In a tangible commitment towards capacity-building, the Nassau Paradise Island Promotion Board (NPIPB) and its industry partners, the Cable Beach Resort Association and the Paradise Island Tourism Development Association, have pledged a $750,000 investment over the next five years to educate Hospitality Management and Tourism Studies students at University of The Bahamas (UB).

The partnership was formalized during a ceremony held for the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at UB’s College of Tourism, Hospitality, Culinary Arts and Leisure Management (THe CALM).

The MoU establishes a $250,000 Direct Tourism Scholarship Award and the $500,000 NPIPB Endowment Scholarship Award.

“In the establishment of these scholarships, we are looking ahead to the future of the tourism industry in The Bahamas, and acknowledging the need to address its sustainability, by helping to improve the ranks of qualified Bahamians in the industry, especially at the management level,” said Joy Jibrilu, NPIPB’s first female and first Bahamian CEO. “This effort to support the education of potential future Bahamian tourism leaders is in keeping with a portion of the original mandate of the Promotion Board for the support of tourism-related training, and we are very proud to partner with UB in this initiative.”

The Direct Tourism Scholarship Award will provide $50,000 per year for five years to support up to eight students at a time (funding two new awardees per year) for the duration of their studies. 

The first $50,000 award will be named in honour of George Myers, the late veteran hotelier, founding chair of the NPIPB and tourism visionary. The board plans to honour other noteworthy contributors to the advancement of Bahamian tourism through similar direct award scholarships.

The NPIPB Endowment Scholarship Award, meanwhile, is expected to be fully capitalized within five years. From that point, the endowment will ensure that funding to cover tuition and other needful expenses for eligible students will continue, with two new awards made every year.

Another of the key benefits is also that students can apply for an opportunity to intern at one of the NPIPB’s 18-member hotels and receive leadership development; financial support for tuition and fees; books; supplies; room and board; and other expenses beyond tuition. Additionally, the NPIPB’s industry partners—the Cable Beach Resort Association (CBRA) and the Paradise Island Tourist Development Association (PITDA) will facilitate professional development opportunities for awardees.

“The demand for our students is clear, and this award ensures that we have the resources to facilitate a continuous pipeline of excellent talent to our tourism and hospitality industry,” said UB President Dr. Erik Rolland. “Together with the NPIPB, UB’s goal is to support the next generation of students in the field of tourism management. We intend to ignite their interest in establishing a career, not just locally, but as well as regionally and internationally.”

The manifestation of UB’s and NPIPB’s shared vision to support the next generation of hospitality and tourism leaders, both the Direct Award and the Endowment ultimately aim to provide valuable practical experience and exposure to the gamut of opportunities that exist for deserving students majoring in hospitality and tourism studies at UB.

The baccalaureate degree programme was recently revised; rather than two degree offerings in Hospitality Management and Tourism Management, there is now a Hospitality and Tourism Management degree with concentrations in Hospitality, Tourism and Eco-tourism.

Chair of UB’s Board of Trustees Mrs. Allyson Maynard-Gibson KC said THe CALM will teach students about the nation-building values that George Myers exemplified, including excellence, hospitality, diligence, discipline, grace, generosity, and humility. She added that with the two new scholarship awards, the future of tourism and hospitality studies looks brighter than ever. 

“In years to come, recipients of the NPIPB George Myers Direct Tourism Scholarship, and the Nassau Paradise Island Promotion Board Endowment Scholarship Award will join the likes of tourism greats like Vincent Vanderpool-Wallace, Sandy Sands, Russell Miller, Joy Jibrilu, and many others currently in the sector who are also UB alumni, like Carlton Russell, Tameka Forbes, Vaughn Roberts, and Viana Gardiner,” said Mrs. Maynard-Gibson. “With this landmark investment in our students, like the trailblazers before them, we will see larger numbers of UB alumni as hotel GMs, and as managers and leaders of both small and large resorts.”

