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Last Updated: Feb 24, 2017 - 11:58:46 AM |
 Remarks By The Rt. Hon.Perry G. Christie, PC, MP Prime Minister Of The Commonwealth Of The Bahamas At The Opening Of The First Educational Conference Thursday, 23rd February, 2017 at Hilton Hotel:
It is an honour and privilege to have been invited to speak to this illustrious body, the Bahamas Union of Teachers which is celebrating its 70th year as a Trade Union in The Bahamas. Our history records the impact of the Bahamas Union of Teachers in in the achievement of many milestones in the development of the Modern Bahamas. Among these prominent achievements are Majority Rule and Women’s Suffrage. Many teachers were among the freedom fighters who sought to educate and liberate our citizens.
The Bahamas Union Of Teachers will continue to have a role in the advancement of our citizenry, and by hosting this one-day conference under the theme, “Inspiring Today to Impact Tomorrow”, it is evident that you are preparing to do just that.
It is a universal fact that Teachers are some of the most influential people in a child’s life. Your influence extends beyond the four walls of the classroom into the wider community, shaping our global citizens for today and tomorrow.
Two weeks ago, I had the opportunity to address Ministers of Education from some thirty-four OAS Member States who met in Nassau to discuss Education and its impact on children of the hemisphere. Key among the issues raised was “Quality and Inclusive Education” and Strengthening of the Teaching Profession”. I have noted that the Industrial Agreement signed between the Government and the Bahamas Union of Teachers encompasses the same issues as detailed in Article 32 “Duties of Teachers”.
Education is tied to every aspect of national development. This includes our social order; economic stability and growth; technological advancement; intellectual capital and culture to name a few. As teachers, you have the awesome responsibility of shaping our students and in turn our country. Without Teachers all of this is virtually impossible.
In a Shared Vision for Education 2030, which the leaders of the BUT assisted in framing, Minister Fitzgerald, stated, “As the world over focuses on the direction of education for the next 15 years, The Bahamas will do the same to ensure that those who avail themselves of the public education system graduate with the skills and knowledge to become productive citizens who are able to contribute to the growth and development of The Bahamas.”
Further to this are the specific targets outlined, in the United Nation Sustainable Development Goals to which The Bahamas is a signatory that speaks to the universal proposed achievement for education. Goal #4 specifically calls for ‘Inclusive and Quality Education for All and the Promotion of Lifelong Learning’. This goal has the Teacher at the centre, because the reality is, without Quality Teachers, the achievement of Quality Education and the Promotion of Lifelong learning will elude us. However, while we seek to achieve Goal 4, we must address Goal 1 which states, “End Poverty in all its forms”. My Government is cognizant of the correlation between hunger and learning. It is for this reason, that we have expanded the National Lunch Programme to ensure that hunger is not a barrier to learning in The Bahamas. It is my fervent desire to further expand this programme to include a nutritious breakfast, so that students enter the classroom prepared to embrace learning.
It is difficult to inspire a hungry child.
You are well aware of this fact, as many of you have taken monies from your own pockets to feed your students. Your concern and commitment to the children of our nation is commendable.
While we have made many strides in education, we also recognize that there is much more to do. One of the new initiatives that we seek to implement that will address chronic at-risk students within our schools, is the introduction of the Students Transitioning Achieving and Refocusing Academy (STAR). STAR Academy will address the social issues some of our students are currently plagued with such as anger management, conflict resolution, drugs, self-esteem, decision-making and parenthood. While there is presently a need for the programme, Teachers, you are the catalyst for ensuring that the need for STAR Academy will diminish over time. These are the students who need your inspiration so that they will contribute to a brighter tomorrow.
Of course, I cannot conclude without speaking to some of the programmes recently implemented to enhance the lives of our Special Needs Students. The Marjorie Davis Institute was opened to provide intervention for children who learn differently so that you will be further empowered to meet their individual needs. There are also plans underway for the construction of learning facilities for our Autistic and Hearing Impaired Students. This again reflects our commitment to ensuring Quality and Inclusive Education for all students regardless of socio-economic status, gender and ethnicity.
I again congratulate you for your vision in hosting this conference, which demonstrates your commitment to partnering with the Government in the delivery of Quality Education. Most importantly, I entreat you to continue to inspire our students as we move our nation “FORWARD, UPWARD, ONWARD, TOGETHER”.
© Copyright 2017 by thebahamasweekly.com
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