Once again, Early Childhood practitioners on Montserrat, some for the first, second or many times since 2008 gathered on the evening of Tuesday, June 26, 2017 at the Goodlife Night Club in Little Bay, where the deserving received special awards for their work and dedication to the care and education of the very young.
The award ceremony was a highlighting activity for the month-long celebrations, organised in their honour where in the presence of the practitioners, young and old with parents, male and female listened to congratulatory greetings from new Permanent Secretary and the new Director of Dr. Gregory Julius who lauded the efforts of these teachers. The Director was reminded after he singled out a pioneer of the Early Childhood education by the MC, that Mrs. Henrietta Lindsey known to many as “Miss. Sissie” had already been awarded last year, for her initiative for starting Early Childhood services in 1970 – 1973.
During June, Early Childhood Month, where each centre chooses a day to showcase the activities the staff and children participate in under a theme of their choice. On this eventful day the other centres visit and engage themselves in the activities put on by the particular centre. The month begins with a church service and this year the staff, parents and children worshipped at the St. John’s Anglican Church.
This year, the Early Childhood Sector celebrated its 11th Awards Ceremony on Monday June 4, 2018, under the theme: Explore! Discover! Grow! Enrich! This was held at the Good Life Night Club at 6:30p.m. with Mrs. Inez Thompson, Education Officer, Early Childhood, as the Master of Ceremonies delivered welcome and opening remarks.
After a prayer by Mrs. Marcia James and singing of the National Song by Mrs. Albertha Dyett and Mrs. Veronica Lynch-Morgan; Mr. Colin Fergus, Permanent Secretary, Education and Dr. Gregory Julius, Director of Education Designate delivered congratulatory remarks.
Six workers of the year, from each centre, were awarded during the ceremony, namely, Arietta Buffonge – Salem Nursery School; Lornarene Cabey – Salem Day Care; Tassia Queeley – St. John’s Day Care; Ida Gerald – Brades Nursery School; Josette Greenaway – Look Out Day Care; and Schenai Kelly – Look Out Nursery School.
The six public centres, along with Aunt Madge Child Care, and Sweet Angels Valley Day Care & Preschool, presented tokens of appreciation to some parents and persons from the community. They were: –
| Centre | Parent of the Year | Community Award |
| Salem Day Care | Miss. Tama Nurse | Mrs. Mary Dorsett |
| Salem Nursery School | Mr. Reuben Meade | Mr. Clifford Ryan |
| St. John’s Day Care | Mr. Deighton Greenaway & Miss. Lyandra Hobson | Mr. Ralston White |
| Look Out Day Care | Miss. Ulina Allen | — |
| Look Out Nursery | Miss. Claris Yearwood & Miss. Janelle White | Mr. Clifford Ryan |
| Brades Nursery School | Miss. Lavern Ryner, Mr. Kelvin Ponde & Mr. Everson Farrell | Mr. Basil Morgan |
| Aunt Madge Childcare | Miss. Monique Spencer | Mr. John E. Wyke |
| Sweet Angels Valley Day Care & Preschool | Mrs. Naseeka Rogers | — |
Special awards were given to the following persons:
Mrs. Kathleen Bramble – 26 years of service: – 1984 – 2010
Mrs. Ione Yearwood – 20 years of service: – 1987 – 2007
Mrs. Doris Williams & Miss. Ethlyn Lewis – 17 years of caring for children from 3 months – 3 years at their homes.
Mrs. Albertha Dyett received a fruit basket for her dedication to the Early Childhood Sector for 37 years ‘service. She was previously awarded two years aback for 35 years’ service. She retires at the end of the academic year.
Miss. Yasmin White, described as a beautiful lady and friend of the Early Childhood Sector, received special recognition for her continued support and advice to the Early Childhood workers. Each centre contributed a brief synopsis of how she is viewed.
See attached Fackbook Link to more pictures: https://www.facebook.com/pg/themontserratreporter/photos/?tab=album&album_id=10155741134355852
