THE government says it is aware of the urgent demand for highly skilled workers in many fields and is committed to fulfilling these needs through the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute.
Minister of Education, Science and Technology Jerome Fitzgerald said: "The objective is to stimulate economic growth through anchor projects on New Providence and in the Family Islands and to develop the skills of our people and ultimately, our nation."
Mr Fitzgerald told a BTVI graduating class that education is the key to empowerment and the education system must provide the opportunities and prepare the nation's children with regard to career choices for them to become contributors to the development of society.
The theme for the graduation event was: "Enhancing your career through technical and vocational education and training". The graduates were encouraged to allow their newly acquired skills to place them on a path to greater accomplishments.
"Employ a work ethic for yourselves," said Mr Fitzgerald. "Be fair, true and professional in all of your dealings. Let integrity be your watchword and God your guide. I am certain that the returns will be tremendous and fulfilling."
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oracleoctavia 12 years, 5 months ago
"There is an urgent need to map and provision a new national voyage of excellence from which all Bahamians can benefit, Mrs. Patricia Glinton-Meicholas told The College of The Bahamas 2012 Commencement Class in an address that drew applause and a standing ovation at its conclusion.
"Yet, while demonstrating the power to produce excellence in so many spheres, our country is now at war with itself," said the writer, editor and cultural advocate. "There is a battle raging in the deep socioeconomic structures of the nation. Given the alarming data emerging, it seems that a rockslide of social ills is blocking our way forward."
She went further and identified the root of the problem.
"I believe the avalanche was precipitated by the vicious journey engaged in the 1970s and 1980s�that swift ride to wealth on Colombian mules with criminality as fee for passage. The souvenirs brought home have been addiction for many, a gun culture for our youth and widely dispersed expectations of continuous liquidity and ease with minimal expenditure of personal effort."
Although she gave clear examples of progress and success - both individual and collective - that have contributed to national development, Mrs. Glinton-Meicholas shared that the road to national excellence is hindered by multiple founts of prejudice, self-interest, gender polarization, tribalism and sheer ignorance.
"Who let the dogs out? We all did," she said. "We are now thirty-nine, and have yet to understand the true meaning of nation and our individual and collective roles in building and sustaining it. The time has passed for sounding the alarm regarding our country's health. It is time to call "code blue" and bring in the crash cart for resuscitation and life support. It is no measure of excellence or reason for self-congratulation to be doing well personally in a profoundly sick society. We each hold a piece of the prescription for national wellness, but will we link them to secure the medication? The time has surely come for the journey to a truer excellence and nationhood." http://www.cob.edu.bs/DOCS/COMMENCEMENT…
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