Gregory Quan Kep, the acting principal of St Benedict's College in La Romaine, has praised the community's residents and the college's founder for their contributions to academics and sports.
He spoke at the African Emancipation Day celebrations on August 1, in which the school, in collaboration with the community and the Penal/ Debe Regional Corporation (PDRC), unveiled a "wall of inspiration."
The concrete wall at the front of the college at the Southern Main Road showcased several photos of the community and nation's icons.
Those include past pupil and professional basketballer Adrian Joseph, school founder/ Benedictine monk Dom Basil Matthews and cricket legend Brian Charles Lara.
"La Romaine has a lot of talent. The people and students are very talented academically, in sports, and in all different ways, and they need opportunities. This wall is a wall of motivation to inspire them, to inspire the community to greatness, to excellence."
In paying tributes to the school's founder, Quan Kep added: "Dr Dom Basil Mattews was the first black Catholic priest (in TT)."
Quan Kep said the college continues with Matthews' vision to create all-rounded students who are built up academically and spiritually in sports, visual and performing arts, music, drama, etc.
PDRC chairman Gowtam Maharaj said La Romaine is love and called on the Government to do its part to uplift people.
Saying there were stigmas attached to La Romaine youths, he suggested a vocation centre be built so the youths could make the best use of their time.
"My call is for a trade school. La Romaine is near the foreshore, and it means they can learn aspects of shipping operations, rigging, and rostering about work and catering. We can open a hospitality school so the youths can get involved," Maharaj said.
Joseph, the basketball player who was among the icons on the wall, recalled his childhood days playing sports in the community.
Although a past college pupil, he said he dropped out of school in form five and did not write CXC exams.
However, when he migrated to the USA, he obtained a bachelor's degree in forensic anthropology at the University of Virginia. He also pursued a basketball career and played in the US, Europe, the Middle East and throughout the Caribbean.
Joseph said he was back home and giving back to the community, particularly the children.
He is the founder and head coach of the Advanced Genetics Sports and Cultural Club. He said he had six students on scholarships in the US.
Businessman, past student, and resident Ronald "Ron" Samaroo also spoke at the event opposite the school.
He said the Wall of Inspiration project held a special place in his heart.
He thanked the local business community for its invaluable support.
"Their generous contributions ensured that we received full funding for this venture. The collaboration between St Benedict's College, the corporation and our local businesses has been truly inspiring," Samaroo said.
"This collective effort underscores the strength of community spiri
