Stephen Vasciannie

Last Friday, the Kingston College (KC) Class of '76 held its 30th Reunion Dinner. The class chose to pay special tribute to four teachers who have shaped the lives of generations of students, both at KC and elsewhere. Thus, two former principals, Canon Dr. John McNab and Mr. Ivan "Wally" Johnson, were honoured for their memorable contributions, while two senior teachers, Mrs. Violet Thompson and Ms. Sonia Serrant, were singled out for special recognition on this occasion.

Mr. Johnson, in his inimitable, post-prandial, style, reminded us that KC exuberance can sometimes be perceived as excessive self-praise. Among other things, he traced the roots of this exuberance and pointed out that the 1950s, still a time of social élitism in Jamaican education, marked the start of the special KC school spirit and enthusiasm.

Mrs. Thompson, who guided history students from the third to sixth forms at KC in the decade of the 1970s before going on to serve as a vice-principal at the Queen's School, noted some of the achievements of the class of '76 as a group. She stressed the important social responsibility assumed by teachers in shaping the minds of innocent, impressionable students, and touched many hearts with a brilliant, nostalgic, musical rendition about the passing of the years.

Reflection

The function prompted moments for reflection. In some respects, Montesquieu may have been correct: The more things change, the more they remain the same. But what about people? Naturally, after 30 years apart, graduates have spread their wings far and wide, but have they really changed? On Friday night, it occurred to me that, at least in terms of basic political orientation, some of my brethren were fully formed by the time they reached the ages of 16 or 17 in 1976. Nuances there may be, but the basic trajectory has largely been consistent.

Another point that struck me last Friday concerned social responsibility. In 1976, we did not perceive ourselves as particularly privileged to be in secondary school, although many teachers reminded us that we were, and although Principal McNab was exceptionally keen to emphasise the concept of noblesse oblige, particularly to sixth formers.

The truth is that the Jamaican state has invested heavily in our education, and this has placed us under a duty to contribute to the welfare of the wider community. If reunions are to reach beyond their nostalgic and bonding purposes - as they should - then they must reiterate the fact that we owe a duty to the teachers and taxpayers who ensured our educational opportunities.

Nostalgia

But, to be sure, nostalgia has its special place. In first form, pace bowler Murdock clean-bowled me for a duck, and thus destroyed my West Indies career. To see him after many years brought unqualified pleasure. Delano Franklyn was commended by the current KC principal, Mr. Rupert Hemmings, on his knowledge of the CSME. But one wonders, doesn't the 2A stalwart Franklyn in the back row also have a deep recollection of Jack Schaeffer's novel, Shane? And Richard Dyche, who now deals with capital and credit: how did he know that this would be so from the time he opted for 'O' level accounts instead of French over 30 years ago?

And the nostalgia can continue. Joseph 'Jolting Joe' McKinson, the Manning Cup star, was always methodically intellectual. Michael Laidlaw, now in New York, could shake the roof of the Stadium Grandstand with one shout. Bernard Jankee, with a frown and a ruler, could destroy even the most beguiling argument. Howard Walters, whose literary intellect remains stunning, opted to become a chemist, while Carlton Francis, Henry Francis, and many others, have been effortlessly purple-hearted from the first day they stepped into KC Perhaps we should give thanks that the child is the father of the man.

Stephen Vasciannie is professor of international law at the University of the West Indies and works part time as Deputy Solicitor-General in the Attorney-General's chambers.