A Letter of Intent was signed during a virtual ceremony on Monday, September 18, 2023 between Algonquin College located in Ottawa Canada, and the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI), signaling the beginning of a five-year partnership providing new international educational opportunities between the two institutions and future collaborations.

The agreement emerges out of a Bahamas Government Mission to Canada led by Deputy Prime Minister, the Hon. Chester Cooper and former Minister of State for Education, the Hon. Zane Lightbourne, the collaboration will relate to reciprocal areas of interest, which contribute to the development of the cooperative relationship.

Algonquin College President and Chief Executive Officer, Claude Brulé said, “The agreement will establish cooperation programmes between BTVI and Algonquin College that will result in a mutually beneficial, long-term relationship between the two organizations. Collaborative activities may include developing short-term reciprocal faculty and/or staff exchanges, student exchanges through the Emerging Leaders in the Americas Program (ELAP), programme development and collaborative initiatives in applied research.”

Interim President, BTVI, Dr. Linda Davis explained that such a strategic collaboration not only benefits the Institute’s students, faculty and staff, but BTVI as a whole.

“In fact, by extension, the country benefits from such strategic partnerships as we at BTVI are charged with closing the skills gap. Therefore, the outcome of this signing will contribute to individuals, but on a wider scale to national development.”

Dr. Davis said the signing cements the agreement between BTVI and Algonquin College to continue the exploration of a partnership. “Further, the signing of this Letter of Intent symbolizes the beginning of what we expect to blossom into collaborative initiatives and exchanges mutually beneficial for our students, employees and faculty, creating pathways for student exchanges, professional development and more.

“We believe that international, cross cultural exposure at other institutions of higher learning deepens experiences and allows for the addition of skills. Today is truly indicative of the power of collaboration.”

She added that BTVI envisions that the signing of this Letter of Intent between BTVI and Algonquin would attract other institutions to it. “We believe it opens the doors for other institutions of higher learning to partner with us, as we seek more opportunities for those who walk through our gates.”

Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Lorraine Armbrister noted that BTVI continues to soar when it partners with international institutions to expand services to its students.

Algonquin College is an Ontario public sector community college, offering hands-on, digitally connected, experiential learning in more than 200 programs. Algonquin College is the largest polytechnic institute in Eastern Ontario, with campuses in Ottawa, Perth, Pembroke and AC Online.

BTVI provides career training which equips its graduates to be workforce ready. The institution offers over 40 industry-certified diploma and certificate courses, in addition to Associate of Applied Science degrees at campuses in New Providence and Grand Bahama and at several locations throughout the Family Islands – several of which, including Abaco and Eleuthera, are poised to become full instructional sites in the coming months.

Also present for the virtual signing were The Bahamas High Commissioner to Canada, His Excellency V. Alfred Gray; High Commissioner of Canada to Jamaica and the Bahamas; Consul General Turks & Caicos, Cayman Islands, Her Excellency Emina Tudakovic; First Secretary, the Bahamas High Commission to Canada, Nahaja Black; Second Secretary, the Bahamas High Commission, Crystal Rolle and Interim Chief Financial Officer, BVTI, Sharlene Hilton.

