by Carol-Faye Bynoe-George

On Thursday 18th September, two weeks after the Agricultural Science Teachers’ workshop held at the Five Islands University of the West Indies (UWI) Campus, the MOE held its annual students’ workshop at the Fisheries Conference room.  

Present were eighteen students representing nine of the twelve government secondary schools.

Schools present were Antigua Grammar School (recipient of the best results in the 2025 CXC Agricultural Science results on Antigua and Barbuda), All Saints Secondary, Clare Hall Secondary, Irene B. Williams, Jennings Secondary School, Ottos Comprehensive Secondary School, Sir McChesney George Secondary School, St. Mary’s Secondary School and Sir Novelle Richards Academy.

The workshop was conducted by Mrs. Nicolette Francis–Agricultural Science Education Officer, who after introductions were made explained her personal exposure into the science.

Further she expressed her appreciation for each and every student, her profession and disclosed her life from youth to present day.

In her discourse she explained the many benefits of the Agriculture sector and demonstrated the importance of education which afford elevation along life’s path. To emphasize her point she illustrated one’s value by using different monetary denominations ranging from five dollar to twenty dollar bills.

The guest speaker at this meeting was Mrs. Paula C. M. Lee, one of the executive director at the UWI Campus.

Mrs. Lee, a dynamic motivational speaker also gave a synopsis of her humble beginnings, her lifelong achievements and assured the students that these weren’t her ultimate goals.

The lesson she illustrated was that education, commitment, and hard work.

She used herself as an example of being a first form repeater to a successful business owner, owning her own television programme and an executive director.

During the interactive session of her presentation four students who participated by correctly answering questions were awards monetary prizes.

In closing Mrs. Francis reiterated and implored the students to set goals but explore the “why” in what they choose.  Additionally, she cautioned them to be selective of the company they choose, set goals and put their education as their top priorities.