Charlestown-Nevis-Tuesday 24th July was a significant day in the lives of eighteen individuals who graduated from the first ever Gerontology: Basic Care of the Elderly course, at a ceremony which was held at the Michael Sutton auditorium at NEPAC.
The course of study was coordinated by the Ministry of Social Development and as was explained throughout the course of the program, it was put in place so as to enhance the capabilities of the Care givers who work within the Ministry and was also extended to persons who work in similar positions in other Care giving institutions on the island.
It was coordinated in collaboration with facilitators Mrs. Patricia Richards –Leader, who gave an overview of the course and outlined the subject areas covered and Mrs. Cicely Jacobs.
The program was ably chaired by Deputy Director at the Social Services Department, Miss Joyce Moven.
The ceremony also included prayer by one of the graduates; the national anthem on pan, played by Gavin Patterson; an outstanding rendition by the Golden years Steel Orchestra; remarks by Cabinet Secretary, Mr. Stedmond Tross, on behalf of Premier Mark Brantley and the feature address by Ms. Lorraine Archibald, Coordinator of the Gender Affairs Department.
Also addressing the gathering, was Minister of Social Development, Hon. Eric Evelyn, who congratulated the graduants on their signature achievement.
The trainees’ response was delivered by Ms. Evet Inglis, who also featured in a hilarious but instructive skit, along with some of her fellow graduates.
The beaming graduates, all splendiferously attired, then received their certificates from Hon. Eric Evelyn and Mrs. Cicely Jacobs.
The most outstanding graduate from the Medical field was Miss Cacelia Stanley and the most outstanding graduate from Community Care givers, was Mis Evet Inglis.
Miss Joyce Moven indicated that in due time, another number of caregivers will be given the opportunity to pursue the course of study.
The full list of graduates were: Elrose Arthurton; Tessa Baker; Nadine Bartley; Delisa Bridgman; Briony Dore; Sheona Emanuel; Paula Francis; Evet Inglis; Diane Jeffers; Lyndetha Maloney; Gloria Morton; Trudy prentice; Lavonne Ryan; Cacelia Stanley; Olivia Stanley; Maria Stapleton; Vernice Whittaker and Lavern Wilkinson.