By OSWALD T. BROWN
WASHINGTON, D.C., October 5, 2023 – Calling it a “visionary initiative,” Bahamas Prime Minister Philip E. Davis and Minister of Education and Technical and Vocational Training Glenys Hanna-Martin earlier this week launched the National School Breakfast Programme.
In the narrative that accompanied a collection of photos posted today on Facebook, the Office of the Prime Minister stated: “Earlier this week, Prime Minister Philip Davis and Minister Glenys Hanna-Martin proudly launched the National School Breakfast Pilot Programme, a visionary initiative included in the Governor General’s Speech from the Throne. This programme will provide free breakfast to 2,500 students across eight schools, setting the stage for a brighter educational future.”
I absolutely had to share the announcement of this very important programme with readers of my online publication, BAHAMAS CHRONICLE, which has a huge following among the Bahamian diaspora across the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom as well as in The Bahamas and the wider Caribbean.
In the Speech from the Throne, delivered by Her Excellency Governor General Cynthia A. Pratt on Wednesday, October 4, the Davis administration “outlined its expansive legislative agenda and policies, including legislation to introduce The Bahamas National Development Plan Bill, legislation to address the high cost of living and legislation to create tougher penalties for gang members,” according to an article in The Nassau Guardian.
Among other things, the Davis administration pledged to promote personal security by moving to boost the number, type and quality of jobs available to Bahamians.
“My government will actively enforce its policy of promoting and protecting jobs for Bahamians,” the Governor-General said. “As the father of the nation, former Prime Minister Sir Lynden Pindling put it, my government will prioritize Bahamian jobs for Bahamian workers. A new unit will be formed to review ‘notice of processes, to ensure that Bahamians have a fair opportunity to apply for all available jobs that are created, as our economy grows and diversifies.”
The government also is committed to implementing the Family Island Airport Renaissance Project to accelerate the redevelopment of airports throughout The Bahamas.
