Minister Anthony, John Tracey underscore importance of good manners
MINISTER of Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr. Frank Anthony, underscored the importance of nurturing good manners from an early age when Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI) released its 2011 Calendar. Speaking at the function in the GBTI Cooperate Office, High and Young Streets, Kingston, Georgetown on Monday afternoon, he said the theme of the preceding competition ‘Nurturing of Good Manners’ was apt, as there were too many examples of bad manners abounding in society.

Anthony said persons tend to accept situations as the norm if no one else speaks out and he emphasised the necessity of becoming critical thinkers.

Recalling the time when parents took a special interest in their children’s manners, because it was thought to be a reflection of the home, he acknowledged that those days are past but maintained that parents should continue striving to train their children.

Anthony said it is important to bring back moral and ethical values and hoped the calendar would help.

He agreed that making the transition from raising awareness to changing behaviour is a big step but said it is of importance not only to be aware but to help people change.

PRACTISES
Anthony suggested that a way must be found for ideas to not remain ideas but become practises.

He hoped young people would find a way to educate their peers and stand up for the right thing while recommending that the opinions of the youths be heeded.

Anthony said the competition was a good way to give young persons a voice.

GBTI Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mr. John Tracey, reiterated the importance of good manners, pointing out that the teaching would contribute to the development of young persons and, consequently, the country.

He commented on a number of social malpractices, such as persons urinating in public places or not dressing properly and declared that manners separate humans from other animals.

Tracey said good manners constitute a form of respect and the bank has a particular interest in the development, because good manners are essential to customer service.

He congratulated the young winners of the contest, noting that the topic was not one that easily lent itself to young persons.

The six winners were La Nika Persaud of Marian Academy, Tresha Henricks of Lusignan Primary School, Rodley Mathoo of Queenstown Secondary, Zimeena Rasheed of Anna Regina Multilateral School, Gavriel Cave of Queen’s College and Arif Alli of ISA Islamic School.

The photographs of the winners and text of the winning essay are on pages of the calendar and they will receive a cash prize in a GBTI Early Savers Account.

RUNNERS-UP
The runners-up were Amolika Khani of Marian Academy, Kemba Brown of Green Acres Primary School, Cindy Persaud of Christ Church Secondary School, Terrence Walker of Genesis Early Childhood Education Centre, Yahya Haniff of ISA Islamic School and Richard Mahase of C.V. Nunes Primary School.

The runners-up whose work will be displayed on the bank’s premises also received a cash prize.

In a statement about the competition, GBTI posited that the nurturing of good manners is essential for every child’s self- confidence and success in life.

“The encouragement of good manners gives young people an opportunity to learn and practise social skills that last a lifetime,” it said.

The rivalry to design the calendar, which started last September, was open to young people between the ages of 10 and 15 years, who were required to write brief essays explaining the importance of practising good manners.