Her Excellency, Dame Cynthia Pratt,
Minister Glenys Hanna-Martin, senior government officials,
Friends,
There is no mission more sacred, more urgent, or more inspiring than the mission of preparing our children for the future.
As we gather here tonight to celebrate the Excellence in Education Awards, we are not only honoring remarkable educators, but we are also reaffirming our commitment to the greatest responsibility we hold as a nation: ensuring our children have every opportunity to succeed.
Every child in The Bahamas represents not only a family’s hope, but the very future of our country. They are the architects, the innovators, and the leaders of tomorrow. What we do in our classrooms today will determine the strength and success of our nation for generations to come.
Education is not simply about imparting knowledge.
It is about nurturing potential, igniting curiosity, and building character.
It is about equipping our young people with the tools they need to navigate a world that is rapidly changing, increasingly complex, and full of challenges and opportunities we can scarcely imagine today.
So tonight, as we celebrate the dedication, resilience, and passion of our educators, let us remember that their work is foundational.
They do not just teach—they inspire. They do not just instruct—they transform lives. In their hands lies the power to shape not just individual futures, but the very destiny of our nation.
There truly is no better mission, no higher calling, than preparing our children to lead us into a brighter future.
But friends, I must also speak candidly about a challenge that weighs heavily on my heart. At the recent CARICOM Heads of Government Meeting in Barbados, a report from the World Bank highlighted critical issues facing education throughout our region.
The report pointed to outdated teaching methods, infrastructure challenges, and significant inequalities in educational access that demand our immediate attention.
Let me be clear—this is not an indictment of our government’s efforts. We have made meaningful progress and important strides forward. However, it is a candid acknowledgment that there is still significant work ahead of us.
As Prime Minister and as a father, I deeply believe we owe it to our children to confront these realities openly and honestly. Our children deserve nothing less than our full commitment to overcoming these barriers.
We are already moving forward with initiatives to modernize our curricula, support and empower our teachers, and invest in digital and physical infrastructure.
These efforts will ensure that every child, no matter their background, has the opportunity to flourish.
Our goal is to build on our successes and address these challenges head-on, transforming our education system into a powerful force for equity, opportunity, and hope.
Tonight, let us unite in this shared mission and renew our resolve to ensure that every Bahamian child is given the tools they need to succeed.
Together, we can—and we will—continue to make meaningful progress.
Friends, despite the challenges we face, it is important to recognize and build upon the solid foundation we have already laid in education.
Our government has made education a priority, understanding that investing in our young people is investing in the future of our nation.
We have taken significant steps to enhance the quality of education across The Bahamas. This includes targeted interventions in literacy and numeracy, the introduction of digital literacy programs, and substantial investments in teacher training and professional development.
We have expanded support for students with special needs and made strides in creating more inclusive and accessible learning environments.
Our commitment to innovation is clear through initiatives like the integration of STEM education, coding programs for our youngest learners, and the expansion of technical and vocational training opportunities.
We are investing in infrastructure improvements to ensure our schools are safe, modern, and equipped to meet the demands of 21st-century education.
Moreover, we have prioritized the well-being and professional development of our educators, understanding that empowered teachers are central to our students’ success.
By providing better support, advanced training, and improving working conditions, we are strengthening the backbone of our education system.
This foundation is strong, and we will continue to build upon it, ensuring our education system not only meets current challenges but also propels our children toward a future filled with promise and possibility.
Together, we have made great progress, and together, we will continue to move forward, ensuring every child in The Bahamas has the chance to realize their full potential.
As we conclude tonight, I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude and congratulations not just to our educators, but to everyone who contributes to making education work in our country.
To our school administrators, support staff, parents, community leaders, policymakers, and all those who tirelessly work behind the scenes—your collective efforts are the pillars of our educational system.
To those receiving awards tonight, your exceptional contributions across every aspect of education deserve special recognition.
Whether you are teachers inspiring classrooms, administrators ensuring smooth operations, support staff maintaining essential services, or community members providing crucial resources and guidance, your dedication and hard work inspire us all.
Your commitment, often amidst challenging circumstances and limited resources, is nothing short of extraordinary.
Thank you all for your invaluable contributions.
Together, we are creating a future filled with hope and opportunity for every Bahamian child.
Let us continue to work hand-in-hand to uplift, support, and celebrate one another as we build an even stronger foundation for generations to come.
I leave you tonight with a powerful reminder from the book “Educated” by Tara Westover:
“Education is not so much about making a living as it is about making a person.” Let us never forget that in our hands lies the transformative power to shape not just careers, but character, not just livelihoods, but lives.
Thank You.