Protection Of The Youth

• Author: Derence A. Rolle Davis
• Pages: 70-77

Derence Rolle Davis

17. PROTECTION OF THE YOUTH

The course of Bahamian history was changed by the votes of the newly

empowered youth in 2007. The government in its legislative agenda addressed

the needs of the youth by enacting legislation to protect their rights and interests,

as well as those of the disabled.

During this year, the Ministry of Education announced that students in

public and private schools were averaging a D grade. This announcement caused

a great stir in society. The manner in which it was determined in my view, is the

greater concern. The calculation of the grade and the average are issues that are

disputed. Whether the average is a true reflection of both private and public

school students and how it was contrived has caused controversy.

The Legal Effect

The Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute Act, 2010 was

implemented for the incorporation of the Bahamas Technical and Vocational

Institute (BTVI), it’s governance, control and administration by a board and for

matters incidental thereto, according to the aforementioned Act. The primary

functions of the institute are to provide technical and vocational training to

students by equipping them with the practical, technical and vocational skills to

prepare them for employment, and to foster entrepreneurshipThe youth of the

nation would see a major shot in the arm by the establishment and revamping of

the vocational training for the blue-collar workers. By the organization of the

training institute the country has a new perspective.

BTVI, as it is more commonly known, is the premier place to get hands-on

training and job placement. It is the primary source for blue collar workers and

the trades. This is the life blood of skilled labour force in the building of the

employment bank of The Bahamas in these industries.

The Child Protection Act, 2007 [Ch. 132], which was implemented during

this year provides that in all matters relating to a child the guiding principle is

that the child's welfare shall be the paramount consideration. Parents are

responsible for providing the basic needs of a child. Those needs include food,

water, clothing and shelter. The society also has a responsibility to assist a child

that may be in need that is in instances where the child may need protection and

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