NASSAU, The Bahamas – The Hon. Jeffrey Lloyd, Minister of Education, underscored that in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the government is providing ‘critical’ support services for parents, students and staff of the Ministry of Education (MOE) along with training opportunities and free psycho, social and emotional care by professionals for staff.

Minister Lloyd informed some 450 public and private school administrators from around the archipelago of these opportunities during the official opening ceremony of the 2020 Public School Administrators Conclave Monday, August 31. 

“There are logistical concerns for families where parents must work away from home. The state will therefore have to fill the social, economic, and academic gap that this new reality creates by providing critical support services for us all – educators, staff, families and their children,” said Minister Lloyd.

“Therefore, an abundance of training courses, seminars and opportunities will be made available to you this week and throughout the year on many different platforms and most of it is 100 per cent free. As professionals, you too are encouraged to advance your own skill development by searching out those disciplines that will augment and reshape your skill sets.”

 ‘Refocusing to Reshape Bahamian Education’ is the theme for the two-day conclave. District superintendents, principals, senior MOE officials, administrators, curriculum officers, members of National Advisory Council and executives of the labor unions are participating in the virtual event.

Minister Lloyd advised the administrators that learning must continue but face-to-face can only occur if community transmission of the corona virus is under control. 

“We are aware that anything less than a face-to-face encounter with students imposes a sizeable cost on their academic and social development,’’ he said.

He urged the audience to set the blue print for the smooth and effective management of their space; a role that is even now more significant in the face of COVID -19. 

“Your responsibility has expanded; it is not just about curriculum, managerial and political issues as it were in the past, now we have a global health challenge to deal with. 

“A lot has changed, yet what remains consistent is that we must supervise the learning process. The cooperation of our teachers, subject coordinators and subject heads is even now more important especially during this period of distance learning. This conclave will provide you with a plan as you carry out your role as the leaders of our schools throughout our country.”

Director of Education, Marcellus Taylor, urged the participants to open their minds and spirits to receive the training. 

“Grasp as much as you can. Dealing with today’s students and teachers demand it. Fully take it in so that you can competently instruct young minds.”

Permanent Secretary, Lorraine Armbrister, implored the administrators to take full advantage of each of the sessions, which were deliberately designed to address the need and strategies for adaptability in the COVID-19 environment.

“This era dictates that school leaders must set the pace as problem solvers, decisive decision makers and professionals who possess strong interpersonal and communication skills that effectively and positively impact staff members, teachers and students,” she said.