Opposition Leader: Bermuda Education Reform

January 22, 2015

marc-bean-bermuda-PLP[Opinion column written by Opposition Leader Marc Bean]

In 1998, the PLP inherited a restructured education system; one based on a failed middle school concept in North America. The prior one that had served us for years had been discarded for various reasons; some good, some not so good. However, upon our election to the Government of Bermuda we had hope for Bermuda’s education system.

We spent 14 years in government trying to make this flawed system work. Many Ministers, Ministry staff, teachers, and students have worked very hard under this system and while progress has been made on some fronts, we are not seeing the consistent successes that we should.

It is now time to change course.

Without a quality education and foundation, we are creating an underclass in our own country. We cannot continue down this road.

Under my leadership, the Progressive Labour Party is promising Bermuda that when returned to government there will be radical education reform. This reform will not be easy for all, but it will be based on producing successful students, both academically and socially. It makes no sense to receive A* in all one’s IGCSE’s if that same student is lacking in identity, historical knowledge, cultural awareness, and national pride. It is difficult to promote One Bermuda, if we have two distinct educational paths, with one largely considered as “success” and the other largely considered as “failure”.

We must provide options that show success in all forms. It is unacceptable that parents should almost be required to pay 20K per year per child just to give their children a fighting chance in the adult world.

In our Throne Speech replies we have highlighted some of our plans. These ideas have been repeated in subsequent press conferences and interviews. However they are not exhaustive. We desire input from the stakeholders – the teachers, the parents, the students – as to what this new system should include.

In order for Bermudians to be equipped to compete, prepared to fully function within our economy, and avoid being marginalized in our own country, we must embark on radical education reform. This involves shaping our system so that it is more responsive, more competitive and is the first choice for educating our future generations and for retraining our people. This is our vision, but we recognize that this vision can only become a reality if you, the people are involved in the process; sharing your ideas, building understanding and working together to reach this goal.

The PLP’s Education Listening Tour begins tonight at 6:30 at the Clearwater Middle School and is intended to give our people a voice in shaping the future of education in Bermuda.

Following this tour, which will make 3 stops across Bermuda, we will embody a group of Bermudians to be our Education Reform Committee, and the full plan will be compiled.

We also invite all members of the community that may not feel comfortable speaking at the meetings, or who are unable to attend, to email any suggestions to PLPEducationReform@plp.bm

- Marc Bean

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Comments (72)

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  1. On de Hill says:

    “When we return to government” – that will never happen under you Marc, never!

    • hmmm says:

      Everyone has a vision.. you had lots of them when you were in power PLP.

      Yet you did little to nothing..

      • BETTTY TRUMP says:

        Stop playing the BLAME GAME OBA faithfulness supporters. This problem in Education dates as far back as UBP time as government. The current Cabinet looks no different. Nothing was done to make it change. Even with the Attempts by the PLP, change was difficult. So put it where it belongs and face the facts. The PLP at least have acknowledge their approach could have been more aggressive towards change in Education, something the UBPoba have yet to do….

        The UBPoba changed the system into to 2 main highschools which than brought about a real problem with our Education system. This problem presisted to increase. Despite the public outcry not to change the system or to build to large mega schools.

        The PLP coming into government should have taken the bold step to reverse it, but instead appealed to the hearts of those that sang out do not change it back….the PLP should have stood firm and made the change than.

        The system is still struggling, and NO one had any creative solutions or ideas to move forward, in fear of not doing what some where shouting they should do.

        The current government OBA has little to be proud of in regards to Education as well. Failing to make Education a high priority, as well as change of Ministers with in less than 2 years, yet continue to blame the PLP for the same thing. NOW the OBA has put into place one or their weakest Ministers of all in such an important Ministry..hows that for serious movement forward for our future generation? How serious it that….Were is the Accountability of the current government in regards to Education by the OBAubp faithful followers?

        Its okay to throw mud in one direction, but be careful your not standing in it……

        Looks like OBA is standing in the MUD, and lets see what real progress is made if any over the next year….progress in achievement is hard to achieve within any system…..

        NOw the OBA govt it about to put a NON BERMUDIAN in the post of Commissioner….hows thats one….

