Hold the torch high, Girls’ High School

14.MAY.10

Editor: I wish to respond to a letter published in last week’s issue of your newspaper. The letter was captioned “Defacing highway with blue paint unacceptable”. The writer took issue with the Headmistress of the Girls’ High School for the painting of the road for the torch relay to mark the launch of the centennial celebrations of that school.{{more}} A preposterous comparison was drawn between this and the proposed establishment of a bar in the school zone at Richmond Hill. I wish to ask the writer what is the deleterious effect of the paint on the road?

It is certainly not the first time that roads have been marked for athletic events. As with other events of this nature that have been held here, the Girls’ High School must have sought and obtained permission from the relevant authority to do so. Surely, this and the police escorts were arranged in the interest of the safety of the participants and the general public.

The letter refers to the torch event as “a single activity by a single school”. Obviously, the writer did not attend the Girls’ High School. But what is more obvious is his/her lack of patriotism. Or perhaps A. Moore is too narrow-minded to recognise the national and historic significance of this milestone achievement. The torch relay was indeed fitting as it symbolised the nation-wide impact of the Girls’ High School and the achievement of the girls who have passed through the portals of this noble institution. The relay took the torch through the length and breadth of the country, and participants included past and present students representing every community, several generations and the many professions of the graduates of the school. It was very pleasing to see the energy and enthusiasm, not just of the student body, alumni, and past and present teachers, but also of other persons associated with the school in some other way and of well-wishers.

The centenary of the nation’s first and leading secondary school for girls, the school’s tradition of excellence, and the contribution of its graduates to the development of our small nation are achievements of which we should all be proud. As a proud past student and a patriotic citizen of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, I salute the St. Vincent Girls’ High School on this milestone achievement and offer congratulations to all the organisers of the various celebratory events. Through toil and earnest effort we’ll continue to reach the highest gain. Per ardua ad alta! Let us press on for the development of our girls and of our country. The prize is worth the pain.

By the way, A. Moore can be assured that the paint is non-permanent, as is expected for these purposes.

Michele B. Samuel