Rev. Michael Steele & Niki Lanik Promoting Human Rights

Barbados’ Ambassador for Youth for Human Rights International (YHRI) the Reverend Michael Steele held a press conference at the Sir Garfield Sobers Gymnasium on Friday. In attendance at the press conference was Austrian race-car driver and human rights activist Niki Lanik who is in Barbados promoting human rights.

Reverend Steele met with Lanik while in Switzerland, during a human rights summit held there recently. “It was a great opportunity, because we got to see what is happening in other countries,” said Rev. Steele of the summit. He added that while there is a lot of work to be done, the schools are co-operative, as are the various Government Ministries, who, Rev. Steele said, help in any way that they can.

The 22-year-old Lanik is an Ambassador for Youth for Human Rights International (YHRI), an organisation that was started approximately seven years ago. This year, the organisation which began with just a music video and later an educational DVD, now offers an educational pack, that can be ordered for schools free of charge, from their website. It can also be used as lesson guides for teachers to educate their students, about human rights. “It is a very education based campaign for the children,” Lanik added.

Rev. Steele is also leader of the Steele Trinity Youth Academy, which has the purpose of creating awareness and informing young people of their human rights, so they can make informed decisions on an action-plan. “That’s our duty,” he added.

Lanik and Rev. Steele visited the Combermere School promoting their cause and will visit the Alleyne, Coleridge and Parry and Grantley Adams Memorial schools in the coming days.

YHRI on Ning: www.yhribarbados.ning.com

Geoffrey Cave Sworn In As New Senator

Geoffrey Cave, Chairman of the Board of Directors at Cave Shepherd was sworn in as Barbados' newest Senator on yesterday morning.

In a short ceremony at Government House, Cave took the Oath of Allegiance in front of Governor General Sir Clifford Husbands.

Cave was accompanied by his wife Anne Cave and children Roger and Simone.

Cave replaces the late Senator, Sir John Stanley Goddard.

Cave has a distinguished career in business in Barbados, being involved as Director and Chairman of several leading private and public companies in Barbados. He also served on the Board of several governmental and non-governmental organisations and has been an advisor and trustee to numerous schools, colleges, universities and charities.

In the Queen New Years Honours List in 2003, he was appointed Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire and in October 2007 the University of the West Indies conferred an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Laws (LLD).

Union Centre Now Bears Frost's Name

The Barbados Secondary Teachers' Union (BSTU) has renamed its headquarters The Patrick Frost Centre.

In a ceremony at the newly named centre in Belleville, St Michael, BSTU president Mary Redman said the renaming was in honour of Frost's outstanding work in the labour movement and the teachers' union in particular.

"It is impossible to thank you for your integrity, deceny, caring and heart. Genuine caring and love for humankind is something that cannot be faked and persons recognise it in you.

"You have always had a clear and unchanging philosophy on the importance of the all-inclusive and strategic role of the union in the development of any society. You have worked hard for over 30 years to see the little BSTU as a respected as recognised union in this country . . . ," she said.

Frost thanked the BSTU for the "undeserved" honour, but told the audience it was a group effort.

"Whatever I may have accomplished, I have not done it by myself. I have always had people around me . . . ," he said.

The ceremony featured the unveiling of a plaque and a portrait of Frost made of plaster. It also involved birthday celebrations as the renaming ceremony was planned specially to fall on Frost's 69th birthday. (CA)

Source: www.nationnews.com

Old Scholars Day - Founder's Week Event 2009

All past students of the Lodge School are invited to attend the "Old Scholars Day" activities planned for Friday, September 25, 2009 at the school.

Old scholars are expected to face off against the current students in Cricket, Netball and Basketball. This event is one of the activities planned to mark Founders Week 2009 at the school.

See: http://lodgescholars.ning.com

Lodge School Old Scholars Cruise - September 19

The officers and members of the Lodge School Old Scholars Association will host their annual cruise on Saturday, September 19, 2009 on board the M.V. Harbour Master from 10:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m.

Admission is $45.00 and tickets are available from the following: Michael Johnson (The Jewelry Box - Sheraton 437-2682), Michael Jules (National Sports Council), Alicia Brathwaite and Henry Inniss.

Please visit our Facebook event page for more information.