        • BETTTY TRUMP says:

          The reality is, we must all stand up and attempt to work toward change to improve our system. This means Parents, students, the entire community….it must be all of us….do not rely upon our Politicians to do it, we the People must do it…..

          With a changing world economy and technology we must……

          “In order for Bermudians to be equipped to compete, prepared to fully function within our economy, and avoid being marginalized in our own country, we must embark on radical education reform. This involves shaping our system so that it is more responsive, more competitive and is the first choice for educating our future generations and for retraining our people. This is our vision, but we recognize that this vision can only become a reality if you, the people are involved in the process; sharing your ideas, building understanding and working together to reach this goal.”

          The division is not going to move us forward for the next generation, but further push us backwards…… We must stand up together to get Education right….

          Ask yourself…..what are you doing to make a different ?

          • SMH says:

            *yawn*

          • jt says:

            I have taught my children to be polite and respectful and they understand that school is important. My wife and I are engaged in their education. Was I supposed to do something more?

        • Onion says:

          The Commissioner is appointed by the Board, not the politicians. The mostly PLP board chose a non-Bermudian disaster last time… let’s hope they do a better job this time.

          You really are grasping for anything, aren’t you? It’s sad.

          • BETTTY TRUMP says:

            NOT TRUE…. the change in education Commission requirements was inspired via the government., but of course they want you to believe otherwise, as to remove them from taking any responsibilities. The Government does have some say in the change of policies, for real? The minister does have a say in what they want in terms of a Commissioner, and if they continue to keep their hands off it, they will take the political fall out…..IF not keep falling for the falsehoods as covered up by the OBA …..really

            • hmmm says:

              Inspired by ……. Hilarious!

            • BTCHECKER says:

              You are too much today Chris.

              I dont even know where to start but can you in the first place clarify what you mean by “inspired”?

              Then I can deal with the rest.

              though I may not need to….

        • Hippo-critic says:

          “The PLP coming into government should have taken the bold step to reverse it”

          “Looks like OBA is standing in the MUD, and lets see what real progress is made if any over the next year….progress in achievement is hard to achieve within any system…..”

          Proves that you hold the OBA to a higher standard than the PLP. You expect progress in the next year whereas the last lot couldn’t do anything in 14.

  2. Northshore says:

    Where has this guy been ?? Must have been given some serious be quiet juice of late !! And reading this he needs more! 14 years of doing nothing for Bermuda period… Electioneering already are we PLP/BIU/PC/UBP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  3. front brake only says:

    Did he say they tried for 14yrs to make a failing system work or did he say we totally ignored the failing education system and the future of the underclassed because of the desire of those in charge to enrich themselves ….
    As a young black man I wish the PLP would have the guts to admit their many many failures in the saving of those to whom many promises were made

    P.S. I do remember Mr Marc Bean spoke out on the failure of the PLP as far as education was concerned but he was spanked for talking as he wants and was quickly ushered back into line and decided to play nice at the expense of the poor and down trodden !!!

    • Build a Better Bermuda says:

      He gave the PLP an ‘F’ for their failure to address the failing in education and was then forced to make a public apology to the PLP membership for speaking out of turn. For one brief moment, he bucked the PLP mentality that you cannot speak out of turn, you cannot criticize the PLP, you never tell the public the truth if it doesn’t make the PLP look good and never highlight a PLP failing because the PLP acts infallibly in the best interests of Bermudians, because you are only Bermudian if you are PLP… And now he leads and enforces that mentality.

  4. Sky Pilot says:

    what part of you are not the Government of Bermuda do you not understand MB

  5. Strike fund says:

    “We spent 14 years in government trying to make this flawed system work.”

    We did nothing about it for 14 years.

    “It is unacceptable that parents should almost be required to pay 20K per year per child”

    Where many of the teachers are guest workers as there are not enough high quality locals to fulfill all the teaching needs of the entire island.

    “we will embody a group of Bermudians to be our Education Reform Committee, and the full plan will be compiled.”

    But we don’t want any advice from these foreigners who have experience of education systems in lots of different countries and experience of things that work.

