Mr. Speaker :

I am honoured to be able to thank the wonderful people of Carmichael as I rise to support this budget today.

I say honoured, Sir, because as a boy attending my little schoolhouse in Staniard Creek, Andros I could never have imagined being given the opportunity to serve my country in this position.

Therein lies the lesson for the children in our Family Islands, Sir. It is important for them to understand that they can reach for the stars and be anything that they want to be. In fact, Mr. Speaker, there are two of us, myself and the Honourable member for Marathon, who are proud products of the tiny Staniard Creek All Age School. Additionally, Sir, another two of us have parents who attended school in Staniard Creek. That speaks to the quality of education which is available in the Family Islands, Sir.

In fact, Mr. Speaker, in the Ministry of Education, the Permanent Secretary is a distinguished graduate of a little school in Buckleys, Long Island, and the Director of Education has an amazing story of growing up and going to school in Green Castle, Eleuthera. And I know that you too have your story of going to school in Hatchet Bay.

The one constant in all of these cases, are the dedicated teachers who made a difference for all of us. N.G.M. Major in the case of Long Island; Rev. Dr. P.A. Gibson in your case; Lloyd Price in South Eleuthera; and Rev. Dr. C. W. Saunders who came to Staniard Creek as a young Principal and made people like my parents and the Hon. Member for Marathon appreciate that they could give service to this country if they developed the requisite work ethic and if they believed in themselves.

My contribution today, Sir, is therefore dedicated to these outstanding educators.We all owe them more than we can ever repay, and I say a special thank you to my teachers: Roselda Woodside, the late Anatol Rodgers, Dr. Keva Bethel, Arlene Nash Ferguson, Richard Adderley, Claire Hepburn, Ellen Serville, and many many more especially my parents, who taught me my first and most important lessons.

I also pay my respects to the late Bishop William Johnson. To my friend Nicky I offer my prayers and support.

Mr. Speaker, The Government of The Bahamas remains committed to the provision of quality education for all as it recognizes that education is a human right and an essential tool for achieving the goals of equitable economic growth, deepened democratic processes; and thus, ultimately contributing to citizens who are “able to develop their full capacities to live and work in dignity, to participate fully in development, to improve the quality of their lives, to make informed decisions and to continue learning” (World Declaration in Education For All)

This is the platform on which we in the Ministry and Department of Education have and continue to deliver education to all citizens within The Commonwealth of The Bahamas. Being mindful of the restrictive economic times that currently exist, we present a budget for the 2010 -2011 Fiscal Period that reflects our responsibilities and priorities in executing our mandate on education.

We have achieved considerable success which can be measured through our students’ accomplishments throughout the length and breadth of our Bahamaland.Just a few short days ago, Sir, I sat in the Church of God of Prophecy on East Street as hundreds of our primary school students from throughout the country received awards for their outstanding achievements in the classroom. It was a humbling experience, Sir, to to see little Ashanti Hardy from Crossing Rocks Primary School in Abaco meeting and sitting next to Rodneal Hanna from Mastic Point Primary School in Andros and to envision the enlightening power of education as it spans our country and empowers and unites our people.

We have to know that the future of our country is in good hands, Mr. Speaker, when we see Valtio Cooper, a 13-year old student at the North Andros High School winning the Texaco Safety Ambassador Speech Competition; or

Salathiel Wells, of N. G. M. Major High School (Long Island) winning the Alpha Phi Alpha Valedictorian Award which is presented to their most outstanding male student from public and independent schools in the country; or

Witnessing the Debating Team from the Cat Island, San Salvador and Rum Cay District winning their third consecutive National High School Debating Championship. San Salvador had a great year, Sir, as young Alexis Knowles also emerged as runner up in the national Spelling Bee.

Mr. Speaker, were I to recite the list of accomplishments by our students it would take more time than I am allotted in this debate. We, like you, Sir, are justifiably proud of them; and they continue to inspire us to work to improve education for all Bahamians.

Mr. Speaker, the successes achieved by these students serves as a vivid example of the power of education. It reminds all of us, Sir, that the children are indeed our future, and that it is our duty to train them and then let them lead the way. Mr. Speaker, we have to show them all of the beauty they possess inside, so that they may have that sense of pride which unites us as a people.

This is what our teachers do every day, Sir, and we cannot thank them enough for their commitment and sacrifices. In particular, Mr. Speaker, I commend Andrea Simms-Adderley, the Teacher of the Year, who hails from the Autistic Unit of the Garvin Tynes Primary School, a school which incidentally, Sir, was named after one of my father’s best friends. Ms. Simms- Adderley represents all the wonderful virtues that we appreciate in our teachers. It is because of our teachers, Mr. Speaker, that we can all feel confident to stand on our feet in this place and represent the Bahamian people by developing and articulating ideas in the manner that we do.

Mr. Speaker, The Department of Education has continued its education reform efforts as it seeks to improve student achievement and teacher performance, raise public awareness of, and increase community involvement in the education process, and to ensure that our schools are safe, conducive learning environments.

The 2009 / 2010 budget afforded us the opportunity to undertake a number of key initiatives in our schools including instituting a number of intervention programmes to ensure that students improve their proficiency in reading and mathematics and we were able to sustain the high level of performance that the public has come to expect in our annual competitions and exhibitions in the areas of Technical / Vocational Studies, Visual Arts, Performing Arts, Religious Studies, Health & Family Life, Modern Languages and Mathematics.

During the last fiscal year, I wish to advise that :

Schools / Districts continued the development of their School Improvement Plans which gave direct focus to improving the literacy, numeracy and social skills of students at all grade levels;

We continued to pilot the STI administrative software in eighteen schools and have been able to produce computer-generated student reports for the Christmas term 2009. Further, plans to utilize the scheduling component are in progress as of June 2010.

There has been increased access to technology at all levels; greater participation of officers in Professional Development activities, and more adequate provision of equipment for Physical Education, Home Economics and Cosmetology.

Additionally, Sir, with the support of our Corporate Community and Partners – NGOs, other Government Ministries, OAS, UNESCO, COL, BHA, - we have been able to continue our ongoing teacher-training programs in content upgrading, teaching strategies, basic computer skills, literacy, numeracy, and character and values education. We have made much progress with our Technology Integration initiatives in primary schools, and in the Extended Learning and Industry Shadowing Programmes offered during the summer holidays.

