It was a celebration of life. Students, staff and faculty of The Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institution (BTVI) recently converged to ‘paint the town pink’ and more importantly, support breast cancer awareness during its Pink Wednesday celebrations.
The fifth annual event was evidence of BTVI’s efforts to take its role as a community partner seriously. Therefore, the campus was abuzz with excitement leading up to the activities.
Although it was fun, the community service event also proved to be informative and all proceeds will go to The Cancer Society of The Bahamas. With the aim of sharing the importance of early detection with attendees, an information booth manned by campus nurse, Voreetis Barr, was considered vital. It is known that early detection increases survival rates. Nurse Barr encouraged attendees to manage their own health by providing them with simple measures such as self-examination, eating healthy and exercising.
Organized by the Student Affairs department, the event coincided with the mission of the Student Affairs department. “We want to create the type of citizen who not only earns money, but gives back,” said Dean of Student Affairs, Racquel Bethel.
Additionally, Ms. Bethel noted that The Cancer Society of The Bahamas continues to extend its reach across the Family Islands. Hence, with cancer patients being on islands, including those affected by the recent hurricane, Ms. Bethel said she feels BTVI’s contribution will be a fitting tribute to cancer survivors.
Last year, BTVI’s fashion instructor, Kathy Hamilton-Pinder, created a pink tutu and bustier as the centre piece, while this year, the cosmetology department produced what was dubbed, ‘The Empowered Lady.’ It was a mannequin of a woman with everything from pink clothes to pink eyelashes and lipstick, nails and hair. She represented the woman who has survived the struggle.
Meantime, BTVI continues to ‘Paint the town pink’ throughout October, with staff, faculty and students being encouraged to wear pink each Friday.
THE EMPOWERED WOMAN: This mannequin was a tribute to all women who continue to put up a strong fight against the deadly breast cancer.
BTVI's nurse, Voreetis Barr, had an information table set up to inform attendees of breast cancer, stressing to those who visited the booth the importance of self-examination, diet and exercise.
THINK PINK - Student Affairs clerk, Sheryl Leary understands the importance behind supporting breast cancer awareness.
BTVI’s Copy Room Attendant, Cassia Minnis and intern, Danielle Knowles, strike a pose as they took time out of their busy schedules to support Pink Wednesday.
English Head of Department, Cara Gibson and intern, Deshaune Humes are all smiles as they support Pink Wednesday and the worthy cause behind the event.
GETTING READY: BTVI’s Daycare Attendant, Shiniqua Rolle and Student Affairs clerk, Sheryl Leary, got the machine ready for pink popcorn.
ALL SMILES: BTVI’s Clerk to the Registrar, Kirsty Forbes and Registrar, Samara Sands, were all ready to indulge their sweet tooth to assist in the fight against breast cancer.
EVERYTHING PINK: The goodies on sale at BTVI’s Pink Wednesday festivities were tasty treats for a worthy cause.
Supporting the fight against breast cancer
SUPPORTERS: BTVI’s Resource Centre Coordinator, Melanie Ferguson and Dean of Student Affairs, Racquel Bethel are keen supporters of women who are fighting breast cancer.
YUMMY cupcakes
TEAM EFFORT: BTVI’s Student Affairs team was all smiles as they took a break during PINK Wednesday, a community service event to bring attention to breast cancer awareness. From left to right are: Clerk, Sheryl Leary; Daycare Attendant supervisor, Jennifer Rolle; intern, Deshaune Humes; Resource Centre Coordinator, Melanie Ferguson; Dean of Student Affairs, Racquel Bethel; Nurse Voreetis Barr; Career Resource Officer, Michael Smith; Student Counselor, Pamela McCartney and Daycare Attendant, Shiniqua Rolle.
TOUGH DECISION: A student tries to make a choice as to which goodie to choose.
Custodial worker, Samuel Sturrup bites into a refreshing watermelon.
Students gladly lent a hand to a worthy cause. All proceeds go to The Cancer Society of The Bahamas.
BTVI students took a moment to smile for the cameras during Pink Wednesday.
TEAM BTVI - For the fifth consecutive year, BTVI has held activities to support breast cancer awareness and the fight against the disease. This year, all funds go to The Cancer Society of The Bahamas. From left to right are: Clerk, Kirsty Forbes, Registrar, Samara Sands; Dean of Student Affairs, Racquel Bethel; Associate Vice President, Administrative Services, Zakia Winder; Head of Department, English, Cara Gibson and Academic Dean, Pleshette McPhee.
WARM HUG: BTVI’s Public Relations Officer, Hadassah Hall and campus nurse, Voreetis Barr shared a warm hug as they support breast cancer awareness activities.
COTTON CANDY ANYONE: Student counselor, Pamela McCartney was excited to sell pink cotton candy in an effort to aid in funds for The Cancer Society of The Bahamas.
WOMAN EMPOWERMENT: Beauty Trades, Head of Department, Donnalee Minnis and business instructor, Rhonda Adams are believers of woman empowerment.
Hadassah Hall
Public Relations Officer
The Bahamas Technical & Vocational Institute (BTVI)
Nassau, Bahamas
Direct line: (242) 502-6376
Mobile: (242) 424-0624
Switchboard: (242) 502-6300
Email: hallh@btvi.edu.bs
Twitter: BTVI242
Instagram: BTVI242
BTVI's mission: To provide learning opportunities that enable individuals to be globally competitive and economically independent.