    • jt says:

      20k per year plus taxes to fund a system that costs more per child than it does at a private school.
      Let people go where they want. Free market competition. Eliminate funding and incorporate a voucher system based on income/need. Get rid of the top heavy ministry level jobs. You’ll see a quick change in teachers, administrators and results when jobs are on the line. Good schools with good teachers and motivated students will grow in number and flourish.
      Would either party have the guts?

  6. Kim Smith says:

    This suggests to me a certain recognition (and admission) that the Government cannot do it ALL and that more is required from EACH citizen to make the many systems in the country workable for the good of the whole. There is still the feeling that education is being used here as a political football and perhaps this Education Committee will continue on this very important path to contribute to the work of the Government… the work of the people, by the people and for the people.

  7. Shocked says:

    Is this editorial some sort of a joke. The PLP were in power for 14 years and your excuse is that you inherited a flawed system. Tired of hearing about plans and ideas that are not implemented or perverted by politics. Throne speeches and the replies are good form starting fires in the cold winter months – but little else.

    For the record if you enter school at the age of 5 and graduate at 18 you spent 14 years in school.

    I don’t like or dislike the PLP (any political party for that matter) but the rhetoric, excuses, the blame game have gotten out of hand.

    The reality is that in 14 years you failed to reform the system – that is one more generation lost. Lets all hope that the current administration (and the one that follows in 2017) can do something to right the ship as we cannot afford to lose another entire generation.

    Perhaps the time has come to set in place a new role and disband the Minister of Education position in favor of a non elected, hired role that is held accountable to results – call it the CEO of education if you like. Somebody needs to think outside the box if we are going to get past this….I doubt it is the new Minister.

  8. aceboy says:

    Going to build another school? Is that the plan? Something really big?

    “It makes no sense to receive A* in all one’s IGCSE’s if that same student is lacking in identity, historical knowledge, cultural awareness, and national pride.”

    That student will be able to EAT. This comment shows exactly what your plan is….fill them full of propaganda and teach them they are owed.

    • hmmm says:

      We all know who we are and what our history and cultural identity is…….We have national pride !!!!!!!!!

      How stupid is Bean!!!

    • Onion says:

      It sounds awfully like ideological education.

    • PBanks says:

      Problem is that these kids aren’t getting As in their IGCSEs, if they’re even taking them at all. Instead we have too many children leaving school without the required tools to succeed outside of the classroom.

      History and cultural awareness are great, and national pride is awesome, but school leavers need the knowledge and skills to start careers.

  9. Jeremy Deacon says:

    The PLP had 14 years to fix education and it had 12 (?) Ministers trying to do it at various stages. Does the radical new plan include getting rid of the education ministry’s revolving door?
    I just cannot take the PLP seriously when it comes out with statement like this – at least acknowledge that you got it wrong, then we (I) might say ‘OK, fresh start, might listen….’ but to ignore what it did? Come on guys, the electorate is not stupid ….

    • watching says:

      From what I read, Marc didn’t blame the OBA nor the PLP. He admitted there wasn’t as much progress but there has been some. And I think that is a fair analysis. But I also think we need to stop the blame game and just admit that it is time for some radical change. Why can’t that be the starting point rather than casting blame back and forth. How is the helpful Deacon?

      • Hmmm says:

        You read with blinkers. He has no idea or plan here, just to go ask around. That and less education, but with a formalized indoctrination of what your culture is, because we are obviously too stupid to know who we are or where we came from.

        It’s crazy…If the PLP don’t know what needs done after 14 years of power and still don’t know what needs done, then why a press release?????????????????????????????????????????

        You may be watching, but you do not observe.

  10. LiarLiar says:

    “It makes no sense to receive A* in all one’s IGCSE’s if that same student is lacking in identity, historical knowledge, cultural awareness, and national pride”

    Can’t agree with that comment. When you apply to a higher education institution and/or a prospective job the admissions department and/or HR function does not gauge your knowledge on your identity, historical knowledge, cultural awareness or national pride when determining if you are suitable for the institution/position.

    They look at your grades and overall GPA when coming to their final decision.

    • watching says:

      Education is not only about the academic. Education should be all encompassing.

