Opening Doors for Every Bahamian
NASSAU, The Bahamas – Prime Minister Philip Davis, joined by the Hon. Glenys Hanna-Martin, Minister of Education, Technical and Vocational Training, today officially launched Upskill Bahamas – a new national learning initiative designed to make world-class online education and professional certification accessible to every Bahamian, no matter their income or where they live.
Upskill Bahamas provides free access to more than forty courses from globally recognised institutions, including Oxford University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). The programme will offer up to 8,000 fully funded course enrollments, empowering Bahamians with in-demand skills ranging from business planning and financial literacy to artificial intelligence, hospitality, marketing, and graphic design.
Bridging the Skills Gap – and the “Possibility Gap”
In launching the initiative, Prime Minister Davis underscored the need to equip Bahamians for a rapidly changing world.
“Right now, in too many cases, we have what economists call a ‘skills gap.’ I think of it as a ‘possibility gap’ – the distance between what your skills allow you to do and what you dream of doing,” he said. “The better we get at closing that gap, the more dreams will be realized.”
The Prime Minister emphasized that Upskill Bahamas is designed with real Bahamian lives in mind:
“You can learn during a lunch break, or when your toddler takes a nap, or after work, or with friends on a weekend. Our mission is to make sure Bahamians never stop climbing.”
Inclusive Education at the Core
The Ministry of Education, Technical and Vocational Training is a key partner in the initiative, shaping course offerings, expanding access, and ensuring the programme reaches underserved communities. Minister Hanna-Martin reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to equity and inclusion:
“This partnership ensures that no one is left behind. Through Upskill Bahamas, we are breaking down barriers that have kept too many Bahamians from advancing their education and careers,” she said. “This initiative gives every learner, from every island, the opportunity to reach higher and achieve more.”
A National Investment in Bahamian Talent
Prime Minister Davis highlighted that Upskill Bahamas is part of a broader strategy to prepare Bahamians for emerging industries and new opportunities.
“Nations that invest in their people always rise stronger,” he said. “Bahamian talent is the engine that will drive the next phase of our country’s national development.”
Upskill Bahamas builds on the Administration’s other digital and learning initiatives – including DigiLearn, WiFi in the Parks, and the JUMP connectivity programme – all aimed at closing digital divides and creating new ladders of opportunity.
How to Apply
Bahamians aged 16 and older can review course options and apply now at www.upskillbahamas.com.
Applicants will complete a short online form and receive an email confirming whether they have been awarded a complimentary course. Enrollment will continue until all 8,000 course placements have been filled.