THE OFFICIAL RE-OPENING OF THE EXCELSIOR HIGH SCHOOL SCIENCE BLOCK BY THE DIGICEL FOUNDATION AND THE EXCELSIOR PAST STUDENTS ASSOCIATION

SPEECH BY THE PRESIDENT

THE EXCELSIOR PAST STUDENTS ASSOCIATIONCHRISTOPHER HONEYWELLFRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2009

Mrs. Maxine Henry-Wilson, Member of Parliament, Southeast St. Andrew and Former Minister of Education and Youth;  Mr. Phillip Paulwell, Member of Parliament, East Kingston and Port Royal and Former Minister of Industry, Technology, Energy and Commerce and a Past Student; Major General Robert Neish, Executive Director of The Digicel Foundation; Mrs. Merlene Bardowell, Executive Director of the National Commission on Science & Technology and also a Past Student,  Elaine Rolston, Regional Education Officer, Ministry of Education and Youth,  Chairman, Ms. Lilieth Deacon and representatives of the Committee of Management of Excelsior High, Mr. Mark McLean, President of the Parent Teachers’ Association, Mr. Bromfield, Principal of Excelsior High, Former Principal Mrs. Beverly Wilson, Executive Members of the Council of Management of The Excelsior Past Students Association, Past Students,  Teachers , Students, Ladies, Gentlemen

Good Afternoon.

On January 21, 2007, noted Jamaican scientist, Executive Director of the National Commission on Science & Technology, and past student of Excelsior High School, Mrs. Merline Bardowell, broke ground for a new and upgraded science block.

This science block was a project of The Excelsior Past Students Association conceived to mark the 75th anniversary of the school. Early in the planning phase it was recognised that the scientific and academic needs of the students were immediate and the project scope was accordingly adjusted to $15 million for a refurbished science block.

 The science block was chosen as the project of the Association as it is committed to nurturing an interest in scientific research and to develop a circle of dedicated scientific and creative minds, who will solve problems and over-come challenges for the advancement of  our society. As a developing nation within a global economic environment, the challenges that we face are considerable.

 To succeed in the present innovation-driven world, we need to build a critical mass of people with sound expertise in science and technology.   It’s a self-perpetuating circle. When you begin to build a strong cadre of graduates with hands-on skills and a passion for science which takes them beyond the school curriculum, the transition into research and innovation is infinitely enhanced; it in turn acts as a catalyst for a constant infusion of scientists and scientific innovation and application into various aspects of life and activity which in turn is a precursor for accelerated development.

Scientific research, application and innovation capabilities will be the key to promoting knowledge-intensive industries and sub- sectors in Jamaica.  With these objectives, the Association started work on preparing building plans and bid documentation while seeking grant funding from various organizations.  The ground work began approximately one (1) year ago with a little under J$2 million dollars acquired from fundraisers and donations by committed Excelsorians. 

With its strong bias and commitment to education and community development, The Digicel Foundation soon emerged as the most significant donor, contributing J$8 million to the project on January 18, 2008 at the Association’s Founder’s Day brunch.  Armed with this combined funding, work commenced on the renovation of four (4) laboratories and two preparation rooms -two (2) physics and two (2) chemistry laboratories.  The scope of work involved redressing the following:

The facilities also needed greater power requirements and additional features to ensure compliance with new safety standards.  More specifically, the work completed in both laboratories and preparation rooms was as follows: 

As a result of the work performed the following increased capacities have been achieved:

The project module has cost $9, 651, 753.00.  There is still work to be done on the Biology and Integrated Science Labs.  There is also need for new and additional equipment and paraphernalia. We encourage and welcome all assistance towards these ends. The Excelsior Past Students Association and The Digicel Foundation know that this project is just another step towards developing students from Excelsior High, to become receptive to knowledge, methods of inquiry and practitioners of scientific and empirical rigour.

We think this project is an important step. If the renewed zeal of both teachers and students which has been on display is anything of an indicator, we can expect imminent improvement in the performance of our students. The Association thanks The Digicel Foundation for believing in and backing this project and we know that the students and teachers will embrace and utilize the new and improved laboratories.

We also thank Messrs. Lorna-Dee Dunn, Colleen Hunt, Peter Moncrieffe, Rudolph Moore, Alexander Robinson, Lt. Commander Anthony Nelson, Junior Virgo, Hugh Weston and Hugh Williamson (Contractor) for their stellar contribution to the successful completion of this project.

A good day to you all.  

Age Animo.