Sir John Stanley Goddard Passes On

RETIRED Barbadian businessman and Senator, Sir John Stanley Goddard is dead. Sir John, 78, died at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) Friday night where he had been taken after taking ill.

The death of Sir John has come as a shock to many, since reports suggest it was not known he was ill. His departure will leave a void in the discussions and debates in all aspect of the national life since Sir John always felt he had a contribution to make on important issues facing the country and its people. He leaves to mourn his wife, five children and 16 grands.

Sir John, who was born in St. Vincent, grew up in Barbados. He was well known in business circles not only in Barbados but across the Caribbean where he served in many capacities of business.

He was a member of a number of regional private sector agencies and sat on the board of many businesses. However, some his greatest contributions came in the roles he played in the continuing development and expansion of Goddard Enterprises Limited (GEL), a family owned business, which has extended by leaps and bound. GEL, whose businesses span finance, manufacturing, and a wide range of services, is currently one of the leading conglomerates across the Caribbean with operations also in both South America and Central America.

His support for that company, which is listed on the stock exchange in Barbados has won him many kudos. Sir John was knighted for the contribution to business. Sir John served on the executive of the Caribbean Association of Industry and Commerce (CAIC) the Barbados Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Barbados Private Sector Association, and more than a year ago retired from the Board of the Caribbean Financial Services Corporation. A ceremony marking his contribution to that company was held at the Lion Castle Polo Clubhouse last year, and attended by staff and key principles of the institution.

He was also active in the Centre for Management Development in its formative years when it began offering post graduate training at the University of the West Indies (Cave Hill).

Although he had retired from active involvement in business affairs, Sir John remained a commentator on several economic, business, social and political issues in the country. He has been a Senator in the Barbados Parliament for several years and attended the sitting last week. During his stint in the Upper Chamber Sir John has made significant contributions whether they were related to government finances, the country’s national debt, economic management, the overall economy, and controversial subjects as well.

He also contributed to the development of BICO, this country’s major ice cream manufacturer. Last night Edwin Thirlwell, Chairman of that company, said Sir John had served for many years as a Director of BICO, starting from the 1960s until about 2002 when he (Thirlwell) took over. “He was a gentleman and was a valuable partner,” according to Thirlwell.

Fellow Senator, Frances Chandler was quoted on radio last night as saying that Sir John was a true gentleman. She recalled the many occasions on which Sir John gave her advice. According to Senator Chandler Sir John had a love for agriculture and never ceased a moment discussing the subject.
The Barbados Advocate offers it condolences to his relatives. (JB)

Source: www.barbadosadvocate.com

Sir John Is Dead

INDEPENDENT SENATOR and former business leader Sir John Stanley Goddard is dead.

Sir John, a frank and at times thought-provoking voice in the Senate and a former leader of the Goddard group of companies, passed away at about 2:15 a.m. yesterday. He was 77.

The death followed a brief illness and stunned members of the large Goddard family.

"He went into the hospital yesterday," son Geoffrey Goddard told the SUNDAY SUN.

"We thought he was going to come home this weekend. But things didn't work out that way."

Sir John died surrounded by members of his family at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, where he had been taken after complaining of feeling unwell.

"He was in very high spirits yesterday [Friday]," his son said.

"He was making a lot of fun and joking. We never thought he would have died. Maybe it was just a case of age, something as simple as that."

Sir John was awarded the Gold Crown Of Merit in 1990 and the Knight Of St Andrew was conferred in 1993 for his contribution to commerce and the community.

He spent most of his life working with the group of companies launched by his grandfather Joseph Nathaniel Goddard.

He joined the business as a chartered accountant, after returning to Barbados in 1957 from studies at Queen's University and a five-year stint with Price Waterhouse.

Over the years, he moved up the ranks to serve as managing director and as chairman of the board of Goddard Enterprises Limited (GEL). He also headed the board of directors of several agencies, including the Private Sector Organisation.

Yesterday Prime Minister David Thompson headed the list of people paying tribute to Sir John. Thompson described him as "an outstanding Barbadian".

"Over the years that I have known him, his has always been a voice of reason and a very stabilising influence in the corporate sector, in the area of social policy, even in politics, though he has not been in the traditional sense a Barbadian politician," Thompson said.

"His wise counsel will be missed, particularly in those spheres.

