Minister of Education & Technical & Vocational Training the Hon. Glenys Hanna-Martin said that career and technical education (CTE) is paramount to the development of the nation.  

“Therefore, the Ministry of Education is heavily focused on providing students with the tools, skills and opportunities needed to excel in the areas that are in high demand locally and globally,” Minister Hanna-Martin said during the opening ceremony of CTE Month National Exhibition and Career Symposium held at the William Thompson Auditorium on Thursday, February 15, 2024.

She explained that the CTE Exhibition and Career Symposium is an incredible display of the ingenuity of students, the remarkable competency of teachers and administrators, and the Ministry’s commitment to supporting CTE for students throughout The Bahamas.

The Minister said every year during the month of February, career and technical education is celebrated in schools in The Bahamas and throughout the world to recognize the value and achievements of CTE programs.

She explained that this year’s theme, “Every Child Counts; Working Together to Include You” underscores the need for CTE’s students to be successful and inclusive.

The Minister said, “We are incredibly grateful to all of the CTE focused corporate partners and tertiary institutions that have taken the time to be here to encourage skills development and job readiness, ingenuity and innovation in our students.”

She said CTE subjects that are taught in schools throughout the country allow high school students to be job and college ready, to be innovative and to display ingenuity.

Some of these subjects include business, hospitality and tourism studies, robotics, pre-engineering, cosmetology, clothing and construction, carpentry and auto mechanics.

The Minister praised the CTE section in the Ministry of Education & Technical & Vocational Training for ensuring that the curriculum of each of these subjects are industry-based and advanced so that students are able to work immediately after leaving high school.

“The Ministry of Education is continuously working to improve CTE subjects in schools to provide students with industry-based experience and improve the tertiary level educational opportunities.”

She also noted that most recently, The Bahamas high school diploma has been amended to provide three pathways to the diploma one of which includes allowing students who obtain specified international certifications in CTE  subjects to be able to apply those certifications to fulfil certain diploma academic requirements.

Additionally, Minister Hanna-Martin said the Technical Cadet Corps Program is now fully revived and 120 students throughout New Providence were recently inducted.

The Technical Cadet Corps Program was established in 1990 and is a three-year program that offers students entering into the 10th grade an opportunity to increase and develop their technical and business skills.

The Minister said students in that program will be introduced to several disciplines including Mechanical Engineering, television production, water management, building maintenance, air conditioning systems, computer repair and job readiness training.  This program supplements the various subjects taught in schools.

She said the Ministry will continue to improve curriculum, engage new CTE teachers and encourage student involvement in CTE clubs, programs and camps.  

The Minister said, “The importance of CTE cannot be overstated.  Technical and business jobs are in high demand locally and internationally.

“Moreover, tourism is our country’s main industry.  Therefore, it is critical that those students who are enrolled in hospitality and tourism studies at their respective schools are taught and prepared for this crucial industry prior to entering into the job market.”

Some of the corporate partners and educational institutions participating in the exhibit include: The University of The Bahamas, Atlantis, Baha Mar, Royal Caribbean International, Synergy Bahamas, Lowe’s, Doctors Hospital and the Nassau Airport Development Company.

