Ben Francis bust unveiled at Vere Technical High School

A dream of 25 years was finally realised last Friday at the Vere Technical High School in Clarendon with the unveiling of a bust of the school's first principal, Colonel Samuel 'Ben' Francis.

Francis, who was hailed as an educator, a disciplinarian and a man with a strength of character, retired as principal in 1993 and died on October 19, 2018.

Chairman of the school, Henry Thompson, said the bust will be there for generations to come, so others can see and be inspired.

The unveiling of the bust was witnessed by both current and past students. Thompson, a past student himself, described it as a wonderful feeling.

The chairman had high praises for the leadership of the late principal, who welcomed the first batch of students in 1961.

He also praised the school for accomplishing so much in such a short time.

"Within the '60s, Vere technical was a leader. It was a leader in sports as well as academia. The first graduation class of 1964, the contributions they have made was not just to Jamaica, but to the wider world. We want to carry on this tradition, and I think there is no better way of making sure this tradition is carried on but by looking at that bust," he said.

Thompson, in stressing the importance of having a foundation, said people need to know where they are coming from, as well as the related history, and it is for that reason, he said, the bust will be a reminder of the standards and achievements of the school.

He also pointed to the school's contribution to Jamaica's athletics, noting the number of Olympians produced by Vere. He said that there are plans to build an Olympic Park.

Among the Olympians who graced the grounds of the school are Veronica Campbell-Brown, Aleen Bailey, Lacena Golding-Clarke, and Debbie Ann Parris.