Khoya Fahie, left, wins a Back to School hamper via a raffle compliments of Therapy Works. Photo: VINO

Persons in attendance at the 13th Annual Back to School event in the First District at the Capoon’s Bay Recreation Ground on September 8, 2019. Photo: VINO

Children line up for a snack at the 13th Annual Back to School event in the First District at the Capoon’s Bay Recreation Ground on September 8, 2019. Photo: VINO

Children enjoy the bouncy castles at the 13th Annual Back to School event for school children of the First District at Capoon's Bay Recreation Ground on September 8, 2019. Photo: VINO

Children enjoy the bouncy castles at the 13th Annual Back to School event for school children of the First District at Capoon's Bay Recreation Ground on September 8, 2019. Photo: VINO

Children enjoy the bouncy castles at the 13th Annual Back to School event for school children of the First District at Capoon's Bay Recreation Ground on September 8, 2019. Photo: VINO

Premier and Minister of Finance Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) attempts the 'Electric Slide'. Photo: VINO

A large human circle prays for protection during the hurricane season, for parents and teachers, and for the people of the Bahamas affected by Hurricane Dorian. Photo: VINO

A large human circle prays for protection during the hurricane season, for parents and teachers, and for the people of the Bahamas affected by Hurricane Dorian. Photo: VINO

Persons in attendance at the 13th Annual Back to School event in the First District at the Capoon’s Bay Recreation Ground on September 8, 2019. Photo: VINO

Persons in attendance at the 13th Annual Back to School event in the First District at the Capoon’s Bay Recreation Ground on September 8, 2019. Photo: VINO

Hundreds of children, along with their parents and guardians, turned up at the Capoon’s Bay Recreation Ground, to register for gift certificates valued $70. Each child was entitled to 2 gift certificates- $35.00 for J&C Department Store and $35 for Island Services.

The certificates are redeemable from Thursday September 12, 2019.

First District Representative and Premier and Minister of Finance Honourable Andrew A. Fahie (R1) gave a pep talk for both the children and parents.

He urged parents to keep track of their children especially when they are in high school when the “temptation from others gets greater.”

“No government can raise your child, they can only put the opportunities in place but you have to prepare them to be ready for when the opportunities hit.”

No excuse this year

Premier Fahie let the children know that they should never let anyone fool them into believing that because they didn’t born of a family whose last name maybe is of some stature in society, that they can’t make it in school and life.

“That is the most foolishness I have every heard anybody put in people’s minds, because once you born on the earth you automatically are equal. It is what you do with the opportunity.”

This school year, he said, having an excuse that they come from a single family home is not an excuse, because there are some people who come from both and are no better off. “It does not matter where you come from but it matters where you are going.”

The day was also a fun event, with steel pan music, food and drinks, and bouncy castles.

Hon Fahie was even moved to dance the ‘Electric Slide’ with a group of persons.

Among the elected officials present to show support for the annual event were Minister for Natural Resources, Labour and Immigration, Hon Vincent O. Wheatley (R9); Minister for Health and Social Development, Hon Carvin Malone (AL); Deputy Speaker Hon Neville A. Smith (AL); Junior Minister for Trade and Economic development, Hon Sharie B. deCastro and Junior Minister for Tourism, Hon Shereen D. Flax-Charles (AL).

Following the ceremony, a large human circle was formed and prayers were made for protection during the hurricane season, for parents and teachers, and for the people of the Bahamas affected by Hurricane Dorian.