The Honourable Jerome Fitzgerald
Minister of Education, Science and Technology
Once again, I am pleased to welcome you here to reveal another important and exciting component in the Ministry’s plans to host a highly successful and impactful 19th Conference of Commonwealth Education Ministers, 22 -26 June, 2015 at the Atlantis Resort.
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 the 2.2 billion citizens of The Commonwealth.
I deem it a honour, as Minister of Education for the host country, and on behalf of the Government and citizens of The Commonwealth of The Bahamas to chair the conference and welcome my ministerial colleagues from the 52 member states of The Commonwealth to our shores. This triennial meeting of Commonwealth Education Ministers is second in importance, only to the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM). It allows the 53 leaders of education systems within, the Commonwealth to engage in meaningful dialogue on education. Additionally 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.
We expect that it will also increase the understanding of Commonwealth Ministers and Senior Officials of critical issues in education and examine barriers to equity; access and quality education and identify key enabling factors to address these issues. Significant time will be devoted to discussing 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.
As the host, we are charged with setting the mood for the conference. We are attempting to do this by providing opportunities for our citizens to participate, and incorporate Bahamian culture into the 19 CCEM. This process began when we launched the logo design competition which resulted in Daniel Hanna producing the winning logo. The 19CCEM logo depicts a maypole plaited with a multiple of colours. You will note that the black, gold and aquamarine are prominent in the design thus connecting the logo to the colours of our flag. The maypole is suspended above figures adorned with graduation caps, bordered with the conference theme. Mr. Hanna’s design was inspired by watching the Bahamian and international athletes plaiting the maypole at the IAAF Relays held in May 2014. It speaks to the unity among the people of The Commonwealth as the colours are inter-connected. The graduation caps represent education which the colours being the paths that lead to, and affect performance and productivity.
The Song Competition is another project which will enable The Bahamas to brand the 19 CCEM. The Competition and the song entries are expected to celebrate the power of education to enhance the lives of individuals and nations.
The 19th CCEM Song 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.
Because of the prestige of CCEM and the fact that its sessions will be streamed on the internet, the winning song will be heard across the globe. Related publicity will bring the song and songwriter significant exposure and, possibly, further career-enhancing opportunities. The Competition will also provide an invaluable opportunity for feedback from the general public. Those songwriters capturing first, second and third place will be awarded generous cash prizes, along with other forms of recognition.
Because of the prestige of CCEM and the fact that its sessions will be streamed on the internet, the winning song will be heard across the globe. Related publicity will bring the song and songwriter significant exposure and, possibly, further career-enhancing opportunities. The Competition will also provide an invaluable opportunity for feedback from the general public. Those songwriters capturing first, second and third place will be awarded generous cash prizes, along with other forms of recognition.
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. The contest is open to amateur and professional songwriters and singers. Employees of the Ministry of Education, Science & Technology and The Counsellors Ltd., the Competition organizer, are not eligible to enter.
The Competition is open to all genres of music. Consequently, song entries may reflect Rake n’ Scrape, Junkanoo, Goombay/Calypso, Rap, Pop, Rock, Hip-Hop, Classical Jazz and Gospel.
The first place winner of the song competition will receive a cash prize of $5000. The second place and third place winners will receive $1,500 and $1,000 respectively. The top three will also receive plaques.
Entries must be submitted by FRIDAY OCTOBER 3RD, 2014 to :
The Counsellors Ltd
#7 First Terrace, Centreville
Nassau, Bahamas
Or
Submit electronically to: agreen@tclbahamas.com
Ladies and gentlemen, we look forward to an exciting competition and the winning song reflecting the conference’s theme and giving the world insight into our rich and unique culture.
