BTVI OPENING ABACO SITE

THE Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI) has announced a new site will be opening in Abaco.

The former Dundas and Murphy Town Primary School site will become BTVI Abaco, offering courses in construction, cosmetology and business trades. The campus will incorporate green energy and the renovations are projected to span over four months.

During the contract signing ceremony on the site, BTVI’s interim president, Dr Linda A Davis, described it as an “historic day”.

She said: “This symbolises in a very concrete way the importance of what we are doing at BTVI.”

Renovations are also ongoing in Green Castle, Eleuthera, with proposed renovations in Grand Bahama and a new campus on the horizon for Exuma.

The buildings will make provision for a multi-purpose beauty trades space, including hair styling, barbering and massage therapy. There will also be a multi-purpose room to accommodate carpentry, plumbing and electrical. This is in addition to a general-purpose classroom space.

Minister of State in the Ministry of Education and Technical and Vocational Training Zane Lightbourne, said the BTVI campus will be a part of the rebuilding of the Abaco economy following Hurricane Dorian. He said: “These grounds are still a reflection of some of the damage of Hurricane Dorian, but there will be a new building and restructuring.

“REACH is a non-profit organisation that aims to increase autism awareness and education in The Bahamas by providing free services and resources to children and families affected by autism,” said Guerda Culmer, board member REACH.

“We appreciate this donation from the St Andrew’s International School student and teacher associations as it will help us continue to do our important work.”

“It’s enjoyable to see the excitement experienced by others when they learn a new concept. Math is enjoyable, as it can be used in different aspects of life from statistics and probability in games to meteorology or research,” said the focused young man, who was curious about science from childhood. Always one to fully utilise his talents, Keardio said while in university he intends to use welding to assist with finances.

“A trade will help me when I go off, as I can work part-time and still attend school to achieve my dreams. A trade can also be used for self-employment,” said the 23-year-old.

Keardio added that he is grateful for the Bahamas Government tuition grant, which makes tertiary-level learning accessible to all eligible Bahamians. A lesson to all who would take advantage of the opportunity.

• “The BTVI Story” is a bi-weekly column which highlights the who, what and why of the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI), a tertiary institution where individuals ‘Discover the Possibilities’ related to various trades. The column is produced by BTVI’s Office of Public Relations.

The Lyford Cay Foundation and the Nassau Paradise Island Promotion Board announced a five-year $250,000 tourism leadership scholarship programme. The two scholarships, each valued at up to $25,000 per year will prepare promising industry professionals to move into critical industry leadership positions.

Lyford Cay Foundations chairman Basil Goulandris, said: “This is the first tourism leadership scholarship to be offered by the foundation and we are delighted to partner with an organisation which represents the leading hoteliers and business minds in the tourism sector,”

“We all know how important the tourism sector is for The Bahamas...We enjoy one of the highest per capita incomes and qualities of life in the region.

“However, we know that many more need these opportunities, and we hope that by helping tourism scholars achieve higher education in competitive, globally recognised tourism programs they will be better prepared to lead the way.”

It’s also about building hope. This is today a reflection of the progressive Bahamas. This is giving people the skills to build our own country.”

Central and South Abaco MP and Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism John Pinder said: “The skilled workforce is helping with the growth and recovery of Abaco. You see it in the resilience of the people. New skills are being brought to Abaco; therefore, this is economic empowerment. It puts a smile on my face.”

• The University of the Bahamas had its 2023 commencement ceremony last week with more than 500 graduates.

UB’s Spring 2023 Commencement Ceremony was held on Thursday at the Thomas A Robinson National Stadium. The 2023 Commencement Class comprised 583 people from nine academic units.