St Mary High celebrates Class of 1984
by Gareth Davis Sr/Gleaner Writer · The GleanerOcho Rios, St Ann:
Bucket loads of accolades and achievements were poured out during the 40th anniversary banquet of the class of 1984 of the St Mary High School, which was held Saturday night at Hibiscus Lodge in Ocho Rios, St Ann.
The event, which was billed as a glowing celebration, lived up to its expectations, with special recognition and tribute afforded to two former students in the form of guest of honour and RJRGLEANER Communications Group Senior Executive of Corporate and External Affairs, Gary Allen, along with Central St Mary Member of Parliament (MP) Dr Morais Guy.
Guy, who boasts an impressive resume as a past student and former board chairman of his alma mater, was guest speaker at the function. He spoke at length about the crime situation affecting Jamaica and also what he described as the economic hardship facing the people, coupled with corruption, which, according to him, has resulted in the rich getting richer and the poor getting poorer.
The MP also hailed the achievements of Allen for what he described as his stellar achievement and contribution to journalism, while applauding the countless past students who, according to him, have become great in their many fields as a result of the opportunities and the platform laid by their alma mater, St Mary High School.
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“The media, both mainstream and social media, speaks daily of the ills of our society with respect to crime and violence at astronomical levels,” Guy told the gathering.
Guy said the crime situation has painted a horrifying picture of the once peaceful Jamaica, which has seen the country being seemingly listed at one point as the murder capital of the world. He also pointed out that the perception of corruption and actual corruption in the country, involving politicians and public servants, has further tarnished the image of the country.
Poor getting poorer
Additionally, Guy said the constant cry of the people regarding poverty has become the norm, with the cost of living getting too high for a great majority, which he said is translated as the “rich getting richer and the poor getting poorer”.
“How do we pull our society from the edge of this precipice? Because, if we don’t, I guarantee you that you will relegate your children and their children to a dark or no future at all. I am speaking of a Jamaica that is kinder, gentler, [and] more responsive to the needs of the citizens; a Jamaica that can be prosperous, a Jamaica that cares for its elders, a Jamaica where the rule of law is the imperative of the day, [and] a Jamaica where we have honest and good character in public life,” he added.
Earlier, Allen, extended hearty congratulations to the Class of 1984 for still remembering to pause and say thanks, even though they have exited the doors of St Mary High school.
Allen, who spoke about the bad roads affecting St Mary, stated that at least once every two weeks he visits his former community as, according to him, he still wants to be closely knitted to his roots and his alma mater, which is the institution that helped to shape him on his quest for higher achievement.
“I want to stay grounded and that is why every other week I go home to St Mary, because I don’t want to forget where I am coming from,” commented Allen.
“And even though the roads are bad and all of that, I make sure that I go. And I make sure that I try and do things quietly to help in my community. If we were helped at St Mary High and we can help St Mary High, we should help St Mary High. Sometimes we don’t have to have major donations to make, but the things that we can do are significant, so let’s make a contribution. Sometime there will be challenges. I am proud of you and all that you have done. I am very happy that you continue in your various areas to hold up St Mary High School,” Allen added.
Class of 1984, which also included Angella Lattibeaudiere and Carla Gibson Newell, who figured heavily in the proceedings, were served sumptuous meals including curried goat, goat-head soup, rice and peas, curried chick peas, toss salad, escoveitch fish fillet, baked chicken, fried plantain, roti, baked potato, coconut steamed vegetable, sweet potato pudding, bread pudding, pineapple turnover, and anniversary cake.