This summer, BETA Camp (The Bahamas Engineering and Technology Advancement Camp) celebrated a significant milestone by hosting its 10th annual STEM-based program, offering students a transformative hands-on experience in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. As a steadfast advocate of STEM education and youth development, leading Bahamas-based tech firm Cloud Carib proudly reaffirmed its commitment by sponsoring the camp and judging its culminating event, the BETA Camp Design Challenge.

The 2023 BETA Camp Design Challenge took place at St Johns College, Nassau, Bahamas, on Saturday, July 29. As a sponsor for the past seven years, Cloud Carib's continuous support has played a pivotal role in making this event a resounding success. Recognized as the #6 Managed Service Provider (MSP) in recent global rankings, Cloud Carib's reputation for excellence extends beyond its technical expertise.

As part of its sponsorship, Cloud Carib provided financial support, ensuring the seamless operation of the annual STEM-focused camp which brought together ten teams of enthusiastic students, all tasked with presenting innovative solutions to diversify the Bahamian economy.

During BETA Camp’s 2023 Design Challenge, Cloud Carib's Marketing Operations Manager, M’khel Ferguson, enthusiastically joined as a judge. "We’re always dedicated to supporting STEM education and investing in the future of Bahamian youth. Seeing the excitement and creativity displayed by the kids was truly inspiring. The Design Challenge continues to be a testament to the incredible potential of Bahamian youth in driving meaningful change and progress," said Ferguson.

“This year’s challenge focused on addressing the critical issue of diversifying the Bahamian economy. Participants were tasked with proposing groundbreaking ideas to drive economic growth and development in the country and the teams did not disappoint,” said President and Co-Founder Trenicka Dukes.

Among the innovative ideas presented were concepts including Bahamian bush tea distribution on a global scale, limestone production, aquaculture, and textiles/clothing manufacturing. Each project demonstrated a unique approach to tapping into the country's resources and cultural heritage to drive economic prosperity.

Ultimately, the top spot was secured by Camani Cleare, Damir Gardiner, and Gabriel Williams, whose project centered on transforming the local aragonite industry. Their visionary proposal impressed the judges with its potential to positively influence the economy.

Through its continued sponsorship and engagement in organizations such as BETA Camp, Cloud Carib continues to foster a culture of innovation and technical excellence in The Bahamas and the region at large.

To learn more about BETA camp, visit http://wearebeta.co/ 

This summer, BETA Camp (The Bahamas Engineering and Technology Advancement Camp) celebrated a significant milestone by hosting its 10th annual STEM-based program, offering students a transformative hands-on experience in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. As a steadfast advocate of STEM education and youth development, leading Bahamas-based tech firm Cloud Carib proudly reaffirmed its commitment by sponsoring the camp and judging its culminating event, the BETA Camp Design Challenge.   The 2023 BETA Camp Design Challenge took place at St Johns College, Nassau, Bahamas, on Saturday, July 29. As a sponsor for the past seven years, Cloud Carib's continuous support has played a pivotal role in making this event a resounding success. Recognized as the #6 Managed Service Provider (MSP) in recent global rankings, Cloud Carib's reputation for excellence extends beyond its technical expertise. As part of its sponsorship, Cloud Carib provided financial support, ensuring the seamless operation of the annual STEM-focused camp which brought together ten teams of enthusiastic students, all tasked with presenting innovative solutions to diversify the Bahamian economy.   During BETA Camp’s 2023 Design Challenge, Cloud Carib's Marketing Operations Manager, M’khel Ferguson, enthusiastically joined as a judge. "We’re always dedicated to supporting STEM education and investing in the future of Bahamian youth. Seeing the excitement and creativity displayed by the kids was truly inspiring. The Design Challenge continues to be a testament to the incredible potential of Bahamian youth in driving meaningful change and progress," said Ferguson. “This year’s challenge focused on addressing the critical issue of diversifying the Bahamian economy. Participants were tasked with proposing groundbreaking ideas to drive economic growth and development in the country and the teams did not disappoint,” said President and Co-Founder Trenicka Dukes.   Among the innovative ideas presented were concepts including Bahamian bush tea distribution on a global scale, limestone production, aquaculture, and textiles/clothing manufacturing. Each project demonstrated a unique approach to tapping into the country's resources and cultural heritage to drive economic prosperity.   Ultimately, the top spot was secured by Camani Cleare, Damir Gardiner, and Gabriel Williams, whose project centered on transforming the local aragonite industry. Their visionary proposal impressed the judges with its potential to positively influence the economy. Through its continued sponsorship and engagement in organizations such as BETA Camp, Cloud Carib continues to foster a culture of innovation and technical excellence in The Bahamas and the region at large.   To learn more about BETA camp, visit http://wearebeta.co/ 

