Bahamas News
BAHAMAS: Over 200 New Public School Teachers Officially Welcomed at Orientation
#Nassau, August 23, 2018 – Bahamas – Some two hundred-plus teachers have joined the public school system and were officially welcomed to 
the Department of Education during an Orientation Exercise at Uriah McPhee Primary School, Kemp Road.
From Wednesday, August 22 thru Thursday, August 23, the newly-appointed teachers will participate in workshop sessions and panel discussions on topics such as, A Mindset Reset – Profile of a Novice Teacher, From Policy to Pedagogy… Best Practices in your Professional Profile, The Voice of the Novice Teacher, Curriculum Development and Instruction, Important Management & Protocol Practices, Human Resource Matters, and Health, Wellness and Financial Matters.
Director of Education, Marcellus Taylor, told the new teachers that their impact on the nation’s youth is “significant” particularly since there is a “major” positive correlation between an effective teacher and high student achievement. He applauded them for taking up the mantle to prepare the children for the future.
Mr. Taylor said the Ministry of Education (MOE) is adamant about obtaining its Wildly Important Goal (WIG), to increase the high school graduation rate from 50 percent to 85 percent.
“The future of our country hinges on the development of our young people. They are looking to us as models for their own lives. For many, the teacher’s influence is key to shaping the course of their lives. With that factor in mind, we must be mindful to maintain a disposition that is generally good, regardless of our human imperfections,” said the Director.
He encouraged them to continue to seek out opportunities to increase their knowledge base.
“We must have teachers who recognize the importance of and participate in lifelong learning. Please also be mindful that there is much to benefit from seeking wise counsel from those who have gone on before you. Senior teachers and administrators have amassed a wealth of knowledge and a new teacher would benefit much from tapping into this reservoir, while at the same time assisting the MOE in fulfilling its vision of creating “nation builders who are globally competitive.” Teachers, we are counting on you to help us accomplish this vision.”
Lorraine Armbrister, Permanent Secretary, who presented on behalf of the Hon. Jeffrey Lloyd, Minister of Education, referred to several initiatives that the MOE is embarking on to assist in accomplishing WIG.
Among them is the increase in the Ministry’s scholarship funds for teachers to obtain Master’s and Ph.D. degrees.
“You are entering this field at an exciting time. You will have more chances to take advantage of a variety of lifelong learning opportunities, and I encourage you to avail yourselves of these opportunities,” said Mrs. Armbrister.
Providing a solid foundation to ensure academic success at the pre-primary level is another strategy the Ministry is incorporating to increase the graduation rate of students.
“Many of you today will be joining us as pre-primary teachers. Please be aware that pre-primary education is a priority area of the MOE.
“By 2022, the Ministry hopes to increase the percentage of three and four-year-old pre-school attendance from the current 30 percent to 75 percent. To this end, there will be an expansion of the 22 government pre-schools in New Providence with the addition of a pre-school at Thelma Gibson Primary, and a planned expansion onto Buttonwood Pre-school. The goal is to expand the growth of government pre-schools while working with private-public partnerships. Meantime, the Ministry plans to increase the number of pre-school spaces by 1000 annually.”
Furthermore, the MOE has also embarked on a programme to improve literacy and numeracy skills at the primary level, and is offering additional remediation classes that will allow students who fail to satisfy the BJC graduation requirements in grade 9 to sit the subjects in grades 10 through 12.
Mrs. Armbrister told the educators that the MOE is counting on all of them to play their part in creating a learning environment that will enable students to reach their full potential. She encouraged them to remain dedicated to their calling to inspire the next generation to succeed.
The theme for the Orientation is “Understanding the Whole Picture, Imagining the Finished Product”.
By Kathryn Campbell
Release: BIS
Photo Captions:
BIS Photos/Patrick Hanna
Header: Belinda Wilson, President, Bahamas Union of Teachers, is pictured at the Orientation Exercise for new teachers.
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Marcellus Taylor, Director, MOE, welcomes newly-appointed teachers at the Orientation ceremony.
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Permanent Secretary, Lorraine Armbrister, gives remarks on behalf of the Hon. Jeffrey Lloyd, Minister of Education.
Bahamas News
Get your laugh on, March On, family drama by Gea Pierre, debut this weekend in Turks and Caicos
This is the sixth edition of the relays and the fourth time that The Bahamas has hosted the event, which actually made its debut in The Bahamas in 2014.
