While commending the former Speaker of the House of Assembly, Julian Willock, and his Third District Committee for their back-to-school initiative on August 31, 2025, Minister for Health and Social Development Hon Vincent O. Wheatley (R9) said the event at Valerie O. Thomas Community Centre was an example of what it should be about- bringing the community together. Photo: Facebook

Minister for Health and Social Development Hon Vincent O. Wheatley (R9), left, with Mr Julian Willock at the Annual Back-to-School Giveaways at Valerie O. Thomas Community Centre on August 31, 2025. Photo: Team of Reporters

More than 85 school children in the Third District received backpacks equipped with books, pencils, erasers, markers, and rulers, to name a few items. Photo: Team of Reporters

Hon Wheatley was at the time giving brief remarks at the event where more than 85 students of the Third District were not only given backpacks equipped with school supplies such as books, pencils, erasers, markers, and rulers, but were also provided with the necessary motivation to stay in school and live up to their potential by local attorney Sonjah S. Smith.

There were trivia questions for prizes, and businessman Rajah A. Smith of No Limit Construction donated a laptop to a student in the district.

There was also music by Selector Taz, food provided by De La Santa Bakery and French Deli, along with two barbers providing complementary haircuts sponsored by Quality Construction.

‘Bringing a community together’

Hon Wheatley said he considers back-to-school as very important, “and it should not just be about collecting school supplies but about bringing a community together.

“This is what we used to do a long time ago, and I think we’ve lost that….but this should be an event that brings the adults and the children together, just a time of fellowship, and coming together to have good fun.”

The Health Minister, with a smile, said such events also serve to remind the children that the summer fun is over and to get themselves prepared to return to school.

“So, I commend the organisers and everyone who saw the need to put on this event, and all those persons who sponsored this event. It’s not cheap or easy to do, and you can’t do it by yourself,” Hon Wheatley said, and wished the organisers well going forward with the annual Back-to-School Giveaways in the Third District.