Nevis: Premier Mark Brantley lauds success of starting Mandarin language in schools

Nevis: Premier of Nevis and the leader of the Concerned Citizens Movement- Mark Brantley, expressed pleasure in the success of the programme of starting Mandarin as a second language in the schools of the country. 

Through his social media, he stated that this was his dream when he became Premier of Nevis, so that’s why he discussed it with Education officials and with the Taiwanese Ambassador, which resulted in a positive response from the government. 

He noted, “When I became Premier of Nevis, my new government had a dream about introducing Mandarin as a second language in Nevis schools. I discussed this with Education officials in Nevis and with the Taiwanese Ambassador. As a result of those efforts, the Taiwan government agreed to send Ms Chi Chen to assist us in starting Mandarin as a foreign language.” 

Premier Brantley added that with the support from Taiwan, the government has piloted the programme in the schools of Nevis and expanded it to adults as well. 

He asserted, “We piloted the programme in Nevis’ schools and have now expanded it to adults as well.” 

Premier Mark Brantley also expressed pleasure in attending the graduation of the students who have successfully passed the Mandarin courses. He extended joy to listen to Shrimia Thompson sing the Taiwanese national anthem.  

He penned down his happiness and stated: 

Imagine my joy, therefore, to attend the graduation of our students who have successfully passed the Mandarin course at two levels of proficiency.

Imagine my pride to listen young Shirmia Thompson sing the Taiwanese national anthem. Imagine my absolute satisfaction to hear Thierry Trotman and Ewin Telemaque deliver a beautiful speeches in English and Mandarin.

He further underlined that this is what innovation and good government policy look like. Mandarin opens the world to over 1 billion speakers of the language covering over 11% of the globe.

Premier Mark Brantley extended greetings to the Ministry of Education for believing in this vision and bringing it to fruition. He added, “Let us now build on it for our future.”