Premier Orlando Smith, while addressing the 2012 graduates of HLSCC on June 14, 2012 said that they are the Architects of the VI’s Future. Photo: Javon Liburd/ VINO

Graduating class advised by Hon. Smith to learn as much as they can in efforts to build and strengthen the communities of the VI. Photo: Javon Liburd/ VINO

Addressing over 203 graduates of the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College on June 14 2012, Premier Smith instructed them to be mindful of what they do and the ways they choose to do it. He added that their past will affect their future and whatever is done now will be shown later on in life.

“Your future depends on what you do with your present. What you do today will have an impact on your tomorrow.”

The Premier told the students that a society reflects on the people living in it, and whatever degrees are earned and whatever skills are gained, will definitely impact the VI on a whole.

He assured the graduates, that because of the constant change the societies receive, a change is soon to come. He advised the students that by furthering their studies and having completed their courses, they are more than prepared in being “the Architects” of that change.

“To some extent, you who are sitting before me now will be architects of that change. You will decide the direction in which this society goes. That is a huge responsibility but it is a responsibility for which your education here at HLSCC will have prepared you.”

Premier Smith encouraged the graduates and stated that he has faith in them and he knows that they are capable of leading the country where it needs to go and the people where they need to be.

“I know that you are strong men and women. I know that because you will have needed that strength to juggle your many responsibilities as you attended classes. I know that you will succeed at whatever you put your energies to. So I want to ask you today to involve yourselves in your community.”

Attending classes and being in classrooms with students from all around the Caribbean, students learn from each other different social skills, techniques and cultures, making them more experienced and versed to deal with life in different ways and have a whole new meaning and understanding.

In light of this, Hon. Smith stated that this experienced that is gain in the class rooms should be displayed in communities, their work places and everyday lives. He told the graduates to “Reach across to people of different faiths and different nationalities. Share your ideas and listen to the ideas of others. Build your communities and strengthen our beloved Virgin Islands.”

Premier Smith told the students that for change to happen, it only takes one person to stand up for what they think is right. He added that that person has to set a foundation and a goal, and with determination a change will come.

“Harriet Tubman was just one person. Noel Lloyd was just one person. Nelson Mandela was just one person. All you need is one person to stand up for the right thing and others will follow. Adina Donovan, Darwin Scatliffe, Mary White - these were all ordinary people who went about their job, did it to the best of their ability, cared for their communities, were involved in their communities and helped create the foundation for the society we live today. What will be the foundation you lay for the generations who succeed you? What will be your gift to them?”

The Premier encouraged the graduates to always strive to meet their best potential in efforts of providing a better and more developed VI in the near future.