This was sent to Douglas Howe, owner of Bermuda Rentals Ltd., and copied to The Royal Gazette.

December 17, 2004

Dear Mr. Howe,

I was extremely disappointed and very disturbed today to receive a report of a conversation held with you and two of my staff while completing a transaction at your company on behalf of Dellwood Middle School. Your assertion that our school did not deserve the same ten percent discount afforded other schools because we practise racism by offering the ASHAY programme to our students requires that I respond immediately. This is a serious allegation and one which cannot go unanswered. It is my hope that I can enlighten you on the ASHAY programme and help to clarify your understanding and that of others, as to "the 7 Principles of Blackness" with which you have taken issue and which you seem to think prevents white children from attending Dellwood.

The ASHAY: Rites of Passage programme is indeed a pilot programme at Dellwood Middle School. This programme exposes all children to the rich historical and cultural lessons of Africa that led to the development of universal values which students are taught should be "guideposts for living".

The Ashay programme's study of values begins with the people of Kemet in ancient Egypt, who created "Ma'at, the highest expression of Excellence." The pyramids stand today as a testament to African excellence. Ma'at is Truth, Justice, Righteousness, Harmony, Balance, Order, and Reciprocity.

In more modern times, the value system which is celebrated through Kwanzaa is called the Nguzo Saba and refers to "the 7 Principles of Blackness" which are Unity, Self-Determination, Collective Work and Responsibility, Cooperative Economics, Purpose, Creativity and Faith.

There may be those who see the study of African history and culture as inappropriate for their children. That is indeed regrettable. As we know, black children have been learning about European history in school for some time now, so why would learning African History be seen as racist?

Furthermore, few people might say that the values being taught in the context of this programme are values they would not want for their own children and for those of others, no matter their racial or ethnic background.

As adults, we teach and model for young people attitudes and behaviour of tolerance, acceptance, racism and bigotry, along with so much else. Therefore it is important that we continuously examine our beliefs and behaviours to ensure that first, they are based on accurate information, gathered with an open mind and heart; second, that we accept that all people, blacks, included, have a valuable history and culture and a contribution to make, and thirdly; that if this world is to truly learn anything from the lessons of the past we must open ourselves up to learn from each other in an atmosphere of mutual respect and acceptance.

I regret that this correspondence was even necessary, however it is my hope that it has helped to better inform you about Dellwood Middle School and the Ashay programme.

I would also like to extend an invitation to you to visit our school to see first hand how the Ashay programme is taught and how it impacts our students, all of our students. Also, I must add that Dellwood Middle School is a thriving multicultural school which is committed to educating and developing all children so that they can become contributing and productive leaders in their country and in the world. With the continued support of families and the community we cannot and must not fail.

JANETTE MUSSON

Principal

Dellwood Middle School