Dr Evans ‘Remains Committed To The Youth’
Following the settlement of his legal action against the Government, Dr Freddie Evans said he remains committed to the youth of Bermuda, and plans on utilizing his full energy and expertise to support the Department of Youth Sport and Recreation in every way that he can.
The circumstances surrounding Dr. Evans’ removal as Commissioner of Education last year resulted in legal action, and following months of discussions between those involved, the matter was settled this week.
Earlier this week a Government spokesperson said, “The matter between the Bermuda Government and Dr. Freddie Evans has been settled without recourse to a costly trial.
“By mutual agreement, the terms of the settlement are confidential. Dr. Evans will take up a new post in the Department of Youth, Sports and Recreation.”
As noted above, the terms of the settlement are confidential, so neither side has provided details, however unofficial reports suggest that Dr Evans — who was out of work for months — is likely to have received financial compensation as well as having his legal costs covered.
While Dr Evans is a best known as a veteran educator, he is not new to the sporting arena, having served in various capacities including as a technical official for the Carifta Games, and on the Board of Directors of the Bermuda National Athletics Association.
Asked how has coped with this issue, Dr Evans told Bernews, “As you can clearly imagine, after acquiring the education and professional development to prepare for educational leadership in Bermuda and having served as a Teacher, Deputy Principal, Principal, and Department of Education Administrator for over thirty-three years, I am crestfallen that I will not have the opportunity to lead the resurrection of the Bermuda Public School System.
“Unquestionably, my former students, teachers, parents and the Principals and Deputies that I have had the pleasure of supervising or working with them know that above all else I strove to ensure that every child had the best opportunity for quality educational opportunities.
“In conjunction, with my work in schools, I have always been involved in youth development and Sports in general. So, I am buoyed by the opportunity to continue the work of developing young people and I am elated to join the team in the Department of Youth and Sports, where I will continue working for the best opportunities for all of Bermuda’s children.
“These 6 months of unemployment were stressful and nerve wrecking, it is a harsh reality to find yourself unemployed and without health insurance at the age of 57. Yet, through faith and the support of a vibrant loving wife and family, we weathered that storm together.
“I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that wherever my wife and I traveled throughout the island, we were greeted by well-wishers: people who were lifting our family up in prayer: and for that we are eternally grateful.
“I would never say never,” Dr Evan said when asked if he will ever seek employment again with the Ministry of Education. ”I don’t know what the future holds, however, I remain one of the leading educators in this country, who desires to ensure that every student has the educational opportunity to become the kind of citizen they desire to be. If an opportunity to contribute ever presented itself, I would most certainly consider it.
Asked what lessons can be learned from all this – are there any procedures that should be put in place to stop this kind of thing happening again, he said, “There are already statutory procedures in place to ensure fairness and equity in evaluation and supervision.
“I would not waste energy relitigating the facts of this case, but I would suggest that if the procedures are followed this kind of issue should not occur. There are and remain numerous challenges in the public education realm.
“That is highly unlikely, “Dr Evans said when asked if any further action is possible. “I am currently planning on utilizing my full energy and expertise to support the Department of Youth Sport and Recreation in every way that I can. I remain committed to the youth of Bermuda.
“Throughout this saga, the ultimate focus should have been on the students of the Bermuda Public School System,” he added.
Great accomplishment PLP pay the man off the continue to pay him 160k a year. Really smart move wasn’t it? Again you wanted him out to make room for friends & family. You will regret it one day when you cannot run to a bank to borrow more money. Then what are you going to do? I know look for the people that do not look like you to help out. Please it’s too late the smarter thinking people have saved for a rainy day but you the government of the day only know how to spend unwisely. You all voted the clowns in now enjoy the circus. Hold on real tight the bumps in the road are coming.
What exactly is his title, job description etc?