Minister of Education and Technical and Vocational Training the Hon. Glenys Hanna-Martin said Junkanoo will be integrated into every subject in schools across the nation.

“Boys and girls and teenagers throughout this country will in their learning process reflect on this powerful cultural expression, which belongs to them,” the Education Minister said during the Jump Into Junkanoo in January Cross-Curriculum Integration Launch Ceremony held at the Ministry on Thursday, January 9, 2025.

The Minister added, “The music, the artistic forms, the dance, the rhythms, the design and construction of costumes, the history of Junkanoo and its developmental journey through our social, economic and political history will all form a part of their instruction.”

The Ministry has designated January as National Arts & Culture Month in its ongoing effort to integrate culture across the curriculum and promote a holistic and inclusive education system.

During the month of January, all students from early childhood through high school will participate in a curriculum-wide exploration of Junkanoo.  The Ministry envisions that skills acquired through the integrated learning experience will not only enhance students’ appreciation of the arts but also prepares them for active participation in a school-wide demonstration and the annual Junior Junkanoo Parade.

The Education Minister noted that Rake N’ Scrape will soon be introduced into the music curriculum.

Minister of Education and Technical and Vocational Training the Hon. Glenys Hanna-Martin said Junkanoo will be integrated into every subject in schools across the nation. “Boys and girls and teenagers throughout this country will in their learning process reflect on this powerful cultural expression, which belongs to them,” the Education Minister said during the Jump Into Junkanoo in January Cross-Curriculum Integration Launch Ceremony held at the Ministry on Thursday, January 9, 2025. The Minister added, “The music, the artistic forms, the dance, the rhythms, the design and construction of costumes, the history of Junkanoo and its developmental journey through our social, economic and political history will all form a part of their instruction.” The Ministry has designated January as National Arts & Culture Month in its ongoing effort to integrate culture across the curriculum and promote a holistic and inclusive education system. During the month of January, all students from early childhood through high school will participate in a curriculum-wide exploration of Junkanoo.  The Ministry envisions that skills acquired through the integrated learning experience will not only enhance students’ appreciation of the arts but also prepares them for active participation in a school-wide demonstration and the annual Junior Junkanoo Parade. The Education Minister noted that Rake N’ Scrape will soon be introduced into the music curriculum.

University of The Bahamas announces the appointment of Dr. Walteria Tucker-Rolle as Assistant Vice President, Institutional Strengthening and Accreditation.

Dr. Tucker-Rolle, Accreditation Advisor and Policy Liaison in the Office of the President, Director of the American Corner, Nassau and former Chair of the Academic Senate, brings a wealth of experience and academic leadership to this crucial role. Having been an integral part of UB’s accreditation team, she has made key contributions as the University advances its pursuit of national and international accreditation and develops a culture of continuous improvement.

In her new capacity, Dr. Tucker-Rolle will serve as the University’s primary coordinator of all accreditation and quality assurance initiatives, providing strategic leadership for accreditation requirements, training and development. She will be the primary point of contact for this area and will communicate updates and requirements to the University community as UB is further positioned for future growth and transformation.

Dr. Tucker-Rolle’s career at UB spans leadership, teaching, and policy development. She has served as Assistant Professor of Spanish in the School of Communication and Creative Arts (SCCA) since joining UB in 2013. Over the years, she has also served as Coordinator of the Bachelor of Spanish programme and Chair of SCCA.

Her academic credentials include a Doctor of Philosophy in Comparative Studies: Languages Literacies and Linguistics and a Master of Arts in Comparative Literature, Latin American and French Caribbean Literatures, both from Florida Atlantic University (FAU). She also earned a certificate in Management Development from Harvard Graduate School of Education. Dr. Tucker-Rolle holds a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts and Sciences (cum laude) with a concentration in International Studies from the Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College of FAU.

Dr. Tucker-Rolle is currently helping to shape curriculum for university leaders as part of the Leading for Democracy Curriculum Design Team of the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU).  She also serves as a member of AASCU’s American Democracy Project Steering Committee.

In this new appointment, Dr. Tucker-Rolle will help to lead UB’s accreditation and quality assurance efforts into an exciting new chapter.

