As classes began on Monday, August 26, 2019 at Bahamas Technical & Vocational Institute, Prime Minister the Most Hon. Dr. Hubert Minnis visited the campus to find if students were taking full advantage of the government’s financial initiative for free tertiary education.
He was accompanied by the Hon. Jeffrey Lloyd, Minister of Education, and Lorraine Armbrister, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education. They were led on tour of the Old Trail Road campus by BTVI's President, Dr. Robert W. Robertson and other officials.
As of August 26, there were 2,000 students registered for various disciplines. And according to President Robertson, that number is expected to increase to a record 2,800 enrollment.
An estimated $4.2 million has been allotted in the Ministry of Education’s tuition assistance programme for students and other interested individuals to pursue vocational and technical careers at BTVI, free of charge once the entry criteria are met.
“You are the future of this country and it is essential that we give you the best (means) to make sure you are successful,” urged the Prime Minister.
He advised that the opportunity is for all students, regardless of social or financial background.
And he admonished, “All I ask is for you to study hard to succeed…. So we can rest in peace knowing we left The Bahamas in great hands.”
The Prime Minister acknowledged an “oversight,” in that students of the University of The Bahamas from the Family Islands are being housed locally through provisions made for landlords at $500 per month’s rent. This same provision will be made available for BTVI students from the Family Islands to be able to reside locally as well.
The Prime Minister and team from Education toured the Success Learning Centre, the Cosmetology Block and the Fashion Block. He also interacted with students, who shared information on their areas of study.
The Prime Minster conducted a similar tour on Monday, August 19, 2019 the first day of classes at the University of The Bahamas.
Prime Minister Minnis addressed students on the first day of classes Monday, August 26, 2019 at Bahamas Technical & Vocational Institute, Old Trail Road. Also shown are BTVI's President, Dr. Robert W. Robertson and Lorraine Armbrister, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education.
Prime Minister the Most Hon. Dr. Hubert Minnis visited the Bahamas Technical & Vocational Institute, Old Trail Road as classes got underway, Monday, August 26, 2019. Pictured from left: BTVI’s Manager of Technical Services, Wellington Bain; Dean of Student Services, Racquel Bethel; Associate Vice-President of Academic Affairs, Leroy Sumner; Ministry of Education Permanent Secretary Lorraine Armbrister; BTVI's President, Dr. Robert W. Robertson; Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Dr. Hubert Minnis; Minister of Education, the Hon. Jeffrey Lloyd; BTVI's Chairman, Kevin Basden; Associate Vice-President of Administrative Services, Zakia Winder; Associate Vice-President of Fund Development, Alicia Thompson; Registrar, Samara Sands-Rolle; Public Relations Officer, Hadassah Deleveaux; Academic Dean, Dr. Pleshette McPhee; and BTVI’s Head of Finance, Andrew Gape.
Prime Minister the Most Hon. Dr. Hubert Minnis chatted with students under the pavilion at the start of classes, Monday, August 26, 2019 at Bahamas Technical & Vocational Institute, Old Trail Road.
Prime Minister the Most Hon. Dr. Hubert Minnis speaks with Kathy Pinder, Head of Department in the Fashion Block during his visit on Monday, August 26, 2019 at Bahamas Technical & Vocational Institute, Old Trail Road.
