The DPM Meets with BTVI Board Members and Learns of the Institute’s Future Plans

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – The Board of Directors at the Bahamas Vocational and Technical Institute (BTVI) led by Chairman Elvin Taylor and President Keyshan L. Bastian, along with other officials, introduced themselves and updated the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Science and Technology the Hon. Chester Cooper, on the Institute’s progress in supporting the national workforce development, and national transformation from 2021 – 2026.

“Accompanying the DPM on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, were Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry, Sen. the Hon. Keenan Johnson; Permanent Secretary, Lorraine Armbrister; and Director, Dominique McCartney-Russell.”

“The DPM told the team at BTVI that he was there to ask a few questions and engage briefly, as they would have more opportunities to speak.”

“He said it is “very difficult to find competent technical professionals on the vocational level who show up when they say, who will do work at a quality standard,” and it’s BTVI’s role to help solve this problem.”

“The DPM also noted that while the Government brags about the new foreign direct investments it has brought into the country, most of those investors complain they could not find adequate or quality skilled workers.”

“He said, “This continually distresses us. When we attract investments within the country the mission is to really have our citizens benefit. “The mission is to really have the contracts and jobs go to Bahamians. It is important that we are competitive and delivering at a standard because people are competing for the same dollars that come to our country.”

“The DPM explained that the management team at the Education Ministry will be focused on understanding how to start children earlier on the vocational path because not every child fits into the same academic mold.”

“He noted that there has to be an acknowledgement that some children might not be academically inclined but instead can become great craftsmen.”

“He said, “There is a book called ‘Millionaire Next Door’. Traditionally we have been brought up to be engineers, lawyers, doctors and accountants. Many of us have realized very quickly that it is the Millionaire Next Door – the plumber, carpenter, the air conditioner repairman – who are really living the Bahamian dream.”

“The BTVI team explained that its projection for the future involves being positioned for sustainable growth, innovation and greater impact. There are plans to create world-class infrastructure, modern learning environments and expanded access across the country.”

“After the information session, the DPM and the team from the Ministry of Education toured some of the campus’s facilities.”