Harrison College bids farewell to deputy head

Harrison College honoured retiring Deputy Principal Dr Martin Alleyne, bringing together students, staff, former colleagues and non-teaching staff to celebrate an educator whose career has spanned 48 years and 10 months.

The special final assembly recognised Dr Alleyne’s contribution to Harrison College and the education system, with tributes describing him as a dependable leader who quietly helped steer the school through some of its most challenging periods.

Teacher Sophia Chase, while reading a citation on behalf of retired principal Juanita Wade, reflected on first knowing Dr Alleyne as her English teacher.

Dr Martin Alleyne . (Photo Credit: Lauryn Escamilla/Barbados TODAY)

“It is indeed an honour to read this citation to the man who introduced me to novels such as David Copperfield and The Call of the Wild, because he was my English teacher in the first form.”

The citation described Dr Alleyne as “a reliable ally whose advice was always informed by his years of experience as an English teacher, senior teacher, head of department, and ultimately as deputy principal”.

It also recalled the many crises he helped the school navigate.

“Dr Alleyne was resilient and dependable.”

Whether Harrison College was responding to hurricanes, the eruption of La Soufrière volcano, or the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr Alleyne remained a constant source of support, said Wade.

“Never one to complain, Dr Alleyne willingly enrolled in virtual training courses to retool himself and remain committed to keeping abreast of the latest approaches to online education.”

He “was a dependable and approachable Deputy Principal who consistently gave his very best”, she added. He “truly made my job easier”.

Principal Kaylene Kellman-Holder also credited Dr Alleyne for helping ensure a smooth transition when she assumed leadership of the school:

Principal of Harrison College, Kaylene Kellman-Holder, presenting a gift basket to Dr Martin Alleyne. (Photo Credit: Lauryn Escamilla/Barbados TODAY)

“I really have to take the opportunity to express profound gratitude to Dr Alleyne for all the support.”

His experience ensured the school’s operations continued without interruption as she reflected on her first day as principal, she said.

“Dr Alleyne operated in a way that ensured the school’s operations flowed seamlessly and no one knew that it was my first day.”

Describing his leadership style, she added:

“Teacher man… has been the one directing, guiding… despite being very much behind the scenes.”

Students repeatedly interrupted the ceremony with chants of “Big up a man like Dr Alleyne.”

The school community also presented Dr Alleyne with several gifts.

Second-form teacher Frank Massiah thanked him for his “years of hard work” before presentations were made.

The second formers presented him with a gift bag and a cake that said ‘Happy Retirement’.

Marilyn Boyce-Singh, speaking on behalf of the non-teaching staff, said she had known Dr Alleyne for more than 40 years, as he taught her at Garrison Secondary School, now Graydon Sealy Secondary School.

“He is one of those persons that I can call at any time and ask a question and get an answer. He is so easy to work with.”

She wished him “a long and healthy retirement and all God’s blessings”.

Students Narisha Ashwanauth and Accalia Ince also presented Dr Alleyne with a painting on behalf of their sixth form year group.

In his farewell remarks, Dr Alleyne revealed that teaching was never part of his original plan.

“I didn’t plan for it. I wanted really to do law.”

He explained that what began as a five-week teaching appointment after leaving The Lodge School Upper Sixth in 1977 developed into a lifelong career.

“Over the decades, I have grown to love teaching, and my passion is really literatures in English.”

Reflecting on his retirement, Dr Alleyne said:

“This is the end of my first book. My second book will begin on the 24th of July.”

Retirement would give him the opportunity to enjoy activities he had postponed for decades, including “going fishing, going swimming, reading books, probably start shooting again or do some archery”, he said.

He encouraged students to remain committed to whatever path they choose:

“You don’t know at your age where you will end up. But whatever you do… do it as unto the Lord.”

Dr Alleyne officially retires on July 23, ending nearly five decades of service to education, during which he served as an English teacher, senior teacher, head of department and Deputy Principal at Harrison College.

(LE)