More kudos for Kerrisha

Frederick Smith Secondary School student Kerrisha Skeete has been rewarded for her bravery and unselfishness once again.

On Independence Day, the 15-year-old received a standing ovation when President Dame Sandra Mason presented her with the Barbados Bravery Medal for her “unselfish act of bravery towards a senior citizen while preventing loss of life from a seizure which occurred on public transportation”.

On Thursday morning, in the presence of her schoolmates and teachers at morning assembly, Skeete was all smiles once again when Chief Education Officer Dr Ramona Archer-Bradshaw announced that she was Barbados’ newest Peace Ambassador.

The title is an aspect of the Ministry of Education Technological & Vocational Training School Behaviour Management Programme (SPBMP).

“I am a bit surprised. I didn’t even know this was a thing until this morning. But I am grateful to be awarded the Peace Ambassador title 2022,” said Skeete, who took the Peace Ambassador’s pledge before Dr Archer-Bradshaw and her schoolmates.

She had jumped to the assistance of an elderly man as he fell foaming at the mouth on a Public Service Vehicle (PSV) while other passengers stood by or walked over him on November 22.

The teenager said she was aware that she possessed the attributes of a role model student and indicated that she intended to advocate against bullying at the Trents, St James educational institution.

“I plan to stop bullying at this school because it happens a lot and I really do not like it. I even get bullied for being overweight. I would like to stop it, not just at school but hopefully everywhere,” Skeete said.

The student who, accompanied by her mother Kerry Skeete and three siblings also attended the post-Independence Day parade reception at State House, said she completely enjoyed the atmosphere.

“When I went to State House, a lot of people – I mean everyone there – were congratulating me and saying they were proud of me. I am grateful for everything that has happened for me so far,” Skeete said.

Meanwhile, Dr Archer-Bradshaw explained during the brief ceremony at the school that the designation of Peace Ambassador was the highest award given to any student between the ages of 10 and 18 who had demonstrated a positive action of national significance.

She said Skeete was the third person to be given the award in 2022, and the fifth since the Ministry started the programme in 2019.

“This says a lot to me. It tells me that there is still a lot of good in our schools, and I encourage each and every one of you to look at these positive examples, these examples of selflessness and brotherly love, and ask yourselves ‘what good can I do today?’ It’s all about doing good.

“I had the privilege of listening to Kerrisha’s interview and she spoke about her desire to help people. She also mentioned the impact that her teacher Miss Tahirah Payne had on her and the fact that she listens to her teacher.

“Who would have believed that just a few days ago the knowledge that she gained from her teacher and the values that she gained from her upbringing would come together in such a way that she could rescue a gentleman on a minivan,” Dr Archer-Bradshaw said.

The Chief Education Officer told the students they never knew when what they have learned at school would be needed to help someone.

In fact, while urging the students to cherish their time spent at school, she noted that school was not only a place to learn academics but also life skills.

“Always listen to your teachers, they are not going to put you wrong. Listen to your principal [Stephen Jackman], he is not going to put you wrong. Your parents are not going to put you wrong, your guardians are not going to put you wrong. And the reason that you are coming to school is not only to learn bookwork, but we expect you are here to learn values like how to be kind, how to be generous, how to be thoughtful, how to think of others outside of yourself. You are here to learn skills that can help you as you become adults,” Archer-Bradshaw said.

anestahenry@barbadostoday.bb