President The Most Honourable Jeffrey Bostic on Monday reprised an emphatic message of resilience, confidence, and purpose at the Belmont Primary School, telling students that setbacks are part of growth and urging them to “rise again” no matter the challenge.
The My Lord’s Hill school was the latest leg in the Head of State’s campaign to meet with students at the nation’s primary and secondary schools, with additional visits expected to continue in his bid to inspire and connect with young people at the earliest stages of their development.
Addressing students seated feet away from him, the president made clear his visit was about more than ceremony, using the familiar phrase that became a hallmark of his tenure as health minister during the coronavirus pandemic.
“No retreat, no surrender. Resilience in the face of adversity. Resilience in the face of challenges,” he told the children, urging them to reject anyone who tells them “that you are nothing and will be nothing” and instead become “positive thinking citizens of this country”.
The visit unfolded against the backdrop of a programme that included the raising of the flag, the national anthem, prayers led by Rev. Dr Marcelle Brathwaite, poetry from multiple classes, a karate demonstration, and musical performances, all before the president engaged directly with students in an unscripted exchange that drew loud applause from staff and pupils.
Welcoming the Head of State, Principal Carolyn Jackman-Walters reflected on the school’s history and spirit of perseverance, reminding those gathered that Belmont Primary was “completely destroyed by a hurricane” in 1955. “But like the rose, we rose again,” she said, noting that a new school was erected in 1956 and later became co-educational at the request of parents. “This school still tstands today, full of stories.”
She described the institution as one driven by vocation rather than routine. At Belmont, “addressing the needs of our students is not just a job; it’s a calling, a commitment”, she said, highlighting the work of teachers, janitors, and assistants who “take great pride in their work” and often go home late to prepare for the next day. Pointing to student success, she referenced a young table tennis player who emerged victorious out of more than 300 competitors and has since represented Barbados.
Turning directly to the significance of the visit, she told the president that his presence sent a message students would not forget. “Your visit reinforces that leadership is grounded in service,” she said, adding that seeing the president in person helps pupils understand that “leadership is not distant” and that “if they dream big, nothing is impossible.”
President Bostic echoed that sentiment, explaining why he chose to step away from formal speeches and instead speak directly with the children. Calling several students forward, he asked them to share their names, where they live, and what they love about their school and communities. One student said she loved Belmont Primary “because the teachers are very helpful”, while another said he enjoyed where he lives because there is “an open area that I could play cricket on”.
Afterwards, the president explained the reason behind the exercise. “A house does not necessarily mean a home. Love does not necessarily mean you are happy. A school is much more than a building,” he said, before reflecting on his own upbringing and the challenges many children still face. The former MP for the City spoke candidly about the stigma attached to addresses in Bridgetown and how those experiences shaped him.
“I am here to let you see in flesh and blood that I am a citizen just like you,” he said. “I don’t want you to be just like me, but I want you to be the best in whatever it is you want to do, as long as it is positive and wholesome.”
He also praised the school’s extracurricular activities, pointing to clubs, debating, and youth organisations as key spaces where character and confidence are built. He reaffirmed his commitment to championing groups such as the Scouts, Brownies, Christian Fellowship, and Red Cross, calling on teachers and parents to support their growth. “These are the groups that will bring some discipline, some joy, and all of the other things that we want to see,” he said.
In a pointed appeal, the president also defended educators, urging the wider society to respect and support teachers. “We need to stop attacking or abusing our teachers,” he said, noting the difficulty of the task they face in today’s environment and stressing that the country “owe you a debt of gratitude.”
Closing his remarks, the president challenged students to make a promise with him: to respect their teachers, respect their school, respect where they come from, and help others as they grow. “Sometimes you will fall,” he told them, “but when you fall, you pick yourself up, you dust yourself off, and you start all over again. Nothing comes overnight.”
The visit ended with a question-and-answer session between the president and students, who asked about his life and how he felt to be the president of the Republic.
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