NASSAU, The Bahamas — Prime Minister Philip Davis today celebrated the success of Upskill Bahamas launch, announcing that more than 10,000 Bahamians have registered for the free online courses offered through the national learning and certification platform – 2,000 more than originally anticipated.
Speaking at Edmund Moxey Park, where he met participants currently engaged in Upskill courses, Prime Minister Davis praised their determination and reminded them that lasting change comes through perseverance and completion.
“Every day I have an opportunity to help someone get ahead,” the Prime Minister said. “Today, I chose to spend it with Bahamians who already started, who already took the first step.”
He spoke directly to the challenges learners face, noting that “the first hurdle is rarely the course content. The first hurdle is time. It is fatigue. It is doubt. It is that voice in your head that says, ‘I busy. I too old. I too far behind.’ Yet you still started. And I came here today to tell you: that decision matters.”
“A programme can be launched. A website can go live. A banner can be hung. None of that changes a life until a person decides, ‘I ready.’”
Launched on 14 November 2025, Upskill Bahamas was designed to expand access to world-class, practical, and affordable learning opportunities. Since opening registration, 10,000 Bahamians have signed up for 27 free courses, including more than 2,000 participants from the Family Islands.
Popular fields include Digital Marketing, Business Finance, and Artificial Intelligence, available at upskillbahamas.com.
“Those numbers tell a story,” Prime Minister Davis said. “They tell the story of a people who are hungry for forward movement. They tell the story of families trying to stretch a paycheck and still find time to build new skills. They tell the story of young people trying to step into the workforce with confidence. They tell the story of adults who have carried responsibility for years and still decided to invest in themselves.”
The Prime Minister told participants that completion is where “the doors really open” and encouraged them to set realistic study schedules and use the support systems available to them.
“Finish what you started,” he said. “Set a schedule you can live with, even if it is 30 minutes at night when the house quiets down. Reach out when you get stuck. Use the support around you.”
“And when you complete, wear that certificate with pride. Put it on your résumé. Take it to a job interview. Use it to apply for the next opportunity.”
Prime Minister Davis also spoke about Opportunity Hub, a national initiative designed to connect Bahamians with government programmes, training, and jobs through both in-person events and the online portal opphub.gov.bs.
“We call it the Opportunity Hub because opportunity should feel close,” he said. “It should feel reachable. It should feel like something made for you, where you live, and where you are right now.”
The Prime Minister also spoke directly to those watching from home who had not yet enrolled:
“If you have been putting it off, use today as your sign. Go to opphub.gov.bs. Look at what is available. Pick one course that fits your life. Start.”
He reminded participants that completing their courses sets an example for others:
“When you push through and complete, you become somebody else’s proof. Somebody is watching you. A child. A cousin. A friend. A co-worker. Your consistency gives them courage.”
“My commitment is simple: we will keep widening the doors of opportunity, keep improving access, keep supporting skills development, and keep expanding this work,” he promised.
“Your commitment is simple too: keep going. Finish strong.”