These Class Five students did their presentation of Mrs. Jennie Wheatley by memory. Photo: VINO

The honorees in front row. From right: Mrs. Jennie Wheatley, Mr. Elmore Stoutt, Mrs. Inez Braithwaite, Mrs. Adorothy Turnbull, Mrs. Adele Frett and Mrs. Sybil Hodge. Extreme left is Acting Chief Education Officer Mrs. Beverly Braithwaite. Photo: Reuben Stoby/VINO

The heroes recognized for their sterling contributions towards the development of the Virgin Islands were former educators Mrs. Inez Braithwaite, Ms. Adorothy Turnbull, Mrs. Adel J. Frett, Mr. Elmore Stoutt and writer Mrs. Jennie Wheatley, who were all there to collect their ‘flowers’ and the late Mr. Noel Lloyd who led the Positive Action Movement of 1968, which fought against the Bates Hill development that would have alienated Wickhams Cay and the island of Anegada for 199 years from locals who would have only been allowed access to those areas except for jobs as servants.

Various groups from Class Five did separate presentations on their heroes, which were well appreciated by the audience and the heroes there being recognised. One of the standout presentations was about Noel Lloyd as the students dramatized the opposition and arrest of Mr. Noel Lloyd to the Bates Hill Agreement. All of the honourees who gave responses said they were very appreciative of the school to honour them.

Educator for 46 years, Mr. Elmore Stoutt commended the school for the initiative and said it was one of the ways of motivating the students and also facilitating community involvement. He also said he hopes the students would go on to high school and do more research to unearth the rich history and culture of the Virgin Islands. Mr. Stoutt, who was regarded by the students as the ‘Fungei Master’ then broke into a song about the presentation.

According to Principal Sybil Hodge, in celebrating Black History Month, the teachers and students from the Ebenezer Thomas School thought it fitting to acknowledge and recognize the black heroes of our territory as well. Therefore, they selected a number of persons who have contributed greatly to the development of the Virgin Islands over the years.

“It is extremely important that our children understand and commit to memory, the importance of our local heroes who have impacted the lives of their ancestors as well as themselves.”

Third District Representative Hon. Julian Fraser commended the school for being the first to get the Department of Education to acknowledge Black History Month and noted too that he was happy to see Mrs. Inez Braithwaite as one of the awardees and in attendance.

He said he hoped the initiative catches on very fast to other schools.

Meanwhile, the “Guess Who?” honouree was principal of the Ebenezer Thomas Primary School Mrs. Sybil Hodge.

Among those in attendance yesterday were Deputy Premier Dr. Kedrick Pickering and Minister for Education and Culture Hon. Myron Walwyn.