Dear Editor,

ON December 29, 2020, as I attended the first ever virtual graduation ceremony of the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE), a plethora of thoughts inundated my mind. While they were all overwhelming and impacting, cognizance of the demand for space in your editorial dictates that attention be given to only one.
The Cyril Potter College of Education has been in existence for 92 years. This is certainly indicative of the institution’s resilience and commitment to its mandate. No doubt, over the decades, the CPCE would have faced a number of challenges. However, the COVID-19 pandemic, without fear of contradiction, is certainly the most debilitating crisis to confront this noble institution. The global crippling impact of the prevailing pandemic is obvious to all, and like many other organisations, the standing operational procedures of the College were virtually derailed. The resulting anxiety of those whom we serve resulted in the public outcry of frustration and dissatisfaction.

Due to the astute leadership of the principal of this prestigious institution, Ms. Viola Rowe, A.A., and her competent vice-principals, the College harnessed the experience garnered over the decades. The theme of the 86th graduation exercise, “Charting a new normal for teacher education driven by data, resilience and flexibility”, aptly encapsulates the approach employed by the CPCE towards making this year’s graduation exercise possible.
I wish to publicly congratulate the graduates who would have encountered and overcome many challenges, particularly in the last two semesters of their training. A most deserving note of commendation is also in order for the administration, faculty and ancillary staff of the CPCE. With close to 100 years of existence, there is no way this pandemic would have prevented the CPCE from fulfilling its mandate. Great job CPCE!!!

Yours sincerely,
Errol London (Jnr)