New investors give back to Buccament community

The new investors of the Buccament Bay Resort have taken an interest in the surrounding community, with their first act being a donation of whiteboards to two schools.

Investors, Kelly Glass and Barry Ferdinand officially handed over a total of 21 whiteboards to the principals of the Buccament Government School and Buccament Bay Secondary School at a ceremony last Tuesday.

Ferdinand, in brief remarks, said that a Vincentian living in the United Kingdom, Jackie Roberts, contacted him some months ago about the donation of whiteboards.

Investors, Barry Ferdinand (R) and Kelly Glass (second from right) handing over white boards to Godwin Martin, the principal of the Buccament Bay Secondary School (second from left) and Keith Ollivierre, principal of the Buccament Government School (centre). Maxwell Charles, the CEO of RIDU (L) was also present.

And, as an investor in the Buccament Bay Resort project, he thought that it would be good to become involved with the community so “it was done without a second thought”.

He added that the investors are now considering what else can be done to lend support to the community.

“It’s great to be able to meet our new neighbours. We want to work very closely with the school and the community to make sure its a good relationship going forward,” Glass, a fellow investor said.

He also said that education, like the hospitalities field, was changing significantly and that there would be job opportunities available once the hotel in the community was reopened, as well as at other hotels that are expected to be built here.

Godwin Martin, principal of the Buccament Bay Secondary School, expressed gratitude for the whiteboard donations.

He said he takes the health of his teachers and students seriously and the whiteboards would minimise the chalk dust and also help students to focus a little more.

“I am saying to everyone gathered…we deeply appreciate the whiteboards and we are going to do everything to ensure they are kept in the right state,” Martin said.

Keith Ollivierre, the principal of the Buccament Government School also expressed thanks when he rendered the Vote of Thanks.

Sir Louis Straker, the deputy Prime Minister and representative for Central Leeward, also made a donation of sporting equipment to both schools.

He encouraged students to work hard and do their best, while in school so that they can take up any position they desire in society.

“If you have failed in the past, that is not final…pick yourselves up, get in your books, do the best you can, have an aim, an ambition,” he said. “Where you see I am now…one of you can take my place, not only as Deputy Prime Minister but as Prime Minister.”

Dixton Findlay, deputy chief education officer and Maxwell Charles, the chief executive officer of the Regional Integration and Diaspora Unit also delivered brief remarks at last Tuesday’s handover ceremony.