Minister for Grand Bahama, the Hon. Dr. Michael Darville, as he addressed professional engineers on Grand Bahama, Thursday morning. (BIS Photo/Vandyke Hepburn)
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In his address of the Bahamas Society of Engineers, Northern Branch,
Minister for Grand Bahama, the Hon. Dr. Michael Darville told the
grouping on Thursday that he strongly believes Grand Bahama has passed
through the economic storm and that brighter days are ahead for the
island.
In his remarks at the Engineers Northern Branch
Annual Workshop at the Ruby Swiss Restaurant, he also discussed the
shortage of engineers in the country and that training of young people
for the profession must increase.
The Minister said it
was an honour to greet them the Northern division, and specially thanked
them for their dedication in promoting Science, Technology and
Engineering among the youth in Grand Bahama.
He stated:
“Earlier this year, I had the opportunity, along with The Honourable
Deputy Prime Minister, to attend the SECME Science Fair and Awards
Ceremony at St. George’s High School and I must admit that I was
completely blown away with the commitment and creativity of our
students, as well as their knowledge of mathematics, engineering design,
and their ability to apply engineering concepts to everyday life.”
The
champion of that Bishop Michael Eldon High School, he said, went on to
stiffer international competition taking 2nd place in the International
SECME mousetrap tourney; and can look forward to being recognized during
the workshop, and among the 2014 Kettering University engineering
scholarship recipients. It would not have been possible without the
Rotary Club of Lucaya and the financial support of Bahamas Society of
Engineers Northern Division.
Also an engineer by
profession, the Minister told participants that a recent survey verified
that there is a shortage of professional engineers throughout the
country,
but more specifically the Family Islands, where many
construction projects are underway. “This shortage of professionals has
forced the government and our private sector partners to recruit civil,
environmental, mechanical, chemical and electrical engineers from out
of the country to meet the demands of the Ministry of Public Works.
“Therefore,
going forward as a country, it is paramount that the Ministry of
Education, Science and Technology, and private sector partners come
together to promote engineering opportunities through scholarship
programs for our brighter high school students upon graduation.
“I
am proud to announce that next month the Ministry for Grand Bahama, in
conjunction with The Ministry of Education, Science and Technology and
The Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture, will conduct our annual
technical and industrial career opportunities fair, with the assistance
of the major industrial and maritime companies on Grand Bahama,” he
said.
Dr. Darville recalled that last year, it was very
successful and quite a few of the engineers employed in the industrial
sector played a major role assisting ninth through twelfth grade
students select career paths in engineering, science and technical and
vocational careers.
Further, he told delegates that
Franklin D. Roosevelt, former President of The United States once said
‘we cannot always build a future for our youth, but we can build our
youth for the future.’ “As professionals therefore, we must continue to
give back through training and community service. I wish to tip my hat
to the executives of the Northern Branch of The Bahamas Society of
Engineers, and congratulate you all for the progress made since
chartering the first branch of The Bahamas Society of Engineers, outside
of New Providence, approximately two years ago.
“I
have not only heard, but seen the accomplishments of the current board,
which includes an increase in membership from eight members to almost
forty members. I am certain that the new slate of officers will carry
this important division to even greater heights while protecting the
rights of Bahamian engineers,” he stated.
Continuing,
the Minister stressed that he, himself being a Canadian-trained
engineer, understands the critical role that engineers play in planning,
developing building and maintaining public infrastructure.
“The
role of engineering for modern civilization is inherent in every aspect
of our lives. In fact, rapid progress in the development of any country
takes place through the application of engineering to different
sectors, including road works, building of cities and infrastructure,
sanitation systems, manufacturing industries and the list goes on.
“The
crucial role of engineering for modern civilization is implicit in
every aspect of our lives. It is predicted that over the next two
decades, the world population will increase by an additional two billion
people, with 95% of these people living in developing or underdeveloped
countries.
“As engineers, we certainly must play a
major role in the way forward as The Bahamas moves from a developing to a
developed country. Considering the existing local and future global
challenges, we must resolve to contribute to the development of a more
sustainable, stable and equitable country, where local engineers lead
the way in the modernization, technological and industrial expansion of
our islands,” he said.
Continuing, the Minister for Grand
Bahama said “from where I sit I am convinced that Grand Bahama Island
is poised and will soon witness an industrial explosion. New projects in
both the private and public sectors will be available, resulting in a
surplus of employment opportunities for Bahamian engineers and other
construction professionals.
“As outlined in Our Charter
for Governance, this administration pledges to ensure meaningful
participation of Bahamians to the greatest extent possible in all
projects, government and foreign investments alike. However, we ask that
you do your part in ensuring that high standards are upheld and the
quality of your work is never compromised.
“As I have
done in the past, I once again implore every engineer attached to this
branch to partner with the Ministry of Labour and the Department of
Immigration, moving forward, to ensure that when these projects come on
stream, you are not overlooked.
“The Ministry for Grand
Bahama is committed to protecting the rights of Bahamian professionals
and to heighten awareness for a profession that will certainly play a
critical role in creating structures and technologies that will aid us
to sustain a decent quality of life for current and future generations
on Grand Bahama Island.
“Finally colleagues, I believe
that Grand Bahama has passed through the worst part of the storm and
brighter days lie ahead. There is currently a shortage of engineers
throughout the country and going forward as a government we must work
closely with professional bodies like the Bahamas Society of
Professional Engineers to ensure that there is a mechanism in place to
ensure that every major project coming to the island of Grand Bahama
allows for transference of knowledge to Bahamian professionals, as well
as their economic empowerment,” he concluded.