Mr. Speaker, my good friend, the Hon. member for Fort Charlotte, has expressed the view that the education system in the Bahamas is broken. I do not agree with him, but to the extent that we are to improve education in our beloved Bahamas, it’s now up to me. So Mr. Speaker, today I will give Honourable members an idea of what we will do this year.

Mr. Speaker, you would be pleased to note that the Department proposes to utilize its allocation in the 2010 / 2011 budget not only to continue the activities and initiatives undertaken during the 2009 / 10 budget year, but also to implement new programs designed to enhance the delivery of education in our schools.

As we continue to promote a culture of learning among students, teachers and technical officers, the Department of Education has as its priority the strengthening of the instructional program through a better alignment of the demand for skills with the programs being offered in our schools.

At the primary level, the budget will allow for the expansion of our focus on literacy and numeracy. We will give specific focus to the establishment of a National Numeracy Committee with responsibility for providing a co-ordinated approach to improving numeracy standards at the national level and will be expected to outline a vision and identify strategies and targets for the promotion of the teaching and learning of mathematics in all of our schools. A similar committee will be formalized for our Literacy initiatives which are experiencing some degree of success.

We have also earmarked resources for the production of indigenous learning materials, especially for students whose readiness to learn is at risk, the high quality Reading Comprehension Skills Program introduced in primary schools will be sustained and our locally produced Junka & Noo Language Development Kits (Print / CD materials), designed to enable students to develop reading / math readiness skills and acquire knowledge / skills related to Social Studies and Science will be made available to all schools.

We hope to publish and have ready for distribution to our primary schools, the revised edition of the Social Studies Text, in addition to the accompanying Teachers’ Manual and the Atlas of The Bahamas by the end of December.

We remain committed to ensuring that all students have access to technology-aided instruction especially in Mathematics, Science, Social Studies and Language Arts. We will continue the expansion of the STI Administrative Software to other schools; additional and existing instructional software (Destination Math / Reading, Auto Skills Reading / Math, Nova Net, Active Board will be made available to more students across grade levels.

Included in the 2010 / 2011 budget are the funds needed to give students another chance at success through the Extended Learning Program and Distance Learning.These programs will allow us to focus more on individualized instruction and to provide opportunities for students to learn at their own pace and to have access to quality education by way of the radio, internet and television.

Our work with the Bahamas Learning Channel will continue as we prepare a range of extremely creative Curriculum based programs (Gary the Explorer – Science; Junka & Noo – Primary Literacy Skills; Time to Learn Your Tables; Vocabulous; Tell Me A Story; Spanish and French lessons; GLAT Attack; Talking with Hands) for transmission on both Cable & ZNS.

Mr. Speaker, we all realize that fundamental to the success of any school is the quality of its administrators and faculty. The 2010 / 2011 budget will therefore enable us to strengthen our existing cohort of specialist teachers by hiring twenty new teachers. It will also permit us, to continue our expansion of specialist programs to the Family Islands in the areas of Spanish, Physical Education and Music through the utilization of itinerant teachers. Our school administrators, inclusive of principals, vice principals and senior masters / mistresses, will continue to take advantage of the upgrading and training courses being offered at the COB / MOE Leadership Institute as they seek to improve their schools.

As we strengthen our teaching staff, Mr. Speaker, it is important to note that our staff audits revealed that many of our schools were overstaffed. Accordingly, appropriate adjustments are being made. Mr. Speaker, we also propose to continue our Teacher Incentives Program. This calls for strengthening the skills of the teaching force by expanding the number of training and mentoring initiatives being offered. Additionally it will provide rewards and recognition for schools who have demonstrated significant improvement in student achievement and behaviour, and in reduced dropout rates through a robust quality assurance programme. In total, Mr. Speaker, one million dollars has been made available in this budget for school quality assurance, and I thank the Minister of Finance.

Districts and Schools will also be encouraged to continue to develop and implement comprehensive, data – driven Improvement Plans which will include effective intervention strategies for academic and socially at risk students leading to increased opportunities for Career & Technical Education & Training.

Further, the 2010 /2011 budget will allow us to continue our implementation of Magnet Programs, particularly in Hospitality & Tourism Studies; Marine; Nautical Sciences; Building & Mechanical Trades; Pre-Engineering; Building & Marketing & Information and Communication Technology.

These programs, which did indeed attract a number of high achievers, were designed around a specific theme, or subject clusters. They also provided in-depth focus on students’ special interests, talents and abilities and offered choices to students across districts rather than specific in catchment areas.

The 2010 / 2011 budget will also allow for the creation of a pilot Career Technical Academy at a designated site. The Academy is intended to give focus to Career Technical Education Programs for all students who show interest in and aptitude for pursuing related careers. This innovative Academy proposes to utilize an approach that integrates core and vocational curricula, promote internships, employer involvement, real life skills and experiences.

The Career Academy will offer programs that reflect either subject clusters or career clusters. Each program will have its core vocational components, in addition to electives or options and mandatory core academic courses. Students will be given exposure to critical thinking and employability skills such as oral communication, leadership and teamwork. We anticipate that students from the Career and technical academy who seek tertiary education will enjoy a seamless transition to BTVI.

The 2010 / 2011 budget will also enable us to sustain our After School Clubs for under-achieving 6^th & 9^th graders in Math & Reading and our Homework Centres for senior high students preparing to sit national examinations.

Additionally, Sir, we will be able to continue our administration of standardized testing in Reading and Math at Grades 2, 4 & 5. The Rigby Reads and the IOWA Math Assessment tests are providing us with more reliable and objective assessments of student achievement at grade levels not currently being examined at the national level.

These tests have greatly assisted us in not only identifying at an earlier stage of schooling, those students who may be at risk academically, but also in determining the strategies and resources needed to address the deficiencies noted.

During this year, Sir, we will:

· Continue our focus on students with learning disabilities and those deemed socially at risk;

· Continue transforming schools into places that expect and support students so that they perform at high standards;

· Implement the HIV & Aids Policy in school districts across The Bahamas, & continue capacity building & training of Ministry of Education staff and other stakeholders in Life Skills & HIV prevention;

· Produce more Mathematics Texts for Primary Schools.

