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Education Minister advises against listening to rumours

- says Principal Sybil Hodge will remain at Ebenezer Thomas Primary
Hon. Myron V. Walwyn, who was not billed to speak at the graduation exercise said in his remarks, “we ought not to listen to rumours [to get misled], teacher Sybil Hodge is staying in this school.” Photo: VINO
A section of the audience. Photo: VINO
A section of the audience. Photo: VINO
Kaheem Malone (centre) was given special praise for his accomplishments. Photo: VINO
Kaheem Malone (centre) was given special praise for his accomplishments. Photo: VINO
Minister for Health and Social Development Hon. Ronnie W. Skelton (left) and First District Representative Hon. Andrew A. Fahie at the graduation. Photo: VINO
Minister for Health and Social Development Hon. Ronnie W. Skelton (left) and First District Representative Hon. Andrew A. Fahie at the graduation. Photo: VINO
Graduating students of Ebenezer Thomas Primary. Photo: VINO
Graduating students of Ebenezer Thomas Primary. Photo: VINO
Graduating students of Ebenezer Thomas Primary. Photo: VINO
Graduating students of Ebenezer Thomas Primary. Photo: VINO
Graduating students of Ebenezer Thomas Primary. Photo: VINO
Graduating students of Ebenezer Thomas Primary. Photo: VINO
Principal Sybil Hodge will remain at Ebenezer Thomas Primary, according to Hon. Myron V. Walwyn. Photo: VINO
Principal Sybil Hodge will remain at Ebenezer Thomas Primary, according to Hon. Myron V. Walwyn. Photo: VINO
Third District Representative Hon. Julian Fraser, RA advised the students on steps to take during their academic journey through high school and beyond, including proper dietary habits and frequent consultations with guidance counsellors at high school in hopes of good college recommendations and also finding scholarships. Photo: VINO
Third District Representative Hon. Julian Fraser, RA advised the students on steps to take during their academic journey through high school and beyond, including proper dietary habits and frequent consultations with guidance counsellors at high school in hopes of good college recommendations and also finding scholarships. Photo: VINO
Some of the trophies on offer for the graduating students. Photo:VINO
Some of the trophies on offer for the graduating students. Photo:VINO
DUFFS BOTTOM, Tortola, VI – Education Minister Hon. Myron V. Walwyn, in surprise guest remarks, urged parents, teachers and students alike not to listen to rumours that Principal, Mrs Sybil Hodge, was leaving the Ebenezer Thomas Primary School.

Hon. Walwyn made the remarks during the Ebenezer Thomas Primary School graduation held at the New Life Baptist Church in Duffs Bottom yesterday, July 2, 2013 after Third District Representative Hon. Julian Fraser, RA had alluded to alleged indications that the Principal was leaving the school.

Hon. Walwyn, who was not billed to speak at the graduation exercise, said in his remarks “we ought not to listen to rumours [to get misled], teacher Sybil Hodge is staying in this school.”

Earlier, Hon. Fraser, while expressing congratulations for the good work Mrs Hodge had done in conjunction with her staff, expressed that people were going around saying that she may not be at the school in future. “I don’t want to spread the rumour, if it is a rumour, but if it is true… this school has just began to grow accustomed to your leadership and we could only move from strength to strength with committed people like yourself.”

He added that the school has a tradition of leaders that has taken it through many years and he expects to see her there in the future as principal.

The former Communications and Works Minister advised the students on steps to take during their academic journey through high school and beyond, including proper dietary habits and frequent consultations with guidance counsellors at high school in hopes of good college recommendations and also finding scholarships.

“Eat breakfast and lunch,” Hon. Fraser recommended, “it sounds stupid, but you’d be surprised how many people skip breakfast and lunch. Not only is this dumb, but it’s uncool and unhealthy.”

He encouraged students to start looking at colleges as early as possible adding that "you can be someone who makes straight A's in all advanced classes, but if you have zero extracurricular activities in your application for college, you will have a much more difficult time getting accepted."

Hon. Walwyn urged the students to never forget the morals and values that parents and teachers instilled since they helped in making the right decisions at the right time. He also encouraged them to not be afraid of hard work as he said the same level of diligence and good work ethic was required at later levels in life.

He singled out one of the graduating students, Kaheem Malone, for special praise owing to his determination, intelligence and expressed will to succeed. Malone was praised for having the courage to overcome challenges he was facing with the support of his mother, Shermiker Nibbs-Samuel.

Meanwhile, Principal Hodge wished the students all the best as they entered high school and asked that they strive for excellence in their academic pursuits, never settling for second best. “Choose your peers wisely,” she added, “respect all those in authority, work extremely hard and remember, put God first in all your endeavours.”

The Valedictorian for the academic year was Gerard Freeman while the guest speaker was Giovanni Herbert. Coach and retired teacher, Milton McLean, was also given honourable mention for his offer in treating the top three students of the school to a tour and lunch.

