The website (http://www.bahamaas.gov.bs/19ccem) for the 19th Conference of Commonwealth Education Ministers (19CCEM) was officially launched during a press briefing at the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology (MOEST), Friday, January 16.
Alex Wright, Consultant at the Commonwealth Secretariat and Co-Chair of the Stakeholders’ Forum (one of three forums to be held during the Conference) described the launch of the 19CCEM website as an “important milestone”. He said preparations are on target for what promises to be a “very important” conference for the Commonwealth, the Caribbean and globally.
Mr. Wright said the 19CCEM occurs at a “critical” time in the global/political process for developing the development agenda. “A strong Commonwealth voice informed by a strong regional voice can add real value to those deliberations. We’re looking forward to a vibrant conference and to bringing the Commonwealth to The Bahamas, which we’re confident will provide the perfect stage for those deliberations.”
The briefing was attended by Nicole Campbell, Permanent Secretary; Marcellus Taylor, Deputy Director of Education and Deputy Head of Task Force for 19CCEM; senior officers in MOEST and members of the Local Organizing Committee.
In his remarks, Education, Science and Technology Minister the Hon. Jerome Fitzgerald noted that the website is designed to sensitize the public about the need for equity, access and quality education in The Commonwealth.
He pointed out that the meeting of ministers responsible for Education in the 53 countries of the Commonwealth is very “significant,” as “discussions on issues of mutual concern and methods to promote education and learning will occur. Additionally, other education stakeholders such as educators, leaders of higher education institutions and members of civil society will meet to converse about the relevance of their involvement in the education process.”
As hosts of the 19CCEM, The Bahamas’s Local Organizing Committee is responsible for developing the website which went live on October 15, 2014. Among others, it features the Registration and Accreditation page which is linked to the Commonwealth Secretariat’s website, visa entry requirements, a video presentation on Atlantis Resort, profiles of participating Commonwealth countries, and resource information.
Minister Fitzgerald said the conference’s Facebook Page is linked to the 19CCEM website and to the following websites: the Government of The Bahamas, the Commonwealth Secretariat, Atlantis Resort and the Ministry of Tourism.
Minister Fitzgerald outlined the following objectives of the website:
o Inform delegates and others about the purpose of the conference;
o Highlight what will be discussed during the week-long conclave;
o State who will be in attendance;
o Showcase The Bahamas including information about our history, people, government and educational system;
o Feature the professionals involved in the planning;
o Fascinate delegates with the sights and sounds of Atlantis Resort, Paradise Island and
o Educate people about The Commonwealth as an important sector of the global community.
Minister Fitzgerald expressed gratitude to the MOEST, industry, civic and social partners who have collaborated to facilitate the creation of the website, and he acknowledged contributions of the technicians from the Department of Information Technology.
He encouraged those present to promote the website as a portal of information about The Bahamas, The Commonwealth and the 19CCEM.
The 19CCEM will be held from June 22-26 at the Atlantis Resort, Paradise Island under the theme “Quality Education for Equitable Development: Performance, Paths and Productivity”.
Press Conference to launch the 19CCEM Website – pictured from left: Alex Wright, Consultant in the Commonwealth Secretariat; Nicole Campbell, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology; the Hon. Jerome Fitzgerald, Minister of Education, Science and Technology and Marcellus Taylor, Deputy Director of Education and Deputy Head of Task Force for 19CCEM. (BIS photo/Patrick Hanna)
