The reappointment of Diallo Rabain as Minister of Education is “slap in the face” to educators, parents and students, the One Bermuda Alliance charged last night.

Ben Smith, the Leader of the Opposition, said the appointment of Mr Rabain following Crystal Caesar’s departure was a backwards step for education as he claimed educators and parents had lost confidence in the former Cabinet Office minister.

Mr Rabain was appointed to the post he held for more than seven years after his replacement, Ms Caesar, was forced to resign a little more a than a year after taking office.

The tenures of Mr Rabain and Ms Caesar ― who halted many of the reforms Mr Rabain had initiated during his tenure ― were both turbulent. Ms Caesar’s most recent problem was an accusation that she interfered in the running of Port Royal Primary School.

“The resignation of the Minister of Education presented Premier Burt with an opportunity to reset public education,” Mr Smith said. “Instead, he chose to go backwards by reappointing the very minister many parents, teachers and education stakeholders had lost confidence in.

“After nine years of declining confidence in public education, this decision is a slap in the face to educators, parents and students who have been calling for greater transparency, stronger leadership and better results.”

Mr Smith said that while David Burt, the Premier, was promising an education authority he “deliberately” left out whether it would be independent.

“Recent events have shown exactly why an independent Education Authority matters,” Mr Smith said. “Political interference has no place in our schools, yet this Government continues to place politics ahead of students.”

He added: “This reappointment sends the wrong message. Once again, loyalty to the Premier appears to have been rewarded over the opportunity to put Bermuda’s children first.”

Mr Smith called for full transparency on the events at Port Royal Primary School, clear evidence that the Student Code of Conduct is improving school environments, a timeline for the future of education reform, and “most importantly a credible plan to improve student achievement”.

“The question now is whether the Government’s back bench will finally find its voice and stand up for Bermuda’s children, or continue to remain silent while political loyalty takes precedence over educational excellence,” he said.