President, World Athletics, Sabastian Coe said after three very successful editions from 2014 to 2017, the World Athletics Relays has quickly become one of the World Athletics vibrant competitions, developing a culture of fun and innovation that gives it a unique flavour.
He thanked the Bahamas Government, the local World Athletics Relays Bahamas 24 committee and the Bahamian people for agreeing to host the relays. However, his main thanks were to the “world’s best sprinters” travelling from all the continents to compete in preparation for the road to Paris, France, in two months’ time.
During the opening ceremony, the athletes were given words of advice from Carl Lewis, one of only four Olympic athletes to have won nine Olympic gold medals, who is widely recognized as one of the greatest athletes of all time.
He said, “Keep it simple, do not try to do anything extra. Do what your coaches said. Leave on time, leave on time, leave on time.”
The athletes and crowds were treated to the sounds and sights of Junkanoo at the end of the opening ceremony. The Junkanoo performers stuck around for the two days of competitions, playing for the sprinters as they competed on the track.
Teams competed in the Women’s and men’s 4x100m, and the women’s men’s and mixed 4x400m. A total of 14 teams at the World Athletics Relays Bahamas 24 automatically qualified for places at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Both days of competition were important, as day two offered another chance for qualifications for those teams unsuccessful on day one.
Bahamians were made proud as the country set a new national record during the mixed 4x400m relays thanks to the efforts of 16-year-old Shania Adderley, a student of Tabernacle Baptist Academy.
The team came first in their heat on Sunday evening after not being able to gain a spot for the Paris Olympics on the first day of competition.
Other sprinters on the team included Alonzo Russell, as well as Olympic champions Steven Gardiner and Shaunae Miller-Uibo.
NASSAU, The Bahamas – During his remarks at the Opening Ceremony for the World Athletics Relays 2024, on May 4, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance the Hon. Philip Davis welcomed the special guests, athletes, officials, and “all lovers of athletics from around the world” to the Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium here in the “vibrant heart” of Nassau, Bahamas.
“This weekend, the world’s finest athletes gather on our shores to embark on a journey that is not only about speed and strength but also about dreams and determination,” Prime Minister Davis said. “From the serene beauty of our islands to the historic grandeur of Paris, this event marks a crucial path to the Olympic Games in Paris 2024.”
He added: “Here in The Bahamas, we are no strangers to world-class athletics or the warmth and exuberance that such international gatherings bring. It is a distinct honor to once again welcome the World Athletics Relays back to our islands. This event holds a special place in our hearts, symbolizing a bridge between nations brought together by the universal language of sport.”
Prime Minister Davis noted that that year’s theme, “Paradise to Paris,” captured the essence of that journey.
“It is here, amidst the splendor of our sun-kissed beaches and the rhythmic sway of our palms that the chase towards Olympic glory begins anew,” he stated. “We are thrilled to offer a backdrop of unparalleled beauty, where every sprint, every baton pass, and every victory lap is set against the picture-perfect canvas of our islands.”
He added: “To our athletes, I say this: as you stand on the precipice of your dreams, ready to catapult yourself into the annals of history, know that you are part of a legacy of excellence and determination. This weekend, you are not only competitors but also ambassadors of your countries and the spirit of sport. We are especially proud of Team Bahamas, who carry the weight of their performance and the hopes and pride of our nation. You embody the spirit of The Bahamian people, and we are behind you every step of the way.”
Prime Minister said that to the international visitors, he extended “the warmest Bahamian welcome”.
“Over the next few days, as you revel in the thrill of competition, take a moment to bask in the beauty of our island,” he stated. “Discover why we proudly say, “It’s Better in The Bahamas.” Whether it’s the hospitality of our people, the tranquility of our waters, or the rhythm of our culture, you are in for an experience that captures the heart and rejuvenates the soul.”
“Let us celebrate the unity and friendship that sports foster, cheering every athlete and savoring the spectacle of human potential at its best,” Prime Minister Davis added. “I hope the races are swift, the results are inspiring, and the memories are lasting.
“Welcome to The Bahamas, the paradise where champions chase their dreams to Paris. As your host, it is my immense pleasure to declare the World Athletics Relays Bahamas 2024 officially open. Let the games begin.”
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