"In the 1991 economic crisis many would not have known of the tireless work that Sir John did in seeking to build consensus across the private sector for the economic programme which was implemented. That programme became known throughout the world as a major triumph for a small developing country."

Opposition Leader, Mia Mottley said: "We shall miss his contributions to debate in the Senate, which were characterized by both frankness and fairness and an ability to zero in on matters, which were of importance to ordinary people."

President of the Senate Branford Taitt is out of the island, but Deputy President of the Senate Kerryann Ifill said of Sir John: "His contributions in the Senate were always filled with wisdom and considerable value as he often took a view of proceedings which others did not. His presence in the chamber will be greatly missed."

Prominent lawyer and former minister Sir Henry Forde described Sir John's contribution in the sphere of business as "exceptional".

"He was a nation-builder in many respects, both in industry and in giving proper non-partisan guidance to how we should run our country," he added.

Sir John is survived by his wife Katherine Lady Goddard and five children - Geoffrey, Susan, Paula, Lynnette and Julie - as well as 16 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Sir John is the third Senator to have died in about two weeks. His death follows that of former senators Enid Lynch and Marjorie Blackman. (TY)

Source: www.nationnews.com

Back-N-Time Party - Bump 'N' Wine Cafe

Calling de LODGE SCHOOL MASSIVE this your boarding call to be at the Bump N Wine Cafe, Cavans Lane, Bridgetown on Friday night.

Back-N-Time Party will commence at 10:00 p.m. the Lodge Posse will face off against Harrison College on the dance floor old skool style.

Come on down and represent our school. If you can't dance then just lime and have a good time.

The Admission is $15.00 the bar will be solid like a rock. Wear your school apparel -crest or tie etc.

For further information contact:

Andre Clarke (246) 233-0121 or Ian Clarke (246) 235-0900

Happy Father's Day

Father's Day

Over the years as we grow old, we remember our father so brave and bold. In the garden, leaning on the plow, he would listen to me; I see him now. He would give advice and understand; He was always there to lend a hand.

God made fathers strong and firm, for he knew our lives would have great concerns. So he gave us fathers to teach us to pray, and guide our lives, and show us the way. So on his day let's take the time to say "Thanks, dad. I'm glad you're mine."

By Mary Frances Bogle

Thrill Of Victory For Mr & Miss Lodge School 2009

At approximately 12:30 a.m. this morning Jamar Mayers and Melissa Sookhram were crowned the new Mr and Miss Lodge School 2009.

To be continued...

Vote For Lodge - Inter-School Pageant

Voting for the 5th Annual Inter-School Pageant has commence. Voting is currently being conducted under the category "Beauty and Style". The winners of this category will be the recipients of the People's Choice Award.

We encourage you to visit the following site and vote for our alma mater. Vote for Lodge here: http://www.twiigs.com/poll/Beauty_&_Style/33230?results=1

Lodge Pageant 2009: Open Your Eyes To The World

The Lodge School will take over the Christ Church Foundation School hall from 6:00p.m. on June 14th. The event will be the 2009 edition of the Mr. and Miss Lodge School Pageant entitled Universal Perspective.

This year the contestants are required to widen their knowledge of the world as each couple has been assigned a country to represent on the night. Part of getting themselves ready for the night is to increase their knowledge of the respective nations so that they can answer questions about these places.

In preparation for the final night the contestants have received training in dance by Mr. Kevin Carvalho and have been given the chance to gain some early points with modeling and speech.

Support these young people as they raise funds for graduation. Come out and support the six couples looking to impress their friends and the judges next week.

Source: Hello, Barbados Advocate.

Lodge School! Lodge School!

Well clan, I had the faith that it was only a matter of time before we started to make some movements in the right direction. This site for the Lodge School Alumni is not just a welcomed sight, it surpasses expectation.

Much thanks must be heaped upon Glyne for his initiative. This site has the potential to pull all the parts of Lodge School together; past, present and even future. Already it has proved to be a good virtual liming spot. It has many features and there is a space here for everyone; young and old(er).

One great feature is the links to Facebook Lodge School groups. It means that from one site we can get to see all the activities and neworks between the different year groups. Hopefully, we can produce a Lodge School year e-book or e-magazine, featuring the school and its activities.

I am sure that the Principal of the school may find this a useful forum to keep the alumni abreast of what is happening at the school and this in turn will give us an opportunity to give back by engaging in or contributing to these activities.

