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Beyond the surface: From apprentice to employee

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A young David Barry during his training at the then Nassau Technical Centre

By Hadassah Hall

He became a student of the Painting and Decorating program in 1969, back when The Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI) was known as Nassau Technical Centre.  He went on to become an apprentice and today is an employee, who says he has had more highs than lows.

“This is the only job I know. I grew up here,” said David Barry who retired as an employee of the Ministry of Education in 2015 after 44 years of service.

BTVI, which was once fully under the Ministry of Education, became semi-autonomous in 2013 and when Mr. Barry retired two years later, the institution retained his service. Hence, he has worked at the Old Trail Road campus for the past 46 years.

“What really kept me here are the students.  I like to instill in them that painting and decorating is a profession.  I like to awaken minds to the different skills I have,” said Mr. Barry.

“It’s been good.  It’s been enjoyable…I’ve seen this place go through name changes.  I have seen this place start as a simple training centre to today being an institute on par with institutes in the US and Canada because of the curriculum.  I look at BTVI as a community college,” said the long-time employee.

David Barry

Questioned as to why the Painting and Decorating program may not be as popular as other programs, Mr. Barry hastily said people don’t see painting as a profession.

“People believe anyone can paint.  However, it’s beyond the surface.  Bahamians tend to paint for beautification. Painting is about preservation.  You can look around us; some buildings are deteriorating because of the lack of proper preparation for painting,” said the expert painter.

Mr. Barry said painters must prep against the elements.

“Surfaces require specific preparation and materials. There is even colour theory.  Some colours are not applicable to certain rooms or areas.  For example, darker colours make rooms seem smaller. Professional painters are colour advisors,” said Mr. Barry who recalled doing interior painting at the house of the late Prime Minister, the Right Honourable Sir Lynden Pindling.

BTVI’s Painting and Decorating program includes drywall finishing, hanging wall coverings, decorative finishings and refinishing furniture.

Mr. Barry, who grew up on Harbour Island, came to New Providence to study a trade, but admittedly, was unsure what he wanted to do.  He was subsequently placed in the Painting and Decorating program.

With eight classmates and under the tutelage of Englishman, John Hutcheson, Mr. Barry was in the program for one year before being chosen by the institution’s administration to become an apprentice. He was the top choice of the two students who passed the London base City and Guilds certificate in painting and decorating. It was a nod of confidence for the young David.

The apprenticeship lasted another year before Mr. Barry became an employee of the Ministry of Education in 1971, spending over four decades as a public servant.

During this time, Mr. Barry was afforded opportunities for further training.

“This became C. R. Walker Technical College and it merged with the College of The Bahamas (COB) at one point.  They wanted me to teach Auto Repair, so they sent me to study a diploma in the field at Alpena Community College in Michigan. That’s how I got another skill under my belt,” he stated.

Reminiscing on some of the highlights of his tenure primarily teaching painting and decorating, Mr. Barry said heading the program and eventually teaching on the family islands were gratifying.

“About four years ago, BTVI’s construction trades’ instructors conducted courses on the weekends on several islands including Andros, Abaco, Harbour Island and Eleuthera. From carpentry to drywall and plumbing to tiling, to see the faces of the islanders who were so pleased that we would come there and teach them these trades was a good moment,” he stated.

“Another highlight is the fact that there is a graduate of mine named Patreka Ferguson, who is now supervisor of the painting section of the Ministry of Works. Now, her daughter is a student in the same program,” said a beaming Mr. Barry.

Over the years, Mr. Barry has also taught painting and decorating to at-risk youth, including residents of the Simpson Penn School for Boys and the boys of Program Sure.

“Teaching young men is my passion. They want a father figure,” he said.

David Barry keeps a keen eye on a student during a practical experience.
Photo by Shantique Longley

Mr. Barry is so versatile that he is presently teaching 17 boys from Anatol Rodgers High School a Trade Career Path course.  For the 15-week dual enrollment program, they are introduced to the fundamentals of several construction trades including: Electrical Installation, Plumbing, Masonry, Carpentry, Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC), Welding, and Painting and Decorating.
Shanando Moss, who wants to become an Electrical Engineer, spoke highly of Mr. Barry.

“The class atmosphere is easy to learn in. Mr. Barry, makes a difference.  Currently, we are learning about electricity.  I am using this as an opportunity and I intend to come back in September for a year before hopefully going off to school,” said the teenager.

Mr. Barry is particularly pleased with the students of Anatol Rodgers High School.

“They really want to pursue the construction trades. I am finding it out through their research and enthusiasm.  It’s a pleasure working with them.  I am giving back and I think this group appreciates it,” said Mr. Barry.



