President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago visits NWLIS

Thursday 7 December was a truly exceptional day for pupils and staff at North West London Independent School. Having attended a United Nations Environmental Conference in Nairobi, His Excellency Justice Anthony Carmona, 5th President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, flew to Heathrow, arriving at the school within hours of touchdown.

The visit marked the first of its kind for North West London Independent School, as well as the first visit to a British school made by the President in his role. Said Co-Head Teachers Kevin Parker and Katrina Medley, “His Excellency spoke with wisdom from a lifetime of leadership and vision and our pupils responded with active listening and questions that were challenging, intelligent and maturely crafted.

President of the Student Council Hussein stood proudly alongside President Carmona both literally for the photo shoot and metaphorically, in his maturity as an ambassador for our school. Pride fills the hearts of our staff when we think what was achieved today. We are honoured by the visit of His Excellency and thrilled at the thoughts and gifts he shared with our pupils and staff.”

President Carmona was welcomed to the school by staff, pupils, parents, neighbours (including the reggae singer and Trinidad and Tobago National Kojo Rigault, who was proud to show the President a newsletter from the Trinidad and Tobago High Commission that featured both himself and the President) and CEO and Schools’ Proprietor Thomas Keaney.

The strong community spirit was evident throughout the event, with the President shaking hands with everyone, from parent to local shopkeeper, while emphasising the importance of community. He talked to his audience of Student Council representatives about connectivity within the school community, in particular the relevance of education to young people and the creation of ‘world citizens.’  Explained the President, “mentorship must come from parents, and teachers should support this, not be relied on to take responsibility. One hand does not clap – it takes two.”

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