NASSAU, The Bahamas -- During his Official Remarks at the Bahamas Youth Sector Conference 2025, on March 27, 2025 Prime Minister and Minister of Finance the Hon. Philip Davis noted that the government recognises the voices of The Bahamas’ young people “are critical to the way forward”.
“After all, it is all of you who will inherit The Bahamas when all of the ‘old heads’ in the room are long gone,” Prime Minister Davis said, during the event held at Breezes Bahamas, to an audience of youth leaders and stakeholders. “We must be part of the change in working for young people and empowering young people to do their best work.”
He pointed out that, as a government, one of the cornerstone youth-and-child-focused policies has been the National School Breakfast Programme.
“We believe that students can’t learn properly if they’re hungry, and that’s why we’ve ensured that all children in each participating school have access to a healthy, hearty, and free breakfast,” Prime Minister Davis said.
He added: “Through our National School Breakfast Programme, over half a million meals have been served at ninety schools throughout our archipelago. Already, this programme has significantly decreased absenteeism at participating schools. At the same time, it has eased the financial burdens of Bahamian families, and is contributing to a healthier, smarter, and stronger Bahamas.
“Through it all, know that the government, though not always perfect, is here to support you. And, as we work on your behalf, we are also welcoming you into the fold.”
Prime Minister Davis pointed out that, through initiatives like the National Youth Guard, his Government is equipping young people with the skills, discipline, and civic sensibility they need to succeed as professionals.
“From disaster preparedness training to personal development, the National Youth Guard has seen over 160 cadets from three cohorts graduate, with more than 85% of those graduating finding meaningful employment. Quite impressive,” he noted.
“These young leaders will go on to support our nation in times of crisis as a capable cadre of national first-responders,” Prime Minister Davis added. “The role they play in preserving and protecting The Bahamas is no small one – especially as nations like ours endure the worsening impacts of a climate crisis we did not cause.
“If this interests you, I encourage you to apply online at nyg.bahamas.gov.bs. – and join the next cohort.”
Prime Minister Davis stated that, looking ahead, his Government is building bridges to new opportunities through a number of initiatives for young people.
He said: “We are expanding the role of the National Training Agency to provide more opportunities for learning, and, in the near future, we are launching the National Apprenticeship Programme to help young people begin new careers as apprentices in high-demand areas like the maritime sector, hospitality, construction, IT, and, eventually, emerging areas related to digitalisation, climate resilience, and energy reform.”
“At the same time, UB and BTVI are developing new courses in areas like renewable energy and machine learning, because it is of the utmost importance that we prepare our youth for both current and future opportunities,” Prime Minister Davis added.
He asked those present how many of them had heard of the upcoming government initiative called 'Upskill.'
“It’s a new platform that will allow people to take courses in vital, future-oriented skills – like data analysis, IT administration, graphic design, and other in-demand digital skills – so they can be more qualified for emerging opportunities in the job market,” Prime Minister Davis explained. “This is another bridge we are building to opportunities that you, as young people, can take advantage of.”
“However, as we do our part, we acknowledge that the government is not the only actor that plays a part in shaping skilled, empowered, and well-rounded young people,” he continued. “It takes a village to raise a child into a young adult and to support a young adult in becoming a thriving, positively contributing member of our society.”
Prime Minister Davis noted that many of those were already making their own positive contributions.
“But our goal is to ensure that even more young people feel ready to succeed in our nation,” he said. “So, we must all come together, as government, private sector, and civil society to bring about positive change for our young people.
“Civil society organisations, in particular, play an integral role in youth development, whether by encouraging young people to cultivate extracurricular interests, advance meaningful causes, or strengthen their character,” Prime Minister Davis added.
He commended the King’s International Trust, as well as The Bahamas Governor General’s Youth Award, for their “admirable efforts in the domain of youth development”.
“Thank you for partnering with the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture to organise this timely conference – I can only imagine what has gone on before and what is to come today,” Prime Minister Davis said.
He added: “And to all the young Bahamians in the room, know that we are here to support you. Share your ideas, and we will listen. Build a platform, and we will amplify it. Unleash your talents, and we will change this nation for the better, together. Keep up the fantastic work. I cannot wait to witness what you can and will achieve.
“I wish you an inspiring and productive day as you had yesterday. God bless you all and I want to thank you."
