Prime Minister Perry Christie (left) speaks with BTVI President Robert Robertson during a tour of the BTVI campus yesterday. (Photos: Torrell Glinton)

The Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI) and the government yesterday broke ground on a $2.3 million state-of-the-art classroom block it expects to complete within six months.

The 6,600-square-foot block will house eight classrooms outfitted with interactive learning, two information technology rooms, a staff room, and an elevator for people with disabilities.

A separate restroom facility will be also be constructed alongside the new building.

The contract has been awarded to Commonwealth Construction Company.

The project is being solely funded by the government.

BTVI President Dr. Robert Robertson said the groundbreaking serves as a pivotal moment in the development of BTVI.

"It is a statement by the institution, its board of directors and the government, that we are collectively committed to advancing technical and vocational education in The Bahamas, and as such, our facilities are mirroring the same," said Robertson during the groundbreaking ceremony at BTVI on Old Trail Road.

He pointed out that BTVI has seen its student population swell from 100 in 1961 to over 1,500 students this year.

BTVI is widely considered the premiere institution for vocational and technical training in The Bahamas.

"I can assure you that there is a demand for craftsman throughout the country," Robertson said.

"In fact, technical and vocational training individuals are the bedrock of the labor force. Their value should never be underestimated. The construction of these facilities is an example of the importance of technical and vocational people."

Minister of Education Jerome Fitzgerald said, "This initiative today is indicative of BTVI modernizing its facilities to allow students to be trained and retrained at the highest level in a state-of-the-art learning environment."

Prime Minister Perry Christie encouraged the administrators to remember that each time they produce a graduate, BTVI is contributing to the development of The Bahamas and its people in an environment where those who are skilled have significant advantages and opportunities throughout their lives.

"The leadership that you are going to bring here is so critical to the future of our country, especially as an island nation where it is so important for us to be able to understand that as we are working on developments on New Providence there are islands out there that need skilled people," he said.

Also on hand for the groundbreaking were Minister of Works Philip Brave Davis and retired Supreme Court Justice Rubie Nottage.

Royston Jones Jr., Guardian Staff Reporter

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