History was recently made as the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI) opened in Green Castle, Eleuthera.
While BTVI has a campus in New Providence, a branch in Grand Bahama and operates out of the Huntley Christie High School in North Andros, this is the first physical extension of the institution on any of the Family Islands. The government gifted BTVI the building and Eleutheran, Lyle Hall, was the contractor, refurbishing the building to the tune of nearly $100.000.
Minister of Education and Technical and Vocational Training, the Honourable Glenys Hanna-Martin, told guests that the government is determined to make technical and vocational education and training a priority.
“That is because it is understood in two ways. One, the global importance of technical and vocational education for building skills and secondly because of the skills gap we have in our own country. What we are see rolling out here today is a commitment to building capacity in this nation that our young people can participate in this economy equally with anyone and they don’t have to sit on the sidelines and watch as third parties come in and participate because it is said we do not have the ability or capacity,” said Minister Hanna-Martin.
Minister of Agriculture and Marine Resources, the Honourable Clay Sweeting, who is also the Member of Parliament for Central and South Eleuthera encouraged Eleutherans to take advantage of the opportunity to learn a new skill.
“Become certified in your area of choice to take advantage of opportunities that exist today and in the future. The growth that you see on the island today is not going to decrease. The demand for more development will continue to grow and we will continue to need more skilled professionals,” said Minister Sweeting.
Describing it as a seminal moment, BTVI President, Dr. Linda A. Davis said the Eleuthera extension is another strategic thrust to nationally advance technical and vocational education.
“Today, as we open this extension of BTVI, we do so understanding that BTVI has a national imperative that must be carried out. Our board, led by Chairman Elvin Taylor is on a mission to strategically move the institution forward,” said Dr. Davis.
“This structure is needed. The skills learned here are needed. We have come to Eleuthera for such a time as this and my heart is full…it is our hope that BTVI Eleuthera will become the heart of Eleuthera. Afterall, once the ribbon is cut and the building dedicated, this space will become one of exploration for those seeking to learn a skill or upgrade existing skills. This facility stands as a catalyst for possibilities,” she stated.
Dr. Davis took the opportunity to publicly thank the BTVI Board of Directors, who has the backing of Ministers Hanna-Martin and Sweeting in fully embracing the idea that technical and vocational education is of such importance that extensions of the institution should exist on major family islands for the economic wellbeing of residents.
Also present during the ceremony were executive members of the Ministry of Education and Technical and Vocational Training, including Permanent Secretary, Lorraine Armbrister, Deputy Director of Education, Dominique Russell-McCartney and Deputy Permanent Secretary, Keyshan Bastian. BTVI Board Directors Christopher Farrington, Jerad Darville and Lionel Sands were present as well. Director Sands attended the original Green Castle Primary School, went on to became a teacher and was eventually elevated to Director of Education.
Director Sands said BTVI is creating opportunities for the young people of Eleuthera to pursue technical and vocational education and training at a higher level. He added that the board’s vision is to ensure that those about to leave high school experience dual enrolment with BTVI.
Making a surprise appearance during the building and grounds’ dedication and ribbon cutting was Minister of Housing and Urban Renewal, the Honourable Keith Bell. Rector of St. Luke’s Parish, South Eleuthera, the Reverend Allison Dean, led the dedication ceremony.
Dr. Davis noted that the building has stood the test of time and stands as an enduring memorial to the strength and resilience of the people of Eleuthera through the best of times and the worst of times.
CUTTING OF THE RIBBON – Minister of Agriculture and Marine Resources, the Honourable Clay Sweeting, who is also the Member of Parliament for Central and South Eleuthera and Minister of Education and Technical and Vocational Training, the Honourable Glenys Hanna-Martin, do the honour of cutting the ribbon following the blessing of the extension of the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI) in Green Castle Eleuthera. Shown to the rear is BTVI’s President, Dr. Linda A. Davis.