State Minister Highlights Teachers’ Invaluable Role In Nation-Building

As the nation celebrated teachers on Wednesday (May 6), State Minister for Industry, Investment and Commerce, Hon. Delano Seiveright, highlighted the invaluable role they play in societal growth, transforming lives, and building a better future through education.

He noted that teachers are essential in driving national growth and development and fostering a society where every child, regardless of community, background or circumstance, has the opportunity to learn, to grow, to dream and to succeed.

“Teachers deserve far more praise, far more appreciation and far more support than they sometimes receive, because if we’re being honest, teachers help hold this country together… . Today, we pause to honour these quiet heroes; our teachers. They work hard. They deserve it,” Mr. Seiveright said.

He was addressing a Teachers’ Day event at St. Richards Primary School in Kingston, where parents and students came together to honour the teaching staff, presenting them with gifts and plaques of appreciation.

He urged the students to always be respectful and mindful of their teachers.

“Students when teachers correct you, give you homework, tell you to focus or to come off the phone and pay attention, they are not trying to be hard on you. They are trying to prepare you for life because life requires discipline; success requires discipline.

“No amount of Artificial Intelligence (AI) or ChatGPT can replace good character. Respect still matters, honesty still matters, being on time for school still matters. Good manners still matters and hard work still matters,” Mr. Seiveright said.

Further highlighting the value of teachers, he noted that their impact goes beyond academics.

“They are not only teaching Mathematics, English, Science and Social Studies. Many are also acting as counsellors, mentors, motivators, mediators, protectors, and sometimes filling the roles of mothers and fathers. Sometimes a teacher notices a child is struggling before anyone else does. Sometimes a teacher provides encouragement that changes the entire direction of a child’s life. That impact cannot be measured easily,” Mr. Seiveright said.

He applauded the principal and teachers at St. Richards Primary School for leading the institution into winning the 2025 TVJ Junior School’s Challenge Quiz Competition.