THE St Andrew-based Shortwood Teachers’ College honoured 19 of its retiring staff members on March 20, with tributes, gift packages, plaques and other valuables.

Minister of Education Ronald Thwaites, who spoke at the special dinner at the college, called for the skills and expertise of retired persons to be accommodated to enhance institutional building across the island.

The minister noted that thousands of persons have benefited from the retirees’ tenure at the college, as they have helped to influence the students and their peers.

“Those who have worked in administrative capacities, we owe you a debt of gratitude, as we do to the hundreds and thousands of ancillary workers in the education system who are largely unspoken for, but who keep the enterprise going,” the minister said.

The honorees were drawn from both the ancillary and academic groups. They served from four to 35 years at the college.

“They have contributed to improving and enriching the lives of others. We applaud the value of your contribution not only to Shortwood Teachers’ College, but to the society in general,” said Dean of Principals Yvonne Clarke.

Chairman of the college Earl Richards urged the retirees to continue to provide mentoring and guidance where the need exists.

“You have played a significant part in what has been accomplished and the legacy of Shortwood Teachers’ College has your work and your contributions deeply enshrined,” he said.

“There is still much work to do because your service is still needed. We need you as mentors, we need you to guide not just the young but everyone with whom you come in contact. Our country needs people who, by example, can communicate good and wholesome values necessary for an amiable and decent society,” he added.