There were many happy faces at the opening of the St. Alban's K.I.D.S. Basic School last week as the children got familiar with their new surroundings and equipment. Seen with the Hilton Kingston hotel's general manager Frank Rosheuvel (third left) are: Dorrett Saddler (left) - principal; Melanie Kelly (second left) - teacher; Bruce Golding (MP for the constituency and Leader of the Opposition), his wife Lorna and Errol Miller - vice-president, corporate communications, Cable and Wireless. - Contributed

The Hilton Kingston hotel family officially opened the newly rebuilt St. Alban's K.I.D.S Basic School in Denham Town last week. This opening marked the achievement of another Hilton Kingston goal to rebuild at least one fully functional basic school for the start of each new school year. This goal became a reality from the proceeds received from its annual Hilton K.I.D.S. charity golf tournament held in June of this year.

Mr. Frank Rosheuvel, general ganager of the hotel, expressed happiness that his team was able to assist the community of Denham Town. He noted that the new school cost close to $4 million. However, he believes strongly that more emphasis should be given to early childhood education in Jamaica, as children need safe environments with proper tools for teaching and learning in order to become enthusiastic about education from an early age.

The teachers were lauded for the part they played in ensuring that the school was ready in time for the new school year.

Cable and Wireless contributed $1 million to the project and Errol Miller, vice-president of corporate communications, stressed his company's commitment to the hotel's future projects.

Member of Parliament for the constituency and Leader of the Opposition JLP, Bruce Golding, expressed thanks to the Hilton on behalf of the community for their contribution of a new school. He noted that children who are given a good basic school foundation, perform better and at higher educational levels and in this way positively enhance Jamaica's future.