Senior Multimedia Reporter
radhica.sookraj@guardian.co.tt
Emphasising the need for kindness and integrity, High Court Judge Frank Seepersad appealed to young people to rise above their challenges and “be change-makers of tomorrow.”
In the feature address at the San Fernando TML Primary School’s (SFTML) graduation at Achievers Banquet Hall in San Fernando, Justice Seepersad lamented the lack of empathy in society.
“There’s simply not enough kindness in this world,” he said, noting the venom often exchanged among leaders on public platforms.
He also expressed concern about the state of societal well-being and said there is a need to reflect on the disenfranchised who remain hopeless because of a lack of empathy and support.
Seepersad drew attention to the plight of young men involved in gangs, describing them as victims of a society that has failed to show them kindness or provide opportunities for advancement.
He said a single act of kindness could spark widespread harmony and meaningful change and offered practical advice to the graduates, starting with the importance of punctuality.
“It’s important to be on time, every time,” he said, challenging the notion of “Trini time” and emphasising that respect for others’ time is a sign of valuing them. He also told them to have integrity.
“Stay true to your word,” Seepersad advised, underscoring the importance of reliability and honesty in building trust and opening doors to opportunities.
Seepersad said there was too much dishonesty and divisiveness and he told the graduates to dream big, reminding them of their limitless potential in the information age.
He also urged them not to be constrained by the present but to envision what could be, highlighting the unprecedented achievements happening worldwide. Persistence, he noted, is key to achieving great heights.
“Focus first on getting to point B and then continue methodically,” he advised.
Seepersad told the students they must always show gratitude, linking it to joy and inner peace. He warned against the pitfalls of social media comparisons and told the graduates to find solace in the love and support they receive from their families and at school.
School principal Wahida Mohammed-Narine commended the pupils and teachers for their excellence. She said in 2021, Excellent Magazine highlighted SFTML as the Most Outstanding Contribution to Students in T&T.
She added: “In 2023, The Best Global Educational Magazine, Colorado, Ohio, in its knowledge review, conferred an honorary certificate and a feature in their physical and virtual magazine to our school for its contribution to education and as an Excellent School in the Caribbean in 2023.
“This same magazine honoured the principal as one of The Top 10 Educational Leaders of 2023.”
She said the school was prominently featured on the centre page cover story in an issue titled, “Most Effective Educational Leaders, Creating Bright Futures for Students” and in 2024 as the most prestigious school to watch in the Caribbean.”
She noted that The Education View Magazine viewed SFTML as excellence in Education, Premier School of the Caribbean 2024, one of the leading primary schools in the wider Caribbean.
“In 2023, the school was chosen by the Ministry of Education to host the Director of Schools Supervision and 50 school supervisors from various educational districts. This event served as a platform for sharing best practices, and San Fernando TML Primary received recognition as a flagship institution,” she added.