Marlie Mount realizing vision, says former principal

While honing her craft, Brown understudied some of the finest educators Old Harbour has ever produced, chief among them Mabel Grandison, the school’s founding principal.

Her high ambitions propelled her ultimately to the top job of principal between the period 1980 and1990 before being seconded to the Ministry of Education where she worked as education officer and later community relations officer until her retirement in 2004.

She has had a real hand in the growth and success of Marlie Mount, one that can never be hidden or overemphasized. 

The goal of transforming Marlie Mount into one of the finest in the country is a continuum of ceaseless work that those of Brown’s ilk pursued with passion and vigor. 

It was therefore befitting of Brown’s stellar contribution and stature that she was last week among the most prominent figures who participated in the ceremonial ribbon cutting to formally hand over a new 10-classroom block and later took part in groundbreaking exercise for the construction of four classrooms at the infant department.

“For me the vision and mission of Marlie Mount is being realized because there are certain foundations that were set,” Brown later exclaimed afterwards during an interview with Old Harbour News.

With the advent in technological advancement and its proliferation in all spheres of life, the foundation has been laid for those today carrying the mantle forward.

“It speaks dividends that I am a part of all of this,” she beamed with pride glittering in her eyes. “It’s history in the making.”

Throughout those great years building this noble institution, Brown, a long-serving director on the Board of Governors said the hopes and dreams of many past and present were being realized.

Renowned Old Harbour businessman Joseph ‘Tom’ Parker was also among the dignitaries present to witness an occasion that will form one of the important chapters written in the school’s history. 

Having served on the school board for 13 years, Parker who is a resident of the community as well said “it creates a very proud feeling” whenever he drives by.
It was also extremely gratifying, he said, to see history absolving the man behind the vision of Marlie Mount Primary.

Said the school’s former vice chairman: “I could remember when the school was being built the Member of Parliament then Tacius Golding, the father of former prime minister Bruce Golding, he was laughed at: ‘why you building school up in the bush?’ weh yu ago get children fi go up there?’ Some of us are very shortsighted.”