By Kathryn Campbell

Bahamas Information Services

AS THE Bahamas prepares to host the 19th Conference of Commonwealth Education Ministers (CCEM) in June of 2015, the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology began the search for a song that will herald the importance of education and promote unity between member states of the Commonwealth.

Education Minister Jerome Fitzgerald said the song competition is another project that will enable the Bahamas to “brand” the 19th CCEM, and entries are expected to celebrate the power of education to enhance the lives of individuals and nations.

Mr Fitzgerald officially launched the 19th CCEM Song Competition during a news conference at the Ministry of Youth on September 5.

“Each step that we take is designed to ensure that we promote the theme of the 19th CCEM, ‘Quality Education for Equitable Development – Performance, Paths and Productivity,’ and highlight how each element impacts all Bahamians and the 2.2 billion citizens of the Commonwealth,” said Minister Fitzgerald.

He said the triennial meeting is second in importance, only to the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting and allows the 53 leaders of education systems within the Commonwealth to engage in meaningful dialogue on education.

“The conference will facilitate the exchange of best practices in education, promote goodwill, and foster mutual respect and cooperation between stakeholder groups, inclusive of senior governmental officials, teachers, youth and NGOs from member states,” he said.

The conference is also expected to increase the understanding of Commonwealth ministers and senior officials on critical issues in education and examine barriers to equity, access and quality education and identify key enabling factors to address these issues.

Minister Fitzgerald noted that discussions will take place on the process for aligning plans and strategies to support the achievement of the new goals and targets of the post-2015 education development framework within the Commonwealth’s priorities, processes and platforms.

Efforts are being made to set the mood for the conference by providing opportunities for Bahamians to participate in, and incorporate Bahamian culture into the 19th CCEM, Minister Fitzgerald said. The launch of the logo design competition began the process, which resulted in Daniel Hanna producing the winning logo.

Conference sessions are expected to be streamed on the internet, allowing the winning song to be heard across the globe. The competition will also provide an opportunity for feedback from the general public.

The song competition is open to all citizens/residents of the Bahamas. All ages are invited to submit songs. Entries must be accompanied by proof of citizenship or residency. Amateur and professional songwriters and singers are eligible to enter.

All genres of music are welcomed. Song entries may reflect rake ‘n’ scrape, Junkanoo, goombay/calypso, rap, pop, rock, hip-hop, classical, jazz, gospel or a combination of the genres.

The song should reflect part of or the entire theme of the conference.

Minister Fitzgerald said the competition will be judged by a group of men and women grounded and respected in the world of music, including well-known music educators, who are also accredited and practicing musicians – combined with a national public vote.

Staff of the headquarters of the Ministry of Education, Science & Technology and The Counsellors, organisers of the competition, are not eligible to enter. However, teachers from both public and private schools are eligible to participate.

The first place winner will receive a cash prize of $5,000. The second place and third place winners will receive $1,500 and $1,000 respectively. The top three winners will also receive plaques. The deadline for entries to be submitted is Friday, October 17, 2014. Entries are to be submitted to: The Counsellors Ltd, #7 First Terrace, Centreville.