University of The Bahamas announces the appointment of Dr. Walteria Tucker-Rolle as Assistant Vice President, Institutional Strengthening and Accreditation. Dr. Tucker-Rolle, Accreditation Advisor and Policy Liaison in the Office of the President, Director of the American Corner, Nassau and former Chair of the Academic Senate, brings a wealth of experience and academic leadership to this crucial role. Having been an integral part of UB’s accreditation team, she has made key contributions as the University advances its pursuit of national and international accreditation and develops a culture of continuous improvement. In her new capacity, Dr. Tucker-Rolle will serve as the University’s primary coordinator of all accreditation and quality assurance initiatives, providing strategic leadership for accreditation requirements, training and development. She will be the primary point of contact for this area and will communicate updates and requirements to the University community as UB is further positioned for future growth and transformation. Dr. Tucker-Rolle’s career at UB spans leadership, teaching, and policy development. She has served as Assistant Professor of Spanish in the School of Communication and Creative Arts (SCCA) since joining UB in 2013. Over the years, she has also served as Coordinator of the Bachelor of Spanish programme and Chair of SCCA. Her academic credentials include a Doctor of Philosophy in Comparative Studies: Languages Literacies and Linguistics and a Master of Arts in Comparative Literature, Latin American and French Caribbean Literatures, both from Florida Atlantic University (FAU). She also earned a certificate in Management Development from Harvard Graduate School of Education. Dr. Tucker-Rolle holds a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts and Sciences (cum laude) with a concentration in International Studies from the Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College of FAU. Dr. Tucker-Rolle is currently helping to shape curriculum for university leaders as part of the Leading for Democracy Curriculum Design Team of the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU).  She also serves as a member of AASCU’s American Democracy Project Steering Committee. In this new appointment, Dr. Tucker-Rolle will help to lead UB’s accreditation and quality assurance efforts into an exciting new chapter.

University of The Bahamas (UB) will pay homage this weekend to nine alumni who have contributed to progress in key areas of national development including education, medicine, youth and community development, law and media, distinguishing themselves as outstanding pacesetters.

The accolades will come at UB’s Hall of Fame and Outstanding Alumni Awards which this 50th jubilee year is also the President’s Soiree. Long-standing corporate partner, Deloitte Bahamas, has once again affirmed the power of higher education with a $10,000 sponsorship of the prestigious event and honours.

“Deloitte is both the beneficiary of the work of UB in the form of numerous stellar alumni working and leading its organization, and an outstanding benefactor,” noted Ms. Felicity Humblestone, UB’s Chief of Staff. “Their loyal investment in UB demonstrates their belief that education matters and that building a national university also builds a nation.

“Whether through their support for student awards or sponsoring events, Deloitte, along with our entire family of private donors help make what we do at UB possible.”

Deloitte has a vested interest in ensuring UB’s success—some 50 percent of its partners and staff are UB alumni, including managing partner and one of this year’s Hall of Fame inductees, Mr. Mark Munnings. Mr. Lawrence Lewis, a 2023 UB Outstanding Alumnus, highlighted the firm’s enduring connection with UB.

“Our relationship with the University of The Bahamas and its predecessor institutions is both rich and deep,” said Mr. Lewis. “As a firm, we believe in nurturing and developing young Bahamians into world-class professionals.

“We thank UB for the opportunity to continue our partnership with the University of The Bahamas. Deloitte is proud to be the title sponsor for the President’s Soiree and Hall of Fame and Outstanding Alumni Awards.”

This year UB is awarding veteran educator Sharon Poitier with its Lifetime Achievement Award; financial services professional Mark Munnings and attorney Merrit Storr (class of 1984) are being inducted into the Hall of Fame; physician and infectious disease professional Dr. Nikkiah Forbes and communications professional Tameka Lundy (class of 1994) will receive the Outstanding Alumni Awards; and attorney Khrystle Rutherford-Ferguson and educational psychologist Dr. Nicora Stubbs-Young (class of 2004) will receive the Trailblazer Awards. Chorister Ashley Knowles and educator Alphonzo Major (class of 2014) will be awarded with the Emerging Leaders honour.

Nyisha Tilus, Chairperson of UB’s Alumni Association, emphasized the event’s broader significance.

“It serves as a platform to recognize the remarkable accomplishments of our alumni who have emerged as leaders, pioneers and change makers in their respective fields,” said Ms. Tilus. “The awards themselves are a hallmark of this event, celebrating individuals who embody UB’s values: leadership, innovation, service, and a commitment to excellence.”