Minister of Education & Technical & Vocational Training the Hon. Glenys Hanna-Martin said that career and technical education (CTE) is paramount to the development of the nation.   “Therefore, the Ministry of Education is heavily focused on providing students with the tools, skills and opportunities needed to excel in the areas that are in high demand locally and globally,” Minister Hanna-Martin said during the opening ceremony of CTE Month National Exhibition and Career Symposium held at the William Thompson Auditorium on Thursday, February 15, 2024. She explained that the CTE Exhibition and Career Symposium is an incredible display of the ingenuity of students, the remarkable competency of teachers and administrators, and the Ministry’s commitment to supporting CTE for students throughout The Bahamas. The Minister said every year during the month of February, career and technical education is celebrated in schools in The Bahamas and throughout the world to recognize the value and achievements of CTE programs. She explained that this year’s theme, “Every Child Counts; Working Together to Include You” underscores the need for CTE’s students to be successful and inclusive. The Minister said, “We are incredibly grateful to all of the CTE focused corporate partners and tertiary institutions that have taken the time to be here to encourage skills development and job readiness, ingenuity and innovation in our students.” She said CTE subjects that are taught in schools throughout the country allow high school students to be job and college ready, to be innovative and to display ingenuity. Some of these subjects include business, hospitality and tourism studies, robotics, pre-engineering, cosmetology, clothing and construction, carpentry and auto mechanics. The Minister praised the CTE section in the Ministry of Education & Technical & Vocational Training for ensuring that the curriculum of each of these subjects are industry-based and advanced so that students are able to work immediately after leaving high school. “The Ministry of Education is continuously working to improve CTE subjects in schools to provide students with industry-based experience and improve the tertiary level educational opportunities.” She also noted that most recently, The Bahamas high school diploma has been amended to provide three pathways to the diploma one of which includes allowing students who obtain specified international certifications in CTE  subjects to be able to apply those certifications to fulfil certain diploma academic requirements. Additionally, Minister Hanna-Martin said the Technical Cadet Corps Program is now fully revived and 120 students throughout New Providence were recently inducted. The Technical Cadet Corps Program was established in 1990 and is a three-year program that offers students entering into the 10th grade an opportunity to increase and develop their technical and business skills. The Minister said students in that program will be introduced to several disciplines including Mechanical Engineering, television production, water management, building maintenance, air conditioning systems, computer repair and job readiness training.  This program supplements the various subjects taught in schools. She said the Ministry will continue to improve curriculum, engage new CTE teachers and encourage student involvement in CTE clubs, programs and camps.   The Minister said, “The importance of CTE cannot be overstated.  Technical and business jobs are in high demand locally and internationally. “Moreover, tourism is our country’s main industry.  Therefore, it is critical that those students who are enrolled in hospitality and tourism studies at their respective schools are taught and prepared for this crucial industry prior to entering into the job market.” Some of the corporate partners and educational institutions participating in the exhibit include: The University of The Bahamas, Atlantis, Baha Mar, Royal Caribbean International, Synergy Bahamas, Lowe’s, Doctors Hospital and the Nassau Airport Development Company.

BTC was proud to serve as a title sponsor of The Platform, a recent event held in Grand Bahama on January 27th, which focused on fostering the growth of next generation leaders with a special focus on high school students.

BTC’s Executive Senior Manager for Grand Bahama, Dominic Petty, was a special guest at The Platform event, held at The Rand Nature Centre. He was accompanied by BTC’s Senior Marketing Associate, Leteasha Lord, and Senior Associate of People, Keturah Williams.

In his address to attendees, Petty noted that The Platform event provided a unique opportunity for young people to engage with experienced business professionals.

“BTC, with its deep-rooted commitment to technology and belief in the potential of our youth, is enthusiastic about contributing to the development of future leaders,” Petty said. “In Grand Bahama, BTC is specifically focused in actively engaging with the community and giving back in multiple ways.”

BTC’s Keturah Williams also spoke at The Platform event, leveraging her wealth of knowledge and experience in the field of human resources to give students valuable advice on how to craft effective resumes and prepare for interviews.

“I am pleased with how the session went. It was very interactive, and the information given was well received,” Williams said. “The information shared will allow students to prepare a more professional resume and be better prepared for an interview when they enter the job market.”

Meanwhile, Founder of The Platform, Felix Bowe, Jr., said that hosting The Platform was a vision that was birthed four years ago after wanting to bring together experienced professionals and the youth of Grand Bahama, having them both glean valuable information from each other.

“The Platform brings together Grand Bahamas leading top level executives and CEOs across the corporate divide as well as young professionals, entrepreneurs, and disruptors in the various fields of construction and trade, tourism, business, law, accounting, health, and a host of other areas that are untapped,” Bowe said.

The target audience for this year’s Platform was grade 12 seniors of Grand Bahama High Schools.

BTC was proud to serve as a title sponsor of The Platform, a recent event held in Grand Bahama on January 27th, which focused on fostering the growth of next generation leaders with a special focus on high school students. BTC’s Executive Senior Manager for Grand Bahama, Dominic Petty, was a special guest at The Platform event, held at The Rand Nature Centre. He was accompanied by BTC’s Senior Marketing Associate, Leteasha Lord, and Senior Associate of People, Keturah Williams. In his address to attendees, Petty noted that The Platform event provided a unique opportunity for young people to engage with experienced business professionals. “BTC, with its deep-rooted commitment to technology and belief in the potential of our youth, is enthusiastic about contributing to the development of future leaders,” Petty said. “In Grand Bahama, BTC is specifically focused in actively engaging with the community and giving back in multiple ways.” BTC’s Keturah Williams also spoke at The Platform event, leveraging her wealth of knowledge and experience in the field of human resources to give students valuable advice on how to craft effective resumes and prepare for interviews. “I am pleased with how the session went. It was very interactive, and the information given was well received,” Williams said. “The information shared will allow students to prepare a more professional resume and be better prepared for an interview when they enter the job market.” Meanwhile, Founder of The Platform, Felix Bowe, Jr., said that hosting The Platform was a vision that was birthed four years ago after wanting to bring together experienced professionals and the youth of Grand Bahama, having them both glean valuable information from each other. “The Platform brings together Grand Bahamas leading top level executives and CEOs across the corporate divide as well as young professionals, entrepreneurs, and disruptors in the various fields of construction and trade, tourism, business, law, accounting, health, and a host of other areas that are untapped,” Bowe said. The target audience for this year’s Platform was grade 12 seniors of Grand Bahama High Schools.