A Letter of Intent was signed during a virtual ceremony on Monday, September 18, 2023 between Algonquin College located in Ottawa Canada, and the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI), signaling the beginning of a five-year partnership providing new international educational opportunities between the two institutions and future collaborations. The agreement emerges out of a Bahamas Government Mission to Canada led by Deputy Prime Minister, the Hon. Chester Cooper and former Minister of State for Education, the Hon. Zane Lightbourne, the collaboration will relate to reciprocal areas of interest, which contribute to the development of the cooperative relationship. Algonquin College President and Chief Executive Officer, Claude Brulé said, “The agreement will establish cooperation programmes between BTVI and Algonquin College that will result in a mutually beneficial, long-term relationship between the two organizations. Collaborative activities may include developing short-term reciprocal faculty and/or staff exchanges, student exchanges through the Emerging Leaders in the Americas Program (ELAP), programme development and collaborative initiatives in applied research.” Interim President, BTVI, Dr. Linda Davis explained that such a strategic collaboration not only benefits the Institute’s students, faculty and staff, but BTVI as a whole. “In fact, by extension, the country benefits from such strategic partnerships as we at BTVI are charged with closing the skills gap. Therefore, the outcome of this signing will contribute to individuals, but on a wider scale to national development.” Dr. Davis said the signing cements the agreement between BTVI and Algonquin College to continue the exploration of a partnership. “Further, the signing of this Letter of Intent symbolizes the beginning of what we expect to blossom into collaborative initiatives and exchanges mutually beneficial for our students, employees and faculty, creating pathways for student exchanges, professional development and more. “We believe that international, cross cultural exposure at other institutions of higher learning deepens experiences and allows for the addition of skills. Today is truly indicative of the power of collaboration.” She added that BTVI envisions that the signing of this Letter of Intent between BTVI and Algonquin would attract other institutions to it. “We believe it opens the doors for other institutions of higher learning to partner with us, as we seek more opportunities for those who walk through our gates.” Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Lorraine Armbrister noted that BTVI continues to soar when it partners with international institutions to expand services to its students. Algonquin College is an Ontario public sector community college, offering hands-on, digitally connected, experiential learning in more than 200 programs. Algonquin College is the largest polytechnic institute in Eastern Ontario, with campuses in Ottawa, Perth, Pembroke and AC Online. BTVI provides career training which equips its graduates to be workforce ready. The institution offers over 40 industry-certified diploma and certificate courses, in addition to Associate of Applied Science degrees at campuses in New Providence and Grand Bahama and at several locations throughout the Family Islands – several of which, including Abaco and Eleuthera, are poised to become full instructional sites in the coming months. Also present for the virtual signing were The Bahamas High Commissioner to Canada, His Excellency V. Alfred Gray; High Commissioner of Canada to Jamaica and the Bahamas; Consul General Turks & Caicos, Cayman Islands, Her Excellency Emina Tudakovic; First Secretary, the Bahamas High Commission to Canada, Nahaja Black; Second Secretary, the Bahamas High Commission, Crystal Rolle and Interim Chief Financial Officer, BVTI, Sharlene Hilton.

The Concerned Freeport Licensees Association (CFLA) extends its heartfelt gratitude to the more than 160 licensees and supporters who attended its education seminar, held last night in Freeport, on the Hawksbill Creek Agreement (HCA). The event was a resounding success, bringing together concerned stakeholders to discuss the future of Freeport, its economic well-being, and the importance of preserving Grand Bahamians’ livelihoods.

The CFLA expresses its sincere thanks to the distinguished panel of experts who shared invaluable insights on the Hawksbill Creek Agreement and Duty Concessions within the Port Area. Their knowledge and expertise added immense value to the seminar, providing attendees with a comprehensive understanding of the issues at hand.

The CFLA, a burgeoning association formed just eight weeks ago, came into existence in response to the recent public and acrimonious Government statements, critical of the Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA), promising “decisive,” yet non-specific, action and the responding GBPA press releases. These statements have been perceived by many licensees as a potential threat to the livelihoods of the hardworking citizens of Grand Bahama, who are still recovering from the devastating impact of Hurricane Dorian.

As CFLA member Kirk Antoni passionately stated, "I love this island and am not going anywhere. My family prospered here, and I want my children and their children to do the same. But we can only achieve this if we stand together, educate ourselves, and speak out for what we want. As licensees, we are very much stakeholders in this and we are calling on the Government and GBPA to work together and, indeed, take decisive action that reaps the material and progressive change we are looking for."

