Give back

WILLIAM PERREIRA, Buccoo Village Council's PRO, has urged the area's Secondary Entrance Assessment (SEA) scholars to give back to their community.

"I hope you recognise what lies in you and the future that lies before you so that we would expect that as you continue to develop along the walk of life, you will remember these instances and remember that they are also part of a larger whole. So, every time you achieve there is always the potential to give back in whatever manner they deem fit," Perreira said as the village council presented cheques to Buccoo Government Primary School students Sebastian Rampersad and Adanna Rodriguez, who placed first and tenth respectively in Tobago, in the SEA examination.

Perreira and the village council's youth officer Keigon Denoon presented $1,000 cheques to the students on Tuesday during a simple ceremony at the school.

Principal Corine Rochford and the students' proud parents Janne and Adam Rampersad and Dianne Rogers, Rodriguez' mother, were on hand to witness the presentation.

Having placing first in the SEA exam on the island, Rampersad earned himself a spot in the history books.

Not only did the 12-year-old create history for the school and the island, he also secured a spot in the top 20 SEA students nationally, placing 18th.

Rampersad, who will attend Bishop's High School in September, attributed his success to diligence, discipline and the commitment of his teachers and parents. He has his sights set on a career in information technology.

Rodriguez will also attend Bishop's High School.

The cheque presentation followed a function, hosted by Chief Secretary and Secretary for Education, Innovation and Energy Kelvin Charles at the Magdalena Grand Resort, Lowlands, to honour the top ten SEA students in Tobago.

Perreira said the village council, one of the longest surviving organisation's on the island, was overwhelmed by the students' achievements.

"Personally and collectively, I think we are elated by the fact that we actually had the best performing SEA student in Tobago coming out of Buccoo Government School. I mean that is an achievement by itself. We also had the student who placed tenth.

"So, that is a scholastic achievement on its own, not only for them individually but it also speaks towards the quality of education they are receiving at the school."

Perreira said the village council is committed to not only improving the lives of community members but ensuring that the future of Buccoo is in good hands for ensuing generations.

"So, we endorse fully, wholeheartedly, achievements of this nature and beyond."