Published 14 June 2023
Basseterre
Buckie Got It Media Source
Mr. Oswald Elliott, commenced life as a citizen of St. Kitts and Nevis on July 10, 1953. He started his primary education at the Newtown Junior School, and completed it at the St. Joseph Parochial School. On the cusp of his teenage years, Oswald transitioned to the Convent High School starting his secondary education. He then transitioned to and graduated from the Basseterre High School a fact he would proudly disclose to the listening ear.
During his teenage years Mr. Elliott joined the teaching fraternity on September 08 1972 as an un-trained teacher in the discipline of English Language and English Literature. His fondness for teaching motivated him to enroll in the Teacher Certification Course at the then Sixth Form. Having completed his teacher training course Oswald was then appointed as a Trained Teacher, and designated as a Specialist Teacher in the afore mentioned academic discipline.
His affinity for education was the literal wind beneath his wings as he soared to become all he could be, which enabled him to successfully graduate from the University of West Indies Cave Hill Campus in Barbados. As a Trained Graduate Teacher, Mr. Oswald Elliott exuded his Pelican Pride wherever he went. Without reservation he displayed his love for and his ability to speak many languages. This he did unapologetically with his students at the respective secondary schools which he taught – Cayon High School, Sandy Point High School and anyone he encountered in the public. Mr. Elliott transitioned from secondary school teaching to being an educator at the tertiary level with effect 1st September 1996. He assumed the post of Senior Lecturer at the College of Further Education now C.F.B.C
Filled with life, boldness, exuberance, Mr. Elliott was an ardent advocate for reading, writing, and diction. Most can testify that Mr. Elliott often travelled with a bag filled with newspapers for his students to read or to be distributed to colleagues and unsuspecting passers-by. He also kept a very extensive library of resources and would regularly surprise his colleagues when he could produce not only antique books but also documents from events long passed.
Mr. Elliott was a learned educator with a love for travelling and language.
As an educator, most people would agree that Oswald’s legacy is unmatched. As a verbally agile communicator, Oswald never failed to flaunt his literacy skills nor the extent of his lexicon. This he did with ease engaging those he casually met with verbal
discourse on any issue of the day or by reminiscing on his years of service to the nation. He never failed to entertain his audience with his flamboyant use of literary devices especially satire, hyperbole, and oxymoron.
On July 10, 2008, after dedicating over 35 years to the Ministry of Education, Mr. Elliott retired from the Ministry of Education. However his service to the nation’s children did not end there, as he continued as a lecturer at the Clarence Fitzroy Bryant College (C.F.B.C). There he taught Communication Studies, English Language and English Literature. He was one of the few lecturers at the C. F.B.C, who taught across all the Division: Arts, Science and General Studies, Teacher Education, Health Science, Adult Continuing Education as well as Technical, Vocational and Management Studies.
Mr. Oswald Elliott was considered an academic elite in the eyes of those who knew him. For his stellar record in education, he received national awards. In 2013 he was awarded the Medal of Honor for education and the Star of Merit in 2019 for service in education. Mr. Elliott taught many national and regional professionals and he proudly catalogued all of the prominent individuals whose lives he impacted as their teacher.
As we grieve the loss of our illustrious educator, affectionately known by all as “Oswald”, the Ministry of Education expresses gratitude for his service of over 50 years and extends condolences to his relatives, friends and former colleagues.
The funeral service for Mr. Oswald Elliott, a retired educator, will be on Friday, 16th June, 2023.
