Stay on the right path

TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO’s young people were encouraged to stay away from crime and make the most of opportunities that would help them to educate themselves and make a positive difference in their communities. These words of encouragement came from Prince Andrew, the Duke of York, during his visit to the Servol Beetham Life Centre yesterday. From the moment of his arrival, the Duke did away with rigid dictates of diplomatic protocol and moved from one class to another, holding intimate discussions with teachers and students. He listened intently as teachers told him of the variety of skills from woodworking to auto-mechanics which the students were being taught at the Centre. In the case of the welding students, Prince Andrew was informed that the skills of these students would help them find gainful employment in TT’s energy sector.

Several students told the Duke that before coming to the Centre their opportunities for advancement were very bleak but now things were looking up for them. “It’s important to do the learning bit then the theory,” Prince Andrew advised the students. He urged them not to be daunted by setbacks and always remember that life was a continuous learning process. The Duke drew laughter from the students when he said that new British High Commissioner to TT, Ronald Nash “needs theory at the moment” and should attend their classes. Prior to visiting the Servol Centre, Prince Andrew toured the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) Headquarters in Beetham Gardens. Programme coordinator Capt Peter Ganesh informed him that the CCC specifically attracts persons ages 18 to 25 years old “who have the lowest level of formal education and least involvement in community activity and who are less likely to succeed elsewhere”. Ganesh added that these persons were most susceptible to “delinquent or criminal behaviours”.

The most rewarding part of the Duke’s day was a visit to the Princess Elizabeth Home on Ariapita Avenue, which was founded on February 13, 1953 by his mother-Queen Elizabeth II. “We are grateful to the Queen to use funds from her wedding to build a home for physically handicapped children here in TT,” said 15-year-old Sean Thompson, a resident of the Home, as he presented a portrait to Prince Andrew. The Duke then asked the assembled boys and girls whether the Home’s nurses and teachers were treating them well. Prince Andrew chatted extensively with staffers about the different aspects of the Home’s activities and was particularly interested in the Home’s medical facilities.