FirstCaribbean rewards Reynold Weekes’ pupils

The long-awaited walkway for the students at the Reynold Weekes Primary School has been completed.  Despite delays due to the COVID-19 lockdowns, contractor Vertex Builders completed the job and the structure has stood up to the high winds from the passage of Hurricane Elsa recently.

Sponsored by CIBC FirstCaribbean, the passageway links the classrooms on the far side of the school to the main section where the administration block, lunchroom and bathrooms are located. Prior to the construction of the walkway, there was difficulty getting from one area to the other when it rained.

The construction funding for the walkway came about as a reward to the school and in particular four students who found and returned a wallet to the owner intact. The bank sought to reward not only the students, but their school.

Director of Retail Banking Channels at CIBC FirstCaribbean, Michelle Whitelaw who, as a child attended the original school on the spot – St. Martins Four Roads – was present for the final handover and complimented the builders on a job well done. She highlighted the fact that students must be aware of consequences – good and bad. She also offered to secure some signage, so that future students would be aware of what those four had done.

Principal of the school Anderson Bishop thanked the bank for its corporate responsibility in looking out for the social development of the students. He said that by rewarding the children for their honesty and demonstrating to the present students, that they and others can benefit from their good deeds, they have learnt a valuable lesson.

“This is part of their overall development, by showing them the social impact of their honesty.” he stated.  Three of those students have since moved on to various secondary schools and there were 60 students at school who were preparing for the upcoming Common Entrance Examination. Some of them took a few minutes out to attend the handover of the walkway.

The four students, originally involved in the recovery of the wallet were Nathalia Leon Blackman, Nathan Leon Blackman, Jaquon Gittens and Jahvone Forde.

The covered walkway has been constructed in two parts, a 75-foot section from the classrooms and the adjoining 55-foot section which connects to the admin block. It is 4 feet wide and carries a gabled roof to allow water to run off. (PR)