By Julette Bryan, Gleaner CorrespondentMORANT BAY, St. Thomas:
PRINCIPAL OF St. Thomas Technical High School, Phillip Wilson, has said that the cultivation of human values and attitudes is where the real education is. Mr. Wilson was addressing a gathering at the official launch of the St. Thomas Villages Upliftment Association, at Duckenfield Primary School on Sunday.
The newly-formed Villages Upliftment Association (VUA) is the realisation of the dream of president Trevor Webbly to resuscitate and revive the old community group, as well as to foster the development of new ones. The association is designed to help members of the various communities to become knowledgeable about their community and to be able to contribute to their development, so as to make these areas better for their occupants as stated in the mission statement.
In an interview with the first vice-president, James Oliver, The Gleaner was told that many of the clubs and associations in and around the Duckenfield area were no longer operating. He said further, that it had left a vacuum in the community, as the clubs and organisations had given the people a voice and they were now seeking to reinstate that voice.
Mr. James said that the first objectives included re-establishing the library, which was burnt down three years ago, having a fire station at Golden Grove, a proper post office, a well-equipped and functional health centre and refurbishing of the teachers' cottages in and around the area.
When asked about funding, Mr. Oliver said the association will undertake fundraising activities, but expected the support of the government, by way of the Member of Parliament, Dr. Fenton Ferguson. In response to the question concerning clubs and associations in the western section of the parish, Mr. Oliver said that section of the parish appears to be doing well, and so for the present efforts of restructuring and re-organisation will be centred on the eastern section.
In his address on the topic, values and attitudes, guest speaker, Phillip Wilson, said also that the establishment of the association was a good step towards promoting community development and fostering the growth of good values and attitudes.
In addition to its official launch, the association also honoured over 50 senior citizens for work done in the community. The citizens came out in their numbers to be a part of the historic moment. Also in attendance was councillor for the area, Beresford Steele, and representatives from the three political
parties.