The candidates that have met the qualifications for the All Bahamas Merit Scholarship (ABMS) are waiting with bated breath to see who will be awarded the prestigious $140,000 scholarship.

Among the graduated high school seniors that qualified to be able to make application were 22 candidates - 12 males and 11 females. They have gone through the interview process by the All ABMS Committee, with each deserving student now having the opportunity to be awarded the $35,000 per year in scholarship money intended for undergraduate studies, tenable at accredited international colleges and universities.

The ABMS is the most prestigious national scholarship to be awarded to a single Bahamian candidate.

Ministry of Education officials in the Scholarship and Educational Loan Division, has said there is "diversity" in the candidate pool with applicant cumulative grade point averages (GPA) ranging between 3.70 and 4.19, and Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) scores ranging between 1,220 to 1,360.

"The competition is extremely fierce," said officials after they interviewed the candidates.

The candidate who will be awarded the 2023 ABMS will also be exceptionally well rounded and have applied to or been accepted to an academically prestigious international college or university.

Candidates making the 2023 cut come from three islands - New Providence, Grand Bahama and from Eleuthera.

Participating schools include Bishop Michael Eldon School, Queen's College, St. Augustine's College, St. John's College, Sunland Baptist Academy, St. Anne's School, and Central Eleuthera High School. The Central Eleuthera High School students is the only public-school candidate.

Candidates are in a holding pattern, as they await the BGCSE (Bahamas General Certificate of Secondary Education) examinations national results which will play an integral role in who will be the named the country's 29th All Bahamas Merit Scholarship recipient in 28 years.

"There is ardent competition among the candidates and it is possible that more than one student may be granted the ABM award in a particular year," said officials.

This is the exception rather than the rule, but came to be in 2019, when two ABMS were named for the first time in the award's history in Mahlia Neely, a 2019 Queen's College graduate, and Dehron Smith, a 2017 Nassau Christian Schools (NCS) graduate.

Neely and Smith were the 24th scholars to receive the ABMS award after its 1993 introduction.

Smith was a 2017 Nassau Christian Schools (NCS) graduate who received the award two years after graduating high school. He was the first NCS student to be awarded the ABMS.

Bahamian high school graduates may still be eligible for the scholarship if they continue in any high school extension program (approved by the committee) for a maximum of two years after graduating from an approved Bahamian high school. These students must apply during the second year of their studies. Candidates must have a cumulative GPA of 3.7 and above, a minimum of eight BGCSEs with at least eight A passes, SAT score of 1,220 or higher or an ACT (American College Test) score of 25 or higher.

Smith was a United World College (UWC) Hong Kong scholarship recipient. He was eligible to receive the ABMS in 2019, two years after graduating high school and after completing the UWC program which is considered an extension of a high school program. Applicants for the ABMS and National Merit Scholarships (NMS) can apply once the two UWC years are completed.

The ABMS is the highest level of merit scholarship awarded by the government. It is valued at $35,000 per annum for up to five years depending on the degree pursued and is valued between $140,000 over four years; or $175,000 over five years dependent on the degree program, and tenable at accredited universities locally or abroad.

