Office of University Relations

22^nd April 2024

Eleuthera, THE BAHAMAS – A pioneering cohort of 43 Eleuthera residents graduated from the University of The Bahamas’ (UB’s) free Leading Light Programme, sponsored by Disney Cruise Line (DCL) on Friday 19^th April, 2024.

The programme, launched in February 2024 and delivered through UB’s Continuing Education and Lifelong Learning (CeLEARN), offers a series of courses to ensure Eleuthera has a proficient workforce capable of delivering unparalleled hospitality leadership as the island experiences a sharp growth in tourism arrivals. The graduation ceremony was held at the Eleuthera Chamber of Commerce Business Hub in Rock Sound, Eleuthera.

The courses focused on tourism and hospitality skills, leadership development and effective communication. They were taught by UB faculty and included guest lecturers such as former Director General of Tourism, Minister of Tourism and Secretary General of the Caribbean Tourism Organization Vincent Vanderpool Wallace and veteran hospitality professor Dr. Lincoln Marshall.

“This programme represents the mission-driven collaboration and skills-building that University of The Bahamas is committed to fostering, supported by an important industry partner like Disney Cruise Line,” noted UB President (Acting) Janyne Hodder. “Given the importance of the tourism industry to our nation, we know how vital it is that we continually equip our workforce with diverse expertise to uphold our reputation for excellence in hospitality. We are grateful for this collaboration with Disney Cruise Line which has facilitated programme delivery in Eleuthera, enabling UB to broaden access to much sought-after professional development.”

As training and skills development programming grows across the island of Eleuthera, the Leading Light Programme experience was tailored to be free of charge, accessible and conclude with participants earning a UB certification that signals the high standard of education for which the University is recognized. Students came from all walks of life and traveled from as far away as Hatchet Bay in the North, and Bannerman Town in the South to Rock Sound for classes. Programme participants also received a stipend to defray the cost of commuting and other personal expenses.

Nora Smith, a manager at the picturesque Jack’s Bay Club, yearned to increase her skills.

“I would recommend this programme to anyone because The Bahamas is known as a tourism destination. Taking this course in tourism and hospitality, can help me to go far in dealing with tourists daily in my workplace,” she said.

Graduate Javonne Richards appreciated the comprehensive curriculum and the ease of access to the courses that were offered.

“This programme not only fills a gap in our Eleuthera education offerings, but also equips participants with the tools and knowledge needed to thrive in dynamic work environments,” he noted.

Director General of Tourism Mrs. Latia Duncombe, who delivered the keynote address at the graduation ceremony, shared three essential qualities for successful tourism professionals: energy, creativity and a welcoming personality.

“Your fresh perspectives and innovative ideas are invaluable to creating unique, unforgettable customer experiences,” said Mrs. Duncombe. “While technology such as Artificial Intelligence, also have a role to play, human interaction remains essential.”

Minister of Works and Family Island Affairs and Member of Parliament for Central and South Eleuthera the Honourable Clay Sweeting commended the partnership that is supporting community growth.

“I am proud of every Eleutheran who came from near and far to take advantage of this opportunity,” said Minister Sweeting. “As Eleuthera’s economy continues to grow, especially in Central and South Eleuthera, I encourage more corporate partners to invest in the local community in innovative ways, like the University of The Bahamas and Disney Cruise Line have, so that we can continue to strengthen our local communities.”

Two additional cohorts will be offered this year, increasing the pipeline of Eleutherans who are optimally skilled as hospitality and tourism ambassadors.  Registration for the summer programme will open on May 17 and the second cycle of courses begins June 17, 2024.  Fall programme dates are September 23 through November 29, 2024. To learn more about the Leading Light Programme and how to enroll, please email atynes@eleutherahambercommerce.com.

KINGSTON, April 24 (JIS):

Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, has declared Jamaica a science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) island with a vision of fostering innovation, driving economic growth, and empowering citizens to thrive in the global knowledge economy. 

“Through our collaborative all-hands-on-deck approach, Government, private sector, academia and civil society, we will work towards this goal. Jamaica is now officially declared a STEM island,” he said.

Prime Minister Holness was addressing the Future Ready International Conference held at the University of Technology (UTech) in Kingston on April 24.