25 Responses to “Education Minister advises against listening to rumours”

  • Ah saw (03/07/2013, 08:33) Like (11) Dislike (28) Reply
    Myron flourishes on rumours and hear talking piddle. He just shame that Fraser exposed him.
  • Hmm (03/07/2013, 08:33) Like (9) Dislike (11) Reply
    Seems like he want to victimize any body from hog city...he just like the rest of the NDP they hate the third district...he push teacher Inez daughter out from Education Dept, now he trying to push teacher Sybil out…what a wicked man!!!...thanks for bringing it to light Frazer
  • The show (03/07/2013, 08:35) Like (10) Dislike (29) Reply

    I agree that a few things M*** has tried to do in education but I have lost all respect for this man because I find him to be self centered & about the show & what will make him look good & popular at all times. He is not a gen**** man AT ALL.

  • Exposed (03/07/2013, 08:39) Like (5) Dislike (29) Reply
    Myron has exposed himself big time because by assuring that the principal of Ebenezer Thomas Primary School will return to the school then he has assured us that he has full control over which teacher and principal that will be moved this summer so now we know who to hold responsible for some of the political & vindictive nonsense that will happen.
  • Well Well (03/07/2013, 08:41) Like (5) Dislike (27) Reply
    Myron said to this event that once you are 13yrs & older you are going to high school & doing 3yrs of remedial in a few subject areas. Well all this is really is watering down the system & bringing back the technical school in a different form. The more things change the more they remain the same.
  • . (03/07/2013, 08:49) Like (8) Dislike (27) Reply
    Wha OJ doing in the back row scooping? Wasn't he read out of that church before?
    • HELLO!!!! (03/07/2013, 09:45) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
      Why you don't mind your business. He is not scooping...the graduations are there for who so ever may want to go. He was never read out of that church...allu to negative and like spread rumors....go back under your rock man..
    • bb (03/07/2013, 09:59) Like (0) Dislike (9) Reply
      Let us hope he is not really in the habit of calling people names, like he did to the minister.
  • Wait a minute (03/07/2013, 09:31) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
    I am sort of confused. Does a principal at any of the public schools have a special "right" to the school that they preside over? I thought the Department of Education is at liberty to assign any teacher or principal to whatever school they choose. How did the education system and the appointment of principals become political. Are we in trouble or what? Yes, Mrs. Hodge is a wonderful Principal, but even if the rumor was true, what would happen? would the school be closed down? Will the education of the children not carry on? I'm just curious. I am not for, or against here. Just wish for some clarification
  • Missing Link (03/07/2013, 09:34) Like (13) Dislike (18) Reply
    Everywhere Fraser and Myron go with their politics even at a graduation with this bad political behavior!!!!! what wonderful example for our school children.
  • Cutty Wise (03/07/2013, 09:52) Like (1) Dislike (11) Reply
    Well the ROMOUR around says you STRAIGHT so I guess we shouldn't believe that...I DON'T.
    • . (03/07/2013, 11:35) Like (5) Dislike (19) Reply
      Rumour also says that he was born here and that one of his parents was a BVIslander, but many of us who know him know better.
  • ccc (03/07/2013, 11:18) Like (10) Dislike (22) Reply
    Poor public speaking technique with your head down Myron…your pr lady seems to be no help!
    • Virgin Son (03/07/2013, 20:27) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
      All this fuss about a misfit politician is becoming boring..Myron has 2 years left
      • out he goes (04/07/2013, 15:11) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
        well he up and down saying he will be in for a long time..how foolish and arrogant
  • merry xmas (03/07/2013, 13:14) Like (6) Dislike (7) Reply
    the NDP come to power based on rumors and propaganda
  • ann (03/07/2013, 13:27) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
    CONGRATS STUDENTS SORRY YOUR DAY GOT LOST IN POLITICKS
  • nuff fun (03/07/2013, 15:24) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    oh how i love the b.v.i everyday and everything is politikz keep it comming v.i.p. or n.d.p supporters y'all doing a great job in making me understand politrick or nothing else the jamaican artiste busy signal say (singing)seh mi na vote again ....oooh no
  • Village Girl (03/07/2013, 20:40) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    A Politicians creed

    Politics Is the art of what's possible.
    Politics have a morality of it's own.
    In politics, today is today, and tomorrow is tomorrow.

    My creed.....I on ME
  • talk girl talk (03/07/2013, 23:32) Like (0) Dislike (3) Reply
    Ok.. Here is my boxing commentary..

    "And Fraser keeps hitting Myron in the head... But Myron just keeps holding on to the ropes...
    Seems like Fraser is caught between a rock and a hard place.."

    Riiiiingggggg..

    "And there you have it folks.. The end of rounds 2... And yes, Fraser keep the home turf edge."


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