 

The Shirley Hall Bass Legacy Project (SHBLP), dedicated to advancing youth through performing arts and cultural education, is thrilled to announce Sharon Poitier as the newest member of its Board of Directors.

“We could not feel more honored to have Ms. Poitier lend her invaluable perspective and expertise,” said SHBLP co-founder Cristin Carole. “Her lifelong devotion as an educator pioneering curriculum development in The Bahamas will help propel our mission of driving national performing arts exposure to the next level.”

Poitier joins the board following her retirement as Deputy Director of Education for The Bahamas where she spearheaded a transformational 2017-2022 strategic plan. Key successes included implementing an unprecedented, standardized curriculum development cycle, and amplifying technical skills across 27 divisions.

Her storied 41-year career in Bahamian education began as a teacher before rising through administrative ranks to implement systemwide change. She holds a BA in History and Secondary Education from Howard University and a MA in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of St. Thomas, Minnesota. Poitier continues to nurture future generations as an adjunct professor at the University of The Bahamas School of Social Sciences.

“I’m a firm believer in the power of arts to ignite passion within students while building creative capacity,” Poitier stated. “I have long admired Shirley Hall Bass Legacy Project’s visionary advancement of cultural programs weaving artistic exposure into the fabric of youth development. I embrace this opportunity to shape national consciousness through the celebration of Bahamian traditions.”

Poitier will help to guide SHBLP’s initiatives in developing arts curriculum standards, scholarships, research, and advocacy platforms over its next exciting chapter.

The Shirley Hall Bass Legacy Project is a Bahamian nonprofit organization founded in 2017 to support youth empowerment through performing arts education, programming, and cultural research. Learn more at www.shirleyhallbasslegacy.org

The Shirley Hall Bass Legacy Project (SHBLP), dedicated to advancing youth through performing arts and cultural education, is thrilled to announce Sharon Poitier as the newest member of its Board of Directors. “We could not feel more honored to have Ms. Poitier lend her invaluable perspective and expertise,” said SHBLP co-founder Cristin Carole. “Her lifelong devotion as an educator pioneering curriculum development in The Bahamas will help propel our mission of driving national performing arts exposure to the next level.” Poitier joins the board following her retirement as Deputy Director of Education for The Bahamas where she spearheaded a transformational 2017-2022 strategic plan. Key successes included implementing an unprecedented, standardized curriculum development cycle, and amplifying technical skills across 27 divisions. Her storied 41-year career in Bahamian education began as a teacher before rising through administrative ranks to implement systemwide change. She holds a BA in History and Secondary Education from Howard University and a MA in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of St. Thomas, Minnesota. Poitier continues to nurture future generations as an adjunct professor at the University of The Bahamas School of Social Sciences. “I’m a firm believer in the power of arts to ignite passion within students while building creative capacity,” Poitier stated. “I have long admired Shirley Hall Bass Legacy Project’s visionary advancement of cultural programs weaving artistic exposure into the fabric of youth development. I embrace this opportunity to shape national consciousness through the celebration of Bahamian traditions.” Poitier will help to guide SHBLP’s initiatives in developing arts curriculum standards, scholarships, research, and advocacy platforms over its next exciting chapter. The Shirley Hall Bass Legacy Project is a Bahamian nonprofit organization founded in 2017 to support youth empowerment through performing arts education, programming, and cultural research. Learn more at www.shirleyhallbasslegacy.org

More than 40 students were recognized and awarded certificates and prizes for completing the Bahamas-Huawei Cyber Bootcamp.

The Camp was held January 8 - January 26, 2024 and sponsored by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Renewal, the Chinese Embassy, Huawei Technology Co. Ltd., and Cable Bahamas.

