|
|
|
|
Last Updated: Mar 28, 2017 - 8:16:23 PM |
 Nassau, Bahamas - Dr. Minnis, Leader of the Free National Movement (FNM), issued the following statement:
“Mandela once said, ‘education is the most powerful weapon with which you can use to change the world’. In fact, I didn’t know that I was poor until I went to school. It’s there I realized a good education could give me the same opportunities as everyone else. It helped me work my way up, earn my education and become a Doctor. I’ve never forgotten those lessons and never will. Future generations of Bahamians deserve educational opportunities to help them reach their dreams and aspirations. These last five years we’ve watched our educational system erode – potentially robbing an entire generation of the opportunity to rise up.”
“In the last election, the PLP made one promise after another to double investment in education, provide skills training and provide paths for career development. Yet Bahamians were left with a failing education system that hasn’t produced even a single new high school. Not only has the government failed in building new schools, they’ve neglected improvements for our existing schools and we continue to graduate our seniors with a “D” average grade.”
“The FNM believes education is the great equalizer and we must set about with a renewed commitment to reforming our educational system. We must ensure that all Bahamians, irrespective of their social, economic, ethnic or learning capacities, are given the opportunity to realize their maximum potential in a broad, expansive and accommodating educational system. Upon taking office, the FNM will act immediately to find solutions to expand our educational infrastructure. We will work to emphasize early childhood education. We will amend the Education Act to mandate early childhood education beginning at age 2+ years and strengthen relevant linkages between the Child Protection Act and the Education Act to encourage parental involvement in the education of their children up to age 16 years. It is imperative we do this.”
“In order to give our students the tools they will need to succeed at finding good-paying jobs and careers, we must promote Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) education in all our schools, as well as introduce vocational courses in all grades in public schools. We will also enhance a mandatory ‘Work Experience’ program for 11th and 12th grade students so they get the practical, hands on experience they will need in life.”
“I won’t forget the early lessons I learned, the FNM government understands that a strong education is the underpinning for success. We will work tirelessly to ensure these reforms are not simply words on paper but ideas enacted to give our students the tools they need to create their own successful careers. Bahamians can’t risk another 5 years of empty rhetoric and broken promises from their Government. And leaving our children’s future in the hands of the PLP for another 5-years is a risk our children can’t afford.”
© Copyright 2017 by thebahamasweekly.com
Top of Page
|
|
|
|