· Expand the Auto Skills Reading & Math Software Program to schools in Family Islands;

· Provide access to learning software and ActivBoards to a wider range of teachers and schools;

· Produce electronic copies of the revised curriculum documents and related support materials;

· Continue the development of Distance Education programs in core subject areas, (including – Professional Development courses for teachers) utilizing a multimedia approach;

· Re-introduce Student Government in high schools across The Bahamas – providing students opportunities to learn the principles and practices of democratic government and to have a voice in decision-making;

· Establish peer mentoring programs to help struggling students and foster the importance of teamwork;

· Establish a National Parenting Program with a specific emphasis on providing parents with much needed parenting skills;

· Promote Recognition and Awards Ceremonies across schools and districts designed to encourage teachers and students to continue to pursue excellence;

· Upgrade school libraries – providing greater access to a wide range of multimedia resources;

· Implement the accounting system for tuck shops which was recently piloted at the S.C. McPherson Junior high School, in schools throughout the country to improve efficiency;

· Create a wireless community in many of our high schools to improve communication;

· Implement the power school student information system which we recently piloted at the Anatol Rodgers High School in more schools to make information more accessible.

Mr. Speaker, as you can see, we have a busy year ahead of us in education. Much has been accomplished, and much more has to be done. We will, therefore, continue to encourage the development of exemplary leadership in our schools to provide guidance for our students.

We will also continue utilizing the National spelling Bee and the National debate championships to assist students in improving their spelling skills and vocabularies, while learning new concepts and applying them in practical learning environments.

Our school Beautification and Clean Campus competitions will be continued, as will our After-school programmes. We would wish for parents to know that these programmes exist at all schools nationwide providing homework assistance, and the strengthening of skills through the utilization of Reading and Mathematics activity centers, supervised recreational activities.

At the same time, Mr. Speaker, we will continue to promote Literacy and Numeracy Clubs at grades six and grade nine; our Senior High School – Homework Centres and Study Halls and our National Art & Craft After-school Enrichment Programme of which we are all extremely proud.

We will also continue the successful Bahamas Reading Mentoring Programme; the Brass & Leather Excellence in Education Award; and the National spelling Bee, all of which are wonderful examples of the success of public / private partnerships to promote education. At the same time, Mr. Speaker, we will invite more of our partners in the business community to involve themselves in initiatives which make a difference in education; after all, Sir, improving education is everyone’s business.

Mr. Speaker, I now move to two issues which, unfortunately have been inadequately explained, leading to much misunderstanding in our country. First:

GRADING SYSTEM

GRADE LEVEL ASSESSMENT TEST (GLAT)

BAHAMAS JUNIOR CERTIFICATE (BJC)

BAHAMAS GENERAL CERTIFICATE OF SECONDARY EDUCATION (BGCSE)

The national examinations are all graded on a seven (7) point scale, i.e., A to G. All grades indicate a measure of positive achievement. Grade ‘A’ denotes the highest level of performance while grade ‘G’ denotes the lowest level.

The national examinations assess candidates’ grasp of key concepts, knowledge, skills and competencies required by the syllabus.

A Knowledge is specific, appropriate and comprehensive; evidence of exceptional comprehension skills, and outstanding high order skills – problem solving and critical thinking skills.

B Knowledge is specific, appropriate and comprehensive; evidence of exceptional comprehension skills; very good high-order, problem-solving, critical thinking skills.

C Knowledge is specific and appropriate to the task – evidence of sound comprehension skills; good high – order, problem-solving skills.

D Knowledge is specific and appropriate to the task – comprehension evident, critical thinking / problem-solving skills satisfactory.

E General basic knowledge exhibited, also evidence of ability to comprehend this knowledge and limited problem solving skills.

F Basic knowledge still limited – goes beyond the recall, recognition level to show some understanding of this basic knowledge; very limited problem–solving skills evident.

G Limited basic knowledge about the tasks required and only at the recall or recognition level – with no comprehension and no problem-solving skills evident.

The ‘U’ grade indicates that the candidate has failed to show positive achievement in the subject.

The seven – point grading scheme ensures a sharper distinction between the qualities of performance at each grade. It is also meant to give potential employers an insight into the differing levels of achievement of each student so that their ability to perform at differing levels will be clear. Hence, grades of

A, B and C denote Above Average performance

D denotes Average performance

E, F and G denote Below Average performance

Mr. Speaker, this brings me to the second misunderstanding:

EXPLANATION ON THE ERROR OF REPORTING NATIONAL GRADE AVERAGE

For the past seventeen years, the Examination and Assessment Unit (formerly Testing and Evaluation Unit) of the Ministry of Education, has been publishing results of the Bahamas General Certificate of Secondary Education (BGCSE) examination, and the Bahamas Junior Certificate (BJC) examination.

It is mandatory that reports on the performance of students are published each year and supplied to schools, in order to highlight the areas of strengths and weaknesses exhibited by students, with a view to improving performance wherever possible.

Over the years, reports provided either to the schools or published nationally unfortunately changed without consideration to the merit of the information published. Such is the case with the National Grade Average.

In 2005, the examination and Assessment unit sought to review the calculation of the National Grade average. It sought the advice of the University of Cambridge Local examination Syndicate (ministry’s consultant on the Exam), who advised that the calculation of a National Grade Average on a multi-faceted examination such as the BGCSE is not scientific nor is it rational for several reasons:

1. The examination comprises a number of different subjects most with multiple papers, some designed for students of high academic ability, and others for students of low and medium abilities;

2. Not all students sit all subjects, nor take all papers available in the subject;

3. The same number of students do not offer for the same exam or even the same paper level;

4. The same number of subscription to subjects are not consistent throughout with all students e.g. while more than 5000 student sit Mathematics, only 100 sit Electrical Installation in any given year. The disparity in subscription and the difference in students do not provide for a credible average (students who sat one subject may not be the same who sat the other);

5. Even though the BGCSE examination is designed for 12 graders, the exam is sat by a significant number of students who are not twelfth grades, thus skewing the results.

6. As a consequence of these explanations, and the fact that it was found that no other country attempts to provide a national average, the Examination and Assessment Unit sought to discontinue the erroneous practice of calculating national averages, but to little avail. The Public has continued to demand it because we have failed to adequately explain that the very concept of a national average as a measuring tool is flawed. After all, Sir, we should not need to refer to Cambridge to know what any statistician will tell you, that in any valid system of examinations which covers a broad spectrum of abilities over a seven point letter grading scale, the probability is close to 100 percent that the median grade or average must be a “D”.

Mr. Speaker, the practice around the world is to provide year by year comparative analysis by individual subjects and by school performance. If fact, Mr. Speaker Honourable members would see that in the U.K. for example secondary school examination results are being used as a basis for identifying and closing underperforming schools.

