Perform To Learn Bermuda

Public Statement Regarding Perform To Learn Preschool

By McCartney K. Hart
Founder & Owner, Perform To Learn Bermuda
Hamilton, Bermuda

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On Friday of last week, I was notified by Dwight Hart that Troy Symonds was taking steps to close my school, change the signage over the weekend, duplicate and mirror my trademarked intellectual property, and attempt to reopen under altered control the following Monday. I personally witnessed signage being altered in a way that closely resembled the Perform To Learn brand I built over the past 15 years.

Upon receiving that notification, I immediately booked a red-eye flight and returned to Bermuda. I left my children in America — something I do not do lightly — because I needed to protect the business I built to support my two young Bermudian children, whom I have raised approximately 95% of the time without the consistent daily presence of their Bermudian father.

I am grateful to Dwight Hart for notifying me so that I could address this matter directly.

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Ownership and Legal Standing

I founded Perform To Learn 15 years ago. The school has never been incorporated or registered as a separate corporate entity with the Bermuda Registrar of Companies. It operates as an unincorporated business.

A prior 60/40 partnership existed during the school’s infancy under the name Building Blocks Academy. When the 60% partner abandoned the business, leaving it burdened with debt, ownership did not transfer to any other individual. Under Bermuda law governing unincorporated businesses, I remained the lawful owner.

There has never been a sale.
There has never been a transfer of ownership.
No documentation exists to support any claim that ownership changed.

Mr. Symonds assisted in a limited management capacity while I was overseas taking care of our children and ensuring that their education and well-being were my primary focus. He was never an owner and did not acquire ownership rights.

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What Occurred at the School

When I arrived at the school I founded and own, I was met by two security guards stationed at the entrance and was denied entry to my own premises.

Let me be absolutely clear:

I was the individual who called the police.

The police were not called because of my behavior.
The police were not called by staff.
The police were not called by parents.

I initiated the police call because security personnel were preventing me from entering my own business. I requested police presence for documentation and lawful clarity.

Multiple officers responded. At no point did I threaten any teacher. Teachers later confirmed to Sgt. Mr. Miller that no threats were made. I was not detained. I was not arrested. I stood near the entrance speaking primarily with officers.

Any suggestion that police were summoned due to misconduct on my part is incorrect.

What deeply concerns me is that during this confrontation, 39 children were reportedly upstairs with only two teachers while administrative staff remained downstairs engaged in dispute. Children’s safety must always come before adult conflict.

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Public Statements and Media Coverage

Between statements reportedly made to Bermuda Police Service Sgt. Miller, the letter circulated to parents approximately five hours after the incident, and the following day’s TNN coverage by Trevor Lindsay, there have been significant contradictions, inconsistencies, and material inaccuracies attributed to Mr. Symonds.

These discrepancies include statements regarding ownership, alleged conduct, and the circumstances under which police were contacted.

We believe these representations to be incorrect and harmful to my reputation and the stability of the school community. These matters will be addressed promptly and through appropriate legal channels to ensure clarity and correction of the public record.

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Financial Access and Banking Control

For clarity, I was never issued bank keys or HSBC key fobs for the business accounts during the early operation of the school. I did not have direct banking control during the 60/40 period.

After Mr. Symonds assumed day-to-day management responsibilities while I was overseas, I later learned that business account arrangements had been changed and that financial reporting was being routed through entities associated with his business interests.

I was subsequently provided accounting records that I have serious concerns about due to inconsistencies and lack of transparency. Those records were prepared by an overseas accountant who, to my understanding, was brought into Bermuda to perform work related to business operations. I have concerns regarding whether proper immigration and work authorization procedures were followed in connection with that work. These matters will be reviewed through appropriate legal channels.

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Social Insurance and Payroll Tax Matters

I have attempted on more than 20 occasions to work constructively with the Social Insurance and Payroll Tax departments regarding legacy debt originating from the former 60/40 partnership period.

That debt was incurred during a shared ownership structure. To my knowledge, the Bermudian partner associated with the 60% share has not been proportionally pursued regarding his legal responsibility.

During my efforts to seek clarity and request equitable application of Bermuda law, I experienced treatment that was deeply inappropriate and discriminatory. I was referred to as a “disgusting white” woman and subjected to an additional vulgar curse word directed at both my race and gender. Comments were also made about my nationality.

Such language is unacceptable in any professional or governmental setting. I was attempting to resolve a business matter in good faith and to take responsibility for the portion of debt I am legally accountable for.

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Personal Context and Impact

I am deeply ashamed that the painful circumstances my children and I experienced in our past relationship have, in my view, been used as a retaliatory mechanism.

The true victims in what unfolded this week are the children and families who showed up to an intimidating and chaotic scene. No child should arrive at school and witness adult conflict and security presence.

In the past, I was told that my life would be “destroyed” if I chose to leave and no longer endure certain behaviors. This week’s events feel consistent with that warning.

Despite this, I choose forgiveness.

My children and I are praying for Troy — for healing, for peace, and for restoration in his life. I believe that healing and accountability are necessary when bitterness and anger take root.

I ask the people of Bermuda to pray for truth, protection of children, and restoration.

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To the Families and the Bermuda Community

Bermuda raised me. I arrived here at 25 years old. I have grown here. I have matured here. I have rebuilt here.

Over 15 years, I have reinvested more than $650,000 into Perform To Learn and provided over $65,000 in scholarships from my personal funds. I have educated more than 400 children. My own Bermudian children are products of this school.

This is not about revenge.
It is about lawful ownership.
It is about transparency.
It is about child safety.
It is about protecting a 15-year legacy built on love for children and education.

I will pursue appropriate legal remedies to protect my rights and restore stability.

To the families of Perform To Learn: I love you. My commitment has always been to your children’s safety, development, and joy.

Truth matters.
Process matters.
Ownership matters.

And I have faith that truth will prevail.

McCartney K. Hart
Founder & Owner
Perform To Learn Bermuda

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