The Prime Minister says the newly-launched Upskill Bahamas initiative will allow Bahamians to close the “possibility gap” between their career ambitions and the skills they require to fulfill these dreams.

Philip Davis KC, speaking at the launch of the online learning and skills resource for Bahamians, said: “So, if you are interested in gaining new skills to qualify for a job, or if you are interested in advancing in your current job, or switching to a new field, or starting or growing your own business, Upskill Bahamas can provide you with free access to first-class online courses, including opportunities to earn certificates in skills that employers want the most.”

He added that technology advances are reshaping nearly every industry and field of work, with the pace of change evolving at rapid speed. 

“We believe Bahamians can do more than simply adapt in this fast-changing environment; we believe that with access to upskilling and support, more and more Bahamians can thrive and prosper,” Mr Davis said.

“Picture this: A young man in Eleuthera learning how to design his first app, one he will sell to the world; a young woman in Bain Town, using her phone to take the course that gives her the confidence she needs to turn her new idea into a smart business plan; or an entrepreneur in Cat Island, learning the marketing skills he needs to turn his small business into a bigger one. 

“Right now, in too many cases, we have what economists call a ‘skills gap’ – a mismatch between the skills we have and the skills we need to succeed. I think of it as a ‘possibility gap’ – the distance between what your skills allow you to do, and what you dream of doing.”

Mr Davis asserted that the better The Bahamas gets at closing that gap, the more dreams will be realised.

“As we gain new skills, we earn more – helping us as individuals, helping our families – but also, increasing investment and innovation in our economy,” he said.  

“It’s a virtuous cycle. When we invest in upskilling, we empower entire communities to unlock new opportunities.

“One thing is for sure – the pace of change is not going to slow down. So we just have to learn fast enough to keep up. If you’re a student, or a former student, or a job-seeker or an entrepreneur; if you need to strengthen basic skills, or add advanced ones, the important thing to know is that we are on your side.”

Those present included Glenys Hanna-Martin, minister of education and technical and vocational training; Lorraine Armbrister, her permanent secretary; Sebas Bastian, non-resident ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary of The Bahamas to Central America, as well as the PLP’s candidate for Fort Charlotte, other government officials; education stakeholders and students.

Mr Davis pointed out that his government wanted to give Bahamians the tools they need to bridge the gap between aspiration and achievement.

“You know, we are working hard to build a 21st century economy with more ladders that lead more Bahamians up to success, but I want you to know that I know what it’s like to start up that ladder – and then you see a few rungs that are missing,” Prime Minister Davis said.

He added that he knew what it was like to “feel you don’t know the right things or the right people”. 

Mr Davis said: “I know what it’s like to worry you’re missing education or missing tools others have. You can’t see how you’re supposed to go any further. My mission is to make sure that Bahamians never, ever stop there.

“Our shared mission must be to make sure that we are there for our brothers and sisters at that precise moment when our encouragement and support can be the difference between a dream realised instead of deferred.”

Mr Davis said that Upskill Bahamas is part of that mission, and it is “something new for The Bahamas – a flexible, modern way to learn in fast-changing times”.

“You can learn when you have the time. You can learn during a lunch break, or when your toddler takes a nap, or after work, or with friends on a weekend,” he said.

“I know minister Hanna-Martin is working hard to strengthen our schools, including their literacy, numeracy and digital fluency curricula. No one believes in our children more than her.  But changing big systems takes time – and most Bahamians are out of school. We must think of ourselves as continuous learners, lifelong learners – all of us.”

Mr Davis pointed out that Bahamians needed to be able “to wear multiple hats – we will need a wide range of skills to be competitive”.

“Our DigiLearn programme offers courses with BTVI and the University of The Bahamas in basic computing, in Microsoft Office, in e-commerce. Our ‘Wi-Fi in the Parks’ programme expands access to high-speed Internet,” he added. 

“Our JUMP programme with BTC is designed to help families with connectivity and laptops.

“So Upskill is part of our larger efforts to bridge digital divides and to create new opportunities. We are starting with a substantial programme, one that can accommodate thousands of Bahamians, and we plan to continue updating and expanding the programme in response to the feedback we get from all of you, and in ongoing consultation with the private sector, so that the skills we’re offering are a good match for the skills they’re seeking.”

Mr Davis said he believes Bahamian talent was “the engine that will drive the next phase of our country’s national development”.

“That’s why we’re focused on creating new opportunities – and making sure Bahamians are ready to seize them – through education, upskilling, mentorship, grants, financing, access to expertise – so more Bahamians have a fair chance to maximise their God-given talents,” he added.

“Nations that invest in their people always rise stronger. The world will keep changing but so will we, with confidence, and without leaving anyone behind; and that is our commitment.”