George Town Primary was officially renamed this week after one of Cayman’s longest-serving school principals and the school’s head for 22 years, Marie Martin.
The school now bears the full name of the former principal – Sharon (Marie) Martin Primary School – following a ceremony on Tuesday, 13 Feb.
Before the unveiling, in the packed hall, there were cheers, applause and a standing ovation as Martin, who first began teaching at the school in 1983, walked through the familiar doors she had known for more than three decades.
In typical fashion, Martin, who never took a sick day in her entire career, arrived early for the ceremony, which was held in recognition of her contributions to the field of education in the Cayman Islands. She was greeted with hugs, kisses, congratulations and flowers.
Throughout the ceremony, Martin sat on stage, listening intently as school officials and government leaders, some of whom were her former students, paid tribute to her, and as the school’s choir provided the music.
She was praised as being ‘a mother to many’; ‘having a sharp memory’ which enabled her to know the names of all her students and their parents; ’a role model’; ‘a true philanthropist’; ’a transformer’; ‘a natural leader’; and ‘remarkable principal’.
“Renaming this school in her name is a testament to her dedication, preservation and unwavering belief in the power of education to transform lives and uplift communities,” said Kenneth Bryan, minister for tourism and ports and the MP for the school’s district, George Town Central, in his remarks.
Bryan, who championed the renaming of the school in Martin’s honour, said, “You can’t think of George Town Primary without thinking of her. Her name is synonymous with this school.
“But even so, getting her to agree was a challenge because, the humble person that she is, she doesn’t like the spotlight. She is truly an angel, and this does it, because it needs to be done, and that’s why it’s so momentous that she accepted.”
Martin’s former teacher, education officer, former politician, mentor and friend, Lucille Seymour, also addressed the audience, saying the change of the school’s name is “a tribute to a remarkable woman whose life exemplified the core values of our school community”.
She added, “The renaming ceremony symbolises pride for the community, ensuring that Marie’s legacy inspires future generations. The Sharon (Marie) Martin Primary School will stand as a reminder of her indelible mark on education and community welfare, resonating for years to come.”
Premier Juliana O’Connor-Connolly, in her remarks, said the best part of the ceremony was that Martin was alive to celebrate the honour, as often such occasions happen posthumously.
A life dedicated to education
Martin, 66, started her career at Spot Bay Primary School in Cayman Brac following her completion of advanced studies at Erdiston Teachers College in Barbados. There, she earned her bachelor’s degree in July 1978, which started her commitment to the field of education.
She also holds a master’s degree in education from Newcastle University in the UK, which she obtained in 1995. Upon her return to Cayman that year, Martin took on the role of principal at George Town Primary, which she held until her retirement in 2017 due to health-related issues.
During the ceremony, Martin thanked all of the individuals who had helped her during her tenure at the school and over the years. She reflected on memorable moments and expressed her appreciation for the honour.
She attributed her inspiration for a career in education to three role models. “Some very good teachers of mine, from a very young age, served as my heroes and role models. Then at high school, one teacher in particular stood out to me and I knew I wanted to be like her. The influence she had on our young lives made me aspire to be like her. Marjorie Ebanks was that teacher.
“There were three of us who followed her around. She had such a profound impact on our lives that, needless to say, three of us went into the teaching career – up to this day, two of which are still teaching. When Ms. Ebanks said to me that I was college material, that did it for me.”
Lucille Seymour was another of those role models.
“She saw the potential in me. She saw that I could go much further, that the West End Primary School was far too small for me, so and I needed to spread my wings and grow and develop into the potential she knew was there. She transferred me to the George Town Primary, allowing me to blossom, and the rest is history.”
Her other mentor, Andrea Bryan, saw the potential in Martin when she was the chief education officer, “and saw that I was able to move from a regular classroom teacher, without being a deputy, and move straight into the principal’s role”.
The long-serving educator has been rewarded with several awards and honours, including the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE) for her services to education and the community in the Cayman Islands, a Certificate and Badge of Honour for services to education, the Woman of the Year 2000 by the Business and Professional Women’s Club, the Golden Apple Award in 2007, and the Distinguished Woman Award from the Ministry of Gender Affairs, for outstanding contributions to education and community service.
