The Tribune

By NEIL HARTNELL

Tribune Business Editor

nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

The largest-ever donation received by the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI) has been branded by its president as a “game changer” in narrowing this nation’s skills gap.

Dr Robert W. Robertson said the $200,000 anonymous gift is to support technical trades training on Grand Bahama in the aftermath of Hurricane Dorian. It is the single largest donation by a private donor in the institution’s history.

The donation will be used to support delivery of National Centre for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) certified training by way of a mobile laboratory. A laboratory able to move around the island, and support individuals and communities in need of certified skills training in areas such as electrical, plumbing and carpentry, will now be acquired.

“We are delighted to have the community support for this endeavour, and we look forward to advancing this mobile lab and building key skills across Grand Bahama. This is a substantial donation and vote of confidence in the direction advanced by BTVI, as well as our graduates. Our sincere thanks to the donor,” Dr Robertson said.

The head of construction and auto mechanics at BTVI’s Grand Bahama campus, Kenton Roker, added: “We have seen considerable interest in the trades across Grand Bahama, particularly after Hurricane Dorian. This strategic donation will assist in addressing that demand.”