FREEPORT, Grand Bahama, The Bahamas  -- During last year’s graduation ceremony of the National Training Agency's Cohort 16, the class was made up of 22 young ladies.  During her address, Minister of Labour and Public Service, the Hon. Pia Glover expressed her hope that the next graduating class would feature some male students.

It's fair to say that Minister Glover-Rolle got her wish – to some degree – when Cohort 17 held its graduation ceremony on Wednesday, January 15, 2025 at Kingdom Worship Center International, as three males were among the sixteen-member graduating class.

Ironically, the three males in the group dominated the top prize awards. Pizzario Brennen won the Citizenship award for Housekeeping, Kirk Gilbert won the Star Recipient Award for Food and Beverage, and Stanford McIntosh won the Star Recipient Award for Housekeeping -- as well as the highest award, the Executive Director Award.

Cohort 17 had other historic moments, as it was the first graduating class for the NTA’s Housekeeping and Food & Beverage service careers.

Executive Director of the National Training Agency, Mrs. Bridget C. Ferguson said that it was a great way for the agency to launch its new program.  “We have more interesting programs lined up to be implemented,” she told the audience during her address to the graduating class. “We are continuing to expand this program. We’ve spent time in discussions about new plans for the program here in Grand Bahama. So, just watch and wait and see what we will launch in the future.

“The NTA exists to prepare and implement workforce vocational training in accordance with the national policies, economic needs and demands, as we grow our Commonwealth.”

As a result, she noted that the NTA must increase its capacity to allow more individuals to participate effectively to become productive members of society and in the workplace. She stressed the fact that there is a need to improve productivity and employability.

However, she said the work is carried out within a national certification framework to establish national and vocational qualifications, to deliver competency-based training. To reach that goal, the Executive Director revealed that the NTA works along with facilitators, providers and industry professionals who support and deliver the competency-based training over 14 weeks.

Additionally, Mrs. Ferguson pointed out that the courses are certified by City & Guilds, a worldwide certification program based in London. This, she said, ensures the quality of the studies received by each student who passes through the NTA program.

Speaking on behalf of the Minister for Grand Bahama, Senator Kirkland Russell congratulated Cohort 17 on completing their time at the NTA and urged them to stand tall, with their heads held high, assured of their qualifications to stand in the workplace.

“You, graduates have embraced the challenge of participating in the course and are equipped to become more productive members of our community,” said Senator Russell. “Let me stress to you that the contributions that you have to make to our community and to our workforce is crucial to Grand Bahama’s economic recovery and revitalization."

Senator Russell noted that over fifty percent of the graduates have already secured employment through NTA Bahamas and some of its partners. He reminded the graduates that with the billions of dollars in investment currently underway in Grand Bahama, through various projects, it will increase their opportunities to use their skills and training. But he encouraged them to not only think about just being employees but to reach higher and desire to become business owners in the hospitality industry.

“Please begin thinking about the role you can play in the development of Grand Bahama and take proactive steps in wisely taking your journey into the future. The government of The Bahamas stands ready to assist you.”

SENATOR KIRKLAND RUSSELL spoke on behalf of Minister Ginger Moxey, during the graduation ceremony for the National Training Agency’s Cohort 17, on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, at Kingdom Worship Center International.
 

NTA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR BRIDGET FERGUSON congratulated Cohort 17 on completing the first Food & Beverage and Housekeeping program, during graduation ceremonies on Wednesday, January 15, 2025.

TOP AWARD – Standford McIntosh (center) won the Executive Director’s Award for Cohort 17.

(BIS Photos/Lisa Davis)