FREEPORT, Grand Bahama -- Minister for Grand Bahama, the Hon. Dr. Michael Darville on Monday welcomed a large number of students from Global Leadership Academy Charter School (GLA) of Philadelphia to Grand Bahama Island.

GLA is a kindergarten thru eighth grade school with two small organized learning communities located in West and Northeast Philadelphia. It prides itself on offering holistic teaching and a strong learning environment.

The school has visited Grand Bahama for several years and has adopted two sister schools on the island, Sunland Baptist Academy, and the Bishop Michael Eldon School.

Dr. Darville welcomed the students, parents and faculty to Grand Bahama as they toured the Total Education Centre campus at Hawksbill, an institute headed by Mr. Fred Delancy.

The Minister for Grand Bahama described the various aspects of Grand Bahama Island, including the industrial sector particularly the Container Port, Bahamas Oil Refining Company, and Grand Bahama Shipyard. He also stressed the importance of taking full advantage of educational opportunity and giving back.

The students and faculty were treated to a Junkanoo Rush-out and live Bahamian music by veteran entertainer Cremo Roker and the Boys; they also sampled Bahamian food delights including coconut water.