Parliamentary Secretary Wayde Watson, addressed the closing ceremony on behalf of Prime Minister the Hon. Philip Davis January 26, 2024 at C.W. Saunders Fellowship Hall.

Among those in attendance: The Hon. Keith Bell Minister of Housing and Urban Renewal; the Hon. Jomo Campbell, Minister of Agriculture and Marine Resources; State Minister the Hon. Lisa Rahming; ITU Ambassador H.E. Leon Williams; Gregory Butler, Urban Renewal Deputy Director; parents, Urban Renewal representatives; and executives of Huawei. Participants included: Jesus Castellano Franchi, CEO of Huawei Bahamas; and Lillemae Longley, Operations Manager of Urban Renewal.

Mr. Watson remarked that the impact of educational initiatives such as the bootcamp should not be underestimated. Such events, he said, not only foster “vital” technical skills but a stronger sense of community.

He said the bootcamp was aligned with the government’s mission of nurturing Information and Communication Technology’s talent.

“This government’s Blueprint for Change sets out a progressive agenda to drive opportunity, equity, educational programmes, and a strategy set forth in our administration.”

The camp, he said, was much more than a training programme. “For some it may be the start of a flourishing career, for others, it may be as much as a second chance.”

Extending congratulations, Her Excellency Dai Qingli, Chinese Ambassador to The Bahamas, said the children exhibited remarkable commitment and discipline.

“You fully joined in the discussions, you asked questions, shared experiences and made the most of the time.

“The certificate is not only a hard-earned result of three weeks of hard work but will also instill an interest in technology in your hearts; for that you will benefit for many more years to come.

“The success of the first ever cyber bootcamp for me is three words – friendship, partnership and life-changing power of technology.  All of us experienced all these things,” said the Ambassador.

With the assistance of the stakeholders, the students and their parents, she committed to explore how to build on the success of the first cyber camp, expand the training and make technology accessible and affordable to more young people in The Bahamas.

Guests were entertained by the students and Urban Renewal leaders. They also viewed a video which featured highlights of the bootcamp.

The participants received certificates and gifts from Huawei and the Chinese government. 

More than 40 students were recognized and awarded certificates and prizes for completing the Bahamas-Huawei Cyber Bootcamp. The Camp was held January 8 - January 26, 2024 and sponsored by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Renewal, the Chinese Embassy, Huawei Technology Co. Ltd., and Cable Bahamas. Parliamentary Secretary Wayde Watson, addressed the closing ceremony on behalf of Prime Minister the Hon. Philip Davis January 26, 2024 at C.W. Saunders Fellowship Hall. Among those in attendance: The Hon. Keith Bell Minister of Housing and Urban Renewal; the Hon. Jomo Campbell, Minister of Agriculture and Marine Resources; State Minister the Hon. Lisa Rahming; ITU Ambassador H.E. Leon Williams; Gregory Butler, Urban Renewal Deputy Director; parents, Urban Renewal representatives; and executives of Huawei. Participants included: Jesus Castellano Franchi, CEO of Huawei Bahamas; and Lillemae Longley, Operations Manager of Urban Renewal. Mr. Watson remarked that the impact of educational initiatives such as the bootcamp should not be underestimated. Such events, he said, not only foster “vital” technical skills but a stronger sense of community. He said the bootcamp was aligned with the government’s mission of nurturing Information and Communication Technology’s talent. “This government’s Blueprint for Change sets out a progressive agenda to drive opportunity, equity, educational programmes, and a strategy set forth in our administration.” The camp, he said, was much more than a training programme. “For some it may be the start of a flourishing career, for others, it may be as much as a second chance.” Extending congratulations, Her Excellency Dai Qingli, Chinese Ambassador to The Bahamas, said the children exhibited remarkable commitment and discipline. “You fully joined in the discussions, you asked questions, shared experiences and made the most of the time. “The certificate is not only a hard-earned result of three weeks of hard work but will also instill an interest in technology in your hearts; for that you will benefit for many more years to come. “The success of the first ever cyber bootcamp for me is three words – friendship, partnership and life-changing power of technology.  All of us experienced all these things,” said the Ambassador. With the assistance of the stakeholders, the students and their parents, she committed to explore how to build on the success of the first cyber camp, expand the training and make technology accessible and affordable to more young people in The Bahamas. Guests were entertained by the students and Urban Renewal leaders. They also viewed a video which featured highlights of the bootcamp. The participants received certificates and gifts from Huawei and the Chinese government.