According to Mr. Darwin Hazell, Principal of the Albena Lake Hodge Comprehensive School, seventy-five percent of the sixth form students were qualified to graduate on Tuesday 28th June, 2005. The graduation ceremony took place at the Teachers’ Resource Centre.

Graduating class of 2005

The keynote speaker was the supernumerary Methodist Minister Reverend Cecil Weekes, who issued a number of challenges to the graduating class.
Excerpts of this well-timed speech follow:

“From where you stand at this moment – you are on the threshold of the Unknown Future. In itself this can be a very intimidating experience. Last week you spent two days in a retreat during which experienced individuals attempted to help you - mentally emotionally and psychologically - prepare to successfully cope with the uncertainties and fears life is going to hurl at you outside the walls of the institution that sheltered you these past years. Some of the things you have been told by the participants in the retreat seminar, you may hear repeated in what I am about to say to you and, if this happens, then take it to be a confirmation of the truth and importance of what you were told.”

Graduating class of 2005

“(1st) Let me begin with a Spiritual dimension to your preparedness for life outside the school environment. The theme chosen for this occasion is: “A NEW DAWN ARISES” This means for you graduates – the Unknown Future has arrived. However I tell you of ONE for whom there is NO Unknown Future. There is no limitation to His Knowledge of the past – the present – and the future! He not only knows but He controls that which is Unknown to you and me and all mankind. He is someone you will do well to get to know and to make your Best Friend!. I speak of the Lord Jesus Christ through whom - and by whom - and for whom ALL creation was fashioned - and continues to be fashioned. Wisdom is beckoning you, young people, to urgently seek a personal friendship with Him.”

“(2nd ) I challenge to you to build your lives on a foundation of tried and proven Christian morals and not on the current ‘cultural traditions’ of the society that continues to decline even more rapidly than you have physically changed since your birth! Those of us who know Anguilla of the past 60 plus years can testify that the culture of today’s Anguilla is not that of yesteryear Anguilla. It is not the same in that the MORES of our past cultural traditions have been largely abandoned. We live in an environment that has become one without a sense of shame. Therefore I plead with you do not allow the shameless world around you to squeeze you into its mould.”

“( 3rd ) To help achieve your goals part of the price is: You Must Get rid of the barnacles that are attached to you. Barnacles are marine shell creatures. They attach themselves to anything found in the sea – rocks –fish-pots - rope - the bottom of boats. As the size of the colonies of barnacles on the bottom of the boat increase the movement of the boat through the water, is greatly impeded. There are things that already some of you have embraced and which like barnacles will become obstacles/hindrances to your forward and upward mobility in life.”

Reverend Cecil Weekes

“For instance: young persons like yourselves think it is ‘cool’ to appear in public wearing pants in such a manner that exposes your underwear as do convicted felons in the US. These convicts of necessity are obliged to do this because belts are a forbidden item of clothing for them! This style of dress, for one reason or other, was adopted by members of the black community in the US and exported via TV to us in the Caribbean and readily embraced by the youth of the land! Other foreign imports that like barnacles, have attached themselves to young people like yourselves: are the ‘walk’ and the ‘talk’ – the ‘yaw’ and the ‘yow’ - and the thick chains around the neck and the hand gestures! And the swaggering gait! Rid yourselves of the negative ‘barnacles’ that are clinging on to you! They will impede your upward progress in life.”

My 4th and final challenge to you is: Be ambitious, but be principled at the same time. A New Dawn will bring with it new opportunities and where this is seemingly not the case for you, do not put your hands on your head in a ‘Lord poor me attitude!’ I challenge you to create opportunities for yourselves! Others have had to do this for themselves in Anguilla, and they have made tremendous advances in a land with very scarce resources available to them.”

In ending his address Reverend Weekes added: “Your New Dawn has Arisen. Seize it and create opportunities for your personal advancement and that of Anguilla. The fields are white unto harvest. I say to you put your lives into the hands of God, and go forth in the knowledge and faith that He is there for each of you. God bless you All. I wish you well.”

In his address to the graduates and persons present Mr. Hazell highlighted the dedication of educators who worked with the graduating class to ensure their success. He also thanked the parents for their “number one” support of the students.

Following the address was the presentation of certificates and awards by Principal, Darwin Hazell assisted by Ethne Richardson, a teacher. The students presented their parents with roses. And they gave their teachers gifts in appreciation of working with them over the years.

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