The mining town of Linden remains in a state of shock as news spread of the passing of Mackenzie High School Principal, Sir Haslyn Small. He was also a senior agriculture teacher at MHS. He leaves to mourn his wife, Carmen Small, who is the Headteacher of the St Aiden’s Primary. The grieving widow said that her husband was a loving, caring and kind hearted spouse, whom she will miss dearly. “He was an aspirational leader, especially in developing your educational and personal character, he was disciplined in helping you to achieve your spiritual and academic goals, he was a loving, caring and kind hearted person,” Mrs. Small said.
Sir Small started his teaching career in 1994 at the Christianburg Wismar Secondary School (CWSS), before working as a manager at the Guyana Sugar Corporation Inc (GUYSUCO). He obtained Bachelors’ degrees in both Agriculture and Education, at the University of Guyana. Sir Small then returned to his first love, teaching, and was posted to the Mackenzie High School, where he played a significant role in ensuring agricultural students reaped maximum success at the Caribbean Secondary Examination Council (CSEC). During Small’s tenure as Agricultural Science teacher and head of the department, several agriculture students secured spots on CSEC’s Caribbean merit list. Small was also instrumental in MHS’s aquaponics and hydroponics projects. “His death is a great loss for the school, for education in a whole, he showed commitment, compassion and dedication toward his job,” Mrs. Small said.
Similar sentiments were expressed by present and former students of MHS, as well as staff members, regional officials and Linden at large. “Rest in Peace Sir Small, best Agriculture Science teacher, motivator and educator,” former Agri student, Leroy Bobb said. Meanwhile the Mackenzie High School Administration, on its Facebook page, said it has no words to describe the passing of such an astute leader and administrator.
Only Thursday, Small was presented with a token of appreciation by the Region 10 Department of Education for his service to education. The Department of Education said that Small’s passing is filled with sadness, grieve and heartache.
According to reports, Small, 50-years-old, died from COVID-19 on Monday evening at the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the National Infectious Diseases Hospital, Liliendaal, Georgetown. He was partially vaccinated. He leaves to mourn his wife and two children.
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