Excellence In Education

St. James Times had the unique privilege to sit with Mrs. Cancia Throne-Phillip, administrator and Principal of Cancia's Mother Nurture Children's International Center in St. James. Cancia warmly welcomed St. James Times into her Center to show the inner workings. Cancia's Children's Center provides day-care, early childhood education and after school education services for enrolled students (3mos - 5 years) as well as outside un-enrolled children (all ages).

Cancia, has a background in teaching at the Deigo Martin Early Childhood Center as well as at the Mount Kilimanjaro Pre-School. She has been apart of the child care/pre-school business since 1982 and knows the value in providing excellent teaching to today's children. Cancia's staff of 6 (six) includes pre-school teachers and a resident nurse,as a staff all contribute a welcoming environment for all the children. One of Cancia's foundations is the inclusion of spiritual influence. Spiritual music played while the teachers and children went about their daily routines and there was a sense of well being amongst the staff and the children. Cancia's excerpt from Proverbs 22:16 "train up a child in the way he should go; and when he is old, he will not depart from it" we at St. James Times believes is the answer to the proper development of all our young people today.

In talking with Cancia the inevitable question of funding arose. Her response, increased governmental assistance. What this increased assistance would do is prevent Cancias from turning away students whose financial capabilities are compromised. The Ministry of Education has set a minimum requirement for all centers. This includes playground equipment and at present their supply of such is not sufficient. If the children are to have a well balanced foundation they need a place to develop sharing and team work fundamentals. Center outreach community activities has proven to be a valuable asset, this and corporate contributions once solicited can provide the Center with much needed equipment.

There are 30 daycare centers in St. James alone. This to our minds shows that there is a need for this service. Hopefully there is regulation that controls the proliferation of these daycares in an effort to prevent over saturation which could lead to a lowering of standards in the industry. Cancia's Mother Nurture Children's International Center is a cut above the rest. It was indeed good to see the bright and responsive faces of the children eager to learn in surroundings that were designed to encourage a nurturing and caring environment. It is also an environment of preparation for their first steps in formal education.

St. James Times wishes Cancias and staff our blessings and hopes that they continue to enrich the lives of all the children that attend the Mother Nurture International Center.

The Future of WeBeat

WeBeat, the visitors have returned to their homes, St. James has resettled into its 'normal' routine and those 'locals' who were there for the (9) days are still reflecting on the good time they had at the Street Party.

We as St. Jamesinans must now address an issue that surfaced over the period of the festival. At the WeBeat dinner, which launches the (9) nine day affair, the Chairman of C.I.C. Mr. Earl Crosby said the future of WeBeat is in a not to good place. Funding for WeBeat was not as generous as previous years and as such for a successful outcome there has to be an immediate infusion of 'monies' if WeBeat were to fulfill the mandate of its 2020 vision.

We at St. James Times are befuddled that in a city of such prosperous entertainment establishments, malls and variety business concerns, who by-the-way benefit handsomely from the festival, wonder how it is that C.I.C is not more vigorously supported on the financial front.

There is a concept that the State should be the primary supporter/sponsor of any and all community activities is a misplaced one. State support is warranted when community groups and local/national business concerns actively support events of this nature. The business concerns in St. James should be encouraged to understand that WeBeat is 'we ting' and if it fails it is a reflection of the disharmony between all parties.

The street has it that WeBeat may not see next year. St. James Times sees this as tragic. This 'street party ' infuses into the local economy a hefty dose of badly needed money and at the same time showcases the diversity of the community.

WeBeat, Points' Boro Day, Centrals Sugar Festival and Tobagos Heritage Festival is all about continuity and community survival. St. James Times has portrayed St. James as a vanguard town and as such the health of WeBeat as a premier event must not be allowed to go the way of the dinosaur. St. James Times is committed to the idea that WeBeat must always be in the St. James landscape and will continue to be an advocate to ensure its survival.

Pre-Grad Receives Outstanding Club/Organization Award

On Friday April 15, 2011 the daughter of St. James Time’s Editor, Shakira La Fond, received a leadership award at Saint Joseph’s College of Maine’s College Awards Ceremony. Leslie Rocheleau, an area coordinator at the college, presented Shakira with the award for Outstanding Club/Organization through the group Interhall. Shakira received the award for introducing the concept of card lock systems for the residence halls on campus. This card lock system has ushered in a new era of security for the current student population as well as those to come. To quote Ms. Rocheleau, “it has brought Saint Joseph’s College of Maine into the 21st century.” St. James Time's congratulates Shakira on this stellar achievement and wishes her the best on her upcoming commencement!

Saint James Market

The OLDEST STRUCTURE in St James is now threatened with CLOSURE by the City Corporation of Port of Spain. The Mayor and by extension the Council has sent out signals that the Market has run its course. To those in the know the Market is not just a building for Vendors to "ply" their trade, it is the Centre of St James and as far as memory goes this is where everything happens. Culturally, Socially, Economically and Politically the Market has served as the place where all residents gathered on a daily basis but especially so on the weekends.

International Day of Persons with Disabilities

On December 3, 2010 the International Day of Persons with Disabilities commenced at Hios Oasis. Several special guests were Mr. Brian Lewis Honorary Secretary of the Special Olympics Committee as well as Dr. Jennifer Rouse the Director of the Ministry of Aging. All of those in attendance were greatly satisfied with being there. During the evening several commendations were given to Mr. Anton La Fond for his advocacy with persons with disabilities.

The Loss of a St. James Staple

The St. James Community and by extension the St. James Times expresses its sincere condolences to the family of Ricardo McKenzie, better known as Smokey from the iconic Smokey and Bunty bar on the Western Main Road in St. James. Smokey, 56, was an entrepreneur, community activist and sportsman. Smokey will be missed by all those who frequented the establishment that has become symbolic to the St. James community.

St. James' Motivating Advocate

Congratulations!

St. James Times congratulates Mr. La Fond on his addition to material that is lacking in regard to individuals with disabilities. This publication demonstrates the ability of differently abled individuals and the strengths of Mr. La Fond as an advocate and educator.