Acting Government Commissioner Alida Francis (centre) poses with graduates.
ST. EUSTATIUS--A graduation ceremony was held in honour of the Golden Opportunity programme graduating class on Thursday at the Mike van Putten Youth Centre, St. Eustatius.
The theme of the graduation was “Who you are tomorrow begins with what you do today”.
Sara Stone served as Mistress of Ceremonies. The ceremony featured speeches by Director of Social Affairs Coral Jack-Roosberg, Policy Advisor Gregory Melfor, a representative of Oasis Golden Dive and Nature Resort, various teachers and instructors from the programme, as well as a special performance by Vashti Hooker. Programme instructor Bart Peut spoke at the ceremony via Zoom.
There was a total of 21 graduates.
In August 2020, the Directorate of Social Domain signed an agreement with the Golden Rock Resort – now renamed Oasis Golden Rock Dive and Nature Resort – which provided the opportunity for 26 people to train to be able to work at the resort at a later date.
The students were trained at various locations under the supervision of the New Challenges Foundation and Labour Department.
Acting Government Commissioner Alida Francis was the keynote speaker at the ceremony, where she explained to all in attendance that opportunities in the hospitality sector on Statia are few and far between. This was especially true due to the high sign-up rate of applicants to the Golden Opportunity programme, but there were spots for only 26 persons. She said now, eight months later, the ceremony was to celebrate the graduates that were successful and completed part of the programme.
Francis shared with the graduates personal life lessons that she has lived by each day as well as providing some directions that she hoped would keep them focused on the road ahead.
She said some of the graduates have had to juggle their schedule while working two to three jobs. “Among your group there are those who know what it feels like to miss an opportunity because you did not contribute as much as you ought to your own success,” said Francis. She reminded that on the road to success, it is important to remember “what a person does today will impact who they become in the future.”
Being purpose-driven, Francis said, is very important as everyone is on this earth for a purpose. “The moment you discover what your purpose is, do everything with a purpose while also pursuing your passion, which makes life worth living.” She emboldened the graduates to express themselves as well as to define what is important to them and focus on one thing at a time. “Ignore your inner critic, that voice that keeps telling you that you are not good enough or [shouts at you – Ed.] to ‘give up’, because always remember there is only one of you,” she added.
Francis said everyone has had their share of storms and encouraged the graduates not to quit or throw in the towel. She explained that there have been times she herself wanted to give up, but there was always something telling her to get up, get it over with and move on. “Just because today is a horrible day, that does not mean that tomorrow will not be the best day of my life, as tomorrow is another day and we can start all over again,” she said. Failure is important, she explained, as it teaches everyone valuable life lessons – “that you do not always get what you want and to never take anything for granted.” She further encouraged the graduates to not perceive failure as a negative but instead look at it as a chance to reset and start again refreshed.
Francis inspired everyone to practise self-care by maintaining a healthy relationship with themselves by taking care of their body, mind and spirit, so that they can transmit good feelings to others. “This allows you to present the best version of yourself to the people around you, so everyone benefits from your renewed energy and the joy you exhibit.”
She said a lot of persons and organisations had come together to make this Golden Opportunity possible. “You are fortunate to be working in one of the most luxurious places on the entire island, so be grateful for this opportunity, as well as upbeat and always be ready, whatever comes,” she added.
Francis said this opportunity provides not only for the graduates, but for their families and for all of Statia. “Excellent service must be your trademark, as you are the face of Statia,” she concluded.