In a tangible commitment towards capacity-building, the Nassau Paradise Island Promotion Board (NPIPB) and its industry partners, the Cable Beach Resort Association and the Paradise Island Tourism Development Association, have pledged a $750,000 investment over the next five years to educate Hospitality Management and Tourism Studies students at University of The Bahamas (UB). The partnership was formalized during a ceremony held for the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at UB’s College of Tourism, Hospitality, Culinary Arts and Leisure Management (THe CALM). The MoU establishes a $250,000 Direct Tourism Scholarship Award and the $500,000 NPIPB Endowment Scholarship Award. “In the establishment of these scholarships, we are looking ahead to the future of the tourism industry in The Bahamas, and acknowledging the need to address its sustainability, by helping to improve the ranks of qualified Bahamians in the industry, especially at the management level,” said Joy Jibrilu, NPIPB’s first female and first Bahamian CEO. “This effort to support the education of potential future Bahamian tourism leaders is in keeping with a portion of the original mandate of the Promotion Board for the support of tourism-related training, and we are very proud to partner with UB in this initiative.” The Direct Tourism Scholarship Award will provide $50,000 per year for five years to support up to eight students at a time (funding two new awardees per year) for the duration of their studies.  The first $50,000 award will be named in honour of George Myers, the late veteran hotelier, founding chair of the NPIPB and tourism visionary. The board plans to honour other noteworthy contributors to the advancement of Bahamian tourism through similar direct award scholarships. The NPIPB Endowment Scholarship Award, meanwhile, is expected to be fully capitalized within five years. From that point, the endowment will ensure that funding to cover tuition and other needful expenses for eligible students will continue, with two new awards made every year. Another of the key benefits is also that students can apply for an opportunity to intern at one of the NPIPB’s 18-member hotels and receive leadership development; financial support for tuition and fees; books; supplies; room and board; and other expenses beyond tuition. Additionally, the NPIPB’s industry partners—the Cable Beach Resort Association (CBRA) and the Paradise Island Tourist Development Association (PITDA) will facilitate professional development opportunities for awardees. “The demand for our students is clear, and this award ensures that we have the resources to facilitate a continuous pipeline of excellent talent to our tourism and hospitality industry,” said UB President Dr. Erik Rolland. “Together with the NPIPB, UB’s goal is to support the next generation of students in the field of tourism management. We intend to ignite their interest in establishing a career, not just locally, but as well as regionally and internationally.” The manifestation of UB’s and NPIPB’s shared vision to support the next generation of hospitality and tourism leaders, both the Direct Award and the Endowment ultimately aim to provide valuable practical experience and exposure to the gamut of opportunities that exist for deserving students majoring in hospitality and tourism studies at UB. The baccalaureate degree programme was recently revised; rather than two degree offerings in Hospitality Management and Tourism Management, there is now a Hospitality and Tourism Management degree with concentrations in Hospitality, Tourism and Eco-tourism. Chair of UB’s Board of Trustees Mrs. Allyson Maynard-Gibson KC said THe CALM will teach students about the nation-building values that George Myers exemplified, including excellence, hospitality, diligence, discipline, grace, generosity, and humility. She added that with the two new scholarship awards, the future of tourism and hospitality studies looks brighter than ever.  “In years to come, recipients of the NPIPB George Myers Direct Tourism Scholarship, and the Nassau Paradise Island Promotion Board Endowment Scholarship Award will join the likes of tourism greats like Vincent Vanderpool-Wallace, Sandy Sands, Russell Miller, Joy Jibrilu, and many others currently in the sector who are also UB alumni, like Carlton Russell, Tameka Forbes, Vaughn Roberts, and Viana Gardiner,” said Mrs. Maynard-Gibson. “With this landmark investment in our students, like the trailblazers before them, we will see larger numbers of UB alumni as hotel GMs, and as managers and leaders of both small and large resorts.”

Empowerment, education and excellence to advance The Bahamas down a progressive path will be the focus of a distinguished lecture that Governor General the Most Honourable Sir Cornelius A. Smith delivers at University of The Bahamas (UB) this month. 

Sir Cornelius is heading the line-up of speakers as UB's Government and Public Policy Institute (GPPI) launches its 50th anniversary of independence lecture series. He will be the first sitting governor general to deliver a lecture at UB.  

Sir Cornelius has contributed to and witnessed many of the seminal moments in Bahamian history as a former politician, senior civil servant, and diplomat.  

“Given the richness of his experience, having served at the front lines of many pivotal and seminal moments in the country, the governor general is going to be reflecting on these things – education and excellence 50 years into our independence,” said GPPI Executive Director Zhivargo Laing.  

Promoting public policy dialogue is one of the objectives of GPPI. Creating opportunities for discussions on matters of national development is another. This is especially relevant as The Bahamas will celebrate its golden jubilee of independence on 10th July 2023.  

