Vaz Prep provides window into the past
THE Vaz Preparatory School in East Kingston two weeks ago gave its students insight into Jamaica’s past, as the institution celebrated National Heritage Week with a cultural display and exhibition.
“We set up an exhibit and invited vendors in to share things that the children can relate to as Jamaicans like peanuts, sugar cane, fruits and other goodies,” said acting principal Karlene Bisnott.
Also on show were artefacts depicting the Jamaican lifestyle of yesteryear, such as the Tilley lamp, an enamel basin and bath pan, a coal-heated iron and a meat grinder. There were, in addition, booths depicting national symbols, sporting heroes and the former prime ministers of Jamaica.
The school also used the occasion to honour businessman and Justice of the Peace Bradley Lecky for 30 years of service to the Rollington Town community where Vaz Prep has been located since it was founded 55 years ago.
Lecky, who supplies pastries and other products to the institution, is also a past president of the Citizens’ Association, co-ordinator for the Neighbourhood Watch group in Kingston and St Andrew, and is presently board chairman for the Rollington Town Primary School.
“It’s really an honour for me to be recognised by an institution like Vaz that is so respected by the community,” Lecky told the Sunday Observer.
Reputed to be the largest preparatory school in the Caribbean, Vaz Prep has a population of 1,180 students and approximately 100 teachers.