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Shirley Chisholm Primary Symbolises “Higher Level Of Excellence”

Vauxhall Primary School is now the Shirley Chisholm Primary School and is set to continue on with a higher level of excellence.

This was emphasised today during a renaming ceremony at the school’s Vauxhall, Christ Church location, where former pupil, Shirley Anita Chisholm, the first Black woman to be elected to the United States Congress in 1968, was immortalised in poetry, song and tributes from several dignitaries.

Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley headed up the list of dignitaries that included Minister of Education, Technological and Vocational Training, Kay McConney; Minister of Environment and National Beautification, Adrian Forde; United States Ambassador to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, Linda Taglialatela; the Senior Advisor to the Director-General of the International Labour Organization, Chad Blackman, and the family of Shirley Chisholm.

In her address, Ms. McConney, noted that Shirley Chisholm’s name carried “a significance of courage, audacity, tenacity and capacity” and highlighted her ability to “sink her teeth in, focus on where she needed to go and persevere” not only for herself but the benefit of others.

She said: “As we rename this institution today, we seek also to commemorate the indelible contribution that this school played in the formative years of our illustrious patron Shirley Anita Chisholm. We seek to evolve a unique identity for this institution of learning and to leave a historical marker that will inspire past, present and future students to walk in her footsteps and in their case, to create their own footsteps that take them even higher.”

Students were told the Ministry’s actions would prove beneficial to them. “You have in Shirley Chisholm, a great icon to inspire you. As you walk into school each morning and wait at the entrance to enter school, I want you to look up to the mural… look at all of the achievements of this great lady…and, like Shirley Anita Chisholm, focus on making a positive difference,” the Education Minister said, adding that the new name symbolised a level of excellence, achievement and legacy worthy of the school.

While pointing out that the history of the school dated back some two centuries, Ms. McConney noted that in 1803, the first Chapel School was built by the Methodist Church and it was during the 1920’s that Shirley Anita (then St. Hill), attended the Vauxhall Primary School.

Referring to Ms. Chisholm’s autobiography, “Unbought and Unbossed”, she stressed that Shirley wrote about Vauxhall when she stated: “I would know what an important gift my parents had given me by seeing that I had my early education in the strict traditional styled schools of Barbados. If I speak and write easily now, that early education is the main reason.”

Minister McConney revealed that there were no reservations when the idea was first brought to her Ministry’s attention that the Vauxhall School be named after Ms. Chisholm and she acknowledged it was the brainchild of diplomat Chad Blackman, the then Ambassador of Barbados to Geneva, also an alumni of Vauxhall Primary.

Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley, officials and the family of Shirley Chisholm watch the unveiling of the new sign bearing the name of former pupil and trailblazer Shirley Anita Chisholm. (C. Pitt/BGIS)

Meanwhile, Mr. Blackman, in his remarks, thanked Prime Minister Mottley for acceding to the request to rename the school and emphasised the importance of Ms. Chisholm’s legacy being “translated into a way of life” for children who pass through the school.

Pointing out that Ms. Chisholm was a great orator, debater, public speaker and “never shied away from raising and championing issues of great importance”, he called for the school to allow its students to become masters of the art of public speaking.

Stating that he was committed to undertaking a National Shirley Chisholm Debating Competition for primary schools, Mr. Blackman said its aim would be to annually debate critical issues of the day.

“We must create among our people the ability to express themselves, not only in academic terms, but more broadly, if we are to see Barbados become the globally competitive nation in all areas, including sport, the arts and negotiations and general day-to-day endeavours,” the Vauxhall Primary alumni stressed.

It was also noted that the school’s location could become a place where the general public and tourists could visit and gain knowledge of Ms. Chisholm. To this end, Mr. Blackman proposed a digital library that would feature her work, speeches and become a repository for information on key global issues on international affairs.

The day’s event also saw the unveiling of a plaque renaming the school; a two-sided mural; a bust of Shirley Chisholm located in the school’s Memorial Garden, and the choir’s rendering of the new school song, composed by teacher, Carol-Ann Holford-Sam.

Shirley Chisholm was born in Brooklyn, New York, to a Barbadian mother and Guyanese father. When she was three years old, Shirley was sent to live with her grandmother on a farm in Barbados, and received much of her primary education at Vauxhall Primary, which was then located in the Vauxhall Methodist Church. The school was officially opened at its current location on July 8, 1976. (PR/GIS)

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Remembrance Day Parade On November 10, 2024

Barbados will remember the servicepeople who lost their lives during World Wars I and II, with the customary Remembrance Day Parade and a short inter-denominational service at the Cenotaph, National Heroes Square, The City, on Sunday, November 10.

The parade will commence at 8:00 a.m. and will be broadcast live on national television and radio.

