Parents have penned a letter to the Department of Education to express their “deep concern and disappointment” with plans to close the school
Demonstrators hold placards on South Road, Paget Monday morning Photo: Bermuda Broadcasting
Parents, students and politicians calling for the government to halt plans to close Gilbert Institute held a demonstration this morning in Paget.
Commuters honked their horns in support of the demonstrators who carried placards reading, “Please keep Gilbert open”. Just under 60 parents penned a letter to the Education Ministry expressing deep concern about the plans because they feel, their voices and concerns have not been adequately heard or addressed throughout the consultation process.
They wrote, “First and foremost, we want to state unequivocally that we reject the closure of Gilbert Institute, as well as
the transition plan and the lack of clear and transparent information regarding how and why Gilbert Institute was selected for closure.
“This decision has left us feeling unheard and dismissed as stakeholders in our children’s education and as tax paying citizens.”
Scott Pearman, the OBA incumbent for constituency 22 Paget East, Jarion Richardson, leader of the opposition OBA and Rayki Bascome Emery, the independent candidate contesting the seat were also present in support the parents this morning.
We understand around 50 students currently attend Gilbert Institute.
Parents have taken issue with the state of the current designated parish school, Paget Primary School, which was selected as the sole facility to serve students in the area as part of education reform.
“No information has been provided about what steps, if any, have been taken to improve these conditions. If no other suitable placements are made available, we will be forced to send our children to a school where we have serious reservations about their safety and well-being, ” they said.
Jennifer Ward, a parent of two children attending Gilbert Institute told Bermuda Broadcasting this morning, “The parents have all had to pick where we want to transfer our kids in September and pickings are slim.
“We don’t feel that the government have really fixed the issued at other schools and are prepared to accept all of our kids and also Prospect [Primary School] kids and we feel that Gilbert is such a valuable asset to this community. I mean, you can tell. The honking is crazy – I can’t believe it. “
Mr. Pearman pledged for an immediate pause to the school’s closure plans for reevaluation, if elected in the upcoming General Election.
Mr. Bascome Emery has made a similar pledge and claimed the announcement of plans to replace the school with a seniors day care facility as a ‘vote grab’ by the Progressive Labour Party government.
A Ministry of Education spokesperson confirmed, “The Minister of Education, Diallo Rabain, has received the letter and acknowledges the concerns raised. This week marks the Minister’s first week in office after his medical leave.
“He has confirmed his intention to meet with the Principal and the PTA. The Ministry is coordinating with the school leadership to finalise a meeting date and secure questions from the PTA executive to ensure a productive meeting.”
