TRIBUTES TO KEITH SAMUEL

On June 23rd 2021 Keith Samuel, well known San Fernando educator, closed his eyes having opened them on 25th June 1946. WE publish below two tributes to him. The first is by the

former principal of San Fernando Boys RC School, Michael Guerra. The second is by former principal of the Sando Educational Workshop, Kasala Kamara.I offer sincere condolences to the Samuel family. Keith Samuel whom I fondly called Keithos on account of his background teaching Spanish to secondary school students was a gentle giant. This was reflected in his profession as an educator par excellence.

Keithos was a true friend who could be relied upon, with a strong sense of loyalty and consistent trustworthiness. I saw his trustworthiness and reliability first hand through my years working closely with him in his role as the financial controller at San Fernando Boys RC. Keithos adeptly and earnestly navigated the financial challenges of managing school funds while meeting all school expenses.

Keithos also displayed a wide scope of knowledge in the field of education as well as societal matters. His attention to detail was indeed one of his best skills, which proved to be an asset to me whenever I needed a critical eye to edit my writings for my mathematical books. I would describe my friend as a True Son of the Soil who served God with distinction.

Keithos was a truly spiritual person and we all observed it in his daily actions such as always caring and providing assistance to the elderly. He was a man with many talents, which included twenty years of barbering for yours truly.

As a colleague and a proficient teacher, Keithos was loved and respected by all. (MICHAEL GUERRA)

The San Fernando Educational workshop located at 18 Princes Margaret Street, Les Efforts East San Fernando wishes to join the community in extending its deepest condolences to the Samuel Family with the passing of our dear colleague, Keith Samuel

Keith can be described as a true stalwart of the educational workshop, having served for a number of years teaching students at the primary and secondary level He distinguished himself as a true favourite among the students and their parents.

In fact, it is his sound grasp of the teaching process which includes love for the profession which motivated him to not only assist students in overcoming their academic challenges but to also provide them with information and advice for the solutions to their personal problems.

When it was necessary Keith organized private consultations with parents individually as well as consultations involving students and their parents. These sessions provided a golden opportunity to share his vast knowledge, information and wisdom as an educator of over forty years’ experience.

Keith can also be remembered as an effective and efficient administrator whose intervention guaranteed that vacation classes took place in a physical environment that was properly maintained and the students were treated with refreshments at the end of each term.

This may come as a surprise to many; Keith ensured that his spirit lives on in the educational workshop when he encouraged his son Keide, a graduate of the University of the West Indies, to join the staff to teach CXC Physics.

Finally, Keith can be described as a most reliable hum n being who did everything possible to assist anyone who was in need, not only his students and members of his family but also his friends and working colleagues, making him a very rare human being! What needs to be emphasized is that Keith's life was motivated by his commitment to that deep spiritual principle of service to your fellow human beings which, in essence, is service to God. (KASALA KAMARA)