NASSAU, Bahamas -- On Tuesday, May 7, Ms. Theresa McPhee, Secondary Education Officer in the Ministry of Education met with the U.S. Embassy’s Acting Deputy Chief of Mission, John Lowell Armstrong to discuss her recent participation in a professional exchange focused on Science and Technology Education in the U.S.  The visit was sponsored by the U.S. Embassy through the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Education and Cultural Affairs.  

Ms. McPhee shared insights from her meetings in Washington, D.C., San Antonio, Boston, Philadelphia and Portland from April 8-16, 2013, where she had an opportunity to explore how the U.S. system of education is organized and how curricula is developed and implemented to improve math and science instructional practices.

Ms. McPhee also had the opportunity to observe policy initiatives and public/private partnerships firsthand that are designed to accelerate student learning in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) subjects, especially for students from diverse backgrounds. Ms. McPhee’s three week visit also included meetings at Microsoft’s Innovations Center, the Discovery Education Center, the STEM Education Coalition and the National Science Teachers of America Conference.

Ms. McPhee’s visit was coordinated by the International Visitor Leadership program; a prestigious worldwide U.S. government program which takes professionals in critical fields to the United States to network with counterparts and to learn more about America and its policies.  The meeting with the U.S. Embassy’s Acting Deputy Chief of Mission served as an opportunity to gain insights on the key issues impacting the field of education in The Bahamas and to identify ways that the U.S. Embassy may be able to partner with the Ministry of Education on education-related efforts.

Photo: Ms. Theresa McPhee, Secondary Education Officer in the Ministry of Education meets with the U.S. Embassy’s Acting Deputy Chief of Mission, John Armstrong.

REMARKS BY THE PRIME MINISTER & MEMBER FOR CENTREVILLE
THE RT. HON. PERRY CHRISTIE:
CONTRIBUTION TO THE DEBATE IN THE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY
ON THE BILL TO MAKE MAJORITY RULE DAY A PUBLIC HOLIDAY

Mr. Speaker:

The bill now before the House has received the very close attention of honourable members on both sides of the political divide. Much has been said about it already in the contributions of those who have preceded me, so I need not prolong this debate unnecessarily.

There are, however, just a few points that I feel I really do need to address from what I would regard as a high altitude. We need to do that from time to time so that the “bigger picture” that frames important legislation can be better understood and appreciated.

The first thing I would like to address is this whole question as to whether we have too many public holidays already.

DO WE HAVE TOO MANY PUBLIC HOLIDAYS?

NASSAU, Bahamas -- The window is slowly closing on the opportunity for the younger, post- independence generation, to engage the persons who fought for The Bahamas' independence.  As the 40th anniversary of independence draws near, an examination of issues that impact national identity and progress remain crucial priorities.

The impending Bahamas at 40 Independence Conference, the brainchild of The College of The Bahamas School of Social Sciences, will provide a critical platform to explore the issues that have significant implications for the country’s development. The conference will be held June 12th – 14th, 2013 at The College’s Oakes Field Campus in collaboration with the Government of The Bahamas and the Inter-American Development Bank under the theme The Bahamas at 40: Reflecting on the Past, Envisioning the Future.

More than merely a platform for critical analysis and debate, the conference will give academics, researchers, activists and community leaders the opportunity to dissect the issues that impact national development and offer recommendations and guiding principles for decision-makers and those who craft and implement national policies.

Co-chair of the conference planning committee, Head of the History Department at The College, Assistant Professor Dr. Christopher Curry explained at a press conference held on Monday, May 6th, why such a critical discourse must happen as The Bahamas’ observes its 40th anniversary of independence.

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The new Permanent Representative of The Bahamas to the Organisation of American States (OAS), Elliston Rahming, May 6 presented to the Secretary General of the institution, José Miguel Insulza, the credentials that accredit him to the hemispheric institution.

During the ceremony, held in the Hall of Heroes at the OAS headquarters in Washington, DC, Ambassador Rahming said that, although he is just beginning as his country’s representative to the organisation, he is already aware of the benefits brought by the institution.

“Last year, in my former position as Superintendent of Her Majesty’s prison, I had the opportunity to participate in the Third Meeting of Authorities Responsible for Penitentiary and Prison policies of the Americas, which gave me first hand knowledge of the work of this organisation and the many hemispheric issues that it addresses,” said Ambassador Rahming.

“When we joined the OAS in 1982,” said the Bahamian diplomat, “we made a commitment to the democratic ideals which are the foundation of this most important regional body. I wish to reconfirm my support and the support of the government of The Bahamas to the organisation, to the Secretary General, and to the OAS Secretariat, to strengthen The Bahamas’ engagement within the OAS,” he concluded.

NASSAU, Bahamas -- Minister of Social Services the Hon. Melanie Griffin welcomes Christine Arab, and Gabrielle Henderson from the United Nations for Women during a Courtesy Call May 6.

Pictured from left: Christine Campbell, first assistant secretary; Barbara Burrows, permanent secretary; Minister Griffin; Ms. Arab and Ms. Henderson.

(BIS Photo/Patrick Hanna)