NASSAU, Bahamas -- Scholastic books flooded the campus of Claridge Primary School as the Member of Parliament for the Marathon Constituency chose to give the gift of reading this holiday season. "As Minister of Education, I realized that the best gift I could give this holiday season would be related to promoting education. Last year, I donated toys to the children, but this year, I wanted to give something more tangible something that I know could have a lasting impact and remain relevant even beyond the holiday season."
Claridge Primary is the only primary school in the Marathon Constituency and so they have been privileged to receive many much needed items from their Member of Parliament. The Minister used the resources available in his ministry and engaged the expertise of educators to ensure that the books were appropriate for the ages and reading levels of the students.
Mrs. Eulease Beneby, Northeastern District Superintendent, Dr. Francina Thurston, Ministry of Education Consultant and other education officials along with residents from the Marathon Constituency and parents were present for the special assembly.
The students listened intently as the Minister spoke and he engaged them throughout his remarks. He opened by saying "I am here to deliver goodies to you today. How many of you like to read?" All hands shot up and the Minister observed that some children had both hands in the air.
To emphasize the importance of reading, the Minister told them of his love for reading; "as a child, I loved to read and even now, I still enjoy reading a good book. I visited many countries through the books I read; experienced many fun and exciting adventures through different characters and events and I discovered lots of new things, simply by reading. Best of all, reading allowed my imagination to run wild. I remember reading the classics: Hardy Boys, Huckleberry Finn, The Red Badge of Courage, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, Charlie And The Chocolate Factory and lots of others. I remember enjoying a book so much that I took it everywhere I went and never wanted to put it down until I was finished."

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