The aim is to probe as many issues as possible for a deeper understanding and awareness, according to Mr. Laing.  

“We're trying to cover the span of issues that we have had to deal with over the last 50 years, whether that's the economics of things, education, or our cultural realities. As an example, the Government and Public Policy Institute completed a survey called the National Cultural Value Survey to see how our values have changed over the 50 years of our existence. So, we we're going to look at a number of areas of concern to the country,” he said.  

The focus on education and excellence for its first 50th anniversary lecture is timely given that the nation has had to pivot in recent times and that education was a focal point to increase national capacity when independence was being pursued. Sir Cornelius, a former Member of Parliament for Marco City, started his career as an educator and has served as Minister of Education (1992-1995), Minister of Public Safety and Immigration (1995-1997), Minister of Tourism (1997-2000) and Minister of Transport and Local Government (2000-2002). 

"And so we're going to be able to hear from him as he talks about this country from a historical perspective and an experiential perspective on these major things that I think are marvelous ideas for the country," Mr. Laing added.  

The lecture, which is open to the public, is scheduled to take place at UB’s Harry C. Moore Library and Information Centre, Auditorium, on Tuesday 13th June at 6:30 p.m. 

Empowerment, education and excellence to advance The Bahamas down a progressive path will be the focus of a distinguished lecture that Governor General the Most Honourable Sir Cornelius A. Smith delivers at University of The Bahamas (UB) this month.  Sir Cornelius is heading the line-up of speakers as UB's Government and Public Policy Institute (GPPI) launches its 50th anniversary of independence lecture series. He will be the first sitting governor general to deliver a lecture at UB.   Sir Cornelius has contributed to and witnessed many of the seminal moments in Bahamian history as a former politician, senior civil servant, and diplomat.   “Given the richness of his experience, having served at the front lines of many pivotal and seminal moments in the country, the governor general is going to be reflecting on these things – education and excellence 50 years into our independence,” said GPPI Executive Director Zhivargo Laing.   Promoting public policy dialogue is one of the objectives of GPPI. Creating opportunities for discussions on matters of national development is another. This is especially relevant as The Bahamas will celebrate its golden jubilee of independence on 10th July 2023.   The aim is to probe as many issues as possible for a deeper understanding and awareness, according to Mr. Laing.   “We're trying to cover the span of issues that we have had to deal with over the last 50 years, whether that's the economics of things, education, or our cultural realities. As an example, the Government and Public Policy Institute completed a survey called the National Cultural Value Survey to see how our values have changed over the 50 years of our existence. So, we we're going to look at a number of areas of concern to the country,” he said.   The focus on education and excellence for its first 50th anniversary lecture is timely given that the nation has had to pivot in recent times and that education was a focal point to increase national capacity when independence was being pursued. Sir Cornelius, a former Member of Parliament for Marco City, started his career as an educator and has served as Minister of Education (1992-1995), Minister of Public Safety and Immigration (1995-1997), Minister of Tourism (1997-2000) and Minister of Transport and Local Government (2000-2002).  "And so we're going to be able to hear from him as he talks about this country from a historical perspective and an experiential perspective on these major things that I think are marvelous ideas for the country," Mr. Laing added.   The lecture, which is open to the public, is scheduled to take place at UB’s Harry C. Moore Library and Information Centre, Auditorium, on Tuesday 13th June at 6:30 p.m. 

The Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture hosted the Spring 2023 graduates of its Job Ready Program to an awards luncheon in the Coral Reef Room at Pelican Bay Resort on Friday, May 26, 2023.

The program, which was established to address the issue of youth unemployment, has evolved into a comprehensive 10-week program, covering professional soft skills, skills training and job experience.

The Ministry’s primary goal is to equip the youth of our nation with the tools and skills set that will enable them to be placed and thrive in a work environment.

The Spring cohort began with a class of 30 and concluded with a close-out ceremony of 26 graduates, under the theme: “Preparation is the Key to Success.”  

While delivering her address, Leslie Dorsett-Lewis, acting director of Continuing Education and Lifelong Learning (CeLEARN) at the University of The Bahamas (North), commended the graduates for taking advantage of the Job Ready Program and reminded them that if they want something they never had before, they must be willing to do something they have never done before.

