Historic Clean Sweep by Students in BTVI

The Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI), a candidate institution with the Council on Occupational Education (COE), recently celebrated a groundbreaking moment in its journey toward accreditation: its first-ever accreditation-themed student speech contest. The outcome? A historic clean sweep by three exceptional students—an inspiring showcase of student engagement, oratory excellence, and the power of purpose-driven education.

A candidate institution is one that has been deemed eligible and accepted by COE to begin the accreditation process, a crucial step in demonstrating commitment to quality standards in career and technical education.

Held on BTVI’s New Providence campus, the competition brought research, eloquence, and forward-thinking ideas to center stage as students explored the significance of institutional accreditation in shaping educational and workforce outcomes in The Bahamas.

Human Resources Management student Lamech Burrows captured the top prize, impressing the judges with his poise, research, and compelling delivery. Brandon Dillet, an Information Technology student, earned second place, while Demario Duncombe, an Electrical Installation student, took third.

“As we seek accreditation, it’s imperative that our students are a part of the journey,” said Hadassah Deleveaux, BTVI’s Public Relations Officer. “The speech contest was just one avenue to do that. We love the fact that students took part in research and were willing to stand before an audience and deliver, demonstrating their ability to communicate ideas that are crucial to the institute’s future.”

The event was part of BTVI’s wider communications strategy to promote institutional understanding of accreditation efforts with COE and the National Accreditation and Equivalency Council of The Bahamas (NAECOB). By incorporating student voices into the accreditation conversation, BTVI is not only fostering academic excellence but also cultivating leadership and advocacy among its student body.

A notable feature of the event was the participation of Charrah Hall-Rolle, an Office Administration student who delivered her speech virtually from BTVI’s Exuma Extension Campus. Her contribution further highlighted BTVI’s expanding reach, now with seven sites across The Bahamas.

“The accreditation speech contest provided an exceptional platform for students to not only showcase their oratory skills but to engage in critical discourse about the future of BTVI,” said Dr. Linda A. Davis, BTVI’s President. “I sat there, listened intently and was really proud. The theme encouraged students to explore the importance of institutional accreditation and its role in shaping education and workforce development in The Bahamas.”

Other participants included students from a wide range of disciplines, including Paulette Cooper-Cunningham (Massage Therapy), Precious Ferguson (Office Assistant), and Sherniqua Belle-Rolle (Office Administration), reflecting the cross-disciplinary interest in the event.

This milestone moment was made possible through a meaningful partnership with Visionaries Toastmasters Club #7548881, which hosted the competition during its regularly scheduled meeting. The collaboration underscored BTVI’s commitment to experiential learning and professional development.

“We’re grateful to Toastmasters Division I Director, Distinguished Toastmaster Ernesto Williams, and Visionaries President, Toastmaster Th’mars Knowles, for their guidance and support,” added Ms. Deleveaux. “Their willingness to integrate our contest into their session is a testament to the power of community partnerships in education.”

As BTVI continues its path toward accreditation with COE, this speech contest stands as a powerful example of how institutions can inspire, involve, and elevate students through meaningful engagement and leadership opportunities.

Do you have a success story to share?

COE is proud to spotlight innovative practices and student achievements from our member and candidate institutions. If your institution has a story of impact, engagement, or excellence to highlight, we want to hear from you! Submit your story to communications@council.org.