TRINIDAD: April 18, 2016: The Honourable Shamfa Cudjoe, Minister of Tourism, encouraged the Graduating Classes of Diego Martin North Secondary School to “not only dream … but chase your dreams like your life, your existence, your survival depend on it … because they really do”. Minister Cudjoe was the Feature Speaker at the Diego Martin North Secondary School Graduation Ceremony on Friday April 15, 2016.
At times drawing upon her own life story, Minister Cudjoe advised the students that it is not about “who goes to the better school but rather about pursuing your dream, discipline and strength of character. I did not go to the better school but the hurdles I had to jump and the obstacles I had to overcome, caused me to be better schooled. What the naysayers don’t understand is that these institutions and circumstances increase strength, embolden courage, amplify confidence…. strengthen character”.
Noting that both her parents came from simple circumstances, Minister Cudjoe pointed out that “Your parents and fore-parents worked, sacrificed, cried, bled and died, not for you to walk in their footsteps but for you to have a better life. My mother always said, I am a checker, and I will walk barefoot and naked before you become one. You owe it to yourself, you owe it to your family, you owe it to your community, and you owe it to your country. The opportunities you have now, your parents could not have fathomed…GATE, scholarships, business grants, exchange programmes, internet…you name it …the world is on your side…rooting for your to get with the programme…the only obstacle between you and your dreams is you….”
The Minister of Tourism challenged the graduates to
Be the first one in your family to go to university. Make it all the way to a Master’s Degree.
The first to establish your own business
The first to seek opportunities in a foreign country
In congratulating the students of Diego Martin North Secondary School on reaching this important milestone, the Honourable Shamfa Cudjoe, Minister of Tourism, warned the youths “to guard your head as it is one of the most important tools in your arsenal” and pay attention to the music you listen especially music that glorify gang culture.
In addressing the students School Principal Clayton Patrick indicated that one of the major causes of celebration was the results of the 2015 CSEC examinations wherein the school was able to “secure some full certificates, that is, five (5) or more passes including English and Maths”. This was most significant as “traditionally most of the students came from primary schools with weak foundations in English and Maths and struggle to pass these subjects at the CSEC level. We have had our reasons to celebrate, but we have also had a few instances when students have made the wrong choices and attracted negative media attention”. The private sector and the Ministry of Education have made several interventions to assist students to better cope with life challenges.
Also speaking at the Graduation Ceremony was School Supervisor III from the Ministry of Education, Olson Oliver, who advised students to become “champions in all aspects of life”. The valedictorian at the Graduation Ceremony was Sherice Beddoe.
