Press Release
Students of the Erin H. Gilmour School for the Blind and Visually Impaired have delivered commendable performances in the 2026 Bahamas Junior Certificate examinations, marking another significant step in the school’s continued academic progress.
Three students — Quintino Barr, Kamall Forbes and Macken Louis — recorded notable results in Mathematics and Health Science.
In Mathematics, Quintino and Kamall each earned an A, while Macken earned a B. In Health Science, Kamall earned a B, while Macken and Quintino each received a C.
The results highlight what students who are blind or visually impaired can accomplish when challenged by high expectations, supported by dedicated teachers and provided with accessible opportunities to learn and succeed.
Principal Kevin Cartwright congratulated the students, describing their achievements as a reflection of determination, perseverance, discipline and hard work.
“To our students: stand tall and be proud,” he said. “You have demonstrated that with preparation, determination, excellent teaching and belief in yourselves, there are no limits to what you can achieve.”
Special recognition was extended to Mathematics teacher Claudia Bain and Science teacher Byron Jones for their patience, commitment and dedication in preparing the students for the national examinations.
“Your investment in our students has produced results of which the entire Erin H. Gilmour School community can be proud,” Cartwright said. “Thank you for believing in them, challenging them and helping them to reach for excellence.”
The students’ achievements also reflect the broader culture of high expectations, inclusion and continuous improvement being strengthened at the school under Cartwright’s leadership.
Born with glaucoma, Cartwright lost his sight completely at the age of eight. He later earned his undergraduate degree at West Virginia State University and a Master of Education in Teaching and Learning from the University of Ottawa in Canada.
He returned to The Bahamas and dedicated his professional career to educating children who are blind and visually impaired. At Erin H. Gilmour, he taught Language Arts, Braille and assistive technology before advancing into school leadership.
A Lyford Cay Foundations scholar, Cartwright was appointed Acting Principal in 2023, becoming the first blind person to lead a school in The Bahamas. In 2025, the Public Service Commission made his appointment as Principal substantive.
His progression from classroom teacher to school leader provides students with a powerful example of what can be achieved through education, perseverance, innovation, opportunity and service.
Cartwright said his Christian faith remains central to his life and leadership.
“My faith in God and my unwavering belief in the Almighty remain the foundation of who I am and all that I strive to accomplish,” he said. “I recognize that the opportunities, responsibilities and platform I have been given are blessings from God, entrusted to me for the purpose of serving others and making a meaningful difference.
“I seek to put Him first in all that I do, allowing my faith to guide my leadership, service and interactions with others. As I continue this journey, I remain humbled and grounded, knowing that every achievement is not mine alone, but a reflection of God’s grace, favour and purpose for my life.”
An educator, author, poet, music creator and disability advocate, Cartwright has consistently championed dignity, accessibility, inclusion and equal opportunities for persons with disabilities.
He also has a keen interest in coding, computer programming, website development and artificial intelligence, particularly their potential to increase accessibility, promote independence and enhance education. Through his website, www.kevincartwright242.org, he shares accessible games, educational resources, books, original music and other creative projects.
The accomplishments of Quintino, Kamall and Macken provide further evidence of the culture of achievement being cultivated at Erin H. Gilmour.
“These results represent the direction in which Erin H. Gilmour School is moving — a school where disability does not determine potential and where our students are expected, encouraged and equipped to achieve,” Cartwright said.
The school also thanked the students’ parents and guardians, teachers, staff members and supporters whose encouragement, sacrifices and commitment contributed to their success.
For the Erin H. Gilmour School community, the results represent far more than grades on a certificate. They celebrate three young Bahamians demonstrating their ability to compete and achieve in national examinations while challenging assumptions about the limitations too often placed on persons who are blind or visually impaired.
“This is the Erin H. Gilmour School of today — a school moving forward through vision, teamwork, accountability and an unwavering belief in what our students can achieve,” Cartwright said. “The progress is visible, the momentum is real, and our best chapters are still ahead.”
