Protest Erupts Over School Closures: Gilbert Institute Parents and Students Demand Answers
This morning, parents, students, and members of the Gilbert Institute PTA gathered at the North Roundabout on East Broadway to protest the planned school closures proposed by the government. The demonstration, led by concerned parents and alumni, highlighted the community’s frustration with the education system’s transformation plan, which they claim is poorly executed and lacks transparency.
TNN’s Trevor Lindsay spoke with Jennifer Ward, an outspoken advocate and alumna of Gilbert Institute. Ward, who also serves as vice president of the PTA and has a son in primary four, voiced her concerns about the lack of preparation for the planned school closures.
We all see numbers dwindling in schools, but the reality is the work hasn’t been done to prepare for school closures, Ward said. The schools where they’re expecting our children to move to we’re not sure what’s been done there to make them ready for our kids. They say it’s a transformation, but really it’s a transfer.
Ward criticized the government’s approach, arguing that the transition process has been rushed and poorly communicated. Pick what school you want to go to and let us know by the end of the week. And if you haven’t done it yet, you better do it. We don’t agree, and nor does the public, apparently.
Addressing the argument that the school’s old structure is a factor in the decision, Ward responded, The structure is old, but we had it right before. So, I don’t understand why schools were so great when we were in school, and why we’re in this issue now. We have so many private schools that are obviously very capable of educating children. Why can’t we look at these schools and mirror what they’re doing?
When asked about the larger educational reform and whether it is necessary, Ward acknowledged, I think something needs to change. That’s 100% obvious. If you speak to any teacher, they’ll tell you. But just making change for the sake of changing to say you’ve done something is not appropriate. It’s not appropriate to do that with the future of our country, which is our kids.
Ward also criticized government officials, including the education minister, for not engaging with concerned parents. I don’t think they’re listening at all. If the education minister was listening, he would have come and sat with the parents at Gilbert Institute. He’s had so many times to do it, and it hasn’t happened.
Expressing her frustration, Ward revealed her political stance, stating, My vote is going to the OBA, I’m going to tell you straight. They have promised to stop or put a pause on the reform and reassess the situation. The writing’s on the wall; you hear the honks the public agrees that just moving forward with the shutting of schools is insane.
Despite her criticisms, Ward acknowledged the efforts of some within the current administration. I think there are many great people working for Bermuda in the PLP. I think they’re overshadowed by the hatred and the feeling that we need to bash each other constantly when we should all be working together.
As the protest gained momentum, passing drivers honked in support, signaling widespread public dissatisfaction. The community is calling for better communication, strategic planning, and more meaningful engagement from government leaders to address the educational crisis.
TNN Investigates is actively seeking a response from the Ministry of Education and the Premier’s office. As the controversy continues to unfold, parents and students at Gilbert Institute vow to keep fighting for their school and their children’s future.
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