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Last Updated: Feb 13, 2017 - 1:45:37 AM |
Minister for Grand Bahama, Dr. the Hon. Michael Darville, on Friday, July 1, 2016, congratulated the 43 students graduating from BTVI during the commencement exercise at the Grand Lucayan. (BIS Photo)
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FREEPORT, Grand Bahama - The 2016 graduating class of the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI) was told by Minister for Grand Bahama, Dr. the Hon. Michael Darville on Friday, July 1, 2016, that they should be proud of this important milestone in their lives.
Minister Darville said that he fully understands the importance of technical training, as he is a trained engineer, and is pleased with the role BTVI continues to play in the training and certification of thousands of Grand Bahamians.
“As the Ministry for Grand Bahama is mandated to grow and diversify the economy of Grand Bahama Island, I ask this institution’s continued assistance in developing programs that will further prepare our people to play a more active role in the agricultural, industrial, tourism and manufacturing sectors of our economy, which will maximise the potential for economic development of our island.
“I pledge my commitment to continue to work with the administration and staff of this Northern Campus, to fulfil this administration’s mandate to place appropriate emphasis on training in technology and skills development, as a part of the national education program.”
BTVI held its commencement exercise for the Class of 2016 on Friday, July 1, 2016, at the Grand Lucayan. Among those addressing the graduates were Minister for Grand Bahama, Dr. the Hon. Michael Darville; along with BTVI's newly appointed president, Dr. Robert W. Robertson (centre). Also seen in the photo are: Felix Stubbs, Chairman; and Ms. Veronica Collie, Associate Vice President of the Northern Campus. (BIS Photo)
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The Minister commended the administrators, faculty and staff of BTVI’s Northern Campus for their efforts and added that despite their many challenges, they work daily to instruct and empower the young people of the island. Quoting Bohidharma, he said, “Only one person in a million becomes enlightened without a teacher’s help.”
He added, “It is said that the most important contributions that any individual can make to the advancement of his or her country is to provide the next generation with the gift of a well-rounded, quality education.
Minister Darville told the graduates they should all be proud of reaching this particular milestone and the Government is working with the private sector to create employment and business opportunities particularly for those trained in the technical and vocational areas.
“Aristotle once stated, ‘We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, therefore, is not an act but a habit!’ This commencement exercise is not the end, but rather the beginning of your journey to excellence. I am counting on each of you, therefore, to now take the knowledge and skills you have attained at BTVI, and apply them; in order build a better life for you and your family; and to make positive contributions to your communities, island and country.”
Also addressing the graduates were BTVI’s newly appointed president, Dr. Robert W. Robertson, as well as Mr. Kevin Stuart, Terminal Manager of Statoil South Riding Point Bahamas.
Forty-three proud graduates of the 2016 Class of BTVI are seen during their commencement exercise on Friday, July 1, 2016 at the Grand Lucayan. (BIS Photo)
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