The Ministry of Education remains steadfast in its commitment to an inclusive and transparent Education Reform process. The Hon Diallo Rabain JP, MP, has consistently extended invitations to the Opposition for briefings and has been transparent about all developments, which unfortunately have been met with continuous misinterpretations by Shadow Minister Ben Smith.
Contrary to the statements made by Mr. Smith, the decision to examine the rescoring process is not arbitrary; it is a well-considered approach focusing on the unique needs of each parish. It is important to clarify that the review of the primary school decision process pertains to parishes with multiple primary schools. Harrington Sound Primary is the singular school in Smith's Parish, and the repurposing of Prospect Primary in the Signature School for Exceptionalities leaves the Elliot Primary site as the parish school site for Devonshire.
On September 22, during the Ministerial Statement given by Minister Rabain, it was confirmed again that the Elliot Primary and Harrington Sound Primary School sites would soon be onboarding school transformation teams. Once again, the press release issued on October 10 to provide an update on the Rescoring Process contained the following:
“…The only primary schools not required to send representatives were Heron Bay, now closed, Francis Patton and Purvis, both of which opened as Parish Primary Schools in September 2023, Elliot Primary, which will become the Parish Primary School for Devonshire and Prospect Primary which will become the Signature School for Students with Exceptionalities…”
It is disappointing that Mr. Smith has overlooked these announcements, choosing instead to question the integrity of the rescoring efforts.
The Ministry of Education encourages constructive engagement and urges Mr. Smith to utilize the opportunities provided to him to contribute positively to Education Reform. We aim to work collaboratively to ensure a transformative education system for Bermuda, and we hope Mr. Smith will join us in this critical endeavour, moving from obstruction to constructive dialogue.