      • LiarLiar says:

        Ok.

        Do you think that a child with extensive knowledge on identity, historical knowledge, cultural awareness or displays national pride, but can only achieve average grades and overall GPA will be first choice for college administrators or HR departments over a student that records consistently higher grades?

        In the real world the answer is no.

    • Redman says:

      LiarLiar,

      Exactly, besides I learned my identity, historical knowledge etc.. from my parents and my family. From sitting and listening/talking with my elders. I didn’t need to read that in a book in school, I listened & lived it.

      National pride I acquired along the way with the knowledge imparted to me by the same persons, plus my thirst for reading about our history. I and my other family members didn’t need to be spoon fed according to whichever Govt decides that this is what we feel is ‘your history’!!

  11. C James says:

    Please refrain from knocking down Mr Bean. It is blatently obvious he did not write this piece as it is so far from his style, and attitude.

    It would seem that Marc has become our very own Milli Vanilli. Someone else is performing. Marc is just the up front face.

    Not likely to fool very many people I’m afraid.

    • BETTTY TRUMP says:

      That is common practice for the OBA to have others write their pieces, and sign off with someone else’s name….NOT common for PLP, the talent is much deeper…. PLP MPs are capable of writing on their own…who has hired expensive speech writers?,….OBAubp… for real…

      This has been a practice by the OBAubp since day one…so get the facts correct dearest one C James….

      • C James says:

        In that case Ms Trump, Mr Bean has had a complete change of personality, or perhaps a personality implant.

        Or you are talking a load of uninformed rubbish. Which is more likely?

        • BETTTYTRUMP says:

          Rubbish as demonstrated by you and others that want to ignore facts, if it reveals your beloved party in the true light……your blindfaithful Ness us killing you and shinning Thur……

          • Creamy says:

            Bean just wants to destroy the private schools.

            Usual PLP. If it works as it should, get rid of it.

      • BTCHECKER says:

        Yeah for real – this BT seems to be Rhonda given the dearest one comment but I cant keep up anymore. REally this is exhausting.

        Anyway I dont think anything here is at all fact based in any way – it literrally is the equivelent of drizzle from the rain. Even assuming it is right obviously Betty you think Bean “deeper” talent than President Obama who in fact needs 5 speach writers….

        cmon girl

  12. Truth is killin' me... says:

    All fluff and no substance!

  13. Joonya says:

    Not directing this to any specific people, more of a general comment I suppose, but homophobic bigots who promote descrimination, polarization and hate shouldn’t be allowed to comment on how our children are to be educated.

  14. NCM says:

    Long on rhetoric and short on solutions, Mr. Bean. So after 14 years as Government, and a dozen Ministers with no discernable improvement in student performance, now you have all the answers? Give me a break.

  15. Build a Better Bermuda says:

    Wow, he almost makes you believe that they hit the ground running in ’98 to fix education, that they worked tirelessly… well no not almost, not even close. For what is essentially an invite to a town hall meeting, he wastes more than half the article trying to gloss over the PLP’s role in collapsing our children’s education system, trying to rewrite history to ignore their monumental failing that has further created a generation that won’t have some of the fundamental tools to better thrive in a business oriented world. For the first decade of their governance, education took… not even second fiddle, more like tenth or twelfth tambourine… to their run at how they can pamper themselves in first class and travelling with vast entourages. Only after a decade of their inaction and after a report condemning the lack of action taken that was so public they could not ignore it further and were forced into action. Course now the economy began to decline, the vast resources that were there a mere year or 2 before were going and for some reason, education was still the first to be under the good doctors knife for cuts, yet his precious tourism was getting more. What was the PLP one great solution to our education system, a big shiny new school for their alma mater… they fixed a school, rather than the education system. Don’t get me wrong, Berkley needed a lot of work, but Bermuda didn’t need one more big school in the middle, but at the very least 2 more medium sized ones on either end and an overhaul to how eduction was being handled.
    I find it entertaining that they continue to blame the system as a whole, but yet the private schools converted to the same system and are proving successful with it. Course they can screen their entries, so the way forward is how can make sure that the best in our public education can get the best out of it, and that those who would otherwise drag the system down are helped up and not left behind. Let’s face, not all of us are set for a desk education environment and I believe a strong trades school would be a good fit for many, a place were those that would get lost in the Cambridge mindset can still get professional trades training with international professional certifications and training in base business management. There are many issues effecting our public school system, including an old and inflexible bureaucracy, but it is important to also note that not all those issues are in the system, but outside the systems control and ability to address.
    I have seen little from the PLP that makes me think they have any more real solutions to the issue now than 10 years ago, but with this article, Mr. Bean shows that they are more willing to play politics with it as an electioneering gambit, and that is only doing our children a further injustice.

