Barbados is on the cusp of new and exciting things: a new year, a newly formed government following the January 19 general election, and possibly new policies under the country’s recently established status as a republic.

With this in mind, let us take fresh guard. With the help of the alumni across the globe, the Combermere School Old Scholars’ Association should renew and re-energise its efforts to help those in need, enhance the image of the school and keep flying with pride the flag of this academic institution 

As you know, Combermere comprises more than academics. It is a multi-faceted entity that has moulded the characters of well-rounded students, who have made their mark over the decades while leaving an indelible stamp of excellence and goodwill here and abroad.   

No task is too big or minor for the average Combermerian to pursue with excellence, and today this task includes our humanitarian efforts, which have brought relief to some and changed the lives of others. In this pandemic where hardships have increased, we urge old scholars and students to get involved in playing some role in making lives better; and these efforts do not have to be widely advertised but be mainly our way of doing right simply because it is right.

There are realities, however, that demand our intensified efforts to provide not only the basics of food, clothing and shelter, but to enhance our safety as well. To assist in that effort, the Association is seeking to improve the school’s electronic security system and install a public address system, since classes will eventually return to their traditional face-to-face structure with expanded use of the technology following our extended online class experience.

Our students and teachers would certainly welcome a safer environment along with the socialising and outdoor experiences that the coming term may bring, once the Omicron variant is brought under control, the national vaccination programme achieves its quota and the COVID-19 figures are stabilised.

We are also about to start the fund raising campaign to build a state of the art sporting complex which you will be hearing much more about very soon.

We have come thus far through the challenges of 2020 and 2021, so we can persevere. May God bless you and your families in 2022 and beyond

Up and On!