Bahamas News
Bahamas signs MOU to meet the teacher shortage in special education
#TheBahamas, December 26, 2022 – The Ministry of Education and Technical and Vocational Training is preparing public school teachers to assist children in an area where there is a “critical” shortage — special education.
The Ministry signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Barry University Monday, December 19, 2022 to offer scholarships to teachers for the preparation of Master Teachers in the area of special education and other key
content areas.
The Hon. Glenys Hanna Martin, Minister of Education and Technical and Vocational Training, led the team of executives who were present for the signing which took place at the Ministry, Ivy Dumont Building, University Drive.
Participants in the event included Dominique Russell, Acting Director of Education; Chilean Burrows, Deputy Permanent Secretary and Dr. Jill Beloff Farrell, Dean and Professor, Barry University.
Minister Hanna-Martin described the signing as a “very important” initiative and thanked Barry University for partnering with the Ministry.
“Once we begin to extend and build capacity this will have tremendous impact on so many young people who we have to say are falling between the cracks. We don’t want our children to fall between the cracks. We want them to have every opportunity humanely possible in our country to develop their full potential.
“It’s an enlightened extension of what we are already doing in education. It further develops and builds capacity so we can reach more and more children.
“We believe that within 18-24 months we will begin to see the roll out of special needs teachers who will be dispatched nationwide and be able to [provide instruction to] children who may be at this moment off the radar for us,” she said.
Dr. Farrell explained that the partnership is the first to be signed with the Ministry that is strategically focused on looking at the greatest need — the most critical shortage.
“We know that children with special needs are a huge part of the population in almost every area geographically.
Those children who have incredible potential are often held back from maximizing their potential, being the best they can be and contributing to the growth of their country because they have not had the adequate preparation throughout the years, because they have not been in the hands of a teacher who is prepared to give them what they need.”
She said the focus of the partnership, which has a hybrid/blended format (course work and face-to-face lessons) is to create master teachers.
“The idea is for them to work collaboratively with other teachers to provide skills and knowledge that every teacher needs to work with those most vulnerable children to help them all along the way in their schools,” said Dr. Farrell.
Release: Ministry of Education and Technical and Vocational Training
Photo Captions:
Header: The Hon. Glenys Hanna-Martin, Minister of Education and Technical and Vocational Training (center) is pictured with Ministry officials following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with Barry University to prepare teachers to study towards Master’s Degrees in Special Education. Also shown is Dr. Jill Beloff Farrell, Dean and Professor, Barry University (6th from right).
1st insert: From left Sonia Culmer, Acting Permanent Secretary, signs a Memorandum of Understanding on behalf of the Ministry of Education and Technical and Vocational Training. Also pictured is Ricardo Deveaux, Deputy Permanent Secretary, the Hon. Glenys Hanna-Martin, Minister of Education and Technical and Vocational Training and Dr. Jill Beloff Farrell, Dean and Professor, Barry University.
2nd insert: Dominique Russell, Acting Director, speaks at the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with Barry University Monday, December 19, 2022 at the Ministry of Education and Technical and Vocational Training.
Photos/Ahvia Campbell, Ministry of Education and Technical and Vocational Training
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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