The Member of Parliament for St. John's Rural North, the Honourable H. Charles "Max" Fernandez, has distributed more than 20 fully equipped laptops to the 2025 graduating class of Cedar Grove Primary School, continuing an initiative now approaching its tenth consecutive year.
According to Antigua News Room, the programme ensures that every student transitioning out of Grade 6 receives a laptop loaded with the software and tools needed to engage with secondary school coursework, online learning platforms, and digital assignments.
Minister Fernandez spoke to the broader purpose behind the effort, framing it as an investment in access and opportunity.
"For the past several years, this initiative has been about more than just laptops — it is about opportunity, access, and ensuring that our young people are prepared to thrive in an increasingly digital world," he said. "Education remains one of the most powerful tools we can give our children, and I am proud to continue playing a role in that journey."
The initiative has drawn praise from parents in the constituency. Ashley George, a single parent whose sons are among this year's recipients, described the programme as transformative.
"My boys and I are deeply grateful for this initiative. As a single parent, it can be challenging to provide everything my children need for school. These laptops have eased that burden and empowered my sons to stay engaged," George said. "Having Minister Fernandez provide such an important tool, giving my boys access to Google Classroom and other school-based platforms, ensures they are not left behind in their education. These laptops are more than just devices — they are opportunities for my sons to access education, complete their schoolwork, and build a better future. Initiatives like this truly make a lasting difference in our lives."
Over the past decade, scores of Cedar Grove students have benefited from the programme, which supporters say addresses both digital inclusion and the financial pressures faced by families during the transition to secondary school.
As the initiative enters what Minister Fernandez describes as its second decade, he reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring that every child in the constituency has access to the tools required to succeed academically.