Past students reflect on Martin’s impact
Among those in attendance were many former students of Martin, who were invited to stand up to represent the numbers of people that she had an impact on over the years.
Bryan, who was one of Martin’s students in the early 1980s, reflected on the impact she had on his life.
“She was easily one of my favourite teachers because she was patient, understanding and with the right amount of discipline,” he said. “I truly remember how much trouble I used to give her, and she loved me all the same.
“Her way of getting me to behave was to show me how much she did love me. It helped me to be good because I didn’t want to disappoint her, because for me, she became a parent and source of love.”
Tenisha Wilson, a 1999 graduate of the school, told the Compass that Martin had transformed her life in more ways than one. “I wouldn’t be where I am right now without Marie Martin,” she said. “I gave this woman hell! I was one of those kids that was troubled.
“With my mom having to work late in the evenings, I didn’t have my mom at home. Ms Martin filled a lot of those gaps. She took the time to pick me up, take me to the movies; she’d have this behavioural chart and give us stars for good behaviour, and we’d be rewarded.”
Wilson added, “She took the time to teach me how to read, to write. She took the time to fill gaps that, now I’m an adult and a mother, I could look back and understand… She didn’t have to do, she did all of that out of love.”
Wilson, who is currently the vice president of the school’s Parent Teacher Association, said, “When I look back at this, these are the educators we need, the ones that aren’t just here to teach, but to love, care and nurture you. I am so happy to be here, right now. I’m happy, I’m honoured and I’m proud of her. She’s an unsung hero.”
Compass journalist Seaford Russell Jr is another of Martin’s past pupils. He described her as a legend on these islands, “an absolute treasure to the education system, and a true advocate for uplifting the youth in this country during her time at George Town Primary and even after retiring”.
Though his memories of Martin have faded since graduating more than 20 years ago, Russell said there’s one thing he won’t forget. “I recall her asking me almost every other day, ‘Who trouble you?’ because my face was always screwed up. She soon realised that was just my normal expression and stopped asking after a while. These days, when we cross paths, she always gives me a hug and tells me to ‘keep up the good work, young man’.”
Shano Evans, another product of the school, said his time at George Town Primary was a “very adventurous one”.
“I would get in trouble from time to time, but Miss Martin was always there to remind me that I can do better, that I can be better. She would always say I need to stop playing the fool and put my brain to use. She would always give me words of encouragement.”
He added, “Miss Martin has always been a kind, loving and caring person, when it came to others and more when it came to George Town Primary School. I am so happy that the school has been renamed after a wonderful and thoughtful person that truly deserves it.”
‘I keep busy’
Martin told the Compass things are a lot different now from when she started teaching some 46 years ago.
“It has been amazing to see the advancements in technology and how that has affected the delivery of education,” she said. “The Cayman Islands has grown exponentially during the past four decades and so have the opportunities for those who avail themselves.”
The Cayman Brac native said, over the years, it was seeing children blossom, grow and enjoy their school experience that she enjoyed most. “There were so many highlights along the way,” she said. “I have followed my students along their academic careers, and when I receive invitations to graduations from the tertiary institutions, some with their PhDs… it’s truly heartwarming to know that I played a part in moulding that individual.”
Since her retirement, Martin said she has been busier than ever, “mainly tracking students after graduation that are not in education, not in employment and not in training. I am involved in a number of programmes with the youth; helping to mentor and guide their career choices.”
Martin, who is an active justice of the peace, volunteers for public service several days a month at the Government Administration Building. She has recently become a director of the Rotary Club Cayman Islands – Sunset chapter, taking on the responsibility for the vocational and youth services.
“I keep busy… and then I have my three dogs!” she said.
Unveiling
With help from the premier and Kenneth Bryan, Martin unclipped the royal blue ribbon which revealed the new signage at the front of the school.
Martin has subsequently told the Compass that the sign is likely to be changed to the Marie Martin Primary School, as she is not known generally known by her first name Sharon.
The evening ended with attendees taking pictures and an exchange of laughter, memories, and well wishes.
Martin said she is “deeply humbled”, adding, “although my work, which was my passion, was never about reward or recognition, it is gratifying to know that it did not go unnoticed”.
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