The most sensational part of the site is the webcast. Already we have Michael Jules volunteering to do as much as he can with sports. It means too that next inter-school sports, we should be able to broadcast live and with the right team, could cover all the sporting activities that include Lodge School.

We certainly look forward to this site growing at a rapid rate. Already the troops are rolling in and the site is only 3 days old. Houba, the Lodge School yahoogroup was a good initiative at the time and maybe we have not yet outgrown that. It is a reliable means of communicating and maybe we should incorporate that idea into this site, especially because it has been penetrated by spammers.

My biggest concern is that we need to reach the students at the school; especially from fourth form up. Maybe we can do it right here.

Source: http://lodgescholars.ning.com

Mr & Miss Lodge School Pageant 2009

The annual Mr and Miss Lodge School Pageant will be held at the Foundation School Hall, Church Hill, Christ Church on Sunday, June 14, 2009.

At stake will be the coveted titles of Mr and Miss Lodge School 2009. Other titles will include: Best Male and Female Casual Wear, Best Talent, Most Photogenic, Best Gown, Mr and Miss Congeniality and Most Improved.

The Pageant commences at 6:00 p.m. and admission is $30.00 by ticket, $35.00 at the door. For further information please call 423-0086.

We Appreciate Your Kind Comments & Support

Good morning Lodge family, just a quick note to share a few comments from some of our members following the Lodge School Alumni Blog:

"love the blogg will write weekly proud to be a lodge boy!!!!!! big up all the people past and present who doing things fa lodge. dont stop less we drop what ever we do got to stay on TOP!!!!!!!!" - Banana Man.

"Hello there, I am an alumnus from the 60's (60-68) and am delighted to be able to reach folk who attended "the best school in the world." I live in New York now and am usually home for test matches. I am immensely proud to be a former student and wish my alma mater continued success in every venture. I am a little concerned, though about efforts made to contact past students. Do you expend mush effort in this area?" - Anonymous.

To our many friends and school mates your kind comments are appreciated. I look forward to your continued support of our efforts to bring you information from The Lodge.

The Year 2009 started with many challenges but I believe together we can conquer all.

Much Love,
Glyne Alleyne

Bare Chaos From Blood

PURE, UNADULTERATED MAYHEM is wha' Blood is talking 'bout for Crop-Over 2K9. "We're out of the box and blazing for Crop-Over 2009," said Anderson Blood Armstrong, the main maestro of local record company Reddhead Records Inc.

The singer and producer was speaking to GROOVE just prior to performing the title track of his recently dropped soca album Chaos for this year's Sweet Fuh Days season at the first series of the Super Six Cavalcades last weekend.

"I don't really want to call it Crop-Over music even though I released it in time for Crop-Over; it's music that can last a lifetime," he said over the music in the National Cultural Foundation's car park.

His reasons for releasing so early before the pre-season pandemonium?

"It makes sense to come out early. We've got the cavalcade here on May 2. The people are going to come out and enjoy the music and it is good to be able to offer them something new for the festival," reasoned the former co-lead vocalist of the band Square One.

Releasing early has its obvious market advantages. The earlier the music gets to the radio stations, the higher the rotation; the higher the rotation, the more popularity grows and the likelihood of more gigs for the artistes.

"We have moods for everybody on the album, from pan to chaos to some nice ragga soca songs.

"We've got love songs and those with double entendre," he said of the 24-track album, adding that a lot more careful attention was paid to musicality.

Blood said that he would be entering the Pic-O-De-Crop, Party Monarch and Groovy Monarch competitions representing Headliners Calypso Tent.

Also appearing on the album Chaos are Mikey, Contone, Dr, Windchaser, Mexican, Ishaka, Troy Special, Smokey Burke, Alison Hinds, Keann, and others.

Source: www.nationnews.com

7th Chess Title For Lodge

THE LODGE SCHOOL created history last week when they were crowned overall champions in the United Insurance Secondary Schools Chess Championships, taking their tally to seven consecutive inter-school titles.

In an all-round effort led by their Under-13 team which retained the Under-13 Division title, The Lodge School were simply in a league of their own, racking up an overall 167 points to beat nearest rival Harrison College by 56 points.