The Association emphasized that the CFLA is an independent organization and not affiliated with the GBPA. “Like many Grand Bahamians, we have concerns about the current state of the city. However, we firmly believe in the potential of a functioning HCA, using the mandates and concessions granted to Mr. Groves and subsequently to the Hayward and St. Georges families for the benefit of our community,” explained Darren Cooper, CFLA member. "Our seminar last night aimed to educate our fellow licensees about the historical facts surrounding the HCA and the growth and development of our city under the regulation of a functional GBPA,” added Cooper.

Dillon Knowles, a CFLA panellist, highlighted critical concerns, stating, "We have issues with the two families, with transparency, and our administrators. The HCA provides us with a '3rd agreement,' in which local licensees must agree or approve of any changes, and that precludes parliament as well."

The CFLA’s mission is to unite the approximately 3,000 Grand Bahama Port Authority licensees, educate one another, and work collaboratively to improve Grand Bahama, a benefit certainly to all residents but also to The Bahamas as a country. The CFLA has reached out via correspondence to both the Government and the GBPA for meaningful engagement. To date, the Association has met with the GBPA but is still awaiting a response from the Government regarding our concerns.

“We remain hopeful that this will change, and we look forward to our request to meet with Prime Minister the Hon. Brave Davis at his earliest opportunity. We believe that through open dialogue and cooperation, we can address ongoing concerns, listen to each other's aspirations, and work together to restore the magic to our fair city,” said Antoni.

For those who were unable to attend last night's seminar, the CFLA encouraged licensees to participate in future meetings, reach out to those who were present to learn more about the HCA and its tremendous potential. Together, we can shape a brighter future for Freeport and all its residents.

The Concerned Freeport Licensees Association (CFLA) extends its heartfelt gratitude to the more than 160 licensees and supporters who attended its education seminar, held last night in Freeport, on the Hawksbill Creek Agreement (HCA). The event was a resounding success, bringing together concerned stakeholders to discuss the future of Freeport, its economic well-being, and the importance of preserving Grand Bahamians’ livelihoods. The CFLA expresses its sincere thanks to the distinguished panel of experts who shared invaluable insights on the Hawksbill Creek Agreement and Duty Concessions within the Port Area. Their knowledge and expertise added immense value to the seminar, providing attendees with a comprehensive understanding of the issues at hand. The CFLA, a burgeoning association formed just eight weeks ago, came into existence in response to the recent public and acrimonious Government statements, critical of the Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA), promising “decisive,” yet non-specific, action and the responding GBPA press releases. These statements have been perceived by many licensees as a potential threat to the livelihoods of the hardworking citizens of Grand Bahama, who are still recovering from the devastating impact of Hurricane Dorian. As CFLA member Kirk Antoni passionately stated, "I love this island and am not going anywhere. My family prospered here, and I want my children and their children to do the same. But we can only achieve this if we stand together, educate ourselves, and speak out for what we want. As licensees, we are very much stakeholders in this and we are calling on the Government and GBPA to work together and, indeed, take decisive action that reaps the material and progressive change we are looking for." The Association emphasized that the CFLA is an independent organization and not affiliated with the GBPA. “Like many Grand Bahamians, we have concerns about the current state of the city. However, we firmly believe in the potential of a functioning HCA, using the mandates and concessions granted to Mr. Groves and subsequently to the Hayward and St. Georges families for the benefit of our community,” explained Darren Cooper, CFLA member. "Our seminar last night aimed to educate our fellow licensees about the historical facts surrounding the HCA and the growth and development of our city under the regulation of a functional GBPA,” added Cooper. Dillon Knowles, a CFLA panellist, highlighted critical concerns, stating, "We have issues with the two families, with transparency, and our administrators. The HCA provides us with a '3rd agreement,' in which local licensees must agree or approve of any changes, and that precludes parliament as well." The CFLA’s mission is to unite the approximately 3,000 Grand Bahama Port Authority licensees, educate one another, and work collaboratively to improve Grand Bahama, a benefit certainly to all residents but also to The Bahamas as a country. The CFLA has reached out via correspondence to both the Government and the GBPA for meaningful engagement. To date, the Association has met with the GBPA but is still awaiting a response from the Government regarding our concerns. “We remain hopeful that this will change, and we look forward to our request to meet with Prime Minister the Hon. Brave Davis at his earliest opportunity. We believe that through open dialogue and cooperation, we can address ongoing concerns, listen to each other's aspirations, and work together to restore the magic to our fair city,” said Antoni. For those who were unable to attend last night's seminar, the CFLA encouraged licensees to participate in future meetings, reach out to those who were present to learn more about the HCA and its tremendous potential. Together, we can shape a brighter future for Freeport and all its residents.

