Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre delivered an empowering address to the top 2024 CXC, CSEC, and CAPE students from Guyana, Trinidad & Tobago, Grenada, and Jamaica, emphasising their role in shaping a brighter Caribbean future.
In his speech, the Prime Minister acknowledged the challenges the students may face but encouraged them to remain steadfast. “It’s just the beginning of your journey, your journey in academia, your journey in the world. It is not going to be easy. There’s going to be difficulties. Sometimes you might say to yourself, ‘Why am I doing this?’ But you have to persevere. You have to have the discipline and the self-control to go forward.”
He celebrated the region’s rich intellectual tradition, urging the students to take pride in their Caribbean heritage. “You come from a rich tradition of Caribbean intellectuals. The Caribbean has had a number of men of high intellect and achievement. Be proud of your West Indian and your Caribbean civilisation. No civilisation, to my mind, is as diverse, as unique as ours.”
The Prime Minister also highlighted the importance of regional unity and integration. “You have to be at the forefront of getting the Caribbean together with unity. The Caribbean will be one of the most formidable places in the world.”
Despite the challenges facing the region, he expressed optimism about its future, reminding the students of their potential to lead. “The future is bright. I’m not one of those who believe that the future of our region is grim. The future is bright. Of course, we have issues, but the future of the region is bright.”
Prime Minister Pierre concluded by encouraging the students to embrace their roles as leaders and change-makers, emphasising their ability to shape a better Caribbean civilisation.
