Empty heads can’t win in world of knowledge

DR RALPH HENRY, chairman of the Telecommunications Authority, has urged citizens of the need to upgrade their levels of education to keep this country competitive with the rest of the world. “The 21st century is one in which we will compete on knowledge. We cannot be a country of empty heads, competing with a world of knowledge,” he said. Dr Henry was the feature speaker at the opening ceremony of the Water and Sewerage Authority (WASA) Emancipation celebrations at its St Joseph headquarters yesterday. The programme, under the theme “Celebrating Great Victories, Overcoming New Challenges,” was organised by WASA’s Sports Club in collaboration with management.

The Emancipation observance by the State agency began with a procession from the George Earle Park in  St Joseph, along the Eastern Main Road, and west into WASA’s headquarters. Dr Henry said his comments were not directed to schoolchildren alone, but to the working class as well. “In a world where change is constant, you need to upgrade your level of education. Knowledge is an active process, not a re-active one,” he said. Citing the importance of Emancipation, Dr Henry declared that the observance must not be seen as just a day, but a process. Dr Henry asked if the Emancipation process, in 2004, had been completed, since the abolishment of slavery in the 18th century.

“Being emancipated was the achievement of the rights of citizens, not only to elect a government every five years, but to be in control of their space and destiny,” said Dr Henry. He said whatever the rate of learning was, citizens of this country should pursue it three times faster. Errol Grimes, chief executive officer of WASA, said the company was not about playing catch-up with others in the world, but becoming a world leader in this sector. Drawing from the theme of the day’s presentation, Grimes said, “Everyday team WASA faces new challenges, whether it’s bringing in new customers or developing new wastewater treatment plants or the implementation of new projects. We work as a team, in the way our ancestors did to break the shackles years ago.”