I love it!!!!
Congratulations though to all those students. We as Dominicans are proud of your achievements. All the best in your future endeavors.
It was really shameful to hear the President of the College throwing words for his staff and faculty when he should be using that time to sing their praises in helping the students to realize their success.
Dr. Peters, you should be ashamed of yourself, even the students are commenting on that move, and they like the lecturers and the public are sorely disappointed. Shame, shame, shame… The valedictorian sang their praises, but you as their leader could not. I guess true character always shows its face.
Boston, Miniesiota, Bahamas Trinidad.Bermuda, Clarksberg /NY Westindies board, DA.-Now you have made a fool of yourself once more Dr.peters alias P-Man,where next?Your next port of call? Still one to run for Roseau central? last time it was supposed to be on a DFP ticket now it’s DLP.I guess UWPis awaitng you too.The more studiated they are the more dotish they are.
You are entering a Dominica workforce that is in dire need of your young mind and energy. A Dominica looking for new solutions to old problems,” he said.
He also called on the graduating class to find ways of changing the approach to work in Dominica.
GREAT
Donald you have lost it!! So sad to see you guys! We pity you! This is the most pathetic graduation speech ever! It that it? WOW!
@Remember the Bible, are you ok?
Yes I am fine! Very fine indeed! I have heard many graduation speeches and this one does not make the cut in my opinion. I see you have a problem with that, but I can’t help you with that, it is not MY problem, it is YOUR problem. All you Dominicans will have to learn to recognize that fact that everybody is entitled to his/her opinion even if you disagree with it.. GROW UP!! This is what Donald is teaching INTOLERANCE of other people’s perspectives! As a matter of fact, he doesn’t even believe that people to listen to opposing ideas, or opinions.. NOT good for an educator,not good, thus my reason for my conclusion. If you listen you night just learn something!
that was a damn good speech…you are ignorant to think otherwise …. shame on you !
Lets say we have different standards?? Ok? Fine wit you?
Take note Dr. Peters, your audience should be able to relate to what you say. So many persons would have never seen or heard of the Brooklyn bridge. Why not use something they could identify with, possibly the Financial Center, the Windsor Park stadium rather than the Brooklyn bridge? And we heard these same five last year, we hope we will hear a new five next year…. well that’s if you do not leave this job by then