She is outspoken, pleasant and possesses a passion for children and has given selflessly to the community of Mile End, St Ann, for years. It is community members who came to the Times asking why MsHoiltett hadn’t been featured by the newspaper.Hyacinth Hoilett affectionately called Aunt Bibsy in her home town of Lodge, St. Ann, was born to parents Iris Smallhorne-Hoilett, a housewife, and Wilfred Hoilett a taxi operator on February 1, 1942. She is the eighth of ten children.Miss Bibsy explained to The Times that being from a large family was a great experience as the siblings shared a close bond. Their parents ensured that food was always available and school was vital. “Our dad believed in education.” She said attending Sunday school at the Anglican Church was a must for the Hoiletts.Miss Hoilett started her education at the Newstead All Age School then went to Ramble All Age in the parish of St. Mary where she did her First and Second Year. She then went to Kingston to fulfill her childhood dream of becoming a beautician at Dornids School of beauty culture. After completing her studies, she worked as a trained beautician for over ten years.In 1971 she returned home to Lodge because of the death of her beloved mom, MsHoilettthen worked from home offering her services as a beautician.MsHoilett had no idea that she would change her profession, her dream was to be one of the leading beauticians and having her own establishment creating employment for other persons. But being an active Sunday school teacher at the St. Margaret’s Anglican Church, she was approached by the late Edna Fowles and Nina Taylor, both post mistresses at the Lodge Post office and members of the St. Margaret’s Anglican Church to start a basic school because they saw the need for such in the community.Miss Hoilett was elated about the offer and knew it was something she would excel in. She told The Times that while teaching Sunday school “she realized that her call was for children”.She recalled that on January 06,1975 she started the Clifton Lodge Basic school in the vestry of the St. Margaret’s Anglican church, with seven children:SandreenJames ,RhonaHoilett, Raymond Hinds, Ian & Barbara Sievwright , Kevin Richards and Fern Smallhorne.In less than a month the population grew and another staff, Ruth Hinds, was recruited for a short stint, then the late Elma Williams and Christine Thompson were employed.On October 18, 1977 the school was recognized by the Ministry of Education with frequent visits from education officers. MsHoilett explained to The Times that it was very tedious then for her not having adequate fixtures and resources. It was the late Fidelia Adams, Stedman James, Hillview Strikers and the Kiwanis Club of Ocho Rios who assisted the school with funds and furniture.In 1994 the school was then relocated to its present site at the Lodge Community Centre.Among some of the awards and recognition Miss Hoilett has received are: Certificate from Social Development Commission in 1978 for outstanding contribution to community work; plaque in 2003 for 20 years of service to Newstead All Age Parent Teachers Association, eight years as a board member; Certificate in 1989 from the University of the West Indies Bernard Vanleer Foundation for early childhood participation, and certificates from Early childhood Commission for her years of service to the sector.The Elated MsHoilett described her 33 years in education as rewarding. “I feel real good, I feel I have achieved a lot ,” she said. She is proud to see her past students impacting society positively. Calvin Hunter Jr., captain and pilot in the U.S Air Force;, Carole Rankine-Plunkett teacher at Tacky High School; Ladonna Hoilett, nurse at the University Hospital of West Indies and the current principal Talecia Jackson at the Clifton Lodge Basic School, are also products of the noble institution.It was in January 2008, after dedicating over three decades in early childhood, Miss Hoilett retired because of health issues. She believes the early childhood sector has since changed drastically and she endorses these changes.She however believes it is more challenging for teachers now than when she worked in the classroom. “These children are harder to deal with. Too much time is spent to discipline them,” she said. She said she believes this is as a result of poor parenting.She appealed to parents and guardians to play a more active role in the lives of their children.Now that she has retired, the mother of one child and two grandchildren spends her time home reading, solving puzzles, listening to radio and classic retro music. She also told The Times of her passion for cricket, playing dominoes and ludo which she still plays at her home with her relatives and friends.Hoilett also played on the Lodge women’s cricket team as a wicket keeper. She enjoys travelling to the United States where she spends time with her family and exploring other culture.
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