The graduates, who are now certified as BahamaHost service professionals, were also encouraged not to stop with the Ministry’s program, but to take advantage of every educational opportunity that comes their way, learn their strengths and weaknesses, build relationships and stay positive.

Youth Programs Officer Carla Brown Roker presided over the awards presentation and thanked the many partners who assisted in making the program a success this year.

Senator Kirk Russell and Youth Officer Chanda Roberts were also among the special guests in attendance.

The Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture hosted the Spring 2023 graduates of its Job Ready Program to an awards luncheon in the Coral Reef Room at Pelican Bay Resort on Friday, May 26, 2023. The program, which was established to address the issue of youth unemployment, has evolved into a comprehensive 10-week program, covering professional soft skills, skills training and job experience. The Ministry’s primary goal is to equip the youth of our nation with the tools and skills set that will enable them to be placed and thrive in a work environment. The Spring cohort began with a class of 30 and concluded with a close-out ceremony of 26 graduates, under the theme: “Preparation is the Key to Success.”   While delivering her address, Leslie Dorsett-Lewis, acting director of Continuing Education and Lifelong Learning (CeLEARN) at the University of The Bahamas (North), commended the graduates for taking advantage of the Job Ready Program and reminded them that if they want something they never had before, they must be willing to do something they have never done before. The graduates, who are now certified as BahamaHost service professionals, were also encouraged not to stop with the Ministry’s program, but to take advantage of every educational opportunity that comes their way, learn their strengths and weaknesses, build relationships and stay positive. Youth Programs Officer Carla Brown Roker presided over the awards presentation and thanked the many partners who assisted in making the program a success this year. Senator Kirk Russell and Youth Officer Chanda Roberts were also among the special guests in attendance.

The University of The Bahamas (UB) Teachers' Commissioning Ceremony of this week's Spring Commencement events was held at Kendal G.L. Isaacs Gymnasium, on Tuesday morning, May 23, 2023.  Photos show graduating teachers with UB President, Dr. Erik Rolland, senior administration and faculty.  Guest speaker was: Dr. K. Cleo Williams, Educator, Ministry of Education.

The theme for Commencement is, 'Building Resilience Within Ourselves.'

During this ceremonial week, in New Providence, UB held its Baccalaureate Service, Monday evening, May 22 at Trinity Methodist Church, with speaker -- Rev. William Higgs, Pastor.

Today, May 24, the School of Nursing and Allied Health Professions held its Pinning Ceremony at Kendal G.L. Isaacs Gymnasium, with Guest Speaker, Dr. Shamel Rolle-Sands.

An Awards Ceremony was also held today, in the Gymnasium, with speakers: UB President Dr. Erik Rolland and Vice-President, Academic Affairs, Dr. Maria Oriakhi.

On Thursday afternoon, May 25, 2023 the Commencement Ceremony will be held at the Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium, with Remarks by Dr. Erik Rolland, President & CEO; Allyson Maynard Gibson QC, Chair, Board of Trustees.  Guest Speaker: Mr. Lars Minns, Chief Human Resources Officer, Mercedes Benz North America.

The University of The Bahamas (UB) Teachers' Commissioning Ceremony of this week's Spring Commencement events was held at Kendal G.L. Isaacs Gymnasium, on Tuesday morning, May 23, 2023.  Photos show graduating teachers with UB President, Dr. Erik Rolland, senior administration and faculty.  Guest speaker was: Dr. K. Cleo Williams, Educator, Ministry of Education. The theme for Commencement is, 'Building Resilience Within Ourselves.' During this ceremonial week, in New Providence, UB held its Baccalaureate Service, Monday evening, May 22 at Trinity Methodist Church, with speaker -- Rev. William Higgs, Pastor. Today, May 24, the School of Nursing and Allied Health Professions held its Pinning Ceremony at Kendal G.L. Isaacs Gymnasium, with Guest Speaker, Dr. Shamel Rolle-Sands. An Awards Ceremony was also held today, in the Gymnasium, with speakers: UB President Dr. Erik Rolland and Vice-President, Academic Affairs, Dr. Maria Oriakhi. On Thursday afternoon, May 25, 2023 the Commencement Ceremony will be held at the Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium, with Remarks by Dr. Erik Rolland, President & CEO; Allyson Maynard Gibson QC, Chair, Board of Trustees.  Guest Speaker: Mr. Lars Minns, Chief Human Resources Officer, Mercedes Benz North America.