Welcome To Mayaro Government Primary School SITE UNDER CONSTRUCTION

It is not often one reads of the history of a school, much less a Primary School.

A school is a hub of activity of any village or community. It is a microcosm within a macrocosm. It is an institution from which potential doctors and lawyers emerge – and labourers and drop – outs too.

      As a consequence of the Lord Morris Report in 1851, the Mayaro Government Primary one of the Ward Schools was constructed at Radix Village, Mayaro, in the Ward of Guayaguayare. The first Head Master (Principal) was Mr. Alfred Hughes who took up office in 1876.

      In days gone by in Quarters, as Mayaro was then called, most children attended school barefooted as did children throughout Trinidad and Tobago.

      Not being centrally located, the building was relocated at Pierre Ville, obliquely opposite the Mayaro Police Station. It still stands proudly at this same site today.

      The period, 1963 – 1971, saw the school in an envious position. While preparation for examination was important, the school’s extra – curriculum really expanded.

      The school football team proved to be champions over a large district. The then House System, produced five football teams together with a junior and a senior team. The senior team met Pleasantville Government on the field and demolished them 10 – 0. This was the crowning glory – the boys were ecstatic and their teachers were proud of them.

      Some of the stars of that day were Errol Alfred, Fergus Farrel, Raymond Borel, Julian Gould, Steve Gould, Eddie Alfred, Audale Alfred, Augustus La Pierre, Aron Morris and Vernon Morris.

      Other aspects of the curriculum were a thriving Junior Co-operative, Red Cross, Brownies and Cub Scouts. There was also training in boxing.

      With the departure of Mrs. Camilly Archer Bernard, (disciplinarian and dedicated teacher/principal), to a supervisory post in the South – Eastern Education District, and a series of acting principals, Mr. Winston Caliste, Principal of Trinity Government School, was appointed as Head of the Mayaro Government School in 1986.

      Soon after, on that one dark and fateful day in the history of Mayaro, in the early hours of March 3, 1986, that wooden edifice caught fire and was raised to the ground by angry and hungry flames.

      Tragedy had struck the hearts of the people of Mayaro. Some teachers wept openly at the obliteration of the school.

      It seemed that time stood still. Everything was destroyed – the building, all furniture, a Gestetner, all type typewriters donated by AMOCO, the water tanks and all school records.

      The enormous problem was to find a suitable building to house the 600 pupils. To shift with another school in the district? Nobody was aware what was happening behind the scenes. Principal Caliste was working assiduously with prominent members of the community to use the Mayaro civic Centre to house the children.

      It was super – human effort. On that same fateful day (3/3/86) the Mayaro Civic Centre was transformed into the Mayaro Government School! Not a school day was lost.

      The people of Mayaro must extol the virtues of Mr. Winston Caliste former Principal and former Schools Supervisor of North – Eastern Counties. A disciplinarian, always working, always punctual, motivating his staff to excellence, he had a great love for his charges.

      In 1987, South Eastern Counties battled their way to become the champion football team in Trinidad and Tobago. Three boys from this school were members of that winning team. These stars were, Fabian Lee Hun, Ralph Allen and Bevan Joseph. This winning team was promised a trip to the U.S.A. but unfortunately this did not materialize.

      Conditions at the new school building were terrible. Parents and teachers called it a “sweat box.” Downstairs was dark and hot due to insufficient ventilation and lights. Large tents were pitched in the yard to house some classes due to lack of space. Classes commenced at 7.30 am and dismissed at 1.00 pm due to the existing conditions.

      Furniture for the pupils was woefully inadequate. The sister school in the area were approached to donate surplus furniture. A small quantity trickled in via this avenue. The Mayaro Government School P.T.A introduced a “Fire Fund” and received generous donations from business places, past pupils, members of the community and those who were in sympathy.

      The P.T.A led by Ms Veronica Reyes, functioned beyond the call its duty. Money collected was used to purchase materials to build furniture. Works Department of Mayaro assisted in this area. Other individuals helped especially Michael Morris who worked diligently, courtesy Works Department.

Awhile teachers and pupils bore with patience the agony of learning and teaching In the Civic Centre, plans were afoot to construct a new building for the children of Mayaro. At times, when the erection of the building seemed to have slowed down, the Action Committee of the P.T.A was galvanizes into action.

      Protests and more protests. Protests in Mayaro and Port-of-Spain. Meetings with the Minister of Education. Busloads of parents stormed the city and the entire nation was focused on Mayaro.

When this action did not bear fruit, a novel idea was born.

      The P.T.A locked out the teachers and pupils and formed a human barricade at the main entrance to the school. This action kept on for weeks. This ultimate action was fruitful and not long afterwards, the new school building was completed.