    • Joonya says:

      Someone call Belichick.. this politcal football needs some air squeezed out of it…

  16. hmmm says:

    Mar Bean says “It makes no sense to receive A* in all one’s IGCSE’s if that same student is lacking in identity, historical knowledge, cultural awareness, and national pride.”

    How many A stars does the average public school student get ?
    Please provide the numbers.

    So you want to force an identity on students at the expense of an education. Has Bean lost the plot.

    It’s education that provides a path in the future. Not a cultural studies program.

    Marc Bean, you are out of touch. The world works on results and achievements. Why would you prevent our children from having those opportunities available worldwide !!!

  17. 32n64w says:

    Mr. Bean conveniently forgets the PLP’s integral role endorsing, nay demanding, the implementation of a “restructured education system; one based on a failed middle school concept in North America.”

    • Politricks says:

      Yes. If my memory serves me correctly back in the 1990′s the PLP were keen to push the public system away from the Cambridge system because it represented a colonial/racist education curriculum and all the usual hot air racist allegations.

      How ironic a decade or so later they re-implemented the Cambridge curriculum which is a tacit admission that it is vastly superior to the BSSC.

      The more things change I guess.

      • Redman says:

        Politricks,

        Yup our North American educated & anti British Berkleyites just couldn’t wait to get rid of all things British, so much so that they couldn’t see that what they planned to replace it with was falling way short of what we had.

        And I’m not just talking about our education system either, in fairness to the PLP that rot had set in years before.

  18. Long Bay Trading Co. says:

    having Mr. Potty Mouth (aka Marc Bean) in the same sentence as “Education” is scarey enough let alone letting him anywhere near our young fresh minds aka our kids and schools.!!!!!
    This just proves that the PLP, in case you did not get it already after 2 plus years of their utter and absolute refusal to take ownership and responsibility for their failed 14 year administration and the HUGE DAMAGE they have done to Bermuda and our NEXT generation, have without any doubt whatsoever lost their collective minds in arrogrance and avoidance – do not under any circumstances let Mr. Potty Mouth anywhere near our children. Shame on you PLP….but what is new – you voted him in AGAIN for a second time as your leader.

    PLP/BIU/PC – sooooo yesteryear and soooo irrelevant. Since you are NOT KEEPING UP please, please, please, do us all a favour and MOVE OUT OF THE WAY and let the professionals do the work that you “pretend” to be doing. Just please GO AWAY!!

    • Long Bay Trading Co…

      You are my hero!! You have just stated what every educated person already understands.

      Unfortunately, there is nothing we can do about educating the people who continue to be brainwashed by MB drivel….cannot even use correct english when he opens his mouth.

  19. Huh says:

    Another good dose of grade A propoganga decorated with resentfully emotional pablum served up to the poorly educated masses from the good Doc’s #1 mouthpiece…

  20. St Kool says:

    “It makes no sense to receive A* in all one’s IGCSE’s if that same student is lacking in identity, historical knowledge, cultural awareness, and national pride.”

    And therein lies the problem. This statement is absolutely absurd, coming out of someone’s mouth while touting education. On what planet does “it make no sense to receive A* in all one’s IGCSE’s,” Marc?! How on earth is that child going to get into colleges/universities by focusing on identity, historical knowledge, cultural awareness, and national pride? You might as well have said “hey, let’s teach these kids about slavery and how we’re still being held back today, how the white people are to blame, how foreigners are stealing jobs, and how the OBA are anti-Bermudian” – that’s pretty much what the second part of your statement suggests – and let’s be honest, is what you really wanted to say.

