The 2023 graduating class at Milton Lynch Primary School got a frank pep talk from a Government minister in preparation for the next level of their educational development.
Principal Tyrone Marshall
Minister of State in the Office of the Attorney General with responsibility for Crime Prevention Corey Lane told the 43 graduates of the Water Street, Christ Church school that they had to build a proper ladder to rise to success.
Featured Speaker Corey Lane.
During the graduation ceremony at the Christ Church Parish Church’s Ivan Harewood Centre on Thursday, Lane said that going forward they would need to stay focused, be prepared, stay strong and pay attention to their physical, mental and spiritual health.
Dmitri Agard receiving his prizes from Justice of The Peace Janal Browne.
He said there were a lot of distractions in society and it was easy for young people to be led down the wrong path. He told the graduates that living the ‘bad boy’ lifestyle had serious consequences and while it was perpetuated as something cool and enticing it was not.
Jaden Belgrave collects his prizes.
“The life of a ‘bad boy’ or gangster looks cool. It looks so attractive in the music videos, Hollywood makes it look so nice. But what Hollywood doesn’t tell you is all the consequences. So let me tell you the consequences you don’t know about,” he said.
Joshua Bourne-Shorey accepts his prize.
“You may think I got to run ‘bout from a couple enemies, the cops and the girls gine like me. But what you don’t know is that for many of you who don’t have hefty bank accounts, when your mother goes to the court to get a lawyer for you they have to put up the house . . . that they worked hard for.
Rashawn Beckles proudly collects his prize.
“A lot of them you see on the front page shaking but the reason why they are so happy and shaking is because they were getting their tails burst in the last three days and they are glad for a lil’ sunlight . . .”
Elijah Bailey was all smiles colleting his prizes.
Speaking about his work experience visiting the prison service Lane added: “When I go up to the prison, on mornings I would come and see a line 25 inmates long . . . whose eyes weren’t red from crying, were red because they couldn’t sleep because their fellow inmate was crying all night. You don’t get to see or hear that and they don’t come out on ‘the block’ and tell you that . . . a lot of things happen and they will never tell you because they are ashamed that they became somebody’s ‘Miss Thing’ – don’t let us pretend.”
Rashae Briggs receiving his prizes from Justice of The Peace Janal Browne.
He also cautioned parents that they had to be a pillar of support for their children and offer them guidance and direction.
Jevaun Bynoe receiving his prizes.
Lane added that parents should also research some of the areas their children were interested in and make sure they exposed them to subjects that exist in today’s technological-savvy world.
The theme of the graduation was Step by Step, We Rise.
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