HS Class of ’92 blasts Gov’t for “draconian” conduct [Speech Included]
It was first brought to light on June 26, 2012 by Virgin Islands News Online that there was controversy surrounding the Class’ selection of Sylvester to be the keynote speaker of the ESHS graduation which was rejected by Government.
It is traditional for the class of 20 years ago to organise the graduation ceremony and select the keynote speaker among other things. Sylvester, the Regional General Manager of Delta Petroleum and from the Class of '92 was selected by his peers for carrying out the task.
In the end, Sylvester was replaced by Pastor Gregory George of the Class of 1995 of the Bregado Flax Educational Centre as keynote speaker at the graduation held on June 28, 2012.
In a statement issued by the Class of 1992, they said Sylvester’s name along with persons for other roles in the graduation exercise were selected by the Class and forwarded to the school’s administration five weeks before graduation. According to the statement, the school received the suggestions with “favour, without hesitation and without any indication that the names submitted were inappropriate or undesirable.”
However, the Class claimed it was only five days before the graduation that they were told their choice of keynote speaker would be unsuitable to fulfil the role “he was democratically chosen to perform”.
“The reasons for this impromptu position have still not been made clear to us. After trying to ascertain the rationale for this decision and being subjected to what we deem to be distasteful, dishonest and draconian conduct.”
The class said it was then that they “collectively and respectfully” communicated their desire to relinquish any duties on graduation day outside of those that required direct interaction with the students; hence the decision was taken to only participate in the distribution of student awards. “The Class of 1992 stands resolutely by this decision in order to register our collective displeasure for the manner in which we, adults and contributing members of this community were treated while also emphasizing our focus on the graduating students and their accomplishments.”
Meanwhile, the Class further stated that the their participation in the graduation exercises has always been with the aim of supporting and recognising the efforts of the hard-working graduates and their families, and it was for that reason primarily they did not want to respond to allegations and misrepresentations regarding their role in the graduation activities prior to now.
“And now that the youth of this community have been duly celebrated, we wish to continue being role models and examples to them by telling the truth.”
“During this entire experience, we, as representatives of our families, our alma mater (the BVI High School) and our community (the Virgin Islands), have made every effort to carry out our business in a professional and courteous manner. We sought to demonstrate to this year’s graduating students the importance of ideals such as industry, prudence, respect, integrity and more so forgiveness. Perhaps both the Classes of 2012 and 1992, through this experience, have learned hard but valuable life lessons; but the Class of 1992 stands firmly on the ideals and principles that were instilled in us as students of the BVI High School, even if we are standing alone. We wish the Elmore Stoutt High School Graduating Class of 2012 every success as they set forth on new journeys in education and/or employment, and we pray God’s continued blessings on our Virgin Islands.”
Please click here to read Mr. Slyvester's Speech. Bevis Sylvester Speech
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