The Saddlers Secondary School has officially been renamed the Dr. Denzil L. Douglas Secondary School, recognising the former prime minister’s long-standing commitment to education and community upliftment. The announcement came at the start of the new academic year on 1st September, 2025, during a ceremony attended by government leaders, educators, students, and community members.
The renaming marks a significant tribute to Dr. Douglas’ educational legacy, particularly his role in securing international support to establish the school in Saddlers during his tenure as prime minister. Before its opening in 2009, students from the area faced limited access to secondary education, with many struggling against poverty and high dropout rates.
Speaking at the ceremony, Dr. Douglas described the renaming as one of the greatest honours of his life, reflecting on the struggles and determination that led to the school’s establishment. “I made the case that Saddlers was the most fitting place for the next most modern secondary school in the Eastern Caribbean, and by the grace of God, and by the will of the people, and through the support of my Cabinet, we succeeded in getting this school built right here in Saddlers,” he said.
Since its founding, the school has produced doctors, teachers, nurses, athletes, entrepreneurs, and artists, becoming a model of holistic education in Saint Kitts and Nevis. Dr. Douglas encouraged students to embrace education not only as a path to personal success but as a responsibility to uplift their communities. “Use your education not merely to enrich yourselves, but to uplift others in the process. For true greatness lies not in titles or in accolades, but in the positive difference you make in the lives of others,” he told the students.
Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew praised the renaming as a powerful symbol of Dr. Douglas’ decades of service, describing him as a statesman whose vision transformed opportunities for young people across the nation. “Saddlers Secondary School was not just another building project. It was a bold statement that every child, no matter their community or circumstance, deserves access to quality education close to home,” the prime minister said.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Dr. Geoffrey Hanley, echoed those sentiments, noting that the renaming “is a tribute to the son of the soil, whose legacy has been solidly woven into the fabric of our nation’s development.” He emphasised that the act of renaming reflects not just honouring past achievements but inspiring future generations to pursue service and excellence.
Dr. Douglas, who has represented Constituency 6 for more than 30 years and still serves as its parliamentary representative, pledged his continued support for the school’s growth. He described the renaming as a testament to the power of education and the vision it represents.
The Dr. Denzil L. Douglas Secondary School now stands as both a monument to its namesake’s vision and a continuing promise to deliver opportunity, empowerment, and transformation to generations of students in Constituency Six and beyond.
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