Hailed as an educator “who has embodied what it means to exhibit Bermudian, academic excellence in every way”, Education Minister Diallo Rabain held a news conference on Friday to honour Dr Muriel Wade-Smith.
“We are not here to judge the actions of others in the past,” said Mr Rabain.
“We are here to recognize Dr Wade-Smith’s contributions to the academic field here in Bermuda.
“She has been a pillar of strength in our community, and has shown what it means to advocate for children and education in Bermuda.
“Dr Wade-Smith has made many significant contributions to the academic community here in Bermuda, and has also worked diligently to spread her knowledge and expertise internationally.
“Despite setbacks, inequality, pursuing her doctorate while being married with two young sons, she never gave up her goal to educate and inspire young children,” he added.
“As Principal and co-founder of the Bermuda Christian Deliverance Academy in 1994 – after which she was appointed the national ACE representative for French and English-speaking islands in the Caribbean.
“She later went on to pursue opening other Christian schools in the Caribbean.”
In April last year, Dr Wade-Smith was “appointed the AYA International Education Ambassador” to serve as their official representative in Bermuda.
The “high-tech and high touch web-conference-based school” was founded in November 1998 to provide educational objectives geared for the youth and adults.
Dr Wade-Smith, in her remarks, said: “You asked me what does this mean to me, if I go by what my family says and my friends say, they state categorically – it is long overdue.
“I say everything happens in its time. For me personally, this is the beginning of what I predicted in 2018 was what was needed in education is a volcanic eruption.”
Dr Muriel Wade-Smith, PhDThe former Berkeley Institute student took on education as primary school teacher after earning her “first degree from Miami University”, in 1971.
She went on to earn her Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education. In 1974, before continuing on to obtain her Doctorate in Philosophy in Elementary School Administration and Early Childhood Education.
“Part of her doctoral degree requirements was a written dissertation, at which time Dr Wade-Smith submitted her dissertation entitled ‘A Study to Identify and Prioritize Goals for the Bermudian Educational System’,” said Minister Rabain.
“Today (Friday), I am pleased to announce that Dr Wade-Smith’s dissertation is available online to all Bermuda library card holders and can be accessed at www.bnl.bm website.
“I encourage everyone to read her inspiring and thorough academic work.
“It is important to this Ministry that Bermudian contributions to academics are not forgotten or lost to history,” he said.
“Our aim is to glean insight and knowledge from present and past works of academia, to inspire the course of Bermudian education moving forward.
“I’d like to thank Dr Muriel Wade-Smith for allowing her work to be placed in the Bermuda library database and allowing us the opportunity to recognize her work and contributions here today. Thank you.”
- September is the National Library Card Sign Up Month & the Bermuda National Library Amnest Month. Minister Rabain also noted that any persons having late fees owing for overdue books, can be forgiven for those fees if they donate any non-perishable goods, toiletries or cleaning products to the Bermuda National Library. All donations will be given to the Centre of Abuse
