Finance Minister Fayval Williams last Thursday told the 2026 graduation class at the John Rollins Success Primary School, in St James, that integrity, discipline, and perseverance will take them further in life than academic excellence as she urged them to place character above grades.

Williams, who spoke at the school’s graduation ceremony, reminded the students that while academic achievement mattered, the values they develop would, ultimately, define their future.

“Today marks the end of only one chapter and the beginning of another. As you prepare for high school, remember that your grades are important, but your character is even more important,” she said. “Be respectful, be honest, be disciplined, and be courageous enough to stand for what is right even if you have to stand alone.”