Prime Minister and Minister of Finance the Rt. Hon. Perry Christie said that the renaming of the Long Bay Cays Pre-School -- the ‘Cleora L. McKenzie Pre-School’ was "quite fitting" as it commemorated the contributions of a dedicated educator.
"Mrs. McKenzie’s teaching profession, as indicated, spanned over four generations and throughout the years she espoused the qualities consistent with teaching excellence," Prime Minister Christie said, March 16, 2017 during the official renaming ceremony in the South Andros settlement. "She was one of the ‘called’ ones who demonstrated that they were part of the profession of professions -- that this was end all and be all -- and they believed so much in the profession.
"They were so good at teaching; so good at imparting their students’ lessons."
Among those present for the event were Governor General Her Excellency Dame Marguerite Pindling and Minister of Education, Science and Technology the Hon. Jerome K. Fitzgerald.
Prime Minister Christie acknowledged the presence of Mrs. McKenzie's family, friends, former colleagues, and pointed out that many of her former students had ascended to great heights in The Bahamas. One such student, he pointed out, was Her Excellency Dame Marguerite Pindling.
Prime Minister Christie said that Mrs. McKenzie instilled in all students that they also possessed an "innate ability" to be successful in whichever path they chose. He added that he was, again, honored to be there that day to see Ms. McKenzie rewarded for her dedication and sacrifice.
"Administrators and teachers, I hope that you are inspired by the stellar performance of one of our nation builders and that you are motivated in the same way to continue to support your students," Prime Minister Christie said.
He thanked Minister Fitzgerald, Permanent Secretary Donella Bodie, Director of Education Lionel K. Sands and the personnel of that Ministry for their commitment to the children of The Bahamas.
"I encourage, therefore, the parents and teachers of the young students enrolled at this institution to continuously remind their children who Cleora L. McKenzie was," Prime Minister Christie said. "Try to pull out the meaning of this woman's life and her sacrifice as giving to this community, as an example to these children, and they will take that as a lesson deserving of the highest consideration.
"It is with distinct pleasure and a sense of profound pride that I now join with the citizens of The Bahamas and the community in renaming the Long Bay Cays Pre-School, the ‘Cleora L. McKenzie Preschool.’"
DEEP CREEK, South Andros, The Bahamas -- Prime Minister and Minister of Finance the Rt. Hon. Perry Christie (second left in sunglasses) looks on during the unveiling of the sign in honour of the renaming of the Long Bay Cays Pre-School, in South Andros, the ‘Cleora L. McKenzie Preschool,’ on March 16, 2017. (BIS Photo/Peter Ramsay)
By Eric Rose
Bahamas Information Services