Henceforth, Sir, we will use examination results to improve instruction methodology at underperforming schools. Additionally, Sir, I wish to advise today that as long as I have the honour to serve as Minister of Education the erroneous and misguided practice of publishing a national average will be discontinued. Instead of publishing this misleading and nonsensical statistic we will seek to educate our populace with respect to the appropriate method of analyzing examination results in a manner that is consistent with approaches which are taken by respected educational authorities regionally and internationally.

I trust that this explanation will clear up the misunderstanding, Sir, and that henceforth we can move forward without the misleading rhetoric. Mr. Speaker, today, countries around the world seek to improve education. Currently, many regional countries are reconsidering their commitment to the CXC examinations even as many in the U.K. are urging that another look be taken at their own system of education as they themselves face a perceived weakness in literacy and numeracy skill development. We as Bahamians should all be proud that we have our own system of national examination, which are prepared by Bahamian professionals and which permit our students to study the works of our own eminent scholars while at the same time enjoying international certification and an outstanding reputation.

NATIONAL SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMME

Mr. Speaker, this year an unprecedented $7 million has been provided for scholarships. I thank the Minister of Finance for thinking about our students, coming as it does after he provided a record breaking $6 million for scholarships last year.

Mr. Speaker, I want to encourage our students to continue to seek to excel. We want to provide this assistance to students who are striving to excel; therefore records of achievement will be critical to success.

I wish to remind Honourable members that we continue to build the College of the Bahamas as we seek to achieve University status. It is, therefore, anticipated that some of this funding will be provided to the College to supplement the $1 million which has been provided to the College in this budget. I, therefore, make no apologies, Sir, for saying that students who study at the College of the Bahamas will, therefore, be our first priority. As the College unveils it’s new need based scholarship policy, students are encouraged to apply to our own College.Remember, foreign is not a synonym for “better”.

Mr. Speaker, we recognize the importance of diversity in education. Accordingly, the majority of the $7 million provided for in this budget will be earmarked for students who study abroad; however, parents and students are reminded that this is a national resource, and accordingly funding will be provided to areas of study that assist in national development.

Honourable members would note that this is scholarship assistance; hence no monetary repayment is required. However, nonetheless, we do expect our students who receive these scholarships to repay the Bahamas. We expect them to repay our country by working to their potential during their University studies.Accordingly, students are reminded that failure to achieve the required grades will mean that the scholarship will be revoked and assistance will be provided to another more deserving student.

Moreover, Sir we expect repayment by having our students return home after completing their studies to contribute to the continued development of our country.Kennedy’s immortal words still ring true today, and so I remind students that it’s important for you to constantly ask yourself what can you do to help your country to continue to develop, particularly as the country would have provided valuable national resources to assist in your education.

GUARANTEED LOAN FUND PROGRAMME

Mr. Speaker, during the midyear budget I spoke to the guaranteed loan fund programme. Regrettably, there are many Bahamians who have not lived up to their commitment to repay. The fund reached it’s statutory limit, and the Government was left with no alternative but to suspend the provision of new loans. The Government, however, will continue to fund its commitment made to those students currently in the program.

The Educational Guaranteed loan programme can only continue in a prudential and responsible manner if new lending to students is entirely financed from the proceeds of loan repayments which are owed by past beneficiaries of guaranteed educational loans. The on-going viability of the programme will now hinge on the amount of funds collected from defaulted loan holders.

The Government, in short order, will be initiating various strategies aimed at ensuring that those persons who owe money to the fund repay it in a timely manner. More than 5,000 persons have benefited from the Guaranteed Loan Programme since 2000.

Those persons who received loans and who are in good standing will be pleased to know, Mr. Speaker, that the 50% interest subsidy has been reinstated in accordance with the government’s commitment. Hence, the interest that they now have to repay has been decreased considerably.

THE COLLEGE OF THE BAHAMAS

Enrolment

Mr. Speaker, in the fall of 2009 enrolment was 5,094 students, up (9.0%) from 4,673 in the fall of 2008, and including 4,385 in degree programmes and 709 of in College Prep programmes.

Enrolment and graduation numbers in baccalaureate degree programmes continue to outpace numbers in associate degree programmes, signalling The College’s transition to a four-year degree granting institution. In 2009, more than half of graduating seniors received baccalaureate degrees reflecting the trend of the past three years.

Academic Programmes

The College now offers 6 baccalaureate degrees in over 60 majors and it offers 2 Associate degree programmes. It also facilitates the UWI LLB programme and offers the University of Technology (UTech) Bachelor of Pharmacy that requires two years of study at The College and two at UTech. A range of graduate programmes from Kent State Univeristy and Wheelock College are also facilitated by The College.

In Fall 2009, the College launched a number of new academic programs namely, Bachelor of Arts degree in Spanish programme, Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Human Resource Management programme and Bachelor of Arts & Bachelor of Science degree in Small Island Sustainability (SIS) programmes.

Programme development at The College is to be governed by the interests of the Bahamian population, the labour market needs of our country as well as by a vision of areas which can serve to help build the Bahamas. At the moment, the College is preparing to offer new programmes in maritime studies, a programme which is conceived of as the flagship programme of the northern campus and a baccalaureate degree in Architecture.

The College is also increasing accessibility of College prep programmes to the family islands and launched its online pilot project in Fall 2009.

During Fall 2009 the College’s International Languages and Cultures Institute in conjunction with the Confucius Institute and the Nanjing University of Information and Technology established a Confucius Classroom at the College. Confucius classrooms are extensions of the Confucius Institutes, non-profit institutes funded by the Chinese Government to promote Chinese language and culture. The College has been teaching Mandarin for the past 2 years.

Faculty and Staff

Mr. Speaker, Honourable members would wish to note that the College employs 616 full time persons, including 231 faculty and 385 staff. The College also employs 96 part-time faculty members.

More than 31% of faculty have earned doctoral degrees. 76% of the faculty are Bahamian. In the past two years alone, The College has supported 11 Bahamians registered in doctoral degrees. It has spent over $0.5M a year in the past two years on faculty development, and this year, 10 faculty members are currently on fully paid study leave to earn further degrees. During the first six months of 2009, 13 members of faculty were on paid and unpaid leave pursuing either a doctoral (10) or Masters degree. The total expected expenditure on these 13 faculty members over their course of study is $1.397M. The College continues to provide strong support to faculty and professional development.

Mr. Speaker, of note is the fact that the College is currently negotiating two industrial contracts – Union of Tertiary Educators of The Bahamas and Public Managers Union. Negotiations with the Bahamas Public Services Union will begin in January 2010.

