Dr Andrea Douglas Awards presented to St Paul primary school's students by ex-PM Douglas

The prestigious Dr Andrea Douglas Awards has been presented to the three students at the 2019 St Paul's Primary School Graduation Ceremony for their outstanding performance in academic performances.

The awards were presented by the former Prime Minister of St Kitts and Nevis to Valedictorian, Tahlise Connor; runner up, Michenza Bloyce and Devynne Morris.

Dr Denzil Douglas, the Parliamentary Representative for St Christopher 6 and former Prime Minister, in brief remarks at the graduation ceremony congratulated all the graduating students who will now begin their secondary level education.

Dr Douglas expressed his thanks and appreciation to the principal, teachers and staff "for helping the graduates to reach this very important milestone and for doing the best that you could to prepare you for this particular journey, called life, of which graduating from primary school is only the beginning."

"While only one person can receive the top position in this school, there are many others who have also excelled, although all have the necessary ability and capability," said Dr Douglas, who added: "Life requires of you to do your very best and overcome any limitations."

Addressing the theme "If it is to be, it is up to me, my future is in my hands," the former student, teacher, physician and prime minister, said: "It really reminds us that we are co-creators with God in manifesting all the God-given talents and gifts and the tremendous potential that we were born with when our parents brought us life."

He told the graduates each of the "is uniquely designed by God and is created with a special purpose in life."

Dr Douglas in challenging the graduating students to do their very best, urged them to become masters of their own destiny.

"Each of you are good at something special to offer the world and you have the responsibility to discover what that is. Education is one of the means by which you can discover what that is and it is the rocket that will take you to your dreams. Never take the opportunities that you have for granted. St Kitts and Nevis is one of the few countries in this world that sends its students to primary and secondary school for free," said Dr Douglas who encouraged the graduates "to stay in school, stay focused and take hold of all of the opportunities to achieve and grow academically and vocationally."

Dr Andrea Douglas is a former student of the St Paul's Primary School and left at the age of nine to live in New York. She is a leading neurologist in the United States.