The Bahamas' future economic prosperity and economic growth is underpinned, to a large extent, by the capacity of
the education and training systems to upgrade the skills and competencies of the existing workforce as well as to train new entrants to the labor market. As The Bahamas increasingly integrates its economy into the regional and global markets, new demands are emerging driven by competitive labor dynamics. At the same time, there is a known shortage in the supply of skills for positions at all levels in the industry and service sectors, as well as a lack of basic work skills among secondary school graduates.
The potential for generating new opportunities for innovative business services in The Bahamas will depend, in part, on:
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The acquisition and strengthening of competencies at all levels
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The development of a well-trained, flexible and adaptable workforce, and
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The identification of an articulated industrial and education framework for the implementation of a successful and sustainable public-private collaborative.
The Government of Bahamas and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) have already identified the need for a PPP for education and recognized that private sector involvement in a PPP is a priority. This effort mandates the assistance of a support mechanism with expertise in creating and nurturing that partnership. The IDB requested the assistance of the IECF in initiating the plan and structure for the development of such a partnership. Acting as a catalyst and technical assistance resource, IECF consultants are today assisting local leaders in building partnerships for educational change and providing them with the expertise to support the creation and implementation of their own plan. Sustainability and scalability are critical to the success of the PPP. The IECF launched its mission in The Bahamas with an Interactive Forum in February 2005 and is now securing the resources to create and sustain the partnership in The Bahamas through the commitment of the business, government, industrial, and financial sectors.
The continued growth and operation of the PPP is the engine that will drive systemic educational reform in The Bahamas.
