Digilearn Bahamas, in partnership with the University of the Bahamas and a consortium of sponsors, hosted a free, government-funded public forum at Bishop Michael Eldon Auditorium.
The hybrid event, offered both in-person and online, forms part of the programme’s ongoing national engagement initiative.
The forum marks the sixth installment in the Digilearn Public Series since its official launch in September 2025. The initiative, described as a nationwide engagement effort, began in New Providence and continues to expand across the archipelago.
Dr. Willisa Nyobi Mackey, Administrative Lead for the Digilearn Bahamas Programme at the University of the Bahamas, noted that the forum targets a broad cross-section of society, including professionals in both the public and private sectors, entrepreneurs, senior citizens, university students and 12th-grade learners preparing for a technology-driven future.
“Digilearn Bahamas provides free high-quality digital literacy training to Bahamians of all ages and skill levels. In addition to classroom training, we offer public forums and webinars so that, across the archipelago, people can join the conversation until we reach their island,” she said.
Dr. Mackey acknowledged that initial challenges included limited public awareness but noted a significant increase in participation.
“For the May and June cohorts, the numbers are excellent now that people know… as the team continues outreach, more persons are registering. There is an online registration form, proof of Bahamian citizenship is required and participation is on a first-come, first-served basis. Participants may enroll in multiple classes,” she added.
Highlighting the nation’s digital transformation efforts, Director of Digital Innovation at the Ministry of Tourism, Investments and Aviation, Kristy Morris, delivered a dynamic presentation on the role of artificial intelligence in reshaping industries and everyday life. She outlined practical strategies to enhance productivity and adapt to the evolving digital landscape.
“I think we’re an innovative country… even with the Google Street View project and the AI itinerary planner on Bahamas.com, local companies must have a verified Google Business profile to be featured,” she said.
Morris also detailed the impact of digital innovation on national mapping efforts and tourism development.
“We mapped the entire road network of the Bahamas in two months… now all 16 islands have full street view coverage. This helps visitors plan trips; whether viewing neighbourhoods, checking proximity to beaches or restaurants, or assessing walkability and it benefits locals as well,” she explained.
The Digilearn programme is delivered in collaboration with the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI), the Ministry of Economic Affairs, the Inter-American Development Bank, the Ministry of Education, the Department of Information and Communications Technology, the Digital Transformation Unit and the University of the Bahamas.
Courses are primarily conducted in traditional classroom settings to support hands-on digital skills training. While April sessions were held during the day, upcoming May and June cohorts will include evening and weekend classes to better accommodate working professionals.
Training is available at BTVI campuses in Grand Bahama, New Providence, Andros and Exuma. Public forums have also been held in Bimini, Eleuthera and Inagua, with additional Family Islands scheduled as part of the national rollout.
For full details on course offerings, schedules and locations, visit www.digilearnbahamas.gov.bs or email CELEARNtraining@UB.edu.bs to learn more and continue the conversation.
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