ST CATHERINE, Jamaica — Member of Parliament for East Central St Catherine, Alando Terrelonge, has treated 700 grade six students in his constituency to motivational talks and free stationery for the Grade Six Achievement Test (GSAT), which takes place on Thursday and Friday.

Terrelonge said he felt honoured to be able to extend the programme this year to three schools in the constituency — Independence City, Naggo Head and Gregory Park primary schools in Portmore, St Catherine.

“I started this year’s GSAT week yesterday with morning devotion at the Gregory Park Primary School, where I gave a motivational speech to all 150 grade six students and then provided them with their stationery for the exams,” he told OBSERVER ONLINE.

“I am already extremely proud of these students, some of whom I have been working with for two years now. Additionally, I am very proud to note that the junior mayor for Portmore, Marlon Mattison, attends Independence City Primary and the deputy junior mayor, Annaliese Nolan, attends Gregory Park Primary, both of whom are very intelligent and articulate individuals who I am confident will do well,” he stated.

Terrelonge’s message to the students was that they were “kings and queens”, destined for success.

He challenged them to study hard, dream big, believe in themselves and reminded them that in addition to wanting to make their parents and teachers proud, it was just as important to make themselves proud.

“Confidence is something that no one can give to you, neither can anyone take your confidence away,” he added, wishing them God’s richest blessings.

Balford Henry