OBA’s Ben Smith & Scott Pearman Statement
[Updated] “I am deeply concerned regarding the current trajectory of education reform in Bermuda,” OBA Deputy Leader Ben Smith said, and MP Scott Pearman added that “with the election underway, all policy decisions must wait until after the public has decided upon Bermuda’s next Government.”
OBA Deputy Leader Ben Smith statement:
Mr. Smith said, “I am deeply concerned regarding the current trajectory of education reform in Bermuda. The recent decisions surrounding school closures, particularly those affecting St. David’s Primary, West End Primary, Somerset Primary and St. George’s Preparatory School, have sown confusion and distress within their communities.
“The government’s inconsistent stances—initially announcing closures, then reversing decisions under public pressure—have led to uncertainty and a loss of trust among parents, students, and educators. Now Gilbert Institute is going through this same cycle we have seen throughout this process.
“There are escalating instances of industrial action by our dedicated teachers which are symptomatic of deeper systemic issues. The Bermuda Union of Teachers has highlighted the unbearable strain on educators due to staffing shortages, safety concerns, and the pressures of implementing reforms without adequate support. These challenges not only disrupt the learning environment but also compromise the quality of education our children should receive.
“In light of these pressing concerns, the One Bermuda Alliance advocates for an immediate pause on the current education reform initiatives. We propose the establishment of an Independent Education Authority tasked with conducting a comprehensive review of the proposed reforms. This body would ensure that any changes to our public education system are thoughtfully considered, transparent, and in the best interests of all stakeholders. The most important factor would be the removal of political interference.
“Furthermore, under an OBA government, we commit to pausing and thoroughly evaluating the school closure plans. We believe that decisions of such magnitude must be grounded in robust evidence and made in genuine consultation with the communities they impact.
“Our children’s education is paramount. It is imperative that we approach these reforms with the diligence, care, and foresight they deserve, ensuring a brighter future for all Bermudians.
OBA MP Scott Pearman statement:
Mr. Pearman said, “Why does Premier Burt believe he can do whatever he wants and simply ignore Bermuda’s established rules and conventions?
“The election has already been called. Parliament has been dissolved. This is now the pre-election period. By longstanding convention in our Westminster system, Government Ministers, including the Premier, are prohibited from taking any policy decisions until after the election has been held. The Burt Government is now only a ‘caretaker government’.
“Premier David Burt’s announcement that Gilbert Institute will become a care facility for seniors is a policy decision the PLP Government does not have the authority to take now that Parliament has been dissolved.”
The decision about Gilbert Institute was initially announced in December 2024, and Premier Burt recently expanded on it during a press conference.
Mr Pearman added, “PLP Ministers only serve in ‘caretaker’ mode during the election period. The Attorney General should remind them of that fact. Yet the Premier seems not to care.
“Apparently, the Premier is also tone-deaf after the debacle his Government created with the West End Primary school fiasco. By not listening to parents and the community yet again, it’s clear the PLP government has lost its way. Seniors also deserve better treatment than a last minute election promise.
“My colleague Ben Smith has rightly called for a pause on the PLP’s disastrous school closure plan. It is clear the Premier was forced to call an election before the PLP was ready…why does the public have to wait for its election platform?
“With the election underway, all policy decisions must wait until after the public has decided upon Bermuda’s next Government. The Premier must know this. Does he care?”
PLP Response
Update: C22 Candidate Dawn Simmons said, “The One Bermuda Alliance’s latest release is a blatant misrepresentation of facts and a clear indication of a party that cannot even remember what was discussed in Parliament. The claim that the Gilbert Institute’s future use was just announced is false—this was publicly outlined by the Government in a ministerial statement by Minister Burch on December 13, 2024, and reported widely in the media.
“The OBA’s inability to keep up with developments that are shared in the Legislature raises serious concerns about their credibility. If they cannot keep track of key announcements made in the House, how can they be trusted to govern?
“Education reform is about building a stronger future for our children. The PLP has invested in modernising our schools, phasing out middle schools, expanding signature learning programs to teach trades to our young people, and ensuring that school facilities continue to serve the community. This includes repurposing sites like the Gilbert Institute to meet critical needs, such as a Seniors Daycare facility or the Heron Bay site to support cooperative food enterprises, reducing costs for Bermudians.
“Given that the OBA does not support the conversion of Gilbert into a Senior Daycare facility, maybe the OBA can explain how they intend to ease the pressure on the “Sandwich Generation.” The PLP has heard Bermudians challenged with raising children while supporting their ageing parents and has a plan; the OBA has no plan and is content with sending false media statements that do not address the challenges Bermudians face.”
Update Feb 3, 9.24am: C13 Candidate Diallo Rabain said, “The PLP remains steadfast in our commitment to transforming Bermuda’s education system to give our students the best chance to succeed. We are delivering on the promise the people asked for—phasing out middle schools and creating signature schools that will provide education in skilled trades like construction and health care.
“Ironically, while one OBA candidate is making TikTok videos calling for politics to be removed from education, another is sending a political opinion piece on the same topic. This blatant contradiction exposes their true intent—scoring political points rather than contributing to real solutions.
“To make matters worse, Scott Pearman claims the PLP is making a policy decision during the election period that should not be allowed, while Ben Smith is calling for the PLP Government to make a significant policy decision. Their argument is not only contradictory but highlights a clear pattern of inconsistency and political opportunism.
“That said, I am pleased to see the OBA finally engaging in discussions on education reform, even if it coincides with an election. For years, I have extended regular invitations to the OBA to sit with the Education Reform Unit for a complete presentation on the plans and progress of reform.
“Despite this, I welcome their newfound interest and am especially encouraged to hear their support for an Education Authority, which is a PLP policy.
“While others play politics, we remain focused on delivering real, meaningful change for Bermuda’s students, educators, and families.”
For full coverage of the 2025 Election and past elections, visit the links below, with comprehensive coverage available on our network website BermudaElections.com, the leading source of data and election videos.
- All: Our coverage of the 2025 General Election here
- 2025 Candidates: List of the 110 candidates
- Constituencies: Data/past results of all 36 constituencies
- Videos: Over 200 videos spanning multiple elections here
- Official: The Government’s election website here
- Comprehensive: Our BermudaElection.com website here
Who is right? Who is erroneous? Research – due diligence is required.
My fellow Bermudians do cast votes based on facts not innuendos and propaganda
Welp!
OBA definitely not paying attention because that announcement definitely preceded any election announcements.
Don’t touch the schools, until after the election.
IF YOU HAVE A FLY IN THE OINTMENT YOU DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT.
IF YOU HAVE SAND IN YOUR EYE YOU REMOVE IT.
IF YOU COUNTRY SINKS BENEATH THE WAVES WE DO NOTHING , WHY BOTHER .
PLP cares so much and is so committed to the future of the youth that the minster of education failed to even show up to any of the Gilbert school meetings, instead sending reps to give a frankly embarrassing and patronizing power point presentation and when it came time for questions and answers we were told “only the minister can make changes”, the minister that couldn’t be bothered. They care so much for the kids, why am I behind brand new GP cars (not electric ones) yet the kids are told they have no money to fix the buses that take disadvantage and disabled kids (and adults) to various programs. Why are they granting billionaires tax concessions under the guise of investment yet telling the schools there is no money for basic repairs. Why should parents be sending kids to school with items used to aid teaching because there is no money?