No elective politics in the future for Jeff Broomes

The outgoing principal at Parkinson Memorial School made this clear during his farewell function on Friday.

 

“I have been asked on many occasions about my future plans. I now openly say that I stand excitingly willing and talentedly able to serve my county in any capacity in which I am requested. There, however, is one caveat…. No politics,” said Broomes who is retiring after 40 years in the teaching service.

 

“I will continue to support the party and individuals of my choice but will not become one of them, although some are my friends and most command my respect.”

 

In the presence of several educators who represented the schools he taught at and lead over the years; his wife, Margaret and other family members; students and well-wishers – Broomes described his teaching career as an “amazing ride”.

 

“I love it, I enjoyed it and hopefully, impacted it,” he expressed.

 

“I have had unimagined successes  as well as some hurtful disappointments, but at every stage, my dream and the support of significant people kept me focused and pushing onward every upward”.

 

He said he had the honour and pleasure of being fashioned and contextualized by some wonderful persons at the schools where he had the opportunity to serve – St Lucy Secondary  (Daryll Jordan), The Frederick Smith Secondary, The St Michael School, Alexandra and Parkinson where he spent the last three years.

 

However, he recalled that the last 14 years in the profession as leader of two different institutions brought the glare of public exposure and differences of professional focus squarely on him.

 

“As I reflect now, I am pleased that I kept my integrity intact, my focus un-blinkered and my conscience as clear as the most highly filtered water. I used my intellect, my experience and my sense of decency to fulfil the commitment I made on the first day that I entered the teaching profession…Yes, this insane son fought the good fight and was never blotted by any clouding darkness.”

 

“My tour of duty was defined in a variety of areas. I am a more caring and sensitive person as a result of my voluntary involvement with students of all background and I am a supremely a stronger person as a result of the diverse challenges that I had to confront.”

The outgoing principal also shared that at each and every school which he had the honour of serving reconfirmed his faith in the future of this nation.

 

“Yes, there were some children of challenge but if that was not so, what would be the worth of our profession,” he stressed, also pointing out that teachers are the ones to assist, the ones to guide and the ones to develop.

 

“Yes I have punished many students, but I never allowed that to describe what discipline was to me. It is not by brandishing the big stick or the lashing whip but the establishment of standards, the enthusiastic response to student needs and the clear manifestation of love and care………That was my formula and I am thankful to the thousands that defined the success or failure of my mission and my work.” (TL)