NMS is the second highest level of merit scholarship awarded by the government, and can be awarded to multiple Bahamian applicants.

The scholarship has a maximum value of $25,000 per year for up to four years and is tenable at accredited universities locally or abroad.

To be considered for the ABMS award, applicants must have a GPA of 3.7 and above, a minimum of eight BGCSE's with at least eight A passes, have applied to or been accepted to an academically prestigious accredited college or university, have an SAT score of 1,220 and above, demonstrate excellence in co-curricular activities, possesses an unwavering dedication to improving the lives of Bahamians and demonstrate a strong moral character and the potential to lead.

To be considered for the NMS, applicants must have a GPA of 3.5 and above, achieve an SAT score of 1,220 or higher, possess a minimum of seven BGCSE A passes and have applied or been accepted to an academically prestigious accredited college or university.

The ABMS is a collaboration between the Central Bank of The Bahamas and the Ministry of Education.

All Bahamas Merit Scholars

2022 - Alexis Godet, University of South Florida, chemical engineering and music performance, classical violin

2021 - Maya Tilberg, University of Miami, biology

2020 - No award given

2019 - Mahila Neely, Vassar

College, English and Dehron Smith, Ithaca College, athletic training

2018 - Aaron Edgecombe, University of Miami, electrical engineering

2017 - Paloma Cartiwrtight, McGill University, engineering/computer science

2016 - Simone, Cambridge, McGill University, art history and urban studies

2015 - Domonic McDonald, University of Western Ontario, Canada, political science with a specialty in international relations

2014 - Gabrielle Moss, Johns Hopkins University, mathematics and statistics with a focus on actuarial science

2013 - Shannon Butler, University of St. Andrew's, medicine

2012 -Theophilus Moss, Johns Hopkins University, mechanical engineering

2011 - Jamia Moss, College of St. Benedict, biochemistry and Spanish

2009 - Jenna Chaplin, University of The Pacific, fine arts and psychology

2008 - Genymphas Higgs, Drexel University, biomedical engineering

2007 - Lisa Rodgers, Brown University, education

2006 - Kyle Chea, Vassar College, pre-med and foreign languages

2005 - Andrea Culmer, McGill University, Chemistry and Pre-Med

2004 - Sharelle Ferguson, Harvard University, social studies

2003 - Sebastian Hutchinson, University of Pennsylvania, finance and accounting

2002 - Peter Blair, Duke University, physics and mathematics

2001 - No award given

2000 - Ricardo Davis, Queen's University, Ontario, biochemistry

1999 - Ryan Knowles, Boston University, accounting and finance

1998 - Damian Archer, University of Western Ontario, University of the West Indies, Mona Campus – 1 year, chemistry, medicine

1997 - Jehan Unwala, Tufts University, international relations and economics

1996 - Rhys Powell, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, electrical engineering and computer science

1995 - Damian Forbes, Yale University, economics

1994 - No award given

1993 - Shireen Denise Donaldson, Johns Hopkins University, biochemistry

Recognizing the need for qualified mental health professionals, University of The Bahamas (UB) is actively contributing to this crucial fight as The Bahamas is taking a significant step toward addressing mental health and psychosocial issues.

UB has introduced a master of science (MSc) in counseling program with two concentrations – mental health counseling and school counseling – areas where there is a clear and present need. The aim is to produce skilled mental health and school counseling professionals to offer comprehensive care and treatment. Graduates will be able to work in diverse settings including hospitals, mental health treatment facilities and schools.

"University of The Bahamas is dedicated to nation building and meeting the needs of The Bahamas," said Dr. Detra Bethell, program coordinator.

"One objective of the recent Mental Health Bill, 2022 is to 'facilitate the provision of comprehensive mental healthcare and treatment in each community throughout The Bahamas'. The university has heard this need and has developed a program to facilitate the training of qualified mental health professionals who are equipped to provide comprehensive, evidenced-based, culturally relevant mental healthcare across the country."

