Dr. Aubrey F. Bentham, President CAAAI
Fellow Alumni,
As Thanksgiving day 2013 approaches, we have mixed emotions about having to say a final farewell to our beloved Cambridge Academy Principal Robert A. Pinkerton, and celebrating with family and friends this day traditionally set aside for thanking our God for all the blessings He has bestowed upon us. But to the contrary, these do not have to be mixed emotions at all.
When I reflect on the man himself, I remember his sternness of nature, his passion about teaching and learning, his no-nonsense approach to classroom behavior and homework, his belief in God and his emphasis on religion as an integral part of education, and yes, I did not cause it to happen, but as a youngster I have seen him smile occasionally. Many also speak of his kindness to others, his selflessness, his humility, and a display of unconditional trust in his fellowman.
We may all have a range of cognitive perspectives of our Founder-Principal, but there is one universal and undeniable truth that must be told; he was a courageous man who was unafraid to introduce a first-class quality education and a moral compass to both privileged and under-privileged Guyanese children. He saw value and the ability to learn in each and every one of his students, and challenged us to believe in our God, country, and ourselves.
Robert A. Pinkerton made the first down payment for many of our successes today. I recall as he and his family left the 2010 CAAAI reunion celebration his parting words to me were, "Aubrey, I thank you." You all know that I am eternally undeserving of those words, and in a moment of admiration for this outstanding human being I responded, “No Mr. Pinkerton, it is I who should be thanking you.” So as we gather around our Thanksgiving tables this year with family and friends, combine those emotions by honoring the memory of Mr. Pinkerton and count him among our many gifts, as the educational leadership he provided us, will serve and bless us for the rest of our lives. Happy Thanksgiving.
