Tribute to Fitzgerald Jeffrey

This week we depart from the norm to bring tribute from the Palo Seco Secondary to a sterling educator who has left an indelible impact on the lives of those he has touched.

TODAY OUR school pays tribute to former high commissioner to Jamaica, former Member of Parliament for La Brea, former minister, and former principal of Palo Seco Secondary School. Fitzgerald Jeffrey was a fighter, a warrior blazing the trail to be among the first dark-skinned people to work in a local bank, a struggle won after the 1970 Black Power movement.

This fighting spirit transcended into the education system here in TT. We have been privileged to have been blessed with an educator par excellence.

Mr Jeffrey started his teaching career as a distinguished geography teacher at Point Fortin Secondary School, formerly Point Fortin College. There, his students, like Dexter Mitchell (now principal of Presentation College) of the 1980s, fondly remembered him praying before he started each class. He believed in the power of prayer, praying with his students before examination regardless of their religious persuasions. He organised countless field trips to places of interest for his classes, understanding the need to excite his learners.

He co-ordinated the evening classes at the school and was fondly remembered by his colleague and friend, Kenneth Gabriel, as a great motivator among the student population. He prided himself in visiting the homes of the children in his form class so that he could gain a deeper appreciation for their personal circumstances and challenges.

Mr Jeffrey was later appointed as vice principal at Cedros Composite and then as principal of the Palo Seco Secondary School in January 2001, where he left an indelible mark on the school community.

His petite built, yet mammoth influence made an undeniable lasting impression on the staff and student population at the school. At Palo Seco Secondary, his leadership style was one of a difference-maker, going beyond the call of duty most times with the child’s best interest as his compass. He managed by wandering around and communicating personally with the students. Oftentimes, he would schedule lunch dates with students, where each class had its turn in having lunch with the principal.

Joanna Collins-Young, a teacher at this school, believes his mantra of giving nothing less than 100 per cent will forever be etched in the corridors of this institution and permanently resonate in the hearts of the students under his guidance.

Mr Jeffrey would exalt the student population to persevere against the odds, believing that they can overcome their circumstances just like he did to achieve greatness. Past students fondly remember the many inspirational talks at assembly. Our beloved principal will be remembered for the Male Day and Female Day that the school hosted on Saturdays, giving fathers and sons, mothers and daughters the opportunity to engage in a day of character building with many positive and inspiring guest speakers.

He had an innate ability to nurture and harness the talent or skill his treasured students possessed to become the best in their fields. He was successful at inculcating a caring and loving family spirit among the school’s population. When the school celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2016, he confessed, “2001-2007 was by far my happiest and most rewarding.”

Undoubtedly, Fitzgerald Jeffrey was a visionary leader. Conscious of the challenges faced by the students at Palo Seco Secondary in gaining sixth form places at other schools, he established a sixth form to provide that opportunity. Unfortunately, it was discontinued after a few years.

His sterling contribution was also witnessed when he courageously steered the school during one of its darkest times with the complete destruction of the school building by fire in 2004. He was instrumental in having the school rebuilt in record time, all for the benefit of the students and staff of this institution.

Mr Jeffrey served his school family with distinction, dedication, humility, and grace, never losing touch with anyone from all walks of life, even after he resigned to enter the realm of politics in 2007. Mr Jeffrey left this brilliant institution that he so cherished and became the MP for La Brea and subsequently minister of state in the Ministry of Science, Technology and Tertiary Education, enabling him to continue in the service of his country.

His final act of service to country was as high commissioner to Jamaica following which illness forced him to return home. His exceptional dedication to our education system epitomises the saying, “To teach is to touch a life forever.”

Long live Fitzgerald Jeffrey. You will forever be in our hearts at Palo Seco Secondary.