Financial Aid

Mr. Speaker, since 2007, the government has allocated $1M annually to support The College’s financial aid programme. That’s $1 million per year for financial aid to C.O.B. students, Sir, and $3 million for three years. In comparison, Mr. Speaker, for their final two years in office members opposite gave C.O.B. a total of $46,958. It’s clear, Sir, that we are the government that has truly provided for the needs of Bahamian students. While members opposite simply talk, they rely on us to make things happen.

However, Mr. Speaker, we are cognizant of the difficult times that we live in. Accordingly, Sir in January 2010, The College revised its financial aid policy, in order to make financial aid available as broadly as possible to eligible students. The revision included two measures: the highest award is now capped at $1,200 and the deferred payment plan was extended by an additional payment period to make fee payment easier. It is anticipated, Sir, that the policy will be improved even more this summer.

The College has also created or collaborated in innovative programmes to make a tangible difference in the lives of Bahamians. One such programme, Sir, was a collaborative effort between the College, BTVI and the Ministry of Labour and Social Development in launching a National Training Initiative programme, during the Fall semester. 216 students enrolled in the program, which enabled them to obtain certification for a number of employable life skills.

Other innovative programmes which will continue to attract more top Bahamian students to the College include the President’s Scholar’s Programme, which seeks to foster intellectual growth and to enhance leadership skills among our top students; the study abroad programme and the athletic programme. Mr. Speaker, you would be intrigued to know that the College has utilized funding which was generously provided by the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture to fund athletic scholarships for student athletes at C.O.B.

Additionally, Sir, t he College’s Research Advisory Board distributed $25,000 in start-up research grants last year. A budget of $60,000 was provided to fund the start up grants from which $50,000 was designated for faculty and $10,000 to support student research projects. From June 1, 2009 – December 31, 2009, the Board awarded $21,328 in competitive grants for 10 faculty research projects on several varied scientific, cultural, artistic and social topics.

Additionally, Sir, the College has now also established a Scholar-in-Residence (S-I-R) Programme through which it will expand its excellence-in-research agenda. In this, the inaugural year of the scholar-in-residence programme, the College is supporting two critical projects, each under the leadership of renowned national scholars.

Dr. Gail Saunders is carrying out the research that will form the basis of a book on Race Relations in the Colonial Bahamas . The College has secured a private donation to cover 50% of the total cost of this project.

Dr. Keva Bethel is carrying out research and writing a book on the history of post-secondary education in The Bahamas with particular reference to the history of the College. Her working title is: Purpose and Promise; An Account of the First Thirty-five Years in the Life of The College of The Bahamas.

Mr. Speaker, we look forward to seeing more eminent Bahamian scholars following Dr. Bethel and Dr. Saunders as the College continues to promote and facilitate excellence in research. Alumni and stakeholders are encouraged to support these efforts.

Facilities and Infrastructural Development

Mr. Speaker the College has been at the forefront of the progressive development of educational facilities for our community. The Performing Arts Centre was opened in May 2009, and to date, it has been used to stage a number of plays and concerts by the College’s music and theatre departments. It was also the venue for this year’s Anatol Rodgers lecture series where the guest speaker was Nobel Prize laureate, Derek Walcott.

The College also carried out repairs to its existing facilities with major repairs being done to the roofs of the Technology and Business blocks.

Additionally, Sir, during the Spring 2010 semester work on a new Computer Centre was completed. At the end of November 2009, The College also completed the upgrading of its network. This upgrade will result in the increase in network speed for all users, reduced network downtime, increased capacity for growth and research, enhanced network security, capacity for enhanced services (online registration, online learning, portal, etc.) and indoor and outdoor wireless access. The total cost of this project was $1.8M. The network upgrade project was supported by The Lyford Cay Foundation which has committed $750K to the upgrade.

I would also wish to advise, Sir, that the College is in the planning stage for the design of the Small Island Sustainability Complex for which it has secured a $10M private donation.

Finally, on this topic, Sir, the College has identified land to construct the Graduate School of Business and is entering the consultative stage with Government in this regard. The Government has included in its 2009/2010 budget a $2M allocation for the construction of the Graduate Business Centre. This $2M allocation matches two private donations of $1M each. The anticipated cost of the building is $4,021,793.

Future Developments

Mr. Speaker, in the upcoming months there are six special events that we can look forward to at the College. These are:

· The launch of the MBA programme, which will be the College’s first graduate degree programme,

· Completion of the programme design for diplomas in maritime studies

· The completion of the certificate programme in environmental health

· Completion of design and initial site planning work for the $4 million Graduate Business Centre. Construction for the Centre is planned for the 2011-2012 academic year and will house The Faculty of Business, including both graduate and undergraduate schools of business

· The official opening of the new campus in the Northern Bahamas: The project to date represents a total investment of $10.1 Million

· The official opening of the Harry C. Moore Library and Information Centre: The project to date represents a total investment of $28 Million

College Leadership

Mr. Speaker, in January 2010, The College Council approved a framework for a search process to identify the next president of The College of The Bahamas. This framework included establishment of a 9-member search advisory team lead by The College Council Chairman, and comprising representatives from core stakeholder groups, faculty, staff, students, alumni and the broader community. The process is being facilitated through The College’s External Affairs office and the Search Advisory Committee is supported by Academic Search Inc., a Washington DC based executive search firm that specialises in leadership searches for institutions of higher learning. The College began advertising for the position on May 3^rd, locally and abroad. Interested persons have until June 9^th to submit their expressions of interests or to nominate persons they feel might be most suited for the post. The College expects to appoint the new President in the Fall of 2010.

I take this opportunity to thank President Hodder, Sir for her outstanding commitment to advancing the College to the stage where we can now envision taking the next step to University status. She has made a tangible difference in the lives of thousands of Bahamians, Sir, and on behalf of the government and people of the Bahamas I thank her.

B.T.V.I.

Mr. Speaker, a few weeks ago I spoke extensively about B.T.V.I., and so today I intend to say very little. However, I do want to challenge our high school students to apply for admission to the many innovative, educational programmes at B.T.V.I.We wish to emphasize the growing importance of B.T.V.I. as an important tertiary institution in the Bahamas, and accordingly I am pleased to advise that for the first time in history we will earmark funding from the general scholarship budget item to provide scholarship assistance for B.T.V.I. students.

