Protest in Bermuda because of the closure of schools – caribbeannationalweekly.com

Hamilton, Bermuda – the main opposition party of the Bermuda Alliance (OBA), has promised to “pause” and evaluate the government’s plans to close the Gilbert Institute if he won the upcoming common elections on February 18th. This comes as parents, students and political figures called on the government to suspend its proposed closure of school. The OBA commitment reflects increasing concerns about the potential impact of closure, provoking a broader debate about the future of education in Bermuda.

“We believe that decisions of such magnitude should be based on stable evidence and should be consulted with the communities that influence. The education of our children is paramount. It is imperative that we approach these reforms with the diligence, care and predictions that they deserve, guaranteeing a more illuminated future for all Bermudici, “OBA Deputy Lider Ben Smith said in a statement.

He said that the latest decisions surrounding schools have settled confusion and suffering in their communities and that “the inconsistent positions of the government initially declared closure, then turning the decisions under public pressure led to insecurity and loss of trust in parents, students and teachers. “

“Now the Gilbert Institute is going through the same cycle that we have seen throughout this process,” he added.

On Monday, parents, students and politicians organized a protest, calling on David Burt’s administration to turn their plans to close the Gilbert Institute.

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Wearing posters that read “Please hold Gilbert Open”, the parents received support from the motorists who killed their horns.

At least 60 parents have written a letter to the Ministry of Education, expressing deep concern about plans, saying that their votes and concerns are not adequately addressed.

“First of all, we want to declare unequivocally that we reject the closure of the Gilbert Institute, as well as the plan for the transition and the lack of clear and transparent information about how and why the Gilbert Institute was selected for closure.

“This decision left us to feel unheard and rejected as interested parties in the education of our children and as citizens paying taxes,” they wrote.

The closure of schools in the government is part of the education reform initiative, but the parents said that “no information was provided on what steps, if any, they were taken to improve these conditions.”

“If other appropriate placements are not provided, we will be forced to send our children to a school where we have serious reservations about their safety and well -being,” they added.

One of the protesters said that “we were all we had to choose where we wanted to transfer our children in September and the choice is thin.”

“We do not think that the government has indeed determined the issued in other schools and are ready to accept all our children,” the parent said.

Smith said that the Bermuda Union of Teachers (but) emphasized “the unbearable tension to teachers due to a shortage of staff, concerns about safety and pressure on implementation of reform without adequate support.”

“These challenges not only violate the learning environment, but also compromise the quality of education that our children need to receive.

“In the light of those urgent concerns, the one that the Bermuda Alliance advocates for an immediate pause on current education reform initiatives. We propose the creation of an independent education body charged with carrying out a comprehensive review of the proposed reforms. “

He said that this body will guarantee that any changes to our public education system are considered, transparent and in the best interest of all stakeholders

“In addition, with an OBA government, we are committed to stopping and evaluating the school closure plans in detail. We believe that decisions of such magnitude should be based on stable evidence and consult with the communities that influence.

“The education of our children is paramount. It is imperative that we approach these reforms with the diligence, care and predictions that they deserve, guaranteeing a more light future for all Bermudians, “Smith added.