The large auditorium at the Road Primary School was filled to capacity on Tuesday, September 9, where Government officials, teachers and students as well as residents in South Hill and Blowing Point, gathered for the Renaming Ceremony and Anniversary Celebrations of the learning institute. The person at the centre of the high profile event was former Headmaster, Adrian T. Hazell, whose name has now been given to the school in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the development of education in Anguilla. Smartly dressed and accompanied by his wife, Mrs. Dorothy Hazell, and Colin, one of their three children, the well-respected erstwhile educator entered the auditorium to a rousing welcome and standing ovation from the mammoth crowd.

Mr. Adrian T. Hazell responding to glowing tributes

Minister of Education, the Hon. Evans Rogers, who taught at the Road School under Mr. Hazell in earlier years, described him as one of the stalwarts whose name was synonymous with education and said he was an obvious choice when the Government decided to rename the school. “His outstanding record of excellence in education, his dedication and drive, genuine interest in students and his perseverance to ensure the educational advancement of all Anguillians, have left an indelible mark on this society,” the Minister said in his address, receiving much applause from the audience.

“The staff and students of this school should feel proud of the man after whom it is being named,” he told his listeners. “Not only should you be proud, but you must strive every day to emulate some of his characteristics so that this school would be a reflection of him. In short, you have to live up to the name. This means that you must care for your students and demonstrate that caring by making this school a

Mrs. Chanelle Petty-Barrett presenting gift to Mr. Hazell.

stimulating and exciting place to be, doing your utmost to teach the students and instill the values of hard work and discipline. For the students, living up to the name means that you must listen to your teachers, be obedient, pay attention and learn as much as you can and always do your best. Mr. Hazell is a man of excellence and he will expect no less from you… The community also has a responsibility to ensure that this school lives up to its name. Mr. Hazell is a part of this community and you must feel a sense of pride that he is being honoured in this way.”

The Minister added that the Adrian T. Hazell Primary School would be “more than just a name but a mentor whose influence will be etched in the memories of all forever.” He thanked Mr. Hazell, on behalf of the Government and people of Anguilla, for his “monumental contribution to the school and his life-long service to education” and told him: “Naming this school in your honour is our way in showing our appreciation and gratitude for your hard work over the years, moulding the lives of Anguillians. It is our way to say to Anguillians ‘here is a man who by his service has touched our lives and shaped our future.’

Government Officials and others at the Ceremony. Front row: Mr. & Mrs. Hazell and Colin, one of their three children.

Acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Mrs. Chanelle Petty-Barrett, presented a beautifully-carved glass plaque to Mr. Hazell. She told him in part: “Nothing we can do or say or present to you can adequately reflect the level of respect and admiration that we have for you. Nonetheless, on behalf of the Government and people of Anguilla, it gives me pleasure to present to you a mere token, but a sincere one, of our gratitude and appreciation for all your long and dedicated service to the people of Anguilla.”

Earlier in the programme, Elected Representative for Road North, the Hon. Edison Baird, described Mr. Hazell as a “good man who was an excellent teacher.” He was proud of his varied relationships with him over the years, as a student, teacher and a personal friend, and attributed to him his educational foundation on which he was able to build his academic education abroad.
Mr. Baird said Mr. Hazell was not just a Headmaster but a father figure to his many students. The parliamentarian went on: “He was not a teacher because of pecuniary benefits. Salaries were extremely low in those days. If you look at his pension today, it is a pittance and I believe that something has to be done for people who fall in Mr. Hazell’s category. People who have devoted their lives to this school and to Anguilla, should be well looked after. When all is said and done, you have to judge a school by its output. Look at the graduates of the Road School today. It has produced Lawyers

Mr. Hazell and Mr. Connor unveiling school’s name and photographs

, Doctors, Ministers of Religion, Dentists and a whole range [of academics]. Mr. Hazell has a lot to do with the excellence of this school.

Mr. Baird complimented the Anguilla Government for renaming the school after Mr. Hazell whom he said was at the top of the ladder.
Mrs. Eudora Hughes, who joined the staff of the school 50 years ago, when it was located in an old building near the Bethel Methodist Church, said Mr. Hazell was always a studious teacher. She spoke of his long career, training and postings including a teaching stint in St. Kitts after leaving Erdiston Teachers’ College in Barbados. “In 1964 Mr. Hazell was transferred to Anguilla and took up the headship at the Road Primary School just in the nick of time,” she stated. “When he was promoted to Education Officer (Primary) he knew exactly the needs of the primary schools and these were met as far as possible and as funds were available.” She said he was trail-blazer and that she had followed him in 1978 at the Road School and in 1986 at the Education Department. “He was a great catalyst and educator. May this school continue to be a beacon in the community, live up to its aims and ideals and make this stalwart proud whose name it bears.” Mrs. Hughes concluded.

School Choir paying tribute to Mr. Hazell

Responding to the various speeches, singing and musical selections, Mr. Hazell said that being a modest person he did nothing to initiate the recognition accorded to him. He recalled that on Anguilla Day 2007 Chief Minister Osbourne Fleming had announced that three schools would be named after former educators Vivien Vanterpool, Orealia Kelly and himself. Citing his achievements, he said he began teaching at the age of 15 and was grateful to a number of past education personnel who assisted in his development at the Road and West End Elementary Schools and the Boys’ School in The Valley.

He was particularly happy when, after teaching in St. Kitts, he was able to return to Anguilla to continue his contribution to the development of the education system. He was delighted to see how the Road School, once referred to as ‘a matchbox’, had evolved to its present building and level of education and for the opportunity he had to serve there. He recalled when he became the first Coordinator of Primary Schools Education, a post he held along with that of Headmaster of the Road School and the various challenges involved. His appointment as Coordinator followed a course he attended at the University of Birmingham Institute of Education from 1971 to 1972 when he specialised in Educational Administration.

Mr. Hazell, who is a recipient of the Badge of Honour and a Queen’s Certificate for his service to Social Development (Education), expressed gratitude to the Government for remaining the Road Primary School in his honour.

Following Mr. Hazell’s address he unveiled the name of the school and photographs of the various persons who headed the school over the years. He was assisted by former student Charles Connor, now Head of the Adult Education Programme for Continuing Studies.

The ceremony was chaired by Mrs. Hyacinth Hughes, former educator and a previous Principal of the school. Other participants included past students Derek Gumbs, who delivered the Scripture reading and remarks; Calypsonian Springer (John Lloyd); Darwin Mussington, singer and musician; and Pastor Ambrose Richardson who gave the closing prayer. In the presentations, Mrs. Hazell was the recipient of a bouquet of flowers from a student as part of the recognition paid to her husband.

The final programme item was the planting of a tree in the schoolyard by Mr. Hazell assisted by former student Rommel Hughes. Mr. Hazell is credited with having planted a number of trees on the premises which are now providing much welcome shade for students and teachers as they traverse the grounds.

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