CAPITAL BUDGET

In this 2010/2011 Fiscal Budget we intend to provide school environments where our students can learn, our teachers can teach and dreams and expectations can be fulfilled. To that end the allocation of in excess of $17 million will assist us in ensuring that our schools provide environments which are conducive to learning.

The Minister of Works has already indicated both the T.G. Glover Primary School and the Anatol Rodgers Secondary School were underbudgeted by millions of dollars. The good news is that this government has now set matters right. The Anatol Rodgers Secondary School is close to completion, and the T.G. Glover Primary School will be ready for occupation in September 2011.

The completion of the T.G. Glover Primary School will bring relief to parents, teachers and students who have had to endure life in trailers for too many years. I will touch on our plans for this school in a few minutes.

Additionally, Sir, we have already started the work which is required to complete electrical upgrades in schools throughout the country, from Cat Island New Providence. New sewer plants Sewerage system upgrdes are planned for L.W. Young, and S.C. McPherson Junior High Schools, Uriah McPhee Primary School and Stephen Dillet Primary School.

Mr. Speaker, when I visited Spanish Wells I was shocked to see children having to study under the trees as we had to do when I was a boy. We plan to bring relief to the children of Spanish Wells, and also anticipate making considerable improvements in Bimini, Cat Island, Exuma, Harbour Island, Grand Bahama, Long Island, Mayaguana and Andros. Additionally, Sir, our summer repair programme will touch virtually every island in the Bahamas.

We are also developing master plans for the R.M. Bailey Senior High School and the C. H. Reeves Junior High School. We are taking a proactive approach to school repairs and improvement this year, Sir, and we look forward to an extremely busy summer of school improvement.

LAB SCHOOL INITIATIVE

Mr. Speaker, I am extremely excited to announce that the Ministry of Education is embarking on an initiative that it expects will revolutionize education. It intends to introduce a Laboratory School in conjunction with the School of Education at the College of the Bahamas.

A laboratory school is a professional development school for teachers, and is also known as a demonstration school. The introduction of one in the Bahamas will in the first instance permit the school of education at the College of the Bahamas to become a College of Education as we move to University status.

The proposed Lab School will provide the College of the Bahamas and the Department of Education with opportunities for improving the teaching proficiency of pre-service and in-service teachers and will also enhance the quality of education delivered to all our schools.

It should be noted that such a school will be the much needed bridge between the School of Education and Government Schools as it will provide direct interaction of COB staff with students, parents and teachers. COB staff will have an opportunity to blend theory with practice as they engage in real life educational experiences in a real educational environment.

Lecturers and teacher trainees will gain new ideas and concepts, and deeper insights and understanding of the whys and why nots of education as they engage in educational research, observe and participate in demonstration lessons and evaluate and train teachers in the same setting.

The Lab School’s focus will be to promote academic excellence through innovative research-based teaching and learning practices and provide a variety of real life educational experiences for teachers in training.

The Ministry intends to utilize the new T.G. Glover Primary School building on Horseshoe Drive and equip it with state of the art library, technology/media labs, Interactive boards and lab carts, art studio, drama/dance /music studios, and playground.

It is expected that this Demonstration School will offer a curriculum that covers, Language Arts, Math, Science and Technology, Social Studies, Religious Studies, Health and Family Life, Personal Development, Physical Education, Creative and Performing Arts, and Information Technology/Mass Media.

It is also expected that this school will offer an Instructional Program that:

Promotes an inclusive creative community;

Fosters critical thinking;

Cultivates an intrinsic motivation to learn and activate participation in the learning process;

Develops self awareness, compassion for others and appreciation for diversity and personal leadership;

Uses an experiential approach;

Values different ways of learning; and

Fully prepares each student for intellectual, artistic, physical, social/emotional challenges beyond primary school.

The school is also expected to cater to pre-school to grade 6 students of all ability levels within the catchment’s area which involves students from T.G. Glover Primary School, Oakes Field Primary School, Naomi Blatch Primary School and Mable Walker Primary School.

Finally, the collaboration between the Department of Education and the College of the Bahamas in the Lab/Demonstration initiative will provide opportunities for:

1. Exchange in best practices between the Department and C.O.B.;

2. Observations of improved classroom and C.O.B. teaching practices;

3. Educational research driven by both the Department of Education and C.O.B.;

4. Both partners to demonstrate what excellence in education looks like;

5. Collaborative planning; and

6. Collaborative teaching and learning.

The Lab School being proposed is intended to set the stage for a new thrust in education. Students will be exposed to the best teaching and learning practices locally and globally and will benefit from innovative improvement programs across core disciplines.

Mr. Speaker, when the Lab School opens in September, 2011 it will enhance education throughout the Bahamas. However, Sir, I do want to say to parents that the success of the Lab School will be proportional to their involvement in the educational development of their children.

SCHOOL DISCIPLINE / SECURITY

Mr. Speaker, over the years school violence has continued to be a vexing problem.During this decade it has risen to intolerable levels.

It is my view, Sir, that our schools are a microcosm of our society. The actions of our children, unfortunately, mirror the attitudes and behavioral patterns of the adults to whom they are exposed.

Our responses have to be just as sophisticated as the problem is complex.Parenting education to increase parental understanding and involvement; dispute resolution initiatives; counseling; community initiatives to better understand the conditions that our children live under …. These and other initiatives are now being developed in our school family. Mr. Speaker, I had a guidance counselor tell me of a child in Junior High School who has to earn $600.00 per month in order to pay rent for him and his brother to live. There are many of these children in our schools who struggle everyday to keep up academically because they have to work just to survive, Sir. When dedicated teachers tell me stories of going out at night to look for students who are not living at home, only to find them living in abysmal conditions, it becomes clear that we have to put more pressure on these parents to start parenting.

So, Mr. Speaker, it’s not simply a matter of punishment. The problem is much more complex than that and we will seek to meet the challenge in education, Sir.However, where punishment is warranted, Sir, it must be swift and certain. Parents are, therefore, advised to step up to their rightful positions in the lives of their children; because if they take their appropriate roles we will see the change that all of us want for the children of our country.

Students and parents are advised that we have ceased the practice of shuffling violent students around from school to school. The safety of our students and teachers is too important for that. Hence, where students engage in violent conduct and they do not fall within the scope of the profiles for alternative schools they will be expelled.

Mr. Speaker, members opposite have consistently claimed that their school policing initiative decreased the incidence of violence in schools. There is no evidence of that, Sir.

