Teachers and students of the Sineku Primary School; family members; relatives and the entire community of Sineku were glued to their televisions as Kairah John stood on the podium to read as a participant in the Felix Henderson Reading Competition 2025.
When she was announced as the winner of the contest, there were audible shouts of jubilation around the community.
What is described as an ” emotionally charged” moment even resulted in tears of joy for some.
The Felix Henderson Reading Competition concluded with great enthusiasm, particularly for the Kalinago parents and teachers, as Kairah stood out and was celebrated as the winner.
Her coach and mentor, Ms. Alexia Burton said, “Kairah’s performance impressed the judges and audience alike. Her clear reading style and insightful interpretation of the story earned her the first place. Though being a soft-spoken child, her tone was very different and her voice was very clear. Sometimes, during practice, she lacked confidence but we worked very hard to address the problem, and the hard work paid off.”
Ms. Burton continued by stating that success did not come easily, since over the years, teachers in the community have tried to capture the winning title on several occasions but found themselves falling short.
However, their perseverance paid off as this time, victory came their way.
In an interview, Kairah said, “I am so happy to be the winner and I want to say a big thank you to all who helped me. I want to say thanks to my parents because I know that they are very happy for me. Thanks to my class teacher, Ms. Tyson, and my teaching coach, Ms. Burton.”
A family member, her aunt Francillia Darroux, said, “When I heard her name called as the winner, I was very, very excited. I was following all along and at the end, I just knew that she was the winner. In the Kalinago Territory, we have a lot of potential, we just have to develop it by helping our children to read more and more. Kairah was introduced to reading at a very tender age by reading the newspapers, less electronic gadgets and more books, and reading in church”.
Miss Darroux encourages parents to take an interest in their children and revealed that she plans to support Kairah in achieving the next step, which is the Island Scholarship.
Verona Tyson, Kairah’s teacher, said, “It was a great accomplishment. There wasn’t any doubt in her ability. She is a determined child, very thorough, meticulous, and whatever she puts her mind to do, she will do it”.
The teachers of the Sineku Primary School are all extending a big congratulations to the family for their unwavering support, demonstrating what parental involvement can do. They are calling on parents to get involved in the lives of their children. One teacher commented that the Sineku School and Sineku Community, are now on the map.
Another Kalinago Brave – Kaylee Paris, attending the Light House Christian Academy, emerged in fourth place. This too is enough to bring joy to the hearts of the Kalinago People.
“We have two candidates in top four and that makes us in the East very proud since the wise men came from the East,” said Ms. Tyson.
Congratulations to Kairah John and Kaylee Paris once again and the Kalinago Community is looking forward to seeing more young Kalinago Braves take the stage in the coming years.
