ECCB Governor visits CW Prescod Primary School (+video)

GOVERNOR OF the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB),Timothy N.J. Antoine paid a visit to the CW Prescod Primary School yesterday, September 12 as he continued his Country Outreach Missions.

Following a tour of the school, conducted by Principal, Suzette King, the ECCB Governor journeyed next door to the Memorial Hall where he delivered remarks to a percentage of the student body and was presented with a plaque on behalf of the school.

The CW Prescod Primary School is part of the ECCB’s Primary School Mentorship Programme that was launched 15 years ago, in October 2007.The programme targets students in Grades 4-6 from eight primary schoolsone in each ECCB Member Country- ensuring that they receive mentorship and financial education during the last three years of primary school.

During the welcoming remarks at the Memorial Hall, the school’s principal noted that the financial literacy program has had a great impact on the students who have become better savers. She said a number of them are members of the school’s Co-operative. Additionally, King said that every year the ECCB sponsors the top male and female mathematics performers at the grade 5 level.

Governor Antoine during his remarks gave the students three pieces of advice. 1. Always put God first. 2. Read as much as you can. 3. Build your country.

Principal of the CW Prescod Primary School Suzette King (left) presenting a plaque to Governor of the ECCB Dr Timothy Antoine

He told the students to always have faith in God and reminded them of Colossians 3:23 which states that “Whatsoever ye do, do it heartily as to the Lord, and not unto men.” In addition, he advised the students to become avid readers because in order to lead they have to read. He reminded them that this country belongs to them and they have to build it as they go through their education.The Governor also advised the students that as they attain higher levels of education, institutions are going to look for students who did extra curricular activities and when “places are tight” such involvement may make the differences between those who get accepted and those who do not.

Governor Antoine later told SEARCHLIGHT that he is quite pleased with the impact of the programme on the school and he is particularly pleased with the confidence that the students are acquiring about money management.

He noted that money management is a life skill which many people lack and wherever the students go they are going to need this skill.

He was also pleased with the engagement of two former students of the school in the ECCB’s radio programme “Children Connect” that dealt with money matters.

The two former students of the CW Prescod Primary School who hosted the programme are now attending the St Vincent Grammar School.

Antoine said that their engagement is allowing them to build confidence and grow as leaders.

The ECCB Governor also pointed out that students who participate in the mentorship programme have gained greater levels of financial literacy noting that “if you are more literate you are able to make wise financial decisions.”

He said the bank plans on using more digital tools to deliver financial literacy information because creative ways have to be found to reach young people so that they can become more engaged.

He believes the mentorship program will help not only the students and their families but also St Vincent and the Grenadines and the currency union.

During his visit to St Vincent and the Grenadines the ECCB Governor will be engaged in a range of meetings including with Prime Minister, Dr Ralph Gonsalves; Minister of Finance, Camillo Gonsalves and Opposition leader, Dr Godwin Friday.