The San Pedro RC School proudly celebrated the inauguration of its new school building that houses three brand new classrooms on Thursday, September 6, 2012. The new school building was made a reality thanks to the kind collaboration of The San Pedro Town Council and the owners of Canary Cove, Mr. and Mrs. Don Listwin.
The saying goes, “It takes a village to raise a child” and in this case it is proof that through the collaborative efforts of the local government and generous benefactors it took a town to raise the children of this great community. Delivering the opening remarks to this memorable occasion was his Lordship Mayor of San Pedro Town, Mr. Daniel Guerrero.
“The children are the future of this island and this Town Council pledges its full support in improving education on our island,” stated Mayor Guerrero. He continued by stating that he was saddened to see the deplorable state in which the school was, but with the kind help of Canary Coves and the SPTC improvement was brought to the school. He also asked for the community to step up and assist in the improvement and betterment of schools on the island.
Council Gabriel Nuñez presents Mr. Don Listwin with a gift from the community
Following the Mayor’s opening remarks was Hon. Manuel Heredia Jr., Minister of Tourism and Culture, who not only thanked the Listwins, but also asked parents to learn to mold their children into good productive citizens for our island for the betterment and prosperity of La Isla Bonita. Up next was the councilor who worked the most in making this a reality; Councilor Gabriel Nuñez took the podium and gave his remarks.
Master of ceremonies, Mr. Angel Nuñez, then introduced what he playfully called “the goose that lays the golden eggs”; he called on to the podium one of San Pedro’s newest benefactors, Mr. Don Listwin, owner of Canary Coves. This humble benefactor shared with those in attendance how he came about to live in this beautiful piece of jewelry we call home. Don and his wife Hillary are avid divers and stated that they wanted to give back to the community which is now his second home.
“We will continue to invest in this community,” stated Listwin. “We would like for you to consider us as benefactors of education not only for this school but for all schools on this island.”
Mr. Jahmor Lopez, on behalf of the Minister of Education, Hon. Patrick Faber, stated that education is everybody’s business and the with desire, dedication, commitment and passion everything is possible. “A most sincere thank you to Mr. Don Listwin for providing these classrooms and helping in alleviating the problem of needed space in this growing school,” stated Mr. Lopez. “I want to take this opportunity to use this great deed as a shining example and challenge others in the mainland and do as Mr. Don has done, rise up and take the challenge for the betterment of education.”
Deputy Mayor, Severo Guerrero and Principal of SPRCS, Mrs. Roxanni Kay, distributed certificates of recognition to several individuals who assisted in the completion of the new school building. Individuals who donated their personal time to paint or assist in the construction of the building, among these individuals were the San Pedro Sea Dogs Football Team members, The San Pedro High School Baseball Team, construction workers, students and parents.
Mayor Daniel Guerrero and Councilor Gaby Nuñez presented to Mr. Listwin a special token of appreciation for his contribution to the school. A humble Don kindly accepted a hand-carved diver from the mayor and councilor and was very touched for the kind gesture.
Sister Barbara Flores gave the official vote of thanks and wholeheartedly thanked Mr. Listwin on behalf of the Bishop Derrick Wright and Chris Lacey and the Catholic Church. And so to conclude the celebration, Sister Flores, Don Listwin, Minister Heredia and Mayor Guerrero had the honors of cutting the ribbon to officially inaugurate the new school building.
