It was a celebratory atmosphere at the Islington High School in St Mary last Tuesday, as the institution dedicated its refurbished computer laboratory.

The computer lab was refurbished and equipped through the generous donation of former Jamaica policeman Roy Reid who now lives in the United States. Several of his associates, including Charles Simpson, Merton Owens and Lester “Ken” Crooks, who all attended the dedication ceremony, also played their part in bringing the project to reality.

Apart from refurbishing the computer room, 21 new computers, along with a projector and other equipment were installed.

Member of Parliament for St Mary Central Dr Morais Guy expressed elation that the computer lab was refurbished. He pointed out that Islington High was ranked low on the list of high schools in terms of academic performance. However, he said that with a new computer room, that position is about to change for the school which is undergoing a transformation.

As part of the transformation for the school located in the middle of a farming community, the school changed the colour and style of the tunic worn by girls. Earlier this year, the institution ended the shift system.

Senior Education officer Yashieka Blackhood Grant said things have already began to change for the better.

“What is happening today is significant for us,” she stated.

She said that the opening of the computer lab was a part of the process of change taking place at the institution.

She encouraged the students to “show their appreciation for the equipment donated in the way they care for them.”

Principal Lt Col Errol Johnson was also ecstatic about the donation made to the school. He said that Roy Reid made a promise to deliver a state-of-the-art facility to the school and “it was promised made, promise kept.”

Speaking about the transformation taking place at the institution, Lt Col Johnson said “we are focusing on our technical and vocational area.”

He said he was determined that all students will leave the school with a skill.

Johnson said that while the computer room was the focus of the ceremony on Tuesday, he said there were several other things happening for the school through the partnership forged with Charles Simpson who invited several others, including Roy Reid, to assist the school.

Simpson, who is a past student of the Alpha Boys School, told the gathering that he has approached several old boys from Alpha to give to the St Mary-based school, since the Alpha Boys School is no longer in existence. As a result of this partnership two sewing machines were donated to the school as it seeks to ensure that students are skilled when they leave.

Johnson also revealed that as of September, barbering will be introduced at the school. Barbering equipment will also be coming from the Alpha Old Boys group overseas.

Also, through partnership with Reid and the other men who have contributed to the school’s computer lab, Johnson said that Islington High expects to receive a shipment of tools shortly for the auto mechanic department which was recently introduced to the school.

“Islington is on the move … we have a dream that Islington High School will be the school that will be producing all the skilled labourers,” he said.

While the aim is to get the students to acquire a skill, Johnson pointed out that school was to produce future doctors, lawyers, teachers — all professionals.

“We have a shortage in facilities, but will not sit and complain. We will use what we have until we get what we want,” he stated.

Roy Reid said it was incumbent on the students to make use of the technology. He also called on the students to stay in school and to make use of the opportunities presented.

“I know Jamaica has been going through tough times and as a result, our students have a tough time coming to school,” he said.

He called on students to try and be in school at all times in spite of the challenges they face.

“The only way out of poverty is education,” he stressed.

Reid also made a plea to parents to help to send their children to school at all times, despite the many challenges that they face.

He also used the opportunity to call on corporate Jamaica to support efforts by the school’s principal to make the institution a model one.

Charles Simpson presented three students with cash donations on behalf of the Alpha Old Boys. The cash is expected to cover bus fare for a year for the students as well as to pay their school fees in an effort to ensure that they attend school all year round.

The school also received two hand dryers courtesy of Merton Owensy.