The Tribune

MINISTER of Education Jerome Fitzgerald told Bahamas Union of Teachers shop stewards that leadership roles come with great responsibility.

Speaking to around 100 shop stewards from New Providence, Grand Bahama and the Family Islands during a one-day workshop at Superclub Breezes, Mr Fitzgerald said their theme – Making sense of change- energising leadership – was both timely and appropriate because of the rapidly changing times and their impact on education.

“A great leader inspires people to have confidence in themselves. The challenge of leadership is to be strong but not rude; kind but not weak and bold but not a bully,” he said.

He told the shop stewards the responsibility entrusted in them is tied to the fact that the success of the nation is inextricably tied to the success and quality of our public school system.

He told the BUT leaders that the first step in dealing with change is to make sense of it, and applauded them for engaging Dr Michael Gaffley, programme professor at Nova Southeastern University and an expert on the concept of change, to assist them in understanding the nature of change.

Minister Fitzgerald noted that the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology is committed to the ongoing professional development of teachers and educational personnel and is eagerly preparing for the opening of the Professional Development Institute on location at the former Mabel Walker Primary School.

He acknowledged that BUT president Belinda Wilson came up with the idea for the institute.

Mr Fitzgerald said he was not ashamed to say this and that he does not care whose idea it was or who takes credit.

“If it makes sense, I want it done,” he said.

The Minister also indicated that in the future, the union will not have to rent facilities to host training seminars because the institute will be available to accommodate up to 300 persons.

President of the BUT, Belinda Wilson told her members that in view of the fact that the laws, rules, regulations and policies governing education are changing on a daily basis, they must remain relevant as educators.

She told the shop stewards that the workshop was all about education and empowerment and developing new plans while improving established strengths.