Minister of Education, Science and Technology the Hon. Jerome Fitzgerald, pictured during his Greetings at the church service.

The Minister of Education the Hon. Jerome Fitzgerald said he has a deep appreciation for the value of education, after having the opportunity to attend schools in the United States, Canada and Europe.

“I have come to recognize that there is no great city anywhere in the world that does not boast of a world class university,” Minister Fitzgerald said at the Service of Thanksgiving on the Occasion of the Charter Day for the University of The Bahamas at Christ Church Cathedral, Sunday, November 6, 2016.

“The city of Nassau, and by extension The Bahamas, now falls in that esteemed body. I firmly believe that our country’s future growth, success and sustainability is inextricably linked to the University of The Bahamas and what it will accomplish and inspire on an individual, national and international level.”

He said it is his desire that every single young person in The Bahamas would have a desire to pursue tertiary education, be it academic, technical or vocational.

“It is time for us to truly make education a core value and to engrain in the hearts and minds of our citizens that education is the most valuable asset to any human being.

Audience

“Education remains the most powerful weapon to alleviate poverty, fight crime, eradicate unemployment and comprehensively address many of the social ills that plague our communities.

Minister Fitzgerald said he is confident that the country is heading in the right direction with the establishment of the University of The Bahamas.

“It is not an end, but a new beginning. The University will constantly experience change and continue to evolve as it remains on the cutting edge and solidifies itself as a relevant and academic force to be reckoned with locally, regionally and globally.”

Governor General Her Excellency Dame Marguerite Pindling, Prime Minister the Rt. Hon. Perry G. Christie, Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture the Hon. Dr. Daniel Johnson attended the Thanksgiving Service along with The College of The Bahamas President Dr. Rodney D. Smith and members of the administration and students.

Governor General Her Excellency Dame Marguerite Pindling attended the Service of Thanksgiving. Seated behind her were Prime Minister the Rt. Hon. Perry Christie, right; Minister of Education, Science and Technology the Hon. Jerome Fitzgerald, second right; and Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture, the Hon. Dr. Daniel Johnson.

The service was officiated by Dean of Christ Church Cathedral and Vicar General of the Diocese of The Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos the Very Reverend Patrick Adderley, with musical performances The College of The Bahamas’ Concert Choir.

During his sermon, Dean Adderley said that many might say that it is long overdue for the University of The Bahamas to come into existence, but he said it was well worth the time and effort to ensure that everything that was necessary and proper was in place and a sound foundation was made.

He said, “We must continue to dream, to imagine, to aspire and do all that is necessary to ensure that the University of The Bahamas is an institution of which all Bahamians may be proud, and I encourage everyone to give it their support.”

Dean Adderley said the University of The Bahamas will play a critical role in raising the intellectual tone of the country and that he prays that the University will be given the autonomy for its faculty to perform at their highest and best without political interference.

The Service of Thanksgiving marks the beginning of a week of activities commemorating the Charter Day – November 10 -- for the University of The Bahamas.

Reading the New Testament Lesson, President of The College of The Bahamas Dr. Rodney D. Smith.

Audience (BIS Photos/Patrick Hanna)

By Llonella Gilbert

Bahamas Information Services