    You want to create another generation of people like you, LaVerne, Rolfe, etc – bitter old people hung up on black and white, who are in no way out for the betterment of ALL of Bermuda, and who want to preach to young Bermudian kids that they are entitled to jobs in their own country regardless of the work/effort involved. Ridiculous. You are entitled to NOTHING – work for it, earn it, deserve it, and maybe you’ll get it. That’s what you should be teaching kids. What good is historical knowledge, cultural awareness, and national pride going to do if these kids can’t read, write, add, subtract, etc?

    I shudder to think that this man could potentially be leading our country one day.

  21. tom cooke says:

    I know how bad the system is…. all my children went through and still are. There are some very, very good teacher’s. Particularly at the primary school level, it’s when you get to middle school and above that needs a major overhaul.
    Like any organization I understand that you need a back office administration. Can someone please tell me how many NON teacher’s there are in the ministry of education.

  22. clearasmud says:

    I continue to be amused that politicians from both sides claim they will fix education when both sides have failed at it already. It is clear that this Ministry was not the first choice of the new education Minister so I have no faith in his prononcements about his committment to education. I equally have no faith in the opposition and as I have said before I wont be satisfied until they take the politics out of education by setting up an independent education authority!

    • Brotherhood says:

      The man from up Spice Hill is different
      He’ll do something good

      • Hmmm says:

        …and what is that, because he sure as hell doesn’t know !

  23. Alvin Williams says:

    One thing that is forgotten concerning the opinions of the Opposition Leader’s comments on education; he was a early critic of the current system and was rapped across the knockles for speaking out and force to withdraw his comments by his own party. I am sure now that he is the leader of PLP and when they do return to government; he will carry out reforms and I for one can hardly wait for that day to come.

    • Build a Better Bermuda says:

      You seem to ignore the hypocrisy of his current article. He did indeed at one time give the PLP an F for failing to tackle education, but now he is saying they did try and fix it, but that it wasn’t their fault, but it was the systems. A system they were involved in bring to Bermuda even before they won in ’98 and then failed to address after ’98. With this article, his is blatantly trying to rewrite history and wipe out the failing that the PLP played in it.

    • Sickofantz says:

      Marc’s piece includes several glaring grammatical errors. If a prospective employer were to read this piece they would conclude that the writer was poorly educated. What would a statesman from another country think?

      This man cannot lead our Country, and neither can anyone else without a thorough understanding of the English language.

  24. Tolerate says:

    It makes no sense to receive A* in all one’s IGCSE’s if that same student is lacking in identity, historical knowledge, cultural awareness, and national pride. It is difficult to promote One Bermuda, if we have two distinct educational paths, with one largely considered as “success” and the other largely considered as “failure”.
    Whaaat?????
    I completely agree that “identity, historical knowledge, cultural awareness, and national pride” is ALSO important.
    But what REALLY are you referring to when you say “one largely being considered a success (I’m guessing the people with IGCSE’s) and the other a failure (I’m guessing people without IGCSE’s).

    • watching says:

      talk to the people in IB and see how they feel about the BHS, Saltus and Warwick academy students versus the Cedarbridge and Berkeley students…
      It’s not accurate, but it is what their perception is.

      • LiarLiar says:

        With all due respect even Mr. Bean in the above essentially labeled the private schools a ‘success’ and the public schools a ‘failure.’ It is not the first time either that he has done so.

        And sorry but when the public school students record 28% pass rates (i.e. A to C), for at least two years recently, in their IGCSEs it can be hardly viewed as a success. That is worst than the worse school in the UK which achieved a 35% pass rate. On top of that it was noted that students in the public school on average only sat between 1 to 3 IGCSEs while private schools average between 7 to 10 taken by one student.

        Last year only half the amount of male students graduated when compared to their female counterparts. That is a serious issue.

        Also, international business do not usually hire recent high school graduates and thus focus on post-secondary educational achievements so I feel that your analogy is misguided at best.

        • PBanks says:

          1-3 IGCSEs, 28% pass rates, that simply is not good enough. There is no reason public schools shouldn’t be preparing students to take more and pass more exams.

