Senator the Hon. Keenan S. P. Johnson, Parliamentary Secretary, delivered a comprehensive presentation on “Expanding Access to Education Across The Bahamas,” highlighting the Government’s commitment to strengthening the education sector, expanding access to quality education, and addressing critical challenges facing students and educators. A key focus was the shortage of teachers and the steps being taken to address it, including the Teacher’s Recruitment Programme, held at Mable Walker Primary School, as part of broader efforts to strengthen the nation’s teaching workforce and ensure students have access to the educators they need to thrive.

Senator Johnson also emphasized the importance of preparing Bahamian students for the future, sharing Deputy Prime Minister & Minister of Education Chester Cooper’s main goal and focus for the next five years: advancing digital literacy and financial literacy. He further reflected on progress under former Minister of Education Glenys Hanna-Martin, whose focus on numeracy and literacy was accompanied by increased graduation rates, decreased violence in schools, and improved overall student attendance. These priorities and achievements underscore the importance of sustained investment in teachers, students, literacy, digital competency, financial empowerment, and educational accessibility.

A stronger education system means stronger students. Stronger students mean a stronger Bahamas.