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For today's thread, we head back to the island of New Providence.
// Thread //
...R. M. Bailey and Why a School is Named After Him
// Thread //
...R. M. Bailey and Why a School is Named After Him
Bahamian public schools are usually named after their general geographic location (Grand Cay All Age) or after their specific settlement (Deadman's Cay Primary).
Though the practice of naming them after contributors to education in The Bahamas became commonplace.
Though the practice of naming them after contributors to education in The Bahamas became commonplace.
In September of 1968, Highbury High School, off of Robinson Road, opened.
The government's mandate at that time was to make it possible for all Bahamians to be able to gain a secondary school education. Highbury High School was one of the schools opened to make this a reality.
The government's mandate at that time was to make it possible for all Bahamians to be able to gain a secondary school education. Highbury High School was one of the schools opened to make this a reality.
But this is more about R. M. Bailey himself, as opposed to the history of the school.
Robert Melville Bailey was born on the Oct. 28th, 1875 in St. John's, Barbados. He was the 3rd of 9 children born to Aaron Benjamin Bailey, a carpenter, & Lenora Moore-Bailey, a seamstress.
Robert Melville Bailey was born on the Oct. 28th, 1875 in St. John's, Barbados. He was the 3rd of 9 children born to Aaron Benjamin Bailey, a carpenter, & Lenora Moore-Bailey, a seamstress.
Robert excelled in school, so much that he was awarded a scholarship to pursue law.
Though, this didn't happen as his father feared their wealthy white contemporaries would not support the family's business endeavours if Robert studied with their wealthy sons.
Though, this didn't happen as his father feared their wealthy white contemporaries would not support the family's business endeavours if Robert studied with their wealthy sons.
So Robert enrolled in Codrington College, Barbados, where he studied Greek, Latin and Music, becoming quite the intellect and an accomplished musician.
Though, a tailor by trade, he arrived at Nassau in 1899 after hearing of the construction of the Nassau Colonial Hotel...
Though, a tailor by trade, he arrived at Nassau in 1899 after hearing of the construction of the Nassau Colonial Hotel...
...thinking that a tailor would be in great demand. He never returned to his home; Barbados.
Bailey opened up several tailor shops throughout Nassau & served the likes of Wilfred P. Adderley, A. F. Adderley's father, Leon Dupuch, Sir Etienne's father & Sir Lynden Pindling.
Bailey opened up several tailor shops throughout Nassau & served the likes of Wilfred P. Adderley, A. F. Adderley's father, Leon Dupuch, Sir Etienne's father & Sir Lynden Pindling.
Though, as a school is named after him. Naturally, one may think that his contributions must have gone beyond sewing. This is correct.
Having acquired a college education, not long after the abolishment of slavery, he was keen on ensuring others were also educated.
Having acquired a college education, not long after the abolishment of slavery, he was keen on ensuring others were also educated.
At the time (early 1900s) no public high schools existed in The Bahamas and access to private, church ran, high schools was not common for black Bahamians. This aggrieved Bailey.
And so, to remedy this, his tailor shop became a place for young Bahamians to be tutored.
And so, to remedy this, his tailor shop became a place for young Bahamians to be tutored.
In addition to this, he entered Bahamian politics so that he could see to it that all Bahamians had access to education from the House of Assembly. He lost by one vote to Mr. Bruce Killroy Thompson.
This did not deter him from pursuing his ultimate goal, however.
This did not deter him from pursuing his ultimate goal, however.
He then became involved in the opening of the Cosmpolitan High School.
It was funded by himself and other parents. The teachers were paid directly by them. An expatriate himself, every headmaster of the school was an expatriate until the school closed due to financial reasons.
It was funded by himself and other parents. The teachers were paid directly by them. An expatriate himself, every headmaster of the school was an expatriate until the school closed due to financial reasons.
Though unsuccessful in gaining a seat in the House of Assembly, with his influence, he saw to it that those in the House opened a school. To this end, the Government High School was opened in 1925 becoming the first public secondary institution in The Bahamas.
Two of Bailey's children were among the first students at the school.
Though, his contributions were not limited to the educational system. Bailey an Anglican, having been christened in the St. John's Anglican Parish Church in Barbados, contributed to Christ Church Cathedral.
Though, his contributions were not limited to the educational system. Bailey an Anglican, having been christened in the St. John's Anglican Parish Church in Barbados, contributed to Christ Church Cathedral.
Though, with his desire to help trumping his personal preferences, he became a worshiper at Bethel Baptist Church for many years where he contributed to their musical and educational programmes.
He also used the church to host regular public meetings in Nassau.
He also used the church to host regular public meetings in Nassau.
These meetings were hosted to keep residents abreast of current affairs and politicians were often invited to address issues that the attendees may have had.
When he felt as if his work was complete, he returned to the Anglican Church in 1948 until his death.
When he felt as if his work was complete, he returned to the Anglican Church in 1948 until his death.
Bailey, a Bajan, devoted his life to the advancement of The Bahamas and its people. He died on June 4th, 1960 in Nassau and his funeral was held at the Christ Church Cathedral.
He married, Turks & Caicos Islander, Rhoda Adams Simons in 1902 and the pair had 9 children.
He married, Turks & Caicos Islander, Rhoda Adams Simons in 1902 and the pair had 9 children.
The distinguished composer of The Bahamas' first opera and former Director of The Bahamas National Youth Choir, Cleophas R. E. Adderley, was Bailey's grandson. His mother, Helen Adderley nee Bailey was Robert's daughter.
For his contributions made to education and the overall advancement of The Bahamas, the government of The Bahamas renamed Highbury High School, home of the Pacers, the R. M. Bailey High School in 1972.
The school celebrated 50 years of existence, just two years ago, in 2018.
The school celebrated 50 years of existence, just two years ago, in 2018.
