Antigua & Barbuda Union of Teachers

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A “ pepperpot of perfect proportion” aptly summarises the Antigua and Barbuda Union of Teachers Annual Honour Ceremony and  Banquet on the evening of May 23, 2009 at the Jolly Beach Resort. As one entered the Hibiscus Room, the ambiance implored you to sit, relax and unwind. It was apparent by viewing the programme that like this national dish, the evening would have  offered it’s union members and guests the opportunity to experience variety blended into a memorable evening.

The singing of the National Anthem signaled the commencement of the programme.  Mr. Ashworth Azille, General Secretary of the union prayed for a blessing on the evening proceedings.  Among the invited guests welcomed by Mr. Denmore Roberts were Maurice Christian, Natasha Mussington President and General Secretary of the Antigua and Barbuda Trade Union Congress respectively, Mr. Stafford Joseph, General Secretary of the Antigua Trades and Labour Union and representatives of other affiliates of The Antigua and Barbuda Trade Union Congress. Mr. Roberts concluded his welcome with the  infamous recitation often said by children in “those ole school days of reading ,riting an rithmetic” that was absolutely apropos to an occasion of this caliber where teachers who had given twenty-five years or more of service to the profession were honoured.

At that moment as glasses were being filled with either juice or water, one could not help to reflect upon the many lives that the honourees have filled or the amount of knowledge that may have been quenched by their willingness to share their ideas and time. Immediately following the welcome, President of the Antigua and Barbuda Union  of Teachers Vernest Mack addressed the gathering  with her usual zeal. Mrs. Mack reminded all present of how special teachers are and offered words of encouragement and gratitude to the honourees. Additionally, Honourable Dr. Jacqui Quinn-Leandro delivered the special and sought not only to congratulate the honourees but to use the opportunity to relate information about plans posited by the Ministry of Education. The Education Minister further explained that aborting the marginalization of boys in our schools and access by all students to universal education are highly prioritised by the Ministry of Education.  Dinner was then served and during this period of socialization, “the lighter side” of the usually serious teachers was worth experiencing. While dining, the blend of smiles, hugs, pleasant greetings, and resounding laughter observed enhanced the evening. After dinner, the pan selection by Ms. Cleo- Antoinette Hampson followed by a song by Ms. Robyn Joseph both teachers at the Princess Margaret School left no doubt that “teachers got talent”. Their presentations were well received by the listening audience and this set the tone for listening to the profiles of the honourees and the presentations of plaques and other tokens of appreciation.  Although the profiles could not fully explain the lives of these teachers over the years, the summary was enough to give you a glimpse into “eyes of dedication” and pride. After the presentations, Mrs. Roma Jacobs began her response on behalf of the honourees by asking her colleagues to stand and take a bow. Mrs. Jacobs expressed her gratitude to the Antigua and Barbuda Union of Teachers for honouring them, and although retired, she pledged her continued support for the Union. All honourees were then presented with a carnation and beautifully serenaded by Ms. Lisa Sandy, teacher at the Golden Grove Primary School. This rendition moved many to tears at this seminal moment of unadulterated appreciation for teachers. The evening concluded with the Vote of Thanks by Ms. Paulette Henry, 2^nd Vice President of the Antigua and Barbuda Union of Teachers and the singing of Teachers’ Song.

 No one can fully reward a dedicated teacher for his/her years of service. It is quite true that the banquet and honour ceremony to celebrate their service to the profession might be a night not easily forgotten by the honourees, but a living opportunity to know their years of “teaching matter” …. Priceless.