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In the annals of St. Kitts and Nevis’ educational history, the name Sydney Morris stands as a testament to visionary leadership and a commitment to advancing higher learning. Serving as the former Deputy Prime Minister and the inaugural Minister of Education in an independent St. Kitts and Nevis, Morris played a pivotal role in the establishment and development of the College of Further Education (CFE).

The year 1988 marked a significant phase for the CFE, with the Divisions of Teacher Education and Technical and Vocational Education fully integrated into the institution during the 1988-89 school year. The college’s expansion and academic offerings were a result of Morris’s foresight and dedication to enhancing educational opportunities in the nation.

One notable milestone was the CFE’s first graduation ceremony in September 1988, a momentous occasion where 158 students graduated from the college. Among them were 110 students from the Division of Technical and Vocational Education and Management Studies, and 48 from the Division of Teacher Education. Prime Minister Dr. Kennedy Simmonds, in his address during the ceremony, conveyed the approval of funding from the European Economic Commission for the construction of a dedicated building for the CFE.

However, it was Minister of Education Sidney Morris who eloquently emphasized the significance of the occasion, labeling it a “landmark” moment. Reflecting on the challenges faced by the institution during its inaugural year, Morris acknowledged the hard work and dedication of both administrators and students.

In his speech, Prime Minister Simmonds wisely cautioned against dependency on new facilities, emphasizing that the essence of the College lay in the students’ achievements rather than the physical structure. This echoed Morris’s belief in the transformative power of education and the intrinsic value of academic excellence.

The guest speaker, Dr. Bevis Peters, Acting Director of the Office of University Services at the University of the West Indies, highlighted the growing presence of OECS students in tertiary-level programs across the sub-region. Dr. Peters predicted a doubling of this figure by 1993, underscoring the increasing importance of institutions like the CFE in fostering regional educational advancement.

As we reflect on the establishment of the College of Further Education and its early milestones, it is clear that Sydney Morris’s unwavering dedication to education has left an indelible mark on the landscape of higher learning in St. Kitts and Nevis. The CFE, a testament to Morris’s vision, continues to shape the academic journey of countless students, embodying the enduring legacy of a leader committed to the pursuit of knowledge and progress.