Minister for Grand Bahama, the Hon. Ginger Moxey says the recent launch of the Young Innovators Club serves as proof that the government believes in the capacity of young people to lead today. She encouraged all young Grand Bahamians to take hold of the tools, opportunities and programs that have been made available to them so that they can “step into your God-given authority and demonstrate to the world that Grand Bahama is an unstoppable force.”
As National Youth Month kicks off throughout the nation, a special Ecumenical youth church service was held in Grand Bahama on Sunday, October 4, at the Church of God of Prophecy, Coral Road. Hundreds of young people and youth leaders attended the service.
In her address, Minister Moxey told young Grand Bahamians that the Davis Administration has faith and belief in the youth of the Bahamas, and she encouraged them to have faith in themselves.
“As I look out at you, I don’t merely see a congregation of young people listening to remarks. I see the living, breathing blueprint of our island’s future taking shape,” said Minister Moxey. “Every great endeavour begins as an eternal idea, grows stronger when spoken out loud and takes shape through purposeful action. The Scriptures remind us that where there is no clear sight, people lose their way and lose their purpose.
“Today, Grand Bahama stands at a pivotal crossroads. We’ve shifted from potential to actual progress. That progress requires us to work alongside you as innovators to build the future.
“Young people, you possess an innate ability to challenge old paradigms, push past historical boundaries and engineer smart pathways for our society. And Grand Bahama does not simply desire your involvement; it urgently requires your passion, your relentless drive and your willingness to launch into deep, uncharted waters. So, I say to you, stand tall in your inherent worth, claim your space within these expanding horizons and allow your spoken aspirations to shape our collective reality.”
Minister Moxey pointed out that the government does not want young Bahamians to merely watch opportunities happen around them, but to take part in those opportunities. To support this, the Ministry for Grand Bahama has launched several initiatives, all designed to ensure that Grand Bahama’s youth play a key role in the island’s future.
Minister Moxey pointed to programs like the Innovate 242 Agri-tech initiative for young people ages 17-25, focused on innovation in Bahamian agriculture. There is the Maritime101 Cadet program, in collaboration with Elnet Maritime Agency, which encourages students to consider the various careers within the Maritime sector.
She reminded Grand Bahamian youth that within the next two weeks – on October 15th, at City of Life – the Ministry for Grand Bahama will be hosting its annual Innovate Grand Bahama High School Career Fair. An event she noted, encourages students to pursue education and training in high demand fields on Grand Bahama Island.
“Lastly, look at the recent launch of the Young Innovators Club, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology,” said Minister Moxey. “That program was not created as just another casual, extracurricular activity. It was designed as a launch pad for your ingenuity towards technology, maritime, arts and heritage, environment and entrepreneurship.
“We are no longer asking what you want to be when you grow up. We’re asking what you are ready to build right now. Scriptures also remind us that no one should look down on you because you are young. But rather that you should set an example in speech, in conduct, in love and in faith.
“Here in Grand Bahama, we have entered an exciting period of growth and opportunity. Investments in tourism, infrastructure, maritime, technology help to create industries and other sectors, which is helping to transform the economy. But this transformation will only be impactful if Grand Bahamians and our young people are prepared to participate in it.
“So, let us march forward with clarity and courage, as we turn our collective vision into the enduring future of Grand Bahama.”
