Collette Ridley, principal of St George's Girls' Primary and Infant School in downtown Kingston, beams with pride as she receives the Keys to the City of Kingston from Mayor Desmond McKenzie during a civic ceremony held yesterday at the school hall. - Rudolph Brown/Chief Photographer

Mayor of Kingston Desmond McKenzie yesterday presented St George's Girls' Primary and Infant School in downtown Kingston with the parish's highest honour, the Keys to the City, in recognition of its continued contributions to education.

The school, which is more than 100 years old, is the country's only all girls' primary and infant school.

McKenzie, who presented school principal Collette Ridley with the key to the city of Kingston during a civic ceremony at the school's Ramson Hall on Duke Street, said the institution represented a unique part of Kingston's history.

"Today speaks volumes to the KSAC's (Kingston and St Andrew Corporation) commitment in celebrating individuals and institutions which have served this municipality over the years," he said.

Age query

There was some uncertainty as to the correct age of the institution as the citation and resolution, which were read during the ceremony, both cited the school as being 150 years old. However, teachers and students said the school was 105 years.

The mayor said this did not take away from the school's unquestionable contributions to education, turning out some of the country's most outstanding women, including Director of Public Prosecutions Paula Llewellyn and popular talk show host Barbara Gloudon.

"I am committed to going to the Institute of Jamaica to ascertain the real and authentic history of this wonderful educational institution," he said.

Education Minister Andrew Holness also recognised the many achievements and successes of the institution in providing quality education to so many Jamaican children over the years.

athaliah.reynolds@gleanerjm.com