Thirty-six persons who graduated from the Barrouallie Technical Institute (BARTECH) are now better equipped in their field.

During their recent graduation, they received certificates in Data Operations, Commercial Food Preparation, Food and Drink Services, and Garment Production.

Pearlette Primus-Hannaway, principal of BARTECH told the participants that their enrollment and completion of their respective courses showed their determination to improve their standards of living and to make a meaningful contribution to the development of their families and the country. She urged the graduands to continue upgrading themselves and that level 1 is only the beginning.

Principal Hannaway also expressed gratitude to Deneisha Caesar, a former student who currently volunteers as a teacher in the Food and Preparation programme, for assisting the students wholeheartedly.

She noted that the courses given are in keeping with BARTECH’s mission to provide opportunities for trainees to develop the knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary to become competent practitioners, capable of top class performance in any part of the world.

Hannaway also praised the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), the Access to Another Nexus in Education Workforce Development Programme (ANEW), and the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) initiative for the role played. She also expressed thanks to the Mustique Charitable Foundation for the provision of 20 scholarships to students to the tune of over $20,000.

Dixton Findlay, Deputy Chief Education Officer also thanked the Mustique Charitable Foundation for its support and collaboration with the Ministry of Education. Findlay described TVET and the Caribbean Vocational Qualification (CVQ) programmes as driving forces for economic development in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. In light of this, Findlay encouraged persons currently enrolled in the Institute to become fully invested and not to take their training for granted.

Kenroy Questelles, Director of the National Qualifications Department (NQD) said the NQD’S objective is to provide quality education to the nation. Questelles pointed out that participants now have marketable skills which they can use across the Caribbean to attain employment.

“This is because the certification you have received is valid and highly credible throughout the Caribbean region,” the Director of National Qualifications Department emphasised.

Teacher and feature speaker Roslyn Hazelwood, encouraged the graduands to practice their skills wholeheartedly so that they can master them.

She said; “in this way, you can market your skills and have the potential to grow your skills set into an independent business.”

The TVET/CVQ awards presentation ceremony was held on Wednesday, May 15, 2019 at the Barrouallie Learning Resource Centre under the motto: “Training Hands and Minds, Maximizing Potentials.”