Varel Davis was voted back into office for a fifth consecutive term, serving as the president of the Government Secondary School Sports Association (GSSSA). The members showed their confidence in her during the elections at C.H. Reeves Junior High School on Thursday.

Davis was overwhelmingly voted back into office, 14-1, over Shantell Rolle who opposed her. She said she is thankful for the members for supporting her and her team.

"They supported me and my team's plans in what they want to see accomplished. We are very grateful for them for supporting me. They know that this job is a lot of work and they know I put my all into what I do and that is why they supported me," Davis said.

Also being elected were Kendal Campbell as first vice president, Thurman Johnson as second vice Keesha Pratt-Johnson as secretary, Fiona Tucker as assistant secretary, Neketa Sears-Knowles as treasurer and Tyrice Curry-Davis as assistant secretary.

Davis, who has been at the helm since 2015, was happy to get another victory and she said they will be celebrating their 30th anniversary this year.

"It feels good to get another victory. I am excited to be back as president. We have a lot of things planned as it is our 30th year. I am excited that I have some persons around me who want to be a part of this and see us continue to do the work that we set out to do," Davis said.

She and her team want to have a retiree banquet for persons who gave their time to coaching or teaching and have now retired. She said there is no date set for the retiree banquet as yet.

One of the goals Davis has is to see more of the student-athletes receive scholarships to go off to college.

"We want to see if our coaches can get more of our kids off to school, especially when they graduate. We have some very athletic children in the high school sector so we need our coaches to give more effort into training so more athletes could get more scholarships," Davis said.

She added that the Ministry of Education & Technical & Vocational Training Sports Unit is looking to put on nationals in all of the core sports this year. Davis said they will be switching a few sports around this year. They are starting the year off with volleyball, and then cross country, basketball, track and field, softball, baseball and then soccer. There is the possibility of bringing on sports like golf, sloop sailing and rowing, she said.

Davis said they are looking to bring back a cheerleading competition. She also said they will look at the possibility of providing championship rings for the various winners, but that depends on the funds they are able to raise.

The University of The Bahamas (UB) held a press conference Thursday, August 31st, to announce its latest partnership agreement for the betterment of the university and its student population. 

The partnership with Smarter Bahamas to create a Data Analytics Certification programme, will showcase students' talents in the world's many technological fields.  Acting president of the University of The Bahamas Janyne Hodder said UB is pleased to partner with Smarter Bahamas.  Founder of Smarter Bahamas His Excellency Sebastian Bastian said it is hoped that at the end of the day we will have smarter students, smarter Bahamians and most of all a smarter Bahamas.  

The University of The Bahamas (UB) held a press conference Thursday, August 31st, to announce its latest partnership agreement for the betterment of the university and its student population.  The partnership with Smarter Bahamas to create a Data Analytics Certification programme, will showcase students' talents in the world's many technological fields.  Acting president of the University of The Bahamas Janyne Hodder said UB is pleased to partner with Smarter Bahamas.  Founder of Smarter Bahamas His Excellency Sebastian Bastian said it is hoped that at the end of the day we will have smarter students, smarter Bahamians and most of all a smarter Bahamas.