By Indarjit Seuraj Thursday, November 12 2009

Far too many young men have chosen a life of crime instead of grasping the opportunity to educate themselves, Attorney General John Jeremie lamented yesterday as he delivered the feature address at Fatima College’s awards function.

Addressing awardees at Fatima’s hall on Mucurapo Road, St James, Jeremie said the prisons were now being flooded with young men. Jeremie, a past student of the college, also noted that it was alarming that girls continued to excel academically more than boys. “But the point is that even then, 36 years ago, that was the position,” he said.

These problems, he noted, would be addressed at a higher level, ahead of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM). “With the Commonwealth Heads meeting in just two weeks the issue of education will be addressed by the Commonwealth Secretariat,” said Jeremie.

The underachievement of boys at school is expected to be properly examined, as statistics have shown that teens between the ages of 17 and 19 are responsible for a large percentage of the nation’s crimes.

He said when he first started at Fatima, a provision was made to allow a fixed number of students from junior secondary schools to enter Fatima at fourth form.

This, he said, was to give these students a chance to excel. “And they did,” he said.

He urged students in the assembly to grasp the opportunity they have been given.

“Students, I implore you to be bold and honourable and above all, be true to yourself,” said Jeremie. The ceremony was held in honour of students who performed exceedingly well during the 2008-2009 school year.

Awards were given out for top performances in academics, sports and other extra curricular activities, in keeping with the school’s motto “Nitendo Vinces” — “By striving we shall conquer.”

Among the top prizes handed out were the six additional scholarships in science awarded to students following this year’s CAPE examinations.