Minister of Education and Culture Hon. Andrew Fahie, Second District Representative Hon. Alvin Christopher, Acting Chief Education Officer Dr. Marcia Potter, Principal of the Jost Van Dyke Primary School Mrs. Marva Martin, Chairperson of the Adopt-A-School Programme Mrs. Colette Corea, Deputy Chair Mrs. Carlene Parsons and students show off the $5,000 cheque received from the Managing Director, New Horizon Ferry Mr. Sendrick Chinnery at the ceremony. They were also accompanied by teachers, parents, guardians and well wishers.

The school was officially adopted under the Ministry of Education and Culture’s Adopt-A-School Programme and received an initial monetary contribution of $5,000 from its adopter.

In a brief ceremony held at the school, Minister of Education and Culture Hon. Andrew Fahie thanked the General Manager of the New Horizon Ferry Service Sendrick Chinnery for their contribution. “Today, Mr. Chinnery has planted a seed not in the school but in the future of the Jost Van Dyke students,” he said.

Minister Fahie told the gathering that New Horizon Ferry Service will not only contribute financially but they will also give of their time. “Students, your adopter will contribute their time to teach you about life and guide you in the right direction and this is invaluable,” he said.

Honourable Fahie told Mr. Chinnery that this leap of faith will not go unnoticed and the seed sowed in the students will bear fruits.

Second District Representative Honourable Alvin Christopher told the students to never underestimate the potential of a seed sowed in them. “When a private firm takes the responsibility to invest in you, it is because they understand what you represent to this country,” the District Representative shared.

 “You are the future and all of us must join in one form or another to guarantee that you get the best start and opportunity in life,” he added.

Principal of the Jost Van Dyke School Marva Martin described the day as a historical one for education on that island because a local company agreed to adopt the school. She told Mr. Chinnery, “I assure you that your investment will not be in vain. We pledge to honour your contribution and will ensure that the entire student body benefits from your kind gesture.”

Mr. Chinnery told the gathering that his company is delighted to be a part of this initiative and they were even more delighted that they were able to adopt their alma mater. “This school is what made my brother and I what we are today and we are thankful for it,” he said.

He said they want to be able to give back to their community and assure their customers that when they spend their money with New Horizon Ferry Service it will also go back to the community.

Deputy Chairman of the Adopt-A-School Committee Carlene Parsons told the gathering she was very excited the school was adopted by a company that has roots in Jost Van Dyke. “I would like that this initiative by the Chinnery brothers be followed by other members of this community,” she urged.

She added that it was very important that the schools on the sister islands do not be forgotten and she urged businesses to come on board and be a part of this programme.

The Adopt-A-School Programme was launched by the Ministry of Education and Culture in October, 2007. A total of nine primary schools have already been adopted under this programme of which the main purpose is to provide a necessary link between schools and donor organisations, to educate and ensure that each school environment is conducive to a dynamic learning experience.