Butler's insulting reaction

October 07, 2008

Dear Sir,

St. David's Primary — Where Learning Lights the Way. Passion is what I witnessed on this evening's news. Minister Butler gave an impassioned plea to the community at large to educate themselves on what the Government, in particular the Ministry of Education, was trying to do by honouring deserving persons who have contributed to the community; by remembering them in the names of our educational institutions (and other buildings).

I agree one hundred percent with this goal. However, this same Government has invited parents and the community to become partners in the education process, they have invited our participation. Surely, an inclusive Government would have consulted the people of the community before making a decision?

Surely, if the goal, as stated by Minister Butler is Government's policy, it would be prudent for them to have procedures in place that would help them to go about effecting such change in the best and most fitting manner? To the Bermudian community at large, please allow me to try to explain our position. By 'our' I mean the members of the St. David's community, former pupils and concerned citizens who support the petition to keep the name: St. David's Primary.

On Monday evening, September 29th at the first PTA meeting at St. David's Primary for this school year, the Permanent Secretary of Education announced that the Ministry of Education was going to change the name of the school to 'Hilton C. Richardson Primary School' the following week. That was the consideration and notice given by the Ministry to the parents of the school.

Unfortunately, the Ministry saw no need to inform or educate the St. David's community at large (most of whom are graduates of the school) about its intentions prior to this announcement.

"Why should they?" you may ask. Well, most Governments in a democratic society understand that the voting public should be informed of any major changes in a constituency. I do not hold a degree in Public Administration or have years of political experience, but, I certainly wonder what kind of policy or vetting procedure is in place that would have the Ministry announce a name changing ceremony within two weeks when neither the parents nor the community at large had been informed of such a decision?

However, from my educational experience, with a Master's degree in Organizational Development, I know that there is one basic step any organisation must take in order to affect positive change; one should first seek to educate those whom your policies (or changes) will affect.

I am sure that Minister Butler has researched Mr. Richardson's contribution to the education of the St. David's Islanders; surely he can share that information without being condescending about our appreciation for history. I don't trust a Government that would attempt to bully a community into accepting change without question.

St. David's Primary School is a cornerstone of our community. I personally find it difficult to convey just how much this school means to me and the people who attended it because it is hard to translate memories and experiences. Here is what I will say: the legacy of the school should not rest solely on Mr. Richardson's shoulders; there were other principals and teachers, all of whom contributed to the young minds of the community.

During the time that Mr. Richardson had his schoolroom at St. Luke's in St. David's, Ms. Eva Minors taught another summer school and a Mr. Tibbits taught at the west end of St. David's. While these people were not responsible for moving the school to its present location — as all the smaller schools closed once the government school opened — they too contributed to the education of the St. David's Islanders (I know a little about my history as well).

Later principals — Mr. Guishard, Mr. Burch, Mrs. Simmons and Mr. Wright — are also deserving. They gave magnanimously of their time, lives and knowledge to those of us who attended that school. This is why we seek a compromise. It is no accident that the name changing ceremony is the same weekend as our Hero's Day. Minister Butler ridiculed our peaceful attempt to exercise our right to question Government's decision, by saying that: naming a 'bathroom' after this gentleman would be an insult (my word).

Well his reaction was insulting. St. David's Primary is a government school and the government may well feel that it can do as it pleases. But, we the people in the community pay taxes… and we vote. Bermudians are often criticised in general for not speaking up when it comes to things that affect them. So here we are: Speaking up. Standing up for what we believe in.

Yes, St. David's Islanders think we're different, but, that thought was perpetuated by the public at large. The pride we feel about ourselves and our community may be envied by those who wish all Bermudians felt the same way about our country. In conclusion, a word of warning: What doesn't affect you now, will affect you later.

As of this date, those of us who started the petition informing the public of the Ministry's decision to change the name of St. David's Primary, have not yet heard from the Minister of Education or any of his representatives. I proudly sign my name,

TERLENA MURPHY

St. David's