OBA, PLP Pay Tribute To Dr. Clifford Maxwell
[Updated] The Opposition Leader has today paid tribute to Dr Clifford Maxwell, who was well known and respected for his work both as an educator and as well as helping to strike down legal discrimination through his work with the Progressive Group.
Opposition Leader Marc Bean said, “The PLP joins Bermudians in celebrating the life of Dr. Clifford Maxwell.
“Through his work with The Progressive Group, Bermuda was moved closer to a place where every Bermudian, regardless of the colour of their skin will be treated with fairness and equality.
“Through his work in education at The Berkeley Institute, he helped to shape the minds of scores of Bermudians who, to this day continue to contribute positively to our island home. We owe Dr. Maxwell and his wife Florenz a tremendous debt.
“The prayers of our people are with the family of Dr. Maxwell and Bermuda is thankful for his life.”
Dr Maxwell, who ended his career in education as the Principal at Berkeley Institute, was a math whiz who started out as a maths teacher at the Bermuda Technical Institute.
He was a member of the Progressive Group, and played a key role in helping to organize the June 1959 Theatre Boycott.
This Theatre Boycott, and the work of Dr Maxwell and many others, was instrumental in ending the legal discrimination against black Bermudians that had been the legislatively supported norm ever since Emancipation in 1834.
Update 3.01pm: The OBA said they would like to “add our voice to those of others paying tribute today to Dr Clifford Vincent Maxwell, a well known and distinguished educator, principal of the Berkeley Institute, whose teaching career in Bermuda spanned a period of over 40 years.”
Mr Thad Hollis, OBA Chairman, said “Dr Maxwell left his mark on thousands of Bermudians who were his pupils during those 40 years. He made a very substantial contribution to Bermuda during his life. We offer our heartfelt condolences to his family.”
