It rained purple inside the opulent ballroom of the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, as Kingston College (KC) staged the much-anticipated Centenary Gala and Awards Banquet to commemorate 100 years of existence and glorious achievements.

The evening commenced with cocktails on the hotel’s well-manicured lawns. It served as a reunion, as Old Boys, many who travelled from overseas, were able to re-connect with friends who they had not seen in several years. This was priceless!

The banquet was resplendent with glitzy glamour and radiated an air of timeless sophistication where politicians, public and private sector leaders, school officials, head students, Old Boys, their families, and supporters of KC adorned themselves in sartorial elegance to honour the momentous occasion. The evening sparkled with elegance and grandeur and every detail whispered sophistication and class. 

The air was filled with joyful anticipation and profound pride, as the institution’s rich history was honoured amidst a tapestry of music and merriment. It was a night where dreams and dedication were intertwined – a luminous tribute to a century of shaping minds, building character, creating an enabling environment for full potentials to be realized, and forging a brighter future for students who will enter the hallowed gates of this noble and great institution in the years to come.

The event commenced with the singing of the national anthem by the talented Andre Shepherd. Thereafter, Father Michael Brown (school chaplain) offered a heartfelt blessing, invoking divine guidance on the proceedings, and thanking the Almighty for the school's enduring legacy.

Michael Vaccianna, Chairman of the KC Board of Directors, highlighted the institution’s rich history and its role in shaping Jamaica’s future. According to him, “KC has remained steadfast in its commitment to nurturing untapped talent.” He further declared that “our desire is for future students to benefit from and build on this rich heritage, enabling them to achieve the full potential of every student.”

Notably, Chairman Vaccianna read the Governor-General’s proclamation in respect of April 16 being designated as Kingston College Day. This announcement was met with resounding applause. A day earlier (Tuesday, April 15), the school was presented with the Key to the City by His Worship Mayor of Kingston Councillor Andrew Swaby, JP - the second such honour bestowed on it.

KC was first presented with the Key to the City of Kingston in 2000 by then Mayor Marie Atkins.
Dave Myrie, principal, reflected on KC’s history and opined that it reflects “a legacy of resilience, courage, and unwavering determination.” He stated emphatically that “our journey does not end with the achievements of yesterday, it is a torch passed from hand to hand, lighting the way for those who will walk these halls in the years to come.” He continued to highlight that “every future student of Kingston College should inherit not just an education but a heritage – a heritage of excellence, possibility, and an unyielding belief in oneself.”

Dr. The Most Honourable Andrew Holness, ON, PC, MP, Prime Minister, was not able to attend in-person, however, his message was delivered via video. He recalled that Bishop Gibson established Kingston College 100 years ago with the bold vision to “make quality education accessible to boys from under-served communities in Downtown, Kingston at a time when it remained a privilege reserved for only a few…..in opening its doors, the school offered students not just an education but a pathway to mobility, leadership, and meaningful national contribution.” The Prime Minister further affirmed that “Kingston College is more than a school - it is a declaration of purpose. The contribution of Kingston College graduates is far-reaching – it has produced men who have distinguished themselves in public leadership, enterprise, the arts, academia, civil society, shaping policy, and driving innovation.  Wherever they go, they exhibit discipline, service and excellence.”  

Mark J. Golding, MP, Leader of the Opposition, also extended congratulations to KC on achieving this monumental milestone. He emphasized the school's importance in fostering national development, and highlighted the outstanding contributions of its graduates over the years.

Senator Dr. The Honourable Dana Morris Dixon, Minister of Education, Skills, Youth and Information (MOESYI) commended the institution for its track record of excellence and consistently producing quality men who have contributed significantly to nation-building. She referenced two past students - Shane Cunningham and Blake Brown (former Deputy Head Boy) - as men of excellence. She revealed that she taught Mr. Cunningham during her tenure as a lecturer at the University of the West Indies, Mona, while Mr. Brown currently works with her at the MOESYI.

The highlight of the evening was the keynote address by the Rt. Hon. Jeremy Corbyn, Member of Parliament for Islington North, United Kingdom, who praised the institution’s commitment to academic rigour, community service, and fostering global citizenship.

Corbyn, who taught Geography at Kingston College during the 1960s, revealed that he has “learnt much more about himself, life, Jamaica, and the Caribbean by working at the institution.” He highlighted the importance of technology, but cautioned that “it should be used by us, not it using us.” He further affirmed that there are questions to be answered concerning how we address the power and effectiveness of Artificial Intelligence (AI), and students need to be equipped to deal with those problems, challenges, and issues.

He raised eyebrows when he criticized the teaching of history in Britain, which, he opined, “encourages a euro-superiority over the rest of the world, which needs to change.”  Corbyn disclosed that he is working closely with Dawn Butler to craft a proposal for the Emancipation Education Trust, which would see the teaching of the real history of the brutality of the slave trade and the uprisings in Jamaica, particularly in western Jamaica in the nineteenth century, which effectively ended the supremacy of the sugar trade because the slaves refused to comply with the demands of their enslavers.

With respect to reparation, he asserted that there must be “a re-setting of the relationship between the former colonial powers and the ex-colonies in, inter alia, trade and development. It is in a general sense the reparations that are necessary to be recognised and paid.”

There are several awardees whose names are contained in the banquet booklet. However, they were not officially recognized during the event, as a result of insufficient time. The categories are as follows:

• National Excellence
• Professional Excellence
• Excellence in Arts and Culture
• Teaching Excellence
• Excellence in Sports
• President
• Principal
• Scholarships
• Service to Kingston College

These persons are likely to receive their awards at a specially-arranged event later this year.

The legendary Fab 5 delivered a lively and memorable performance that had guests on their feet. The saxophonist also provided soulful melodies, thereby augmenting the festive and celebratory mood of the ballroom.

Antoineil Allen, Head Boy, delivered the closing remarks, expressing pride in the school's achievements and optimism for its future. He concluded by thanking the various leaders of the institution for their vision and hard work, including the Old Boys who continue to provide well-needed support.

The gala and awards banquet was truly memorable and was befitting an institution of excellence – leaving lasting and positive impressions on all who attended. This event will be forever etched in the hearts and minds of everyone who was privileged to have been in attendance, and the annals of the institution’s history.

100 Years - Never Yielding!

Wayne O. Robertson, JP
Chairman, Kingston College Centenary Communications Committee