Harrison College, while not winning any of the three divisional titles, demonstrated that they are well on the way to becoming a serious contender by taking second position in the overall standings with 111 points. Harrison College's achievement came primarily through their Under-20 and -13 teams who placed third in their respective divisions.

The St Michael School, who played host to this year's championships, took overall third place with 109 points and the Under-15 Division title in a dramatic finish when they pipped Coleridge and Parry by one point.

Lester Vaughan, who suffered by not having an entry in the Under-13 Division, place fourth overall with 97 points thanks to the division-winning performance by their Under-20 team and a useful fourth place in the Under-15 Division.

Coleridge and Parry were the big losers this year, falling from the No. 2 spot which they have held over the last two years to fifth overall with 94 points, and then missing out on the Under-15 title in the dramatic final-round battle with Harrison College, which they won but dropped one point too many, to allow The St Michael through on the finish line.

Queen's College, a powerhouse ten years ago, continues to be a cause for concern, only fielding an Under-13 team this year. Despite this, Queen's College put in a spirited performance to take second in the Under-13 Division and, solely on the basis of their Under-13 points, place sixth in the overall standings with 46 points. (PR)

Source: www.nationnews.com

Candidate Masters Win United Insurance Secondary Schools Challenge

Candidate Master Martyn Del Castilho and Woman Candidate Masters Corinne Howard and Katrina Blackman posted an impressive 30 - 2 win in the United Insurance Secondary Schools Chess Challenge to officially open the 2009 United Insurance Secondary Schools Chess Championships on Wednesday March 4th 2009 at The Lodge School.

Barbados' newest Candidate Masters Martyn Del Castilho of UWI, Corinne Howard of Barbados Community College and Katrina Blackman of Coleridge & Parry School were surgical in their dispatch of the thirty three egger students who came from Defending Secondary Schools Champion The Lodge School, Harrison College, Combermere, The St. Michael School, Alleyne and Coleridge & Parry.

Del Castilho had the toughest challenge of the three exhibitors taking on fifteen students simultaneous. However without even breaking a sweat he completed his assignment with an hour to spare, winning all fifteen games.

Howard whose challenge comprised nine students came very close to a perfect score when she ran out of time in a won position against Justin Parsons, a 1st form student at The Lodge School, to end with eight wins and one loss.

Blackman, who is still at Secondary School, put in a commendable performance by scoring seven wins, one draw and one loss. Winning against Blackman was Alchino Haynes, a 5th form student of The Lodge School, while Jerome Harewood, a 1st former of The Lodge, drew his game.

Attention now turns to the actual United Insurance Secondary Schools team competition which will be contested in three age categories Under-13, Under 15 and Under-20.

Defending Champions The Lodge School will be going for a historic 7th consecutive Over-All title and up to press time their coach Dr. David Jordan appeared very confident about the school's prospects.

In the Under-20 Division the main competition for The Lodge School is expected to come from Lester Vaughn which will be returning with most of the members of its 2008 team who placed 2nd to The Lodge last year.

The Under-15 Division is expected to be the most fiercely contest age category with strong challenges to The Lodge School coming from Coleridge & Parry, Harrison College, Queens College and The St. Michael School.

In the Under-13 category The Lodge School are also expected to start as favorites with Harrison College possibly being the main rival.

Play start at 9:00 a.m. with the 1st Round and 1:00 p.m. with Round 2 at The St. Michael School on Saturday March 7th 2009.

The featured event of the ceremony will the United Insurance Chess Challenge, a simultaneous chess exhibition in which thirty six players from ten schools are expected to challenge Barbados' newest Candidate Masters Martyn Del Castilho of UWI, Corinne Howard of Barbados Community College and Katrina Blackman of Coleridge & Parry School.

Del Castilho, Howard and Blackman all qualified for their FIDE Candidate Master titles as members of the Barbados Chess Team at the 2008 World Chess Olympiad in Dresden, Germany.

A former student of The Lodge School and a freshman at UWI, Del Castilho is currently the highest rated junior player in the English Speaking Caribbean. In Dresden he played Board 2 for the Barbados Men where he qualified for the FIDE Candidate Master Title. He will play sixteen players in the United Insurance Chess Challenge, a feat which should be quite a challenge given that he only has 1 � hours complete his games.