      Less than four years in the Civic Centre, another chapter of the Mayaro Government School had been completed. The first one was when the school was located in Radix. Chapter number two ended with the destruction by fire of the old building. And the third chapter is being written with the occupation of the new building at the old burnt-out site.

      In 1989, with great pomp and fanfare, the new school was formally opened by the then Prime Minister, Mr. A.N.R Robinson.

      Mrs. Ena Temal assumed duties as Ag. Principal while Mr. Winston Caliste was promoted to Schools Supervisor 1, North-Eastern Counties.

      In due course of time, Mr. Ramnath Seechan was appointed as Principal.  Principal Seechan fell out of favour with the P.T.A, and its members sought his removal. After a series of protests and lockouts, Mr. Seechan became ill and had to seek attention for his failing heart. In his absence, Mrs. Temal again assumed duties as Ag. Principal. Not long after, Mrs. Avra Bernard, who hails from the Moruga district, took up duties as Principal on January 03, 1994.

      Whatever the problems of the past few years, things stabilized with the new Head.

It was rumoured that Mayaro Government was a “trouble” school and being aware of this, it was her duty to get the ship out of rough waters, as a good captain should.

      Mrs. Bernard set her goals and set out to achieve them with her staff. The school took on a new appearance, plants dotting all over the compound.

      Under new management, sport was revived. This has now become a grand affair again, with a Marathon, Tug-of – War and Athletics including fun events. What makes it grander is the parade of the five Houses all vying for top honours. The main sponsor of the School Sports is Mr. Roger Bocus of R.B.L Specialized Services Ltd. This is an annual event. Generous donations also came from Petroleum Wives Club and B.P.T.T.

Other grand affairs are Word-a-Thon, Choral Speaking, Mental Mathematics and having its own Music Festival.

      In 1995, this school was twinned with Holy Saviour Anglican School in Curepe. Reciprocal visits are big events. This was initiated under the Caribbean Sea Project courtesy UNESCO.

      While Mrs. Bernard was Principal of the Primary School, she has had the additional task as administrator for the Post Primary Centre, which was then housed at the Civic Centre. In the later part of 1997 a new wing was constructed on the playground to house the Post Primary students, who wore a different uniform. This further encroachment of the savannah meant a smaller play area for the pupils.

      The Indo-Afro Day is an annual affair in the school calendar. It was a unique idea of the Principal. It portrayed the culture of the people – both Indian and African dance, song, clothes and food. Additionally there is parang and steel pan music by the Mayaro Cadanza Steel Orchestra. This event is also the Major fund-raiser and the proceeds go towards the Childress’ Christmas Treat.

      Another annual event of significance is the Graduation Ceremony of the Secondary Entrance Assessment (formerly Common Entrance) pupils who would then move on to secondary schools.

      The grandest and most memorable event in the history of Mayaro Government School was the Peace Rally in May 2000. Again this was the brainchild of Principal Bernard. This event was in conjunction with UNESCO.

      In the morning, the Rally began with the Peace Parade with all the pupils and teachers marching in the streets of Mayaro, to the accompaniment of music by the Mayaro Drum Corp and under the watchful eyes of the police. Also marching with the Parade were the Pathfinders and Master Guides of the Rio Claro S.D.A Church.

      Soon after the colourful parade, there was an ecumenical service under some large tents in the playground: and gracing the ceremony and invoking the mercy and grace of God were Imam Ghany of Rio Claro, Ravi Ji of Central Trinidad, Robert Clement of Rio Claro and Pastor Clive Dottin who gave the feature address.

      From UNESCO office were Mr. Surendranath Gajraj and Ms. Sandra Gift.

A highlight of the event was the exchange of the Peace Flags. Also in attendance and participation were some of the schools of the district.

      In the afternoon there was a cultural exposition and some of the participants who sang were Hollis Wright, Protector, King Austin and Karen Beccles.

There was a special guest from Pt. Cumana. This programme was broadcasted live on Power 102 for two hours.

      As an indispensable aspect of the Peace Rally was the Peace Display-Art, Craft and Puppetry of various aspects peace. Research was done on people who were devoted to peace- Martin L. King, Gandhi, Mother Theresa, Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Pantin.

      The display caught the eyes of the UNESCO Officers so much that it was taken to the UNESCO Office in Port-of-Spain on display for two weeks.

      At the time this is being written a Cultural Heritage Event is planned for the end of November 2001.

      In keeping with the modern trends of the curriculum, semi-specialist teaching is part of the daily learning and teaching. The semi-specialist areas are Physical Education, Music, Computer Studies (Information Technology) and Agricultural Science.