Prime Minister and Minister of Finance the Rt. Hon. Perry Christie said, on September 8, 2016, that the College of The Bahamas (COB) Summer Bridging programme not only prepares graduating high school students who needed extra work for entry in College of The Bahamas, but it also gives new opportunities to young adults looking to better themselves.

"I believe in the redemptive power of a second chance," Prime Minister Christie said, during the programme's Recognition Ceremony at the Harry C. Moore Library and Information Centre, on COB's Oakes Field Campus. "I believe in it mightily. I believe it because God has given gifts to people. Some of them have made mistakes in the course of their lives, even at a very young age; but they have exceptional gifts."

Also taking part in the ceremony were Minister of Education, Science and Technology the Hon. Jerome Fitzgerald; President of the College of The Bahamas Dr. Rodney Smith and other stakeholders.

According to COB, Summer Bridging is a six-week, intensive academic and personal development programme for individuals without the requirements for direct entry into The College. The Ministry of Education, Science and Technology contributed $60,000 in scholarships for the initial cohort of 52 participants, many of whom would be the first in their homes to attend college.

Prime Minister Christie shared the stories of Sir Sidney Poitier and even himself, showing persons who had to overcome issues in education. He pointed to persons who reached out and aided them in the bolstering of their quest for wisdom.

Prime Minister Christie makes a point to the students from the podium.  Seated are Minister of Education, Science and Technology Jerome Fitzgerald (left) and College of The Bahamas President Dr. Rodney Smith. (BIS Photo/Eric Rose)

"I am saying this to you to show you that you can become anything," Prime Minister Christie said. "Just keep believing."

He said that his personal experiences have taught him that there are other persons out there who can accomplish just as much or more than great figures in The Bahamas and the region, if they are given the opportunity.

"People are given gifts and a secret to governance in a country is to have institutions that are so flexible in their offering, that they can find these children and young people who have those gifts and allow those gifts to manifest themselves into something special," Prime Minister Christie said.

He pointed out that the stories of the struggle to achieve could be heard in those of the programme participants there that night.

"I speak to how beautiful our country could be, how powerful our institution can become, by recognizing that this Summer Bridging programme is a programme that could bring restoration, upliftment -- miracles -- into the lives of young people whose circumstances are so intimidating that they just don't know if anything can become of life for them."

Young graduates of The College of The Bahamas Summer Bridging Programme, September 8, 2016. (BIS Photo/Eric Rose)

By Eric Rose

Bahamas Information Services