For the past 12 years, Paul Smith, CEO of Electro Telecom has rewarded 12 outstanding students from primary schools in the Northwestern District with laptops for their high academic achievements. The philanthropic program started at Oakes Field Primary, Smith's alma mater, and later expanded to Gambier, T.G. Glover, Albury Sayle, Stephen Dillet and Woodock Primary Schools. Mabel Walker Primary School was also involved in the initiative until it closed in 2012.
This year, 12 students from Northeastern District schools -- Palmdale, Centreville, Sandilands, Uriah McPhee, Thelma Gibson and Columbus Primary schools - were incorporated into the outstanding scholar program, bringing the number of laptops awarded this year to 24.
During the recent presentations of laptops to the students at the Paul Farquharson Centre, at Royal Bahamas Police Force headquarters, Smith told the students that their success in primary school was only the first leg of their race to success; they would have to work hard and apply themselves if they wanted to complete the journey of success.
Explaining his reasons for doing what he does, Smith said his reason for giving is summed up in a Buddhist quote that states, "I learned to give not because I have many, but because I know exactly how it feels to not to have anything".
He recalled his ninth grade year when he was recommended to write seven Bahamas Junior Certificate (BJC) examinations, but he did not have the money; he had to knock on doors of various businesses asking for funds to pay for his exams. He said he received the assistance he needed.
Smith told the outstanding students his version of the rabbit and turtle story. He told the students that they represent the rabbit, having started the race swiftly, but if they decide to rest on their laurels, they might lose the race. He told them that the turtle represents their peers who had not done as well as they did at the primary school level, but who could easily win the race if the current standout students lose focus. He challenged the students to remain focused, be leaders and not followers.
"The rabbit had many friends who could have awakened him and told him that the turtle was closing in on him; instead they allowed him to lose the race. That is what happens sometimes when you get him involved with bad company," said Smith.
Dr. Bernard Nottage, minister of national security and representative for the Bains and Grants Town Constituency, who also spoke to the students, recounted his experience with a 40-year-old mother of five with little education who wanted a job but had no skills.
He told the students that it is times like that he laments the wastage of human resources in the country. He told the students that if the lady had met a person like Smith, who could have given her a helping hand, her life could have been completely different today.
Dr. Nottage said the ceremony was more than just presenting laptops, but about celebrating individuals who care for others and who are willing to give students a helping hand.
The national security minister also expressed disappointment at the small number of males among the students being rewarded, adding that everywhere he has gone recently he has noticed that females have always been at the top.

High academic achieving students who were awarded laptops:
Northwestern district schools
Albury Sayle Primary School
Chardonnay Garrick
Alexander Carey
Oakes Field Primary School
Jada Cumer
Edward Marshall
T.G. Glover Primary School
Yolanda Erhaboh
Kendra Phillipe
Gambier Primary School
Georgia Mariategui
Deshante Belle
Stephen Dillett Primary School
Cherquell Stuart
Joanna Trogene
Woodcock Primary School
Petula Fowler
Hismanya Ferdinard

Northeastern district schools
Centreville Primary School
Indaca Gibson
Derhea Smith
Palmdale Primary School
Ashely Cartwright
Pooja Krishna
Sandilands Primary School
Opal Green
Kendrick Lynes
Columbus Primary School
Aaliyah Moss
Shakara Turnquest
Uriah McPhee School Primary
Garvon Bullard
Calvin Pinder
Thelma Gibson Primary School
Niara Black
Drew Wood

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