“Seize the Day” – A New Generation Rising in St. Thomas
Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness has urged students and faculty at Morant Bay High School to seize present opportunities and prepare for the bright future ahead, especially as development surges across the parish of St. Thomas.
In an inspiring speech while on a stop at Morant Bay High on Thursday (May 15), following the historic opening of the state-of-the-art Morant Bay Urban Centre, Prime Minister Holness reminded students that they are part of a transformative generation poised to benefit from unprecedented investments in infrastructure, education, and public services.
The Prime Minister said: “You are the generation that will have the opportunity and be the beneficiary of all the development that will change the future of St. Thomas for the better. You will benefit from roads, infrastructure, free school bus service. You won’t have to be turned away or preyed on. You will have your own school bus system. You are the generation that will have the Morant Bay Urban Centre.”
Prime Minister Holness also emphasized that this generation has a higher chance of being employed in Jamaica than any before it, with St. Thomas playing a central role in the country’s development goals.
“You are the first generation that has over 90% probability of being employed in Jamaica, and your first job is likely to be in St. Thomas. You are the inheritors of a long struggle to correct the past. Seize the day. Seize the opportunity. I want you to become the productive, law-abiding citizen that will move Jamaica from poverty to prosperity. Choose Jamaica,” said Prime Minister Holness.
Addressing the role of education to the future of the students and residents of the parish, the Prime Minister reinforced the importance of academic success and good conduct, stating that the government’s vision is rooted in a system that nurtures peace, discipline, and intellectual growth.
“We want our children to fulfill themselves in an education system that trains them to strive for excellence, to love knowledge, and to be peaceful. Make the most of the opportunities that present themselves to you today—tomorrow is a promise; today is the gift you have. Make the most of it,” said Prime Minister Holness.
In the meantime, Dr. Holness wished students success in their end of year and external exams, encouraging them to treat each assessment as a steppingstone to future opportunity.