Retired Educators Honoured in St. Elizabeth

Five retired teachers from the Black River Primary and Infant School were honoured at a special ceremony held at the institution on Thursday (May 21).
Those honoured were former Principal of the school, Conrad Romans, who gave 38 years to various educational institutions in St. Elizabeth; Jennese Idover-Walters, for 40 years as an educator; Myrna Barrett, who served for 36 years; Veta Medora-Daley, who dedicated 27 years of service; and Yvonne Cawley, for 25 years.
In his tribute, His Worship the Mayor of Black River, Councillor Jeremy Palmer, described the educators as individuals who have influenced proper values in the classroom and in the wider community.
“The acknowledgement today is well earned. You have been role models in the classroom, and in the entire community. The family life that you have lived has had a positive bearing on others, and I wish for you a meaningful retirement,” Mr. Palmer said.
Mr. Romans, who replied on behalf of the honourees said they were reflecting with pride and satisfaction that they had played their role well.
“We were part of a very distinguished team, a team that settled for nothing but the best. We exercised a zero-tolerance approach to mediocrity, we had a mission to achieve, and the results are still here to be seen,” Mr. Romans said.
He added that through special intervention initiatives that he and others instituted, the school has been performing well in the different examinations, quiz and sports competitions. Mr. Romans made special mention of a perimeter fence that was erected during his tenure, and the groundwork that was laid for a computer lab at the institution.
“We gave service without counting the cost. Our mission was based on a culture of performance, and all those within the purview of this institution, whether they be board, academic, or ancillary staff, students and members of the wider community must subscribe to this culture. Those who succeed us, yours is the task to continue to build on this rich heritage,” he emphasised.