THE daughter of a North Andros High School principal convicted of manslaughter over 30 years ago defended her father’s character and qualifications yesterday as she called on critics to forgive and respect rehabilitated ex-convicts.
Sonita Sands’ comments came after The Tribune revealed that North Andros High School principal Stephen Sands was convicted of manslaughter in the death of his girlfriend more than 30 years ago.
This conviction prompted concerned North Andros residents to question why Mr Sands was given his top level post on their island.
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In fact, Bahamas Union of Teachers (BUT) President Belinda Wilson told The Tribune yesterday that she has long recommended to top Ministry of Education officials that Mr Sands be placed in another post.
“When he was a principal of a school in Bimini,” she said, “concerns were raised in Bimini by the parents, the Parent Teacher Association (PTA) board, by teachers, myself and the then area vice-president for the BUT. We went to Bimini and we met with the different groups after they requested that we come in and we met the principal and a full report was given to the Director of Education and the Minister of Education. We recommended that Mr Sands be given a position at the Ministry of Education’s head office. The Ministry did not adhere to our call because there is a posture that is taken by them where it is said that the union does not run the Ministry. I spoke to Ministry officials about the issue as recently as last May, having spoken to them numerous times in the last three to four years.”
Asked if the concerns about Mr Sands are legitimate, Ms Wilson said: “I think it’s a legitimate concern that people have and the question also is raised as to how he got into the system because it’s unusual. I’m aware of no other situation where an ex-convict has been allowed into the education system.”
Nonetheless, Sonita Sands, 31, emphasized to The Tribune that the criminal record of her father has been flawless since he was released from prison, adding that the “church going” man has made an exemplary effort to lead a sound life since “his only major mistake” more than three decades ago.
“It was wrong what he did, but he turned out to be a wonderful person,” Ms Sands said.
“Sometimes you have to let go of your anger and see people for what they are. I’m 31 and early on I struggled with the anger that came from knowing what he did. It was always difficult and I would usually blame him because I would say if mother was here, I wouldn’t go through certain things, but the fact is he did well. I watched him go to church. I watched him work. He tried. He worked hard. He’s a good grandfather to my children. He never tried to run away from his past or keep it a secret.”
Asked if the concerns about him are legitimate, she said: “Yeah the concerns about him are legitimate I guess because as a parent, I would be concerned. But at the end of the day, this happened 30 years ago and if you’ve seen his track record since then, you would understand why the mistake should not define him.”
Ms Sands said her father doesn’t hold grudges against critics who continue to make him pay for something he has already served time for.
She called on people to remember that rehabilitation of criminals is crucial to a functioning society.
“If someone has served their time and can prove to society that they intend to do better, and can do better, then give them a chance,” she said.
Comments
ThisIsOurs 10 years ago
No easy answers, but there are some mistakes that you don't get to wipe the slate on. That's the price you pay for the choice you make.
Bahamianpride 10 years ago
Agreed.. we are all sympathetic to the daughter & believe in forgiveness but that has nothing to do with trust. U don't get to hold certain positions with a criminal record & that should be an objective standard across the board
EasternGate 10 years ago
There is no way this individual should have been hired as a teacher. Of course he must have been connected to a powerful politician.
Thinker 10 years ago
Great, I'm sure he is forgiven but he chose to kill someone. He should not be leading children in any direction except perhaps to show them why murdering someone is a bad idea.
TalRussell 10 years ago
Comrades I am not going to call-out the children of the controversial school principle, for had it been our father we would want to praise his rehabilitation but let us all be reminded; "If ye love me, keep (all) my commandments." - John 14,15 -
B_I_D___ 10 years ago
To forgive is one thing, but what is the right thing to do is another. Should this man be the head of a school...NO...even being a standard teacher is questionable. Now, on the other hand, I have zero problem with said person being a motivational speaker of sorts, one that goes to schools and discusses openly what they have done, the punishment for what they had done, and the rehabilitation and outlook moving forward in their life. I think we need more of that in this country, let the students see and hear some of the not so good stories...the stories of what can happen to you if you take the wrong path. The hardships you will put upon yourself for the remainder of your life, because of your actions...that I have no problem with and think can and should be done. Principle...head of school...someone in daily contact with the same group of kids that you are responsible for molding...emmmm...no, that's just a bit too much.
242in404 10 years ago
It's great that this man paid his debt to society and has rehabilitated himself. He should have been given a desk job, however. In the U.S., for example, a person with that kind of criminal history would never be allowed to be in that kind of position requiring them to be around children to that capacity. This is absurd!
TalRussell 10 years ago
Wait a minute. There are questions we all need to now the answers, before we rush to forgive, yes even after 30 plus years since a woman was murdered? Did he plead guilty and spare the taxpayers the cost of a lengthy trial? Did he go straight to jail to begin serving his sentence, or did he appeal the 30 years sentence, claiming his innocence? What about the killed woman's family, did he ever beg for their forgiveness? Were they consulted in the government's forgiveness to become a teacher, much less a school principle? Can he ever be forgiven of his crime, without first receiving the forgiveness of the surviving, suffering family members? Maybe he did all I am asking about and also admitted to the killing and all is forgiven?
hurricane 10 years ago
you missed 'comrades' somewhere in there! lol
sheeprunner12 10 years ago
Tal is no longer a card carrying socialist PLP.......... LOL
Read between the lines!!!!!!!!!!!
Observer 10 years ago
When was Mr. Sands released from prison? When did he finish teacher training? When was he hired by the PSC?
TalRussell 10 years ago
Comrades where are your facts the red shirts regime has clean hands with the hiring and promotion of Mr. Stephen? All I'm saying is, it's pretty damn unlikely you'd be sentenced to 30 years in jail for an accidental death? A woman is dead and if he wishes to remain employed at any school, regardless of the capacity he holds be it a principal, teacher or janitor, parents of the children had every right to have known what the government knows, but pretending they don't know. More like they don't give a damn.
TheMadHatter 10 years ago
In the Bahamas, if you commit any serious crime the Judge should be required to properly state your sentence. But they are not required. They only say something like "10 years in prison." - when instead they should be REQUIRED to say to the person "You will serve 10 years in prison, and THEN afterward for the rest of your life you will not be allowed to get a job because of your police record. You will then steal food in order to eat, and you will be back here again and i will put you back in prison for stealing. See you in 10 years and one month. Bye."
The Bahamas follows in the ways of Christ who taught forgiveness of sins. In answering Peter's question to Jesus in Mathew 18:21, we say "Not even once in 30 years."
TheMadHatter
rediscoverpurpose 10 years ago
I think we are the most unforgiving set of people until it's our turn. We are punitive and forget that we too need forgiveness; none of us may have killed anyone with our hands but we have killed many with our actions and words.
Bahamianpride 10 years ago
rediscoverpurpose, its not about forgiveness its about trust, the man has been forgiven. Are u willing to apply the same rule of forgiveness objectively? Example if Randy Frasier has repented of his sin and lives an exemplary life for the next 10 years are you willing to have him mentor a young family female. I would think not. We cannot pick and choose forgiveness and apply the rules of individuals pass subjectively. The rule has to be if u have a criminal record u cannot hold a position such as his period. Our kids are to important to take such risk.
Honeybun 10 years ago
Well said
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