Dear Editor,
I write to propose a bold vision for education in the Commonwealth of The Bahamas—one that can position Grand Bahama Island as a premier, world-class education destination. As global learning shifts decisively beyond campus walls—with traditional K-12, higher education, corporate training, and cutting-edge EdTech converging into an almost US$2 trillion market by 2035—the time is ripe for Grand Bahama to stake its claim as an educational hub serving both Bahamians and students from around the world.
Why Grand Bahama?
Grand Bahama’s strategic location, existing infrastructure, and welcoming business environment make it an ideal springboard for an educational initiative of this scale. The island’s proximity to North American and Latin American markets, combined with its potential and space for world-class resorts, housing developments, commercial buildings, and its natural beauty, offers an unparalleled lifestyle for students, faculty, and visiting scholars. Moreover, Grand Bahama Island—and more specifically, Freeport—already holds the designation of a special economic zone, with a history and expertise we can leverage to create educational districts with streamlined regulations, competitive incentives, and state-of-the-art amenities.
Tapping a Fast-Growing Global Market
Worldwide, non-campus learning (including virtual, remote, distance, augmented reality, blended, online/offline, microlearning, and in-person off-site programs) is projected to swell to nearly US$2 trillion by 2035. By inviting established schools, colleges, universities, and specialized learning providers to establish multi-use, shared-space campuses on Grand Bahama, we can capture a meaningful share of this growth. This Multi-Use, Multi-Modal Campus Model would be configured for both synchronous and asynchronous instruction. Rather than a single “brick-and-mortar” institution, the vision is for a network of shared spaces and facilities that would host a rich tapestry of learning modalities, including—but not limited to:
Traditional K-12 and Higher Education: Satellite campuses and extension centers for established universities and boarding schools.
E-Learning & Blended Programs: Dedicated studios for live streaming, recorded lectures, and interactive workshops, enabling seamless integration of online and offline instruction.
Distance Learning & Remote Classrooms: Secure, high-bandwidth “learning lounges” for students attending virtual courses from global universities.
Augmented & Immersive Learning: AR/VR labs where students in medicine, engineering, and the arts can practice in simulated environments.
Corporate Training & Micro-Credentials: Flexible short-course facilities for workforce upskilling, reskilling boot camps, and professional certifications.
In-Person Off-Site & Experiential Learning: Field research stations, marine biology outposts, and hospitality training centers that capitalize on our rich natural and cultural assets.
A Solution to Visa-Restricted Demand
Each year, hundreds of thousands of qualified students worldwide are deemed ineligible for U.S. and Canadian student visas, forcing many to defer or abandon their educational aspirations. This opportunity not only addresses a pressing global need, but also offers accredited, English-language education alternatives on Grand Bahama—making it an attractive “stepping stone” destination. Students would have the ability to enroll in accredited programs, reside safely within our borders, and benefit from proximity to U.S. and Canadian institutions, online coursework, and transatlantic connectivity. This would also drive long-term residency, increasing demand for housing and services, spurring investment, reducing housing costs, and expanding local economic activity—while fostering lasting cross-cultural exchanges.
Enriching the Bahamian Workforce & Economy
Building an education cluster on Grand Bahama directly supports our national agenda for workforce reskilling and upskilling. An on-island EdTech hub would serve as the center for national talent development, ensuring Bahamians can compete for high-value jobs both locally and abroad. As traditional industries evolve and new sectors emerge, The Bahamas must equip its citizens with relevant, future-proof skills. By also hosting corporate training providers and micro-credentialing bodies, we can rapidly equip Bahamians with in-demand competencies in fields such as hospitality technology, renewable energy, fintech, digital marketing, proptech, biotech, creative industries, advanced manufacturing, sustainable construction, and more. Public-private partnerships with banks, technology firms, and global foundations can underwrite scholarship programs, digital-access grants, and research fellowships focused on sustainable development and regional innovation. This dynamic talent pipeline will attract foreign direct investment, nurture entrepreneurial ventures, and bolster our resilience against future economic shocks.
Cultural Exchange, Economic, Social & Community Impact
Welcoming international students and educators enriches both our island and the national ethos. The infusion of students, faculty, and support staff will have a multiplicative effect on Grand Bahama’s economy: increasing hotel occupancy, retail spending, real estate development, and service-sector growth. From homestays and community service projects to cultural festivals and joint research initiatives, this effort fosters mutual understanding and global citizenship among Bahamian youth and visitors. At the same time, hosting international scholars and thought leaders will elevate our academic ecosystem, encouraging collaboration with the University of The Bahamas and private research institutes. Over time, this educational cluster will generate high-quality jobs, spur local entrepreneurship, and position The Bahamas as a knowledge-driven economy. Moreover, the demand for ancillary services—such as housing, food, transportation, and entertainment—will stimulate small business growth and job creation across Grand Bahama.
Infrastructure & Collaboration
Realizing this vision will require strategic investments in high-speed broadband, clean and reliable energy, sustainable housing and campus facilities, and streamlined regulatory frameworks for accreditation and student services. I propose a public-private partnership (PPP) model, in which government agencies, local developers, and international education providers collaborate on phased development—starting with pilot “learning villages” adjacent to existing or planned resorts and business districts, followed by purpose-built academic parks as demand scales.
Though this is but a summary of a more extensive proposal, by embracing the non-campus learning revolution and leveraging our geographic advantages, Grand Bahama can ascend as a vibrant center of global education. This initiative not only capitalizes on a burgeoning US$2 trillion market but also advances The Bahamas’ goals for economic diversification, workforce readiness, and cultural connectivity. I urge our political leaders, educational stakeholders, and business community to explore this opportunity and chart a course toward an enduring legacy of learning on Grand Bahama.
Optimistically,
C. Allen Johnson
Global Economic Development Specialist
Freeport, Grand Bahama