Beyond the night’s festivities, the gala will have a lasting impact on UB’s future. Proceeds will help sustain UB’s mission of national development, supporting scholarships, operations, and essential programs.

“Tuition alone doesn’t cover a world-class university education,” said Mr. Elvardo Thompson, Director of Alumni Affairs and Event Co-chair. “Annual funds help great institutions keep their costs of education affordable by providing extra support for operations, basic needs, and unexpected contingencies.  

“At the University of The Bahamas, tuition and fees from our students and their families cover about 50 percent of the true cost of an education. While funding from the government helps, the University of The Bahamas needs the support of alumni, friends like Deloitte to be the best that we can be.”

University of The Bahamas (UB) will pay homage this weekend to nine alumni who have contributed to progress in key areas of national development including education, medicine, youth and community development, law and media, distinguishing themselves as outstanding pacesetters. The accolades will come at UB’s Hall of Fame and Outstanding Alumni Awards which this 50th jubilee year is also the President’s Soiree. Long-standing corporate partner, Deloitte Bahamas, has once again affirmed the power of higher education with a $10,000 sponsorship of the prestigious event and honours. “Deloitte is both the beneficiary of the work of UB in the form of numerous stellar alumni working and leading its organization, and an outstanding benefactor,” noted Ms. Felicity Humblestone, UB’s Chief of Staff. “Their loyal investment in UB demonstrates their belief that education matters and that building a national university also builds a nation. “Whether through their support for student awards or sponsoring events, Deloitte, along with our entire family of private donors help make what we do at UB possible.” Deloitte has a vested interest in ensuring UB’s success—some 50 percent of its partners and staff are UB alumni, including managing partner and one of this year’s Hall of Fame inductees, Mr. Mark Munnings. Mr. Lawrence Lewis, a 2023 UB Outstanding Alumnus, highlighted the firm’s enduring connection with UB. “Our relationship with the University of The Bahamas and its predecessor institutions is both rich and deep,” said Mr. Lewis. “As a firm, we believe in nurturing and developing young Bahamians into world-class professionals. “We thank UB for the opportunity to continue our partnership with the University of The Bahamas. Deloitte is proud to be the title sponsor for the President’s Soiree and Hall of Fame and Outstanding Alumni Awards.” This year UB is awarding veteran educator Sharon Poitier with its Lifetime Achievement Award; financial services professional Mark Munnings and attorney Merrit Storr (class of 1984) are being inducted into the Hall of Fame; physician and infectious disease professional Dr. Nikkiah Forbes and communications professional Tameka Lundy (class of 1994) will receive the Outstanding Alumni Awards; and attorney Khrystle Rutherford-Ferguson and educational psychologist Dr. Nicora Stubbs-Young (class of 2004) will receive the Trailblazer Awards. Chorister Ashley Knowles and educator Alphonzo Major (class of 2014) will be awarded with the Emerging Leaders honour. Nyisha Tilus, Chairperson of UB’s Alumni Association, emphasized the event’s broader significance. “It serves as a platform to recognize the remarkable accomplishments of our alumni who have emerged as leaders, pioneers and change makers in their respective fields,” said Ms. Tilus. “The awards themselves are a hallmark of this event, celebrating individuals who embody UB’s values: leadership, innovation, service, and a commitment to excellence.” Beyond the night’s festivities, the gala will have a lasting impact on UB’s future. Proceeds will help sustain UB’s mission of national development, supporting scholarships, operations, and essential programs. “Tuition alone doesn’t cover a world-class university education,” said Mr. Elvardo Thompson, Director of Alumni Affairs and Event Co-chair. “Annual funds help great institutions keep their costs of education affordable by providing extra support for operations, basic needs, and unexpected contingencies.   “At the University of The Bahamas, tuition and fees from our students and their families cover about 50 percent of the true cost of an education. While funding from the government helps, the University of The Bahamas needs the support of alumni, friends like Deloitte to be the best that we can be.”

Photos of the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture Official Ceremony celebrating 2024 Junior Junkanoo Awards, held on November 18, 2024, at the Andre Rodgers National Baseball Stadium. 

The winners for the various categories were: One on One Preschool - Preschool division; Woodcock Primary - Primary School Division; C.H. Reeves - Junior High Division; Lyford Cay International - All Age Division; and C.V. Bethel - Senior High Division.