Education Minister Randolph Horton yesterday pledged to listen to the St. David's Islanders who are furious about plans to change the name of the local school.

Scores of people have signed petitions objecting to St. David's Primary School being renamed Hilton C. Richardson Primary School in honour of its legendary principal.

They say the move would change the legacy and history of the school which has produced doctors, educators, business people and community leaders for their island.

Responding yesterday, Mr. Horton stressed the importance of celebrating Bermuda's heroes — but he said he would speak to complainants to try to resolve the issue.

The idea has received strong opposition since being put to the school's PTA, with petitions going up in community venues and on the Facebook website.

One of the most severe critics is former MP Suzann Roberts-Holshouser, who said it was an example of the "historical ridicule" suffered by St. David's Islanders.

"There's a whole history to this," the former Opposition MP told The Royal Gazette. "The fact the people of St. David's were cut off from the rest of Bermuda; they created their own community; there was interbreeding. They were looked down on as the dirt of society.

"It's a matter of total disrespect. St. David's Islanders historically have been ridiculed, laughed at, they've been all the jokes. But they stood up for who they were and held their heads up high.

"To have a name-change at the only primary school in St. David's is not appropriate."

Mrs. Holshouser stressed she was not speaking as a United Bermuda Party politician, but as a St. David's Islander.

Former pupil Aaron Lugo said the school's assembly hall, new music room or renovated library should be named after Mr. Richardson instead.

"It's just about holding on to what we have, our pride in St. David's," he said. "There should be a school in St. David's community bearing the name of that parish."

Mr. Richardson became headmaster of the school in 1910 and remained there until 1957, overseeing the move from a wooden building to a stone structure and helping introduce a successful scholarship scheme through St. Luke's AME Church.

Yesterday, Mr. Horton said no official renaming ceremony would take place on Friday, as had been suggested.

The Minister said: "I certainly very much appreciate the concern that has been expressed but I want to make it clear to the public ... one of the things that we have committed to is to celebrate the success of people who have (made) significant contributions in our country and it's in that light that we move to change the name of St. David's Primary School.

"I'm well aware now though of the opposition and the concerns and I certainly will be reaching out and listening to what they have to say.

"There are many young people, younger generations, who maybe don't know of Mr. Hilton Richardson. If you don't know him, we want you to know him.

"I'm going to go out and speak with these people who have concerns and hear what their concerns are and hopefully we'll be able to bring some resolution. I'm driven by what the commitment of this Government is to the people of the entire island of Bermuda in celebrating the success of our heroes."