In fact, Mr. Speaker, it was quite an exaggeration to refer to what they created as school policing, and real police officers, who have gone through the appropriate degree of training for a police officer continue to be offended by the phrase being used in the manner in which members opposite use it.

The fact of the matter, Mr. Speaker is that midway through their term, members opposite realized that there was an escalation of violence in public and private schools. They created a system of school auxiliaries. These auxiliaries were never members of the police force. The police force was at all times defined under the law, and the auxiliaries do not fall within the terms of that definition.

Most of the recruits were academically unqualified for jobs as police officers, and many were physically challenged to carry out their assigned tasks.

Mr. Speaker, much is documented about the shortcomings of the school auxiliary programme, including the not uncommon physical confrontations between students and immature auxiliaries, but I will not delve into these problems now. Suffice it to say that school policing in the Bahamas from 2002 through 2005 is a myth that should be permitted to die a quick death.

This is not to say that I am satisfied with all of our security officers currently, Sir.We do have many dedicated, disciplined officers who give their full commitment to their duties. I applaud their efforts, and I promise those officers that any officer who does not carry their weight; who abandons his post or is negligent in carrying out assigned duties will face appropriate disciplinary action. Protecting children and teachers in our schools must not be compromised, Sir.

Additionally, Sir, the implementation of modern techniques and technology such as the installation of CCTV in many of our schools have already begun. Mr. Speaker, we will continue to implement cutting edge technology in ensuring that school children and educators are safe during school hours, while at the same time implementing appropriate disciplinary strategies for students who fail to conform to the rules.

INAPPROPRIATE RELATIONSHIPS

Mr. Speaker, as I commend our outstanding teachers for their commitment to educating our children, I take this opportunity to thank the many teachers who called me personally to report inappropriate relationships that they observed between teachers and students. The days of covering these transgressions up are long gone, Sir.

Mr. Speaker, the relationship between teacher and student is one of mutual trust.We have taken steps to dismiss teachers who have abused that trust, and have ensured that where the law is broken proceedings are initiated in the criminal courts. The message that we will not tolerate such conduct has been sent loud and clear.

In this regard, Sir, I wish to thank Clarence Cleare and School Psychologist Sterling Gardiner for their outstanding commitment to protecting our vulnerable school children despite the obstacles that they may face at times. We are committed to protecting our children, and to providing counseling for those who have been taken advantage of.

Mr. speaker, teaching is among the most noble of professions. We in the Ministry will do everything that is possible to ensure that the reputations of our committed, law abiding educators will not be sullied by the transgressions of the few who would abuse the trust of our vulnerable children.

COMPETITIVE SCHOOL SPORTING ACTIVITY

Mr. Speaker, every year the government of the Bahamas pays in excess of $600,000.00 to teachers who perform after school coaching duties in our primary and secondary schools.

We do so because we appreciate the important role which participation in competitive athletics plays in the development of young people, and the manner in which it contributes to them developing disciplined lifestyles, and improves their ability to focus on setting and achieving goals.

I wish to commend the dedicated teachers who sacrifice their time to make a difference for the youth of our nation. Some of them get discouraged when they see many of their best athletes offered athletic scholarships to complete their high school education elsewhere; but I want to encourage them because this year we will revitalize high school sports nationally.

At the same time, Sir, I wish to express my concern about the recent reports that I have heard of rule breaking in high school sports. Coaches are there to provide disciplined leadership for our youth. Winning at all costs is unacceptable in our school system. It is inconsistent with the lessons that we seek to teach, and it will not be tolerated, Sir.

In September, Mr. Speaker, we will appoint a Commissioner and an Administrator of Interscholastic Sports. Both will be persons who have earned positions of respect and responsibility in our school system. They will work closely with Principals and Administrators in ensuring that our after school programs are revitalized; that coaches give value for the money that they are paid; and that anyone who is caught breaking the rules is punished appropriately. Additionally, coaches who do not control their teams will be suspended, as will schools which field teams that involve themselves in fights at athletic events.

In October, Mr. Speaker, the Commissioner will convene a conclave on interscholastic sports. All stakeholders will be invited to participate in the conclave, which will seek to standardize the eligibility rules for high school sports so that we may emerge from the conclave with a national interscholastic sporting federation.

Mr. Speaker, we expect that in short order our schools will once again exemplify the type of sporting excellence which promotes discipline and cultivates excellence in academics as well.

GRANTS TO SCHOOLS

Mr. Speaker, one of the most topical issues with respect to this education budget revolves around the subventions to be paid to independent schools. I wish to put that in context, Sir.

In the Bahamas we have a long history of academic excellence in our independent schools. The major denominations: Baptists, Catholics, Anglicans, Adventists and Methodists all have outstanding schools, which have contributed to the development of our country by educating thousands of Bahamians for many years.Many other excellent independent schools have now emerged and are successfully educating Bahamians.

I commend the independent schools in the Bahamas for their ongoing contributions to the cultivation of an atmosphere of academic excellence in education in the Bahamas throughout the years.

Notwithstanding my great admiration for these schools, however, Sir, there are some realities that we must face.

The Education (Grant In Aid) Regulations commenced in 1980 with less than $4 million. The statutory purpose is to assist schools to educate young Bahamians in communities where there are not enough public schools. The Regulations say:

“Grant in-aid shall only be paid in respect of schools situated in areas in the Bahamas where, in the opinion of the Minister, there are not enough maintained schools to fulfill the provisions of Section 13 of the Act.”

Mr. Speaker, I am obliged to concede that over the years we in education have contravened the law of the Bahamas in administering the Grants In Aid. These grants have grown to exceed $11 million paid annually to independent schools, even though the law still does not permit us to pay half of that amount. Nobody bothered to amend the schedule to the Regulations, which still has a limit of less than $5 million, and we have continued to pay these amounts despite what the law says about the purpose for which the grants are to be given even though we have public schools in many of these very same communities where independent schools to which grants are given are located. I will also show, Mr. speaker that the system has become so skewed that we give the independent schools more money in grants than we give to our own public schools.

Let me give an example from the eastern end of New Providence, Sir. In this budget we will be giving the School Board at the L.W. Young Schoool $103,406.This is the largest grant that government has ever given to the school board at L.W.Young. We will also give the School Board at the Doris Johnson High school $126,729, again the biggest grant ever given to this school board. There are several independent schools in the same neighborhood as these two schools. Last year one of these independent schools got a grant of $806,941.23. Another got a grant of 712,633.20. Yet another got a grant of 664, 270. A fourth got a grant of $508,880. A fifth got a grant of $427,865. Mr. Speaker, that is only five of the independent schools in eastern New Providence that got grants. There are more.How do we justify this disparity in giving between our own public schools and the independent schools, particularly when we know what the law says on this issue, sir ?

