Principal of Queen’s College, Dr. David Browne, in conversation with the Principal of Parkinson Memorial School, Ian Holder, during the school's recently held speech day and prize giving ceremony.
PRINCIPAL of Queen’s College, Dr. David Browne, is longing for the day to come when people holding certain positions stop giving preferential treatment to others based on their affiliation, the school they attended or social background.
Delivering the feature address at Parkinson Memorial Speech Day and Prize Giving Ceremony recently, Dr. Browne recalled that in the 70’s, he was denied a transfer from Parkinson to Combermere because of the “nepotism, parochialism, favouritism and even patronage that plagued an era of class snobbery in our island”.
He said he was excelling at Parkinson and had reached the requirements for the transfer, but yet was denied the opportunity.
Dr. Browne said though he did not let that disappointment stop him from reaching academic excellence, he longs for an end to those days in Barbados.
The principal also alleged that job opportunities were opened up to some people because of where they received a secondary education and not their qualifications or experience.
“There are people who sit down in positions in this place and if you [didn’t attend] a certain school, you can’t get a certain job. You think I could put on my resume I went to Parkinson for some people, don’t care what I achieve?
“There are some people who believe that some jobs in the public sector and private sector should be reserved for people who went to the grammar schools and that got to stop,” he said.
Dr. Browne also referred to the fact that his appointment as principal of Queen’s College in 2008, caused consternation, suggesting it was not only because he was the first male to take up that post, but he was also a Parkinson old scholar.
“I faced the negative hype with confidence and belief in self. The comments made me more determined to be a successful principal. Graduates, that is how you must approach those who try to define you and those who question your ability and wish you to be a failure.
“Work with diligence, be dedicated to your task, be disciplined, and make excellence the hallmark of everything you do.
“However, you must be humble, never be arrogant, be willing to admit when you are wrong and never be ashamed to apologise. But never let anyone push you around. Be prepared to stand up for what you believe in,” Dr. Browne told the prize winners. (AH)