Souvenir manufacturing students of The Bahamas Technical & Vocational Institute (BTVI) showcased their products at 'The Authentically Bahamian Trade Show' on Thursday, May 22nd. The trade show featured Bahamian made products created from shell and straw. BTVI's students were able to display their works of art created since the beginning of the school year. The occasion also provided an opportunity for the students to push the boundaries of traditional crafts by showcasing innovative ways of using the natural Bahamian materials.

The vibrancy of the show reflected the enthusiasm of the participants. BTVI is a proud educational provider of this unique educational environment. The word 'crafts' often brings to mind a traditional way of making art but this show was anything but traditional, illustrated by 'conch necklaces'- jewellery constructed from shell. Ms. Helen M. Adderley a student of BTVI displayed her extensive shell craft skills by creating interesting and exciting pieces that contemporary crafts can be well-designed and well made.

It was very exciting for the students to be able to display their work mid-way through the course" explained Public Relations Officer, Mr. Sean Adderley. The experience they gained from preparing for a trade show enables them to focus on designing and producing quality products, it also provides a great opportunity for the public to see the high standard of work being set by the Straw & Shell Craft Department at BTVI.

The Souvenir Manufacturing course at BTVI is leading the field in Contemporary Crafts. It encourages students to be experimental, to explore new ways of using traditional craft making methods and encourages them to find their own artistic voice whilst redefining what craft in the 21st Century means. One of the rising stars of tomorrow is James Sands, who showcased some of his designs at The Plait Lady Boutique in the Marina Village on Paradise Island.


From Left to Right:Ms. Debbie Strachan, Straw Instructor,Mr.James Sands, Student, Mrs. Key & Edison Key, MP and Chairman of BAIC

From Left to Right: Ms.Vernice Walkine Director General of Tourism,Mr.James Sands,Student & Ms.Helen M.Adderley,Student

From Left to Right:Mr.James Sands,Student & Mrs.Clare Sands, Proprietor

BTVI reached a new milestone during its summer semester registration when Edmonique Rolles, an Office Systems student, became the first person at the Bahamas Technical & Vocational Institute to be registered for classes on the web.It was easy,said Edmonique from a web registration station in BTVI's new Student Success Centre. BTVI Manager /Consultant, Dr. Iva Dahl said "Utilizing the web for registration is one of many new initiatives BTVI is undertaking as part of its repositioning, restructuring and reorganizing project that the Bahamian Government has initiated with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and the Ministry of Education. This project will result in BTVI providing enhanced educational and training opportunities for Bahamians that are learner centered, relevant and fully aligned with the labour market."

BTVI has been moving toward this moment since the project's inception, streamlining its administrative and operational processes to reflect a modern technical institute. Jackie Davis, BTVI Registrar said "Web registration is one visible reminder to us and our students of the progress BTVI is making as we prepare the institute for offering new Applied Associate degrees in the construction, hospitality, and information technology areas. Our focus will be on delivering programs that are learner centered, relevant and fully aligned with business and industry."

Over 350 students enrolled for the summer semester in construction, mechanical, electronics, service and business trades. One of BTVI's priorities is to increase training opportunities for Bahamians that are dynamic, interactive, and that utilize the latest instructional design methods in program development.