Several armed and unarmed uniformed groups will be on parade, including the Barbados Defence Force, The Barbados Police Service, the Barbados Legion, the Barbados Fire Service, the Barbados Prison Service, the Boy Scouts, and Girl Guides.

Wreaths will be laid at the Cenotaph by the President of Barbados, Her Excellency The Most Honourable Dame Sandra Mason; Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley, Chief Justice Leslie Haynes, members of the diplomatic corps, and other dignitaries.

The service will be followed by an informal inspection of veterans and a march-past by uniformed groups. Members of the public desirous of attending the event are asked to collect tickets from the receptionist at Government Headquarters, Bay Street, St. Michael, from Monday, November 4, between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

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Key Reminders When Considering Investment Opportunities

The Financial Services Commission (FSC) is reminding the public to exercise caution when considering investments in Multi-Level Marketing (MLM) schemes. While MLMs may present themselves as legitimate business opportunities, some can be risky or even illegal, leading to significant financial losses.

Here are some key things to consider before making any investments:

1. Research the Company/Person(s): Thoroughly investigate the background, business model, and reputation of any of the company or persons involved. Verify whether the company or persons associated with the investment are registered and regulated by relevant authorities like the Financial Services Commission.

2. Understand the Business Model: Genuine businesses generate revenue primarily through the sale of products or services, not recruitment of participants. Be wary of models that emphasise recruitment over product sales.

3. Check for Red Flags: Promises of high returns with little effort, emphasis on recruiting others, or pressure to make large upfront investments are warning signs.

4. Consult with Experts: Seek advice based on your financial goals and wherewithal from regulated individuals or companies set up to provide such guidance.

The public is urged to approach all investment opportunities with caution and conduct their due diligence to safeguard their financial well-being.

It is an offence for persons not registered or licensed with the Commission to offer investment advice, sell financial products or deal in securities.

The public is encouraged to notify the Commission of any situations where entities or individuals engage in these practices without being duly registered and/or licensed. (PR/GIS)

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Barbadians Continue To Benefit From UNESCO Training In Cuba

Barbadians continue to benefit from UNESCO training courses in Cuba, despite the country experiencing an island-wide blackout from Friday, October 18.

Three Barbadians are currently in Cuba participating in the Caribbean Cultural Training Hub of the UNESCO Programme Transcultura: Integrating Cuba, the Caribbean and the European Union through Culture and Creativity, which was organised by the UNESCO Regional Office in Havana, and funded by the European Union.

Historian and Genealogical Researcher, Stacia Martindale, is participating in the course Designing Small Businesses in Heritage Tourism Destinations, while Landscape Architectural Technician, Kodi Husbands, and Assistant Coordinator and Researcher of the Barbados National Register of Historic Places, Rhianna Smith, are participating in the course Introduction to the Management of Integrated Development of Historic Centers.

They shared their experiences of being in Cuba and about the courses they are studying.

Ms. Martindale said: “So far, the experience has been very amazing. I’ve been loving the culture of Cuba and the general experience in class.

It’s really been exciting for me. It’s my first time in Cuba. I think I know quite a bit about Cuba just because I’m really interested in History. I’m actually a History teacher, so to come here, where that history has happened, is really, really exciting for me.”

Mr. Husbands, who is on his second visit to Cuba, shared that the first time he visited was on a vacation. “It really resonated with me. I got to understand the culture a lot more [and] I was able to identify with the people after speaking to them about their experiences and how they live. That’s what inspired me to continue working in sustainable architecture and design, and cater for society and the people, rather than doing it for money.

“So far, I’ve found different methods or techniques and practices which can be useful for back home in my field of architecture. And different ways I can further develop my country, whether it’s towns like Bridgetown, Speightstown, or Oistins. Or even smaller communities like in the East Coast, or in St. George or more rural areas as well,” he remarked.

It is also the second time for Ms. Smith, who previously benefitted from a course in June, this year, at the prestigious International Film and Television School of San Antonio de Los Baños, on the outskirts of Havana.

“This experience has been a lot different compared to when I was in San Antonio. Havana is a lot more active and has a lot more to see. And so, I’ve been able to immerse in the culture in ways that I was not able to the first time around,” Ms. Smith said.

She added: “We have been having some tours where we have been seeing examples of not only the restoration of historic sites and buildings, but also the repurposing of those buildings for uses that really fit the community. For instance, earlier this week we visited a daycare. But it was a day care for the elderly which doubles as a day care for babies, and so on.

“And so, what they are trying to do is to integrate those two generations and, of course, develop a consciousness of caring for the elderly. Things like that have led me to conclude that it’s been nothing short of inspiring so far, and I’m just looking forward to seeing where things go.” (PR/GIS)

Caption: From left to right – Rhianna Smith, Barbados’ Ambassador to Cuba, Dr. Sharon Marshall; UNESCO Director Anne Lemaistre; Stacia Martindale; and Kodi Husbands pose for a photograph