Howard, a former student of Combermere and a final year student at the Barbados Community College, is a former Barbados Ladies Champion. She spearheaded the Barbados Ladies Team in Dresden with a Board 1 performance that would earn her a FIDE Rating and the FIDE Women Candidate Master Title. Like Del Castilho her time limit will 1 � hours but her challenge will be ten players.

Blackman, a 5th former at Coleridge & Parry School, is the only member of the exhibitor panel still at secondary school. The reserve player on the Barbados Ladies Team in Dresden, this talented and determined teenager posted a performance beyond that of a reserve and qualified for the FIDE Women Candidate Master Title. She will also play ten players for her part in the United Insurance Chess Challenge.

The Opening Ceremony is schedule to start at 1:00 p.m. at The Lodge School in St. John with representatives from the Ministry of Sport, National Sports Council and sponsors United Insurance on hand to make the ceremonial first move and officially open the competition.

Actual play in the Under-13, Under-15 and Under-20 Divisions will commences with the rounds one and two on Saturday March 7th at 9:00 a.m. at The St. Michael School. Schools wishing to participate can still register by contacting BCF Vice-President for Junior Chess Trevor Griffith at 435-0798 or 234-6172.

Source: www.barbados.org/chess

Emptage Are Lodge Champs

RAIN PUT a serious damper on The Lodge School Inter-House Sports Day which came off at the Massiah Street, St John school grounds on Friday.

In the very wet and muddy conditions many of the athletes slid or fell, while others literally trotted to the tape to avoid the embarrassment of falling.

However, at the end of the melee, it was all Emptage House with 649 points emerging as championship. Wedderburn was second with 581.5, Laborde, third with 541, followed by Gooding with 393.5. Last year's defending champions Codrington House finished at the bottom of the table in fifth place with a mere 282 points.

Physical education teacher at the school Clifton Phillips told SUNSPORT he was pleased with the efforts from the organisers and athletes who ran their hearts out to make the meet a success, despite the wet and treacherous conditions.

"It is unfortunate we did not get to see the athletes at their best since times or records were out of the question, as it was a matter of survival for most of the competitors, but they all gave of their best in the conditions."

In the junior division Shemar Goodridge and Arielle Johnson emerged as the victor and victrix Ludorum with 59 and 41 points, respectively, while in the seniors it was Rico Tull and Sade Sealy with 50 and 55 points, respectively. (CH)

Divisional champs:

Division 1 - Sade Sealy (55 points), Rico Tull (50)

Division 2 - Michaela Straughn (31), Tremaine Maloney (35)

Division 3 - Arielle Johnson (41), Shemar Goodridge (59).

Division 4 - Kyle Farrell (29)

Division 5 - (juniors) Ashera Darlington (27), Zalyka Cumberbatch (15); (seniors) Shae Nurse (24), Talisha Balgobin (26).

Source: www.nationnews.com

Greaves Does It In Style

WIDE SMILES and nods of approval followed a spectacular run by Wibisco Stars' Shekeim Greaves in the men's100 metres during League I action at the National Stadium last Saturday night.

The Lodge School athlete, and son of Empire spinner Sherlon Greaves, didn't even make the Under-20 Boys' final at the CARIFTA Games last year after a false start. He got a good one this time and powered down the straight to win in 10.56 seconds.

His high-stepping strides drew comparisons to Olympian Obadele Thompson and there were nods of approval from among the selectors. Others wanted to know who he was since it was his first meet for the season. The challenge will now be to repeat and improve his times over rounds.

Elroy Agard of Rising Stars, unbeaten for the whole season, was a distant second in10.96 seconds after being left in the blocks.

Tongues wagging

Jerrad Mason of Rising Stars also had tongues wagging after an upset victory over Track & amp;Field Academy's Shaquille Alleyne in the 800 metres. What made the victory even more stunning, is that Mason is 14 years old, while Alleyne is in his second year in the Under-17 division.

Nicholas Henry of Wibisco Stars set the early pace until Alleyne took over after 500 metres and Mason didn't respond to the move all along the back stretch. Heading for home, Alleyne was a comfortable leader when Mason found another gear and pulled alongside. The two sprinted for the finish, Mason getting home in 1:59.84to Alleyne's 1:59.88.

Mason also won the400 metres in 51.37, both times well within the Inter-school records.

