Crystal Caesar Resigns As Minister & Senator
[Updated] Crystal Caesar has resigned as Minister of Education and as a PLP Senator.
In a statement posted on social media, she said, “Today, I have tendered my resignation as Minister of Education and as a Senator representing the Progressive Labour Party. This has not been an easy decision. It is one that I have reached only after considerable reflection and after exhausting every avenue available to me to advance what I believe is in the best interests of Bermuda’s children and our public education system.
“When I accepted the responsibility of serving as Minister of Education, I did so with one objective: to improve educational outcomes for every child in Bermuda through evidence-based decision-making, meaningful stakeholder engagement and policies that place students above politics.
“Over the past several months, however, I have become increasingly concerned that I have been unable to discharge those responsibilities in the manner that I believe the office demands.
“In my view, decisions affecting the future of public education have too often been driven by predetermined political objectives rather than by the evidence, professional advice and technical expertise available to Government. Where information has emerged suggesting that an alternative course of action would better serve students, I have found there to be insufficient willingness to reconsider those decisions.
“As Minister, I believed my responsibility was to listen carefully to educators, principals, parents, technical officers, policy experts and the many professionals who dedicate their lives to serving Bermuda’s children. Their knowledge and experience should inform government policy, not simply validate decisions that have already been made. It has become increasingly difficult for me to fulfil that responsibility.
“I have also become deeply frustrated by what I perceive to be an inability to make decisions that would genuinely strengthen our education system because of a lack of support within Cabinet, particularly from the Premier, for approaches that differed from an established political direction.
“In my opinion, good government requires Ministers to be empowered to govern their portfolios responsibly, supported by Cabinet colleagues, and permitted to act when credible evidence demonstrates that a different approach is warranted. That has not reflected my experience.
“Equally concerning has been what I believe to be an approach to governance that has not consistently reflected the openness and transparency that the people of Bermuda deserve. I believe the public is entitled to timely, accurate information about significant government decisions and the rationale supporting them. Public confidence depends upon integrity, accountability, and honest engagement.
“I have also become concerned by what I regard as repeated interference in matters where qualified professionals and technical experts had been appointed specifically to provide objective advice.
“Those individuals deserve to have their expertise respected, particularly when Government has entrusted them with significant responsibilities.
“Throughout my tenure, I have worked collaboratively with educators, public officers, unions, boards, parents, students and community partners. I remain immensely grateful for their professionalism, dedication and unwavering commitment to Bermuda’s young people. Whatever progress has been achieved has been because of their hard work and their willingness to remain focused on students despite significant challenges.
“My resignation should not be interpreted as a loss of faith in the public education system. Rather, it reflects my conviction that I can no longer, in good conscience, remain collectively responsible for decisions and approaches with which I fundamentally disagree. Of particular note is the formation of the Education Authority and its associated draft legislation.
“It has not been properly socialised or received appropriate consultation from stakeholders. Matters involving education should not be a ‘check-box’ exercise. They require thoughtful and measured consideration.
“Leadership requires the courage to stand by one’s principles, even when doing so comes at considerable personal and political cost.
“I entered public life to serve the people of Bermuda, not political expediency.
“My loyalty has always been to the children, families and citizens of Bermuda. When those commitments come into conflict, I believe my duty is clear.
“I remain proud of the work accomplished during my tenure as Minister of Education and grateful to the many individuals who worked tirelessly alongside me in pursuit of a stronger and more equitable public education system.
“While I am stepping away from these offices, I am not stepping away from public service.
“I will continue advocating for transparent government, evidence-informed policymaking and an education system that places the interests of Bermuda’s children above all other considerations.
“I thank the people of Bermuda for the privilege of serving them and I remain hopeful that our country will continue striving toward a future where integrity, accountability and the public interest guide every decision made on behalf of its citizens.”
Update 9.28pm: The Premier David Burt confirmed this evening that “earlier today [July 2] he met with Sen. Crystal Caesar, JP. Following that meeting, Sen. Caesar tendered her resignation as the Minister of Education and from the Senate, which the Premier has accepted.”
Noting the commentary this evening, Premier Burt stated, “Ms. Caesar is entitled to her views. But I consider her comments on her former Cabinet colleagues surprising and unfortunate.
“The Premier’s responsibility is to ensure that the Government is best positioned to deliver on its Throne Speech commitments, advance the legislative agenda, and keep the work of Government moving as we near the end of this Legislative session.
“I respect Crystal’s decision to resign. Collective responsibility is a fundamental principle of our system of government and Ministers express their frank and honest views on every issue before Cabinet, but decisions made by the body must be supported and executed by all.
“I have thanked Crystal for her work. We remain focused on the Government’s legislative agenda and delivering on our promises to the people of Bermuda.”
The Premier’s office noted that after a “full day of significant meetings” with Ministers and Members of Parliament [MPs], Ministers and Junior Ministers will be Sworn-In at Government House tomorrow afternoon.