      • Tolerate says:

        Yes, I agree with you on this and your educational background should be judged on you level of education i.e. Certificates of Education. But, IGCSE’s are sat at Cedarbridge and Berkeley as well?
        So again, what is the true reference to Mr. Beans comment here? Is the point NOT actually IGCSE’s or is it private versus public school?
        I know MANY private school students whose education level is below public school students.

        • Sickofantz says:

          Of course there are some low performing private school students and there are some high performing public school students, but the comparative pass rates do indicate that the private schools and their students are succeeding while the public schools are failing.

      • Hmmm says:

        There is not truth in that…A successful person coming out of the Public school system would maybe given greater respect compared to a private school student of equal level and quality education awards.

  25. Thin end says:

    A Politician makes decisions for the next Election…
    A Statesman makes decisions for the next Generation.

    Education (and changes thereto) are a long-term processes and quick-fixes to benefit politicians at the next election only harm the education system.

    The view must be taken as to how changes will benefit the current and next generation. These decisions will probably not change voting patterns at a short-term election…they will however benefit our youth in the long term.

    This is why there is a revolving door. There is a call for decisive action (or words) that will make a party look popular. However, these quick action do not have the long term benefit as a priority.

    We need Ministers who are brave enough to be Statesmen. Only then can the current and future generations have hope (and a decent education for once).

  26. Brotherhood says:

    Nah not right

    Brainwashing with plp grievance mentality ain’t education

    we need give to kids real basic skills.
    Help them to get on to best track for earning in the actual world

  27. Triangle Drifter says:

    In 1998 the PLP rode in on a horse, or part of it, with great claims that they would fix education, along with with a number of other impossible claims like turning tourism around in 100 days.

    14 years later they have nothing to show for their time as Government except a massive debt. The PLP failed & the PLP failed miserably.

    Of course the PLP won’t touch education. Besides it being better to keep your supporters uneducated & unable to think for themselves look who makes up the Ministry of Education. Sure don’t want to upset that cosey bloated apple cart loaded with your supporters.

    It is great being the opposition. You can run your mouths & not have any accountability at all.

  28. Unbelievable says:

    My message to Mr. Bean is that education reform is not needed – to a point. There are too many people raising children to feel entitled and to accept mediocrity and so they do not excel. Not every child is a genius I admit but learning starts in the home and not in school.

  29. Jus' Wonderin' says:

    ” It makes no sense to receive A* in all one’s IGCSE’s if that same student is lacking in identity, historical knowledge, cultural awareness, and national pride. It is difficult to promote One Bermuda, if we have two distinct educational paths, with one largely considered as “success” and the other largely considered as “failure”.”

    Laughable…they do this everywhere else in the world! Resign already…and it does make sense! Guess you got all F’s in ya schooling..

  30. North Rock says:

    The reason we celebrate various traumatic moments in history is ‘lest we forget”. Although the constant barrage of comments on sites and social media is almost enough…I suggest that we have one day set aside every year so that we can actually reflect on the PLP Regime of 14 years …lest we EVER EVER forget !!

    Marc Bean makes Graeme O. look reasonably acceptable…

  31. Dreadlocks says:

    The PLP are finished under Marc Bean.

    • Triangle Drifter says:

      The OBA must love having him as opposition leader. Among the also want to be leaders only Rolf could be more desirable as PLP leader.

  32. Keepin' it Real!...4Real! says:

    let me see if i’m understanding this here…ok our school system is flawed, yes?? so does that mean that NO students have graduated with honors or distinctions..?? what i’m getting at is …you can lead a horse to water but you can’t make them drink, yes?? well you can put your child in school but you can’t make them learn. Can we hear from some students that have graduated on whether the curriculum was easy for them or did they have to work hard to achieve their certificates…my pet peeve is all this rubbish about what govt. should be doing…IT’S NOT GOVT’s RESPONSIBILITY TO MAKE YOUR CHILD LEARN…they present a curriculum, now it’s the individual childs attitude towards learning that paves their way in life…attitudes are developed AT HOME FIRST…so if you’re gonna blame someone , blame yourself.

    BERMUDIANS are their own worst enemy….smmfh!