As St Jude’s School for Girls marked its 117th anniversary on February 2, Social Development Minister Anthony Roberts praised the staff for continuing their work despite today’s intense level of delinquency among some young people.

The St Jude’s School for Girls was started in 1890 by The Good Shepherd Sisters, who managed it up until 1903 when the Dominican Sisters took charge.

The responsibility was passed to the Corpus Christi Carmelites in 1923 and they have since been running the school, which caters for girls aged 12-18 who display anti-social behaviour or who have been placed in the custody of the state.

The anniversary was marked by a Thanksgiving Mass – celebrated by Archbishop Edward Gilbert - and a formal ceremony. Among those in attendance were President George Maxwell Richards, his wife Dr Jean Ramjohn-Richards and the Minister of Social Development, Anthony Roberts.

Archbishop Gilbert delivered a very moving homily in which he emphasised the need to show caring for one another. He said making a “commitment to caring” for less fortunate individuals was particularly important in today’s society.

Students perform a dance

St Jude's Choir sings at the ceremony

Students play 'Trini to de Bone' on pan

The Archbishop urged the congregation to “be a candle that burns with the love of Christ”, adding: “You and I have to accept the fact that we have been called to be a light to others.”

He thanked the Corpus Christi Carmelites for the “flesh and blood commitment” they have shown to the school and to the many girls who have passed through St Jude’s.

During the ceremony afterwards, Grace King, a committee member of St Jude’s, gave a brief history of the school. She spoke of some of the achievements of the students, including that while under the direction of Sr Theresa Jude – for whom the school is named, the girls of St Jude’s had formed the first all girls’ steel orchestra. They have also excelled in various cultural and sporting events.

Ms King also gave a general idea of the programme of activities for the girls at St Jude’s. It includes academics, sport and cultural activities like dancing, music and art. The girls are also given counselling and undergo psychological testing as part of their preparation for life outside the school.

In delivering the feature address, Minister Roberts praised the staff of St Jude’s. “It is a stirring testimony to both management and staff of the school that despite the intensity in the level of delinquency that we are unfortunately witnessing among some of our young people in the society, they continue to work with these young women, guiding, offering solace and advice and providing positive options for these ladies to embrace,” he said.

“To the present staff and to your colleagues who have preceded you, I extend my heartfelt thanks for your invaluable service to the young women who have passed through the gates of this institution and to those still within the walls of the St Jude’s School for Girls.”

Minister Roberts reminded the staff that they provided a much needed service in today’s society. He stated, “I know that at times you may feel overwhelmed by the problems that confront our young people and become frustrated in your attempts to assist them, but I urge you to remember one thing and that is: if not you, then who? Who will step forward to guide our impressionable, sometimes troubled youth?”

The minister said the Government was aware “that there are many young people in our communities with needs varying from protection to mentorship and counselling to more stringent forms of discipline”, and added that the Ministry of Social Development was developing and implementing several programmes designed to meet the needs of young persons.

In closing, Minister Roberts said, “I want to once again congratulate the Corpus Christi Carmelite Sisters, the management, staff and students of the St Jude’s School for Girls on the achievements of the School during its remarkable 117-year history.

I also wish to reiterate that the responsibility lies with all of us to ensure that every opportunity is provided for our young people to realise their potential.”

After the address by the minister, gifts were presented to President Richards and his wife, Archbishop Gilbert and Minister Roberts. The formal proceedings ended with performances by the St Jude’s Choir and Steel Orchestra, with the latter playing Trini to de bone.

Lunch was then served and the informal part of the celebration began. It included more cultural performances by the students of St Jude’s and an art display.