Hadassah Hall | PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER
Bahamas Technical & Vocational Institute
Tel. (242) 502-6300| Dir. (242) 502-6376| Fax. (242) 393-4005
P. O. Box N-4934 | Old Trail Road, Nassau, Bahamas
hallh@btvi.edu.bs | www.btvi.edu.bs

7 Baltimore officers accused of abusing power, robbing citizens

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Top: Daniel Hersl, Evodio Hendrix, Jemell Rayam, Marcus Taylor; bottom: Maurice Ward, Momodu Gando, and Wayne Jenkins -- the seven police officers facing charges.


By Mary Kay Mallonee, CNN

 (CNN)Seven Baltimore police officers -- members of the department's Gun Trace Task Force -- were accused Wednesday in a federal racketeering indictment of robbing people, claiming fraudulent overtime and filing false affidavits.

The officers are accused of stopping people -- some of whom were not even suspected of any crimes -- and seizing their money and pocketing it. In one instance, several of the officers stopped a maintenance supervisor at a nursing home and stole $1,500 that he was planning to use to pay his rent, according to the indictment. Read more >>

Eleuthera High School Track & Field 2017

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Junior and Senior students from public high schools throughout The Eleutheras made the annual pilgrimage to the less than manicured field in Rock Sound to battle out with effort for victory in a number of track and field events. Races are done without blocks, shoe-less in some instances and on a bumpy surface. The youngsters gave everything they had and were facilitated by a dedicated team of teachers and assistants who organised the two day affair and recorded the outcomes for the tallying of points. It all happened on Thursday and Friday, February 9th & 10th, 2017. Preston H. Albury Stallions faced tough competition from Harbour Island and the North Eleuthera Lions, with Central Eleuthera High School periodically showing its potential and Samuel Guy Pinder All Age having some good individual performances.  View results and photos >>

Canadian College Visits BTVI

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Pictured from left to right are BTVI's Dean of Student Services, Racquel Bethel; Holland College's Manager of International Office, Jeff Walker; BTVI President, Dr. Robert Robertson; Holland College's Vice President, Michael O'Grady and Holland College's Master Marine, Steve MacFarlene.  Photo: Shantique Longley

Representatives of Holland College, Prince Edward Island, recently visited the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI) to make presentations to its students about programs and services offered, with an emphasis on the relationship with Bahamian students.

BTVI has a Memorandum of Understanding with Holland College and overall, there are 100 Bahamian students studying there.



Shantique Longley | Public Relations Assistant
Bahamas Technical & Vocational Institute
Tel. (242) 502-6300 | Ext. 4354 | Fax. (242) 393-4005
P.O. Box N-4934 | Old Trail Road, Nassau, Bahamas

The Best Products of MWC 2017

Bahamian Art & Culture : No. 298 : 03.03.17

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Friday, March 3rd, 2017 – Issue No 298 – The latest issue of Bahamian Art & Culture is available now. Check out our exquisite cover by Bahamian artist Jordanna Kelly whose first solo exhibition opens tonight at the The Central Bank of The Bahamas Art Gallery. Also featured are Bahamians Kareem Mortimer's film premiere at the Miami Film FestivalTavares Strachan's installation at Desert X, Anya Willique's showcase in London's Fashion Week, Helen Klonaris' new book, Lenny Kravitz's photography, and Nicole Miles's BuzzFeed comic. And so much more. Subscribe to our weekly newsletter for free! Enjoy!

Cuba's Travel Surge Explained

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It is no surprise that there is a rapid increase in Americans travelling to Cuba.

Authoritative rankings are pouring in and they constantly rave about Cuba's unique culture, architecture, art, music, rum, cigars, beaches and more.  Read more >>

Time For ‘Girl Talk’: Bahamian Teen Launches Ew Magazine

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By JEFFARAH GIBSON
Tribune Features Writer
jgibson@tribunemedia.net

WHEN 14-year-old Ci’Ashadai Cash first came up with the idea to launch her Girl Talk magazine, she was scared of sharing her vision with others. However, the teen knew that if it were not realised, the movement she was hoping to inspire in young Bahamian girls would never come to pass.

So instead of shying away from the daunting task, the 10th grade Leadership Academy student put her fears aside and began making plans for the magazine.  Read more >>

Go Sober And Safe When Driving Cars - 1975 Educational Documentary

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"More than 50% of all traffic deaths can be attributed directly to the drinking driver."

Synergy Bahamas - Upcoming Training Schedule

Study: Black people more likely to be wrongfully convicted

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By Tanzina Vega, CNN

 (CNN)All Marvin Anderson ever wanted to be was a firefighter. Instead, at 18 years old, he was wrongfully convicted of rape, sodomy, abduction and robbery.
When a Virginia judge sentenced him to 210 years in prison, "My whole body went numb," Anderson told CNN. "I knew I was going to prison for something I didn't do."