As a STEM island, he said that the Government will seek to implement comprehensive education reforms from the primary to the tertiary levels, with the objective of developing a skilled workforce, capable of competing in global markets. 

He said that ecosystems will be developed to encourage startups, entrepreneurs, and innovators in the STEM disciplines to drive industry and economic growth, as well as to address social issues.

“We will encourage the growth of STEM industries such as biotechnology, information technology and advanced manufacturing. We will also leverage STEM to grow and monetise the musical, artistic, cultural and other natural talents of our people. We will leverage STEM solutions to address environmental challenges including climate change, renewable energy and sustainable agriculture,” the Prime Minister said.

 “We will position Jamaica as a hub for STEM research, innovation, collaboration and other developments in the Caribbean and beyond,” he added. 

The Prime Minister said that by embracing STEM as a national priority, Jamaica will unlock its full potential driving prosperity, peace and productivity in a sustainable, equitable way for all our Jamaican citizens and, indeed, the world,” Holness said.

CONTACT: ROCHELLE WILLIAMS

GRAND TURK, TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS, 17 APRIL 2024 – The Ministry of Education would like all continuing and potential awardees to be aware of the following changes as it relates to the application process and the new bond enforcement measures. 

The Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports & Social Services (MOEYSS) would like to share some insights of our new application process for the Scholarship Season.  Please note applications will NO LONGER be accepted at our scholarship secretariat email scholarshipsecretariat@tciedu.tc . Only queries as it relates application process or the management of your scholarship award will be accepted at the email address.

 Digitization of the scholarship application process became a key programme strategy for the 2023/24 FY. Therefore research was initiated to digitize the scholarship application process, from this research conducted by the Secretariat Unit Good Grants was determined the most efficient and convenient  option. As of March 11th 2024 the scholarship application season has been open through use of Good Grants . This initiative offers invaluable opportunities for Turks and Caicos Islanders to apply for scholarship opportunities within the Ministry’s priority areas.  To apply for a scholarship visit our website at https://gov.tc/scholarshipsecretariat and click ‘Scholarship Portal’.

 Endorsement Letter for persons applying in the area of Health and Education Studies

The applicant will be responsible for sharing their application with the necessary endorser. On the Good Grants platform there is  a feature in the portal where you can download your application and submit to the endorser. This can be found in the ‘apply‘ page at the bottom directly before where your application is listed.

 BOND SURETY/IES OBLIGATION

The bond enforcement for the scholarship program believes that awardees should be encouraged to pursue academic goals from these skills areas gaps identified by the Turks and Caicos Islands National Skills Gap Audit 2018, as a way of giving back to the country who afforded them the opportunity to student abroad. The new bond document now reflects the required GPA of 2.5.

• A surety is a person who takes responsibility of your academic performance to fulfil your bond agreement obligations.

• Each awardee must nominate 2 (two) sureties to sign their bond agreement along with you the awardee. 

• You and your sureties will be held jointly liable to pay Turks and Caicos Islands Government if you fail to fulfil your serve back to the TCIG with a period of service ranging from 3 to 5 years on completing of studies and return to Turks and Caicos Islands.
• Each awardee will now have to confirm their enrollment by submitting documentation at the close of each academic semester.

Your Sureties

1. Must be Turks and Caicos Islander, showing proof of residency by submitting the following documents:-

• Job Letter and bank letter OR
• Bank letter and Ad davit

1. Your sureties are now required to provide their physical address within the TCI.
2. Your sureties can be your parents /guardians.
3. Your sureties can be anyone willing to bear the legal responsibility in the event of having to repay the debt back to TCIG

CHANGE THE PROBATIONARY PERIOD OF BOND

• The probationary period of the bond agreement has changed from 60 days to 90 days as returning students seek permanent work either within the public or private sector of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

• The returning student must notify the Ministry of Education of return to TCI and is encouraged to seek employment either with the Internship and Apprenticeship programme or seek gainful employment either within the Public or Private sector.

Continuing and returning students job experience programme

Continuing and returning students are encouraged to participate in the National Internship and Apprenticeship program for at least a period of six weeks during summer and other breaks within your programme each year. The student can provide proof of secured paid internship either within the Turks and Caicos Islands or aboard.