Elizabeth wants more computers at Thelma Gibson primary school. Well, we are giving them $46,200 when all around them we are giving millions to independent schools in eastern New Providence. No wonder members opposite think that the education system in the Bahamas is broken. They complain about cuts to the millions that we give to the independent schools but not one has spoken up for our public schools. Mr. Speaker, the Bahamian people will judge which party really stands up for the poor people in the Bahamas.

Mr. Speaker, in addition to the huge disparity between the grants which we give to independent schools and the grants that we give to public schools,there is even inequity between the grants which we give to the various independent schools. As an example, one independent school receives as much as $884.51 per student, while other independent schools receive as little as $50 per student. Some independent schools receive nothing at all. The system has been unfair and inequitable, so that, for example, an independent school with 600 students could get more than $400,000.00 from government per year while another school with more than 200 students receives as little as $11,800.00.

Mr. Speaker, many schools have applied for grants over the years and have not been added to the list. Hence, we have provided grants for some, but refused to do so for others who are equally deserving. Shouldn’t the parents of students who attend independent schools which have not received a grant despite repeated applications be aggrieved also, Sir ?

Mr. Speaker, we need to be fair in the administration of these grants, and so this budgetary exercise permits us to look at the current system of grants and to seek to be fair in rationalizing it.

Mr. Speaker, the law requires every school which receives a grant in aid to provide a return of income and expenditure to the Minister, and those returns must by law The purpose of this provision is to ensure that every school that receives a grant from the government reports to the government how that money is spent so that their needs can continually be analyzed and determinations made about their future needs. be certified by an independent public accountant.

Mr. Speaker, the records of the Ministry show that only 3 of the many entities which receive grants in aid from the Ministry of Education are in compliance with the law, and many have been non-compliant for years. So, we have no effective method of measuring the real needs of most of the independent schools. Accordingly, Sir, I have given a directive that every recipient of government grants in aid be reminded in writing of their legal obligations to provide a return to the Ministry showing how the money was spent. I want to be able to live up to my responsibility to report accurately to the Bahamian people, Sir.

Mr. Speaker, the government must always remain aware of it’s core mission to maintain public schools to provide a free education for the majority of the Bahamian children. In this regard it is instructive to see, Sir, that notwithstanding the fact that the grants which we give to 39 independent schools has been cut from $11,528,735.00 to $9,190,496.00 this decreased amount is still more than double the $4,410,161.00 in grants which we provide to 50 public school Boards.

In fact, Sir, whilst the two biggest grants to individual independent schools are $806,941.23, $712,633.20, the two biggest grants to our public school Boards are $214,012.00 and $191,046.00. Analysis clearly shows, Mr. Speaker, that if we add up the two biggest grants to public school Boards, the grants given to those two school Boards combined would not fall in the top ten of grants given to independent schools even under this new budget. I wonder why members opposite are protesting the plight of the school Boards at our public schools, which often are obliged to work so hard to raise funds for projects for their schools, Sir.

Mr. Speaker, I do not seek to denigrate independents schools. I want the best for all Bahamian children. However, I ask that we put matters in perspective. We are providing for independent schools as best we can in current circumstances, and as we rationalize the system and more independent schools comply with the law, we will have the information at our fingertips which will permit us to assist even more.At the same time, Sir, we have to seek to continue to increase grants to public school Boards, as we have done this year. And members opposite are reminded that when they were giving $11,333,515 each year in grants to independent schools, they only provided a total of $2,455,643 to school boards at our public schools, and that was the largest amount of money that they ever gave to School Boards at our public schools.

Mr. Speaker, the most that members opposite provided for the School Boards at Lewis Yard, Bartlette Hill, Martin Town and Palmdale Primary Schools was only getting $27,431 each per year. This year, Mr. Speaker, in hard times the Palmdale Primary School Board is getting $40,153 per year; the School Boards at Bartlette Hill and Martin Town are each getting $60,975; and the School Board at Lewis Yard Primary is getting $62,708. What a difference, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, when the economy was strong members opposite provided $32,918 for the Maurice Moore Primary School. In this budget, Sir, the School Board at Maurice Moore Primary will get $57,206.

Mr. Speaker, instead of the $43,890 that the School Board at Hugh Campbell Primary got in good times under members opposite, they will get $113,867 in this budget. C.H. Reeves will now get $114,683 instead of the $76,808 that members opposite provided. D.W.Davis will now get $131,464 instead of the 71, 321 that it got under members opposite; and the school Board at the Government High School will now get $158,912 instead of the 86,683 that members opposite provided in good times.

In fact, Sir, during their last year in office members opposite gave one annual grant to one private school authority which exceeded the total amount that they gave to all fifty Public School Boards combined. Of course, Mr. Speaker, the fact that I have provided all of the relevant details about the budgetary cuts in the grants will not stop members opposite from trying to gain political brownie points from spouting misinformation about it. In that respect, Sir, members opposite remind me of Winston Churchill’s well known comments about Stanley Baldwin: “He often stumbled over the truth, but hastily picked himself up and hurried on as if nothing had happened”. Members opposite, like all Bahamians, now know the truth about the grants. They also are now aware of what the law says on this subject. We will now see whether they will hastily pick themselves up and hurry on as though nothing has happened.

Mr. Speaker, time will not permit me to go through the other forty one School Boards that have had their grants increased under this government, however, on behalf of our public schools and over the hill neighborhoods I thank the Honourable Minister of Finance for his compassion and understanding for providing millions more for the School Boards at our public schools. He is truly a friend of the poor, Sir.

CONCLUSION

Mr. Speaker, at the end of the day, education is about constantly seeking to find new and innovative methods of imparting knowledge so that our students may be equipped with the requisite tools which enable them to exemplify the characteristics of model citizens while competing in a global economy.

Our best teachers continue to adapt to changing needs in education. It is my honour to thank them for all that they do to equip us to serve.

Mr. Speaker, this budget provides more money than members opposite ever provided for the Department of Education. It provides more money than they ever provided for the Ministry of Education. It provides more money than they ever provided for B.T.V.I. The truth is documented here in black, white and green; and I have tried diligently to help Honourable members opposite to stumble across it, Sir.

With those few words, Mr. Speaker, Carmichael supports this budget.