It took 15 years behind bars and five years on parole before Anderson was exonerated for his crimes -- the result of DNA testing.

"I trusted in the justice system and it failed me," he said.  Read more >>

Brown Pelicans on Abaco & Beyond

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By Rolling Harbour Abaco

Six more sleeps. That’s all. Suddenly, a trip that seemed ages away is rushing towards us. Or, to put it more plausibly science-wise, we are rushing towards it. Abaco beckons, with bonefish, rays, sharks, reef fishes, whales, dolphins, birds and butterflies to investigate. Plus Kaliks to consume. Read more >>

Join us for our Brain Injury Foundation Walkathon

ACI Ranks LPIA 2nd Best Airport in Latin America-Caribbean Region

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Airports Council International (ACI) World today announced winners of the 2016 Airport Service Quality (ASQ) Awards. The body named Lynden Pindling International Airport (LPIA) in Nassau the 2nd Best Airport with over 2 million passengers per year, in the Latin America and the Caribbean Region. Read more >>


Alcohol, Drugs & Crime

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Alcohol, more than any illegal drug, was found to be closely associated with violent crimes, including murder, rape, assault, child and spousal abuse. About 3 million violent crimes occur each year in which victims perceive the offender to have been drinking and statistics related to alcohol use by violent offenders generally show that about half of all homicides and assaults are committed when the offender, victim, or both have been drinking. Among violent crimes, with the exception of robberies, the offender is far more likely to have been drinking than under the influence of other drugs.  Read more >>

Man-O-War Flea Market Features Food, Fun, Ship Tours and More

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Hermit crabs brightly decorated to help distinguish winners in the popular solider crab races. (Photo by Charmaine Albury)

A good crowd attended this year’s Man-O-War Flea Market. The addition of several ferries, balmy weather and the hope of finding good bargains contributed to the healthy turn out.

The annual function, a fund raiser for the Man-O-War Primary School and other charities, took place on February 18, 2017.  Read more >>

Caribbean Journal - 9 Caribbean Islands You Should Visit Right Now

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⭐  2 Bahama destinations made the list

Whether you’re searching for a culinary retreat or a luxe getaway, now’s as good a time as any to come to the Caribbean — for whatever kind of trip you’re looking for.

Because the Caribbean just keeps getting better, with an increasingly diverse tourism product and more and more high-quality travel offerings from gastronomy to culture to throwback luxury.

As always, though, you’re probably searching for something new.

And we have you covered, with some new faces and established places that are worth a new look.

Here are nine islands to visit this spring.  Read more >>

BTVI and Barnsley College, England sign agreement

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The Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)with Barnsley College, England.  The MOU is designed to promote partnerships that will focus on best practices in the areas of delivering job-ready skills training, using an apprenticeship model.

BTVI’s president, Dr. Robert Robertson said, “Barnsley College is noted as an innovative leader in adult education in the United Kingdom. We are excited to be partnering with them to advance the BTVI brand."

Seated in front are Deputy Principal of Barnsley College, Yiannis Koursis (l) and BTVI’s President, Dr. Robert W. Robertson.  Standing from left to right are: Barnsley’s Head of Department, Health Sciences and Social Care Professions, Lee Pryor; Business Development Director, Tricia Smith; Board of Governors’ Chair, Simon Perryman and Chief Executive Officer of The Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers Confederation, Edison Sumner.

Photo courtesy: Barnsley College


Hadassah Hall | PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER
Bahamas Technical & Vocational Institute
Tel. (242) 502-6300| Dir. (242) 502-6376| Fax. (242) 393-4005
P. O. Box N-4934 | Old Trail Road, Nassau, Bahamas
hallh@btvi.edu.bs | www.btvi.edu.bs

Are you in Business?

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This Issue is all about People in Business; Bahama Buy and Sell seeks to highlight small businesses throughout the Northern Bahamas. Therefore, take advantage of this Issue and promote your business services and all of your products.

Whether it’s beauty supplies, clothing for the entire family, school supplies, cleaning supplies, just to name a few.

It is our passion to see businesses thrive because it’s the key component to a successful, stable, and an ever-growing economy.

Bahamian Art & Culture : No. 299 : 03.10.17

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This week's Bahamian Art & Culture is hot off the press with a provocative cover by Bahamian artist Steven Schmid. Featured this week are: Legendary Bahamian musician King Errisson, E. Clement Bethel National Arts Festival, The Nassau Music Society's 'Romantic Travelers' Concert, and so much more. Subscribe to our weekly newsletter for free! Enjoy!
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