The Grand Bahama Technical Cadet Corps Programme (TCCP) celebrated 30 cadets during a graduation ceremony held at the Grand Lucayan Ballroom in Freeport, Grand Bahama. This year also marked the 20thanniversary of the Grand Bahama TCCP. The 13 females and 17 males represented four high schools namely; St. Georges High School, Eight Mile Rock High School, Sunland Baptist Academy and Grand Bahama Academy.

The 2015 graduates of the Grand Bahama Technical Cadet Corps Programme. From (l-r) St. Georges High School, Eight Mile Rock, Sunland Baptist Academy and Grand Bahama Academy (Photo: Nikki Bethell).

Under the theme “Embracing Technology Today, the Foundation of Tomorrow,” the cadets were charged to take the skills they learned during the past three years and use them to avail themselves to the countless opportunities in the world of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).

“As you prepare for your future and take into consideration possible career options, I wish to remind you that individuals with degrees in STEM fields are among the highest paid in the world, so use what you have learned as a springboard to career exploration and consider a career in the STEM field. Interestingly, Grand Bahama is also the STEM Mecca of The Bahamas.

This city, more than any other, has embraced Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics and there are many job opportunities available to you right here at home. This is evident in our many sponsors to whom we owe a great deal of gratitude for their continued support of this programme.”

She encouraged the graduates to soar to heights unknown and to never settle for anything less than their best. She also highlighted the fact that they were transiting from one world to another and that the same success they experience in the programme is possible in college and life. “Success awaits you and the world is ready to embrace your gifts and talents; and may you all become valuable contributors to the Bahamian society.”

Mr. Leon Williams, President and CEO of BTC delivered the keynote address and he captured the audience’s attention with his insightful and thought-provoking message. Focusing on the theme, he asserted, “your theme ‘Embracing Technology Today, the Foundation of Tomorrow,’ speaks volumes. As the national provider for telecommunications solutions, it is imperative that we remain on the cusp of new technologies and advancements.”

He also reminded the cadets of just how fast paced and revolutionary the technological industry is, stating, “Every day new technologies are introduced and what may have appeared as the best thing ever created, in the blink of an eye, can become a thing of the past.”

Emphasizing the fact that we live in a competitively global society that is constantly changing, he told the cadets that they must be willing to embrace change to survive in the ever-evolving world in which we live. He praised the students for their successful completion of the programme and reassured the program coordinators of BTC’s continued support.

This year’s Head Boy and Head Girl were Mr Franklyn Forbes and Miss Alissa Stubbs respectively and the Top Cadet Award went to Miss Susheena Elizabeth of Sunland Baptist Academy. Among the other awards presented were: BTC President & CEO Award, Miss Alyssa Stubbs, Sunland Baptist Academy; Grand Bahama Power Company President & CEO Award, Miss Tamara Sawyer, Sunland Baptist Academy; Statoil S.R.P. President & CEO Award, Mr Franklyn Forbes, Eight Mile Rock High School; Deputy Director of Education Award, Mr Delano Shepherd, St Georges High School; Electronics Award, Miss Alyssa Stubbs; Engineering Drawing Award, Miss Aneicea Smith, Eight Mile Rock High School; Mechanical Technology Award, Mr. Franklyn Moxey, Eight Mile Rock High School; Engineering Science Award, Miss Susheena Elizabeth and Most Improved Cadet Award, Mr Kobe Ferguson, Eight Mile Rock High School. Mr. Ivan Butler, Principal of the Eight Mile Rock High School received an award for the school with the most participants in the programme.

The Grand Bahama TCCP programme is jointly funded by BTC and Grand Bahama Power Company. Other programme partners are: Freeport Oil, Royal Bank of Canada, Statoil South Riding Point, Freeport Container Port and PharmaChem. These companies have all contributed significantly to the programme over the years and have aided in the programme’s success.

Congratulations and well wishes for future endeavours are extended to all of the Grand Bahama TCCP graduates.