By:Curtis Morton
Charlestown-Nevis- For all concerned it was an exercise of monumental sacrifice, as they were required to be at the Vance Amory Int Airport by 5.30 am.
It was the morning of Saturday 3rd September and four of Nevis’ finest athletes showed up at the Airport, along with some family members and friends, as they prepared to leave Nevis on an extended academic journey.
The four individuals will all be pursuing four year degree programs at the renowned GC Foster College in Jamaica. The course was arranged and formalized with the Nevis Island Administration, through the sterling efforts and instrumentality of Minister responsible for Social Development, the Hon. Hazel Brandy- Williams.
The four individuals are:
Aljae Newton-who will focus on the areas of Coaching Football and Physical Education.
Sianna Leader-who will focus on Physical Education
Colin KEZRON Archibald-who will focus on Cricket and Track and Field
Kerisha Powell-who will focus on Sports Massage Therapy
A brief sendoff ceremony was held, prior to their departure, which was chaired by Director of Sports, Jamir Claxton, who wished the students every success in their endeavours and asked them to make Nevis proud.
Also on hand to encourage the four young persons, was Minister of Sports and Deputy Premier of Nevis, Hon. Mark Brantley who in his brief remarks, thanked Hon. Hazel Brandy Williams for initiating the process and congratulated the four successful applicants.
He wished them well and admonished them to ‘give it their all.’ He stated that once they were successful, they would return to Nevis to serve the island and assist with the building up of the human infrastructure for sports and sports training.
He also spoke highly of the GC Foster institution which he indicated has produced quite a number of outstanding persons in the sporting arena, not just in Jamaica but in other countries as well.
He impressed on them the fact that this was the largest single investment that the country is making in sending four of its talented youths to study at the same time.
He also pledged his administration’s constant assistance to the four individuals, while they are away studying.
Mr. Aljae Newton responded on behalf of the students and thanked Hon. Hazel Brandy –Williams; Hon. Mark Brantley and the NIA for investing in them and promised that they would all make them proud in return.
He also expressed gratitude to their parents, family members and friends who have been very supportive.
A few tears were understandably shed, as the aircraft moved skywards at about 7 am.