'Failing school system is low point of my time in BDA'
Departing U.S. Consul General Gregory Slayton slams standards in farewell interview

U.S. Consul General ­Gregory Slayton has ­revealed dealing with Bermuda's "failing" school system is the biggest low of his four-year post.

Mr. Slayton, a father of four, has hit out at the ­"forgotten" private schools "threatening to ruin our children's future".

He hit out in a farewell interview with the Bermuda Sun just weeks before his family leaves the island.

Mr. Slayton, a Republican, calls Bermuda "a piece of heaven" but has to leave due to Democrat Barack Obama's presidential win.

Biggest gripe

His successor has yet to be formally named - but he exclusively revealed that it will be a woman for the first time.

The U.S. Consul General admitted he had "mixed emotions" about leaving but saw his time in Bermuda as a "job well done."

His biggest gripe is that private schools are "being overlooked" as Government concentrates on ­improving public schools.

Mr. Slayton says that for us to move ­forward we must "prepare all of our youth".

But he added that, like all things, "it always comes down to leadership".

He named Saltus ­Grammar School as one of the island's private schools which has been allowed to "go down the drain".

He said: "Saltus should be the best school on the ­island, even in North America, but it's not even the best on its own block.

"It has the money, the buildings and grounds and the support from the alumni to be a world class institution but the school is ­failing, it's a liability.

"Someone has to stand up and have the guts to do something about it."

Mr. Slayton's children - Sasha, 18, Christian, 17, Daniel, 15, and eight-year-old Nicholas - attended Saltus for two years.

Fighting

But he and his wife ­Marina removed them due to "teachers not showing up, teachers answering ­cellphones in class and fighting".

For the last two years the children have attended BHS and Warwick Academy.

Mr. Slayton was sworn in as U.S. Consul General to Bermuda on August 15, 2005, and admits "the time has gone so quickly".

He said: "It's been a ­wonderful four years, like anything I've had my ups and downs but primarily I will take away wonderful memories of Bermuda."

Mr. Slayton added it would be hard to say ­goodbye to the close friends he has made and the beauty of the island.

He has won plaudits from all sides of Bermuda's ­political spectrum for being such a pro-active Consul.

He claims there are "many highlights" of his stay but the biggest is helping to organize the annual diplomatic trip to Washington to "bring ­together the leaders of both countries".

He will also fondly ­remember Bermuda's huge July 4th celebrations, opening the 9/11 memorial in the Botanical Gardens and the friendship wall at the U.S. Consulate and completing the book Four Centuries of Friendship. Mr. Slayton wishes his successor a smooth transition and hopes the chosen candidate will be in place as quickly as late September.

He confirmed the shortlist had been narrowed down to two finalists - both women.

Mr. Slayton has told both "about the warmth of the people and the relative ­security of the island".

He added: "I have a good idea of who my successor will be and I think she is ­going to do very well."

Excited

Mr. Slayton himself is looking forward to "a change" as he returns to the high-tech venture ­capital world.

He is to be a Distinguished Visiting Professor at Tuck, the business school of Dartmouth ­College, New Hampshire.

Mr. Slayton said: "It's a great honour to be engaged in something new. I'm excited about this opportunity."

He will also be involved in "a bunch of other deals" that he remained tight-lipped about.

Mr. Slayton extended his "gratitude and thanks" to all the people of Bermuda.

He said: "We're really going to miss the place. But Bermuda will always be in our prayers and we hope to be back many times."

No one at Saltus ­Grammar School was ­available to comment.


Republican voices his opinion on the key issues affecting our island
U.S. Consul Gregory Slayton has his say about:

Bermuda's Government: "I want to say thank you to the Government as I've worked with many ­ministers in many areas. I deeply appreciate all the work they have done. It's an issue I'm not going to touch on any more."

Opposition party: "Kim Swan, Michael Dunkley and all of them have been very gracious and forthcoming to help. They could not have been a better gentlemen or given me a warmer ­welcome. It's been a pleasure and privilege to work with them. They have been stalwart and reliable friends of the U.S. and I deeply ­appreciate it."

Bermuda's Governor: "When I came it was Sir John Vereker and now it is Sir Richard Gozney. Both have been extremely capable and great partners."

U.S. and Bermuda relations: "It's a very positive relationship, we're at a high point. There have obviously been bumps along the road like in all ­relationships but I'm confident that all these particular hiccups can be worked out."

President Barack Obama: "He's a ground-breaking president ­doing a great deal to improve the image of the U.S. overseas. He's also a wonderful dad and family man. I'm grateful he's allowed me to ­extend my time in Bermuda."

International business: "One of the ­pillars of Bermuda's economy, this is why we enjoy this wonderful lifestyle. These companies choose to locate here, it's not a God given right that they have to be here. Everyone needs to appreciate their vital role."

Bermudian and expatriate ­relations: "I ­understand why there are tensions but ­people need to understand both sides. Guest workers play an important role in Bermuda but they need to realize it's a privilege to be here."

Bermuda's work ethic: "I'd like to thank Senator Burch for what he said recently - he was being very honest and it needed to be said. There are people who want to coast along without putting in the work. One of the things we should teach our children is the need to work hard."

Guantanamo Bay prisoners: "A ­difficult situation but I'm confident that with ­continued dialogue we'll ­resolve this ­situation in an amicable and fair way."

Freedom of press: "Like freedom of speech, this is a bedrock of civilized society. It's vital."

Bermuda's 400th anniversary: "It's been a great pleasure to be part of this year's celebrations. It's been ­wonderful and we were honoured for the small contribution we were able to make."

Bermuda's future: "I'm optimistic about the island's future. Although the recession has been difficult, things will ­improve."

Wearing a baseball cap: "The good Lord didn't give me the type of skin where I could get away with not wearing a baseball cap. It's something I've grown comfortable with. If I didn't wear one, my scalp would burn."

Courtesy of Bermuda Sun reporter Sirkka Huish