Dean of the College of Social and Education Studies at UB Dr. Thalia Micklewhite spoke to the anticipated impact of the 60-credit program.

"With the increase in mental health issues in populations across the world since COVID, and [Hurricane] Dorian in our own Bahamaland exponentially [and] having been integrally involved in the approval of the program, I know that it is of the highest standards and will have experienced and skilled facilitators to produce the finest graduates," said Micklewhite.

"More importantly, I am delighted that the University of The Bahamas has embraced and delivered on the challenge to meet the pressing educational needs of the country. We will produce highly skilled school counselors for our children, and mental health counselors for the overall well-being of the nation."

The program will follow the rigorous international standards and specific guidelines of the US-based Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).

As it pursues its national development mandate, UB has been developing academic programs to increase capacity in many sectors; counselling is one of them.

Students will be engaged in intellectual discourse and innovative content delivery. A cohort model will foster strong relationships among students to support their academic growth and professional development. They will also benefit from qualified and experienced faculty with backgrounds in aligned areas.

"The master of science in counseling program is definitely an excellent program that will stand tall against similar programs offered regionally and internationally," said Remelda Moxey, UB dean of graduate studies and research.

"The Office of Graduate Studies and Research is very proud of this program and recognizes that it will prepare a cadre of qualified professionals who will resolve mental health and social issues throughout the country."

UB has recently approved and is currently reviewing other graduate degree offerings in areas of critical national need including education, business, law and nursing.

Brigitte Cumberbatch loves the thought of being able to make dreams and one's imagination turn into reality. She also loves cartoons, films, and different forms of art. Animation allows her to pursue all three, at the same time.

Brigitte, 20, is pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Animation with a concentration in Concept Design and Storytelling at Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), the university for creative careers.

"With animation, I also truly appreciate how you can exaggerate different things and make the unordinary become ordinary. What fascinates me is that I can turn my imagination or my different ideas into reality. Whatever I think, or whichever character I create, I have the ability to put it on paper or on a screen and make it come to life. The subject area also fascinates me because it does what live action can't do. For example, if I want to make someone fly, I could use a real person, but sometimes it just doesn't look best or holds any satisfying appeal to it. However, with animation, one can manipulate and exaggerate drawings, so it looks accurate but also has a sense of charm that just fascinates and demands you to keep looking at the screen."

Brigitte's goal is to enter the animation industry as a visual development artist or as a storyboard artist. Her ultimate goal she said would be to become an art director or character designer.

While many parents try to encourage their children toward studies to be doctor, lawyer, or Indian chief - Brigitte said she is blessed to have the support of her parents, Gisela and Dr. Brasil "Stan" Cumberbatch in her course of study.

"My parents and all of my family and friends for that matter are my number one supporters and have helped me from the day I decided on my career path," said Brigitte. "I love all of them and appreciate them with all my being."

Brigitte discovered animation because of her love of cartoon watching. It's a course of study totally outside the realm of any subjects offered in high schools in The Bahamas.

She said she became "enamored" by the characters on the screen and convinced herself that she needed to be able to do that one day.

The senior at SCAD, who is expected to graduate in May 2024, said she decided on the institution during her eighth-grade year in high school.

"One day, during our homeroom meeting in grade eight, one of our counselors told us to go home and find colleges; therefore, that's what I did that night, and discovered SCAD. I loved the campus and felt so drawn to it, that I made a promise to myself that I would go there. From there, and with the help of my different art teachers, I focused on building my portfolio and getting a top score in my AP [Advanced Placement] art exam that would ensure my acceptance to SCAD."

For Brigitte, education is important to be able to appreciate and navigate the world.

Prior to the end of her junior year, Brigitte had a 3.92 grade point average (GPA).

She plans to pursue a master's degree and said she envisions herself working at her dream company and having fun making connections and creating a better her.

"I also see myself being happy, and being surrounded by all my loved ones as I keep building myself and my name to one day be part of a film that is nominated for an Academy reward."