Callum Wright of Elite Distance looks set to take over now that his brother Matthew has moved into the Under-20 division.He was third in the 3 000 metres in 9:43.20 minutes, around the same time his brother did in 2007, his first year in the Under-17 division. The Inter-school record of 10:15.69 which he holds is definitely under threat.

Jason Wilson took point, only to lose the lead to Matthew with 300 metres to go. Matthew (9:41.30) seemed set to run away with it when Wilson (9:41:10) began his sprint with 80 metres to go, and couldn't hold him off.

Shani Adams, also of Elite Distance, won the girls' race in 11:36.77 from club mate Najuma Comissiong (12:08.74).

Easy winner

In her last race before leaving the island on scholarship, Kierre Beckles ran against the clock, a comfortable winner in 14.26 seconds in the 100 metres hurdles. Rising Stars teammate Tramaine Maloney showed he has plans to qualify for the CARIFTA Games with 14.65 and 59.65 seconds respectively in the 100mh and 400m hurdles.

Other noteworthy performances came from BC Trac's Mario Burke with 12.73 and 26.85 in the Under-13 Boys' 100 and 200 metres; Tariq Belves of Harrison College with 11.85 in the Under-15 100m dash and Shaquille Hollingsworth of Rising Stars with 11.56 in the Under-17 Boys' race.

Sprint double

BC Trac's Jalisa Burrowes did the Under-13 sprint double in 13.83 and 28.66, while Akela Taylor of Quantum Leap took the 400m (60.83) and 75m hurdles (12.61).

Pacers' Ronson Small (49.13) also kept his fans happy with a win in the 400 metres while teammates Christopher Davis (49.41) came second, and Joshua Walcott took the Under-15 race in 54.33.

The field events were not as spectacular, although there were some encouraging performances. Javelin gold medallist John Jones warmed up with 53.80 metres as he seeks to get the tougher Under-20 qualifying standard. His sister Akela Jones leaped 5.33 metres in the Under-17 Girls' long jump and Kemar Jones seems to be back to good form with 13.70min the triple jump.

Source: www.nationnews.com

Lodge More Than Ready For Facelift

Years of inadequate and derelict facilities and high maintenance bills are about to come to an end for teachers and staff of The Lodge School.

If things go according to plan, construction of two new blocks, a hall, pavilion, new bathrooms, additional exits and other refurbishments to the facility will get underway at the St John compound in April as part of a $25 million project.

Principal Trevor Pilgrim told the SATURDAY SUN it was a long time in coming, and highly anticipated.

"We're extremely happy that we're finally going to have some improvement in the physical plant of the school.

"We have been operating for many years with severe challenges.

"The school has done well despite the challenges, but of course we anticipate that with better plant, better facilities, better equipment, we would be in a position to do even better... One of the main areas of relief would be the absence of overcrowding," Pilgrim disclosed.

He said there were a number of health and safety concerns at the school, which celebrates its 264th anniversary this year. He said windows sometimes fell out, several of the buildings were mouldy and "compromised" the health of occupants, and there were several cracks and vegetation in the buildings.

Pilgrim said the current population had outgrown the physical plant, which was not built to accommodate a roll of 1 004.

The school is in the process of acquiring additional land from Codrington Trust for the construction of the new hall.

"The assembly hall is totally inadequate, it cannot accommodate the school roll, so we have our assemblies in the open.

"If it rains we have to cancel assembly or postpone it, and if it's too hot the students also have problems. If there is any function we have, we have to rent tents and so on," Pilgrim stated, adding that classrooms and staff accommodations were inadequate as well.

The Memorial Hall will be kept for historical purposes. Pilgrim noted that it was constructed in the memory of former students who died in the two world wars.

He said a lot of money had been spent on maintenance over the years. Last year alone the figure for building maintenance was $200 000.

Block I, which houses the music room, bathrooms and other facilities will be demolished and replaced by a two storey block.

The "cramped" Block J for sixth formers will be demolished as well, making room for another two-storey structure.

Construction will be done in phases, and Pilgrim said he expected minimal dislocation during the process.

Prefabricated buildings will be erected to move students from the areas being worked on.

Adjustment of the school hours, and a traffic diversion from the road leading to the compound, are among considerations for when the project gets underway. (YB)

Source: www.nationnews.com