An acapella rendition of “Turn your Flicker into a Flame” performed by calypsonian Deryck “De Hunter” St. Rose was very fitting for the 39 students of the 2013 University of the West Indies Open Campus graduating class.
The graduation ceremony took place at Fort Young Hotel on Thursday and the song urged the graduates to grow like bush fires do.
Outstanding graduate, Helen Reid, a teacher at the Goodwill Primary School, encouraged fellow graduates to be reflective workers as they entered a new phase in their lives.
“As a passionate teacher, I wish to offer one piece of advice to my fellow graduates today: it is this … be a reflective worker or teacher,” she said.
Reid, who graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Education, pointed out that it does not take the smartest person in the room to be the most successful, but rather the hardest worker.
Featured speaker, Kelvin Cardinal Felix told graduates that he is not suggesting that they become Cardinals, but rather they should let their language and attitude be of service to their family and country.
He urged tolerance towards others who do not share similar views.
“Never let it be said that you think your qualification entitle you to demean others and consider yourself above them,” he said. “Your studies over the past few years must necessarily enhance your skills and your knowledge in your selected careers so that you will now perform more effectively and efficiently at whatever form or service you undertake. However, your studies would have helped you to broaden your understanding of life in general and giving you also a greater compassion and tolerance towards others.”
The Cardinal told the graduates that they should always practice charity at home.
“And therefore your immediate family should be the first ones to reap the fruits of your higher education who probably assisted you to arrive where you are today,” he said. “Show gratitude and let them have the benefits of a higher education you have achieved. Never abandon them so that they become wards of the state or recipients of handouts from the community.”
He stated that the graduates’ work should be reflective of their improved skills and professionalism and efficiency should always be evident in whatever they do.
“It should not be a case of I studied and have my degree, I don’t care I can come as late as I want,” he said. “In fact, your attitude should be a model to others to emulate.”
During the ceremony a moment of silence was observed for Aisha Mark and Emelda De Jean who passed away earlier this year and who were expected to part of the graduating class.
The event was held to recognize students who could not attend the main ceremony which was held in Grenada recently.
The following are the areas of study and the number of students who graduated in that area:
-Certificate in Early Childhood Care and Education (Administrator) – one
-Certificate in the Human Resource Management –one
-Associate of Science –four
-Bachelor of Education –fourteen
-Bachelor of Sciences (Social Sciences)- Four
-Bachelor of Science (Nursing Post RN)-One
-Executive Diploma in Management (CHSB)-Three
-Post Graduate Diploma in Secondary Education-Nine
-Master’s in Education for Literacy Instruction-Two
– Masters in Adult and Continuing Education-One
Congratulations to Makisha Breezie and Diane Laurent who were also outstanding students.
Having faith and belief in oneself were major factors for the success of all those who proudly walked the halls of Fort Young to accept that UWI scroll. Congratulations to all particularly Miss Melanie Francois (Masters in Ed) and Mrs Nadia Pinard (Bs. Ed) for making Paix-Bouche proud. The sky is the limit….
Yes! Congratulations to you all. May God continue to bless each and everyone of you,
Congratulations Mrs. Helen Reid.
“The Race Is Not For The Swift But Who Can Endure.” “Wisdom Comes Through Struggle!”
Congrats Rhona on your great achievement. We are so proud of you.
Congratulations Des we your family here in the US support you and is celebrating with you on your great achievement. We stand by you and are very proud of you.
Congrats – you go girl
Congratulations to Lorine Lawrence of Colihaut….Masters….God is Great…..Blessings to all graduates.
Congrats Shanita!!! I’m so proud of you. Hmmmmm they took out this picture just for you. lollllls
Congratulations Mrs Nadia Pinard… so very proud of you
congrates mrs lousi and ms bynoe
Congrats to all. Great job Hunter. As always you delivered with class. It was well received by all.
Congratulations to all UWI graduates. Paix-Bouche was well represented by Mrs Nadia Pinard- B.Ed. and Miss Melanie Francois M. Ed. … Well done folks !!
It is always heartening when Dominicans excel. You make yourself, your family and Dominica proud. Continue to surprise yourself, your family and Dominica through your selfless hard work. CONGRATULATIONS!! Thank you Cardinal for reminding of where they came from and where not to go.
Congrats Miss Clara Lee. Proud of you.
where is the picture of Mrs. Helen Reid. We need to see it.
Every time I see graduation ceremonies of UWI, I shiver because it brings back so much memories of my experience 2009-2011. (The good, the bad and the ugly). But the most rewarding period is the graduation after all the sleepless nights and the stresses of meeting the deadlines.
Congratulations graduates, well done. Go into your fields and sow the seeds of success. Thanks cardinal for reminding us of lifting and rewarding our families who stood with us through thick and thin that we should ensure that they do not rely on hand-outs or become beggars. God Bless us all.
I share your sentiments. I get the shivers!
Congratulations to all! You have made yourselves and your families proud. It shows that hard work and perseverance and not idleness pays off. Congrats Mr. Harrigan and all the other graduates.
congratulations Miss Ivonia Isles (Ebenezer S.D.A Primary School)
Congratulations to all who endured and sacrificed to reach their goals. Where are the male graduates?
They already have their degrees.
Congratulations Major Dorsen
Robin
Helen,the BONFIRE won’t get out of control.Light it.
What an achievement!The challengeswere the launching pad for this great day.Bask in it! -You deserve it! You have gone past the Hunter’s Flame. It is BONFIRE time..
.Congrats.
.
Congrats Major Dorsen Robin
Congrats to all especially my dearest niece Mrs. DECIMA DANGLEBEN SERAPHIN. Keep reaching for the stars. Diane, Nadz, Ms. REID CONGRATS… Cema I wasnt there in person but happy I got a glimpse of u before u left. Check Pam i am not surprised. Mrs. Dejean n Aisha… phenomenal women u were. PiP ..
Congratulations Ms. St.Hillaire, Mrs. Elwin and Ms. Simon.
You all made me proud
congrats Mrs. Delia Giddings! whoosh! big things popping
congrats Lisa. Aunty is proud of you!!
Congratulations Mrs. Reid. What a great teacher!
Congratulations to all!!
I have always heard that UWI is hard for a working woman and mother. The numbers here proves that the challenge was well worth it. Great job folks!
Congratulations Helen. Keep up the good work. I am there working hard still.
Congrats Rhyns. Proud of you sis.
Congratulations to all the graduates and best wishes in your future endeavour.
It is so very sad, that Mrs. DeJean did not get to be part of this ceremony after all her hard work, effort and sacrifice. Lord, only you know. Mrs. Dejean, I still cannot believe that you are gone.
RIP Mrs. DeJean and Ms. Mark. You are gone but will not be forgotten.
So proud to see so many graduates. Your journey into the world begins now. Take all the knowledge and use it wiserly. Dominica’s future is in your hands. Congratsz.
Congrats Ms. Peters!!!!
Aww thank you guys
So very good to read of such events. I exhort all of you to move forward ever, as you make your family, yourselves and your country proud.
Congrats to all the graduates!
Great! you guys have studied in the great alma mata