Vanta E. Walters Industrial Daycare Center Dedication

The renaming of the Industrial Site Daycare Centre (ISDCC) to the Vanta E. Walters Daycare Centre in Basseterre, St. Kitts, on May 22, 2025, marked a significant occasion in the history of early childhood education within the Federation. The ceremony served as a heartfelt tribute to Mrs. Vanta E. Walters, recognizing her exceptional contributions and unwavering dedication to the nurturing and development of countless children and families over her distinguished career. The event was imbued with a sense of profound gratitude and pride as dignitaries, educators, and members of the community gathered to honor Mrs. Walters and celebrate her lasting legacy.

Minister of Education, Dr. Geoffrey Hanley, presided over the ceremony, emphasizing the profound impact Mrs. Walters had on the advancement of early childhood education. He highlighted the robust systems she implemented, which continue to shape and enhance the educational landscape, ensuring that every child receives the necessary support and opportunities to learn, grow, and thrive. The renaming of the daycare center stands as a testament to Mrs. Walters’ visionary leadership and enduring commitment to providing quality early childhood education.

Ms. Kimona Browne, Director of the Early Childhood Development Unit (ECDU), delivered a poignant tribute, affectionately referring to Mrs. Walters as “The Mother of Early Childhood.” She eloquently recounted the transformative impact Mrs. Walters had on the field, emphasizing her innovative approaches and unwavering dedication to fostering a nurturing and stimulating learning environment for young children. Ms. Browne’s words painted a vivid picture of Mrs. Walters’ enduring influence on generations of educators and learners alike.

Mrs. Walters’ career, spanning an impressive four decades, showcased her unparalleled passion for early childhood education. Her vision and dedication extended beyond the classroom, shaping policies and practices that significantly improved the quality and accessibility of early childhood education within the Federation. Her innovative programs and initiatives have left an indelible mark on the educational system, ensuring that children from all backgrounds have the opportunity to reach their full potential.

Overwhelmed with emotion and gratitude, Mrs. Walters expressed her deep appreciation for the honor bestowed upon her. She acknowledged the significance of having the daycare center, a place she helped establish and nurture, bear her name. Her words resonated with humility and a profound sense of accomplishment. The renaming ceremony served as a living testament to her enduring legacy, a reminder of the profound impact one individual can have on shaping the lives of countless children and the future of education.

The Industrial Site Daycare Centre, now the Vanta E. Walters Daycare Centre, represents more than just a building; it symbolizes Mrs. Walters’ unwavering commitment to early childhood education. Established in 1991 under her guidance, the center stands as the largest of its kind in the Federation. Its renaming serves as a fitting tribute to a woman who dedicated her life to nurturing young minds and shaping the future of education. The Vanta E. Walters Daycare Centre will continue to serve as a beacon of hope and opportunity for generations to come, a testament to the transformative power of early childhood education and the enduring legacy of its namesake.