The 33rd graduation ceremony of the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College saw over 300 students from across seven divisions receive degrees, certificates and diplomas last Sunday.

The group of talented men and women, eager to leave their mark on the world stage, was addressed by the Principal of the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College, Dr. Keith Nurse. At the ceremony, Dr. Nurse informed graduates that the college is on a path to improve its competitiveness and will deliver benefits which they can also enjoy.

“All of our programming going forward would be built on three elements—sustainability, innovation and entrepreneurship. These will be the core of everything that we do,” Dr. Nurse said. “This is not revolutionary; the times call for it, whether it be climate change and its associated challenges or the significant and rapid advancements in technology. All of these are going to impact not only the educational paradigm, but also the world of work and everyday life.”

Dr. Nurse added that the intention of the college is to focus on creating access to global careers.

Minister for Education, Innovation, Gender Relations and Sustainable Development, Hon. Dr. Gale Rigobert welcomed the vision. She said the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College is poised to reach new heights of excellence.

“Renewed vigor and amplified ambition are critical for taking us to the next stage which Dr. Nurse describes as gateways to global careers,” she said. “For us to achieve this, we must quadruple our commitment to ensuring that SALCC exemplifies the intellectual ilk of the extraordinary academic and critical thinker after who it is named.”

Rayeem Augustine Joseph delivered the valedictory address. He urged his peers to use their qualifications to effect change.

“You must always find a way to be intrinsically motivated because our country depends on it,” he advised. “Let us also be cognizant however, as Development Economist Adrian Augier said, that enlightenment is not written on a diploma, but in the unwritten script of life. Let us forget fate and be weary of destiny. Fate comes involuntarily to the complacent and unambitious. We have the power to choose and our experiences here have equipped us with the necessary skillsets to succeed.”

The graduation ceremony took place on Dec. 1, 2019.