The unveiling of the plaque on March 12, 2013.
Photo Credit: Melissa Edwards/BVI Platinum News
The unveiling of the plaque on March 12, 2013.
Photo Credit: Melissa Edwards/BVI Platinum News
The site of the Virgin Islands Senior School, the Territory's first secondary school, is now a historic site following a commemorative ceremony and plaque unveiling held yesterday, March 12 at the Georges family building on Main Street.
The building, which now houses the BVI Diabetes and BVI Cancer Society Associations, housed the first senior school which was established by Thomas Dixon Green on May 3, 1943.
The ceremony was held in honour of Mr. Green, who was also the first Principal and Supervisor of Education in the BVI.
Premier Hon. Dr. Orlando Smith speaking at the event, expressed gratitude for what Mr. Green did for education by recognizing the importance of education.
Premier Smith said Mr. Green established the school in the building which was his home, a building he rented from the Georges family. The Premier said Mr. Green did not wait on the Government for a building and from that first senior school, the education system has grown from strength to strength over the past 70 years.
Sir David Green, son of Mr. Thomas Green during his remarks shared that his father would have been genuinely surprised and honoured by this move. He also disclosed that this idea started in 2011 under the leadership of the former Premier and now Opposition Leader, Hon. Ralph T. O'Neal. He said Hon. O'Neal set the ball rolling.
He spoke of when his father arrived in the Territory in the middle of the Second World War. He also reflected on his father's love for education.
Sir David Green said when the school was started in May 1943, there were 41 students and a teaching staff of 4. He said now he understands that the Elmore Stoutt High School houses 1,304 students with 145 teachers.
William Georges, who spoke on behalf of the Georges family, reflected on the days when persons had to travel to St. Kitts and Antigua for secondary education. He said the Georges family has always been part of education both locally and abroad.
He added that the previous building was a wooden structure and commended officials for making it into an historic site.
Hon. Myron Walwyn, Minister for Education and Culture told the gathering that it has taken approximately 70 years to acknowledge the opening of the doors of the school in such a ceremony; however, within those 70 years great strives have been made in the public education system.
Hon. Walwyn also commented that the site will now add to the charm on Main Street as it relates to tourism.
A section of the audience
Photo Credit: Melissa Edwards/BVI Platinum News
A section of the audience
Photo Credit: Melissa Edwards/BVI Platinum News
Ms. Adorothy Turnbull, pioneer class member and former Head Girl also spoke at the ceremony where she reminisced on the days at the school and the subjects which were taught, including hygiene, religious education, home economics and literacy, among others.
Ms. Turnbull said in those days there were no library, text books, limited bench and space for students.
Permanent Secretary in the Premier's Office, Mrs. Rosalie Adams said the site is now for residents and visitors to understand another part of the Territory's history. She related that it is important that the young people understand how education has evolved over the years in the Territory.
Opposition Leader, Hon. O'Neal and other Government Ministers were also present at the ceremony.
According to Premier's Office, this is not the first time the Government of the Virgin Islands has chosen to commemorate historic building sites. In 2010, four buildings were commemorated on Main Street. They included the St. George´s Church Parish Hall, Old H.M. Prison, The Fireproof and J.E.W. Georges´ Building.
