Fernandez Advances Student Success with Annual Laptop Distribution to Cedar Grove Graduates

PRESS RELEASE

St. John’s, Antigua and Barbuda…. The Honourable H. Charles “Max” Fernandez, Member of Parliament for St. John’s Rural North, has once again demonstrated his unwavering commitment to youth development and education within the St. John’s Rural North constituency.

This year, Minister Fernandez completed presentation of over 20 fully equipped laptops to the 2025 graduating class of the Cedar Grove Primary School, marking almost ten years of consecutive year of this impactful initiative.

The programme ensures that each student transitioning from Grade 6 is equipped with a critical digital tool to support their academic journey into secondary school. Each laptop is fully loaded, enabling students to access online learning platforms, complete assignments, and build essential digital skills in an increasingly technology-driven world.

Reflecting on this milestone, Minister Fernandez underscored the importance of sustained investment in the nation’s youth.

“For the past several years, this initiative has been about more than just laptops, it is about opportunity, access, and ensuring that our young people are prepared to thrive in an increasingly digital world. Education remains one of the most powerful tools we can give our children, and I am proud to continue playing a role in that journey.”

Parent, Ashley George, expressed heartfelt appreciation for the programme and its transformative effect:

“My boys and I are deeply grateful for this initiative. As a single parent, it can be challenging to provide everything my children need for school. These laptops have eased that burden and empowered my sons to stay engaged. Having Minister Fernandez provide such an important tool, giving my boys access to Google Classroom and other school-based platforms, ensures they are not left behind in their education. These laptops are more than just devices, they are opportunities for my sons to access education, complete their schoolwork, and build a better future. Initiatives like this truly make a lasting difference in our lives.”

Over the past decade, scores of students have benefited from this programme, which not only supports academic success but also helps to ease the financial burden on parents while promoting digital inclusion.

This annual initiative forms part of Minister Fernandez’s broader commitment to education, community development, and youth empowerment, key pillars of his ongoing work within the constituency.

As the programme enters its second decade, Minister Fernandez reaffirmed his dedication to ensuring that every child is equipped with the tools needed to succeed.