NASSAU, BAHAMAS-The Government of The Bahamas has expanded opportunities for young people to transform skills and passion into purpose-driven careers, according to Prime Minister Philip E Davis.
The Prime Minister made the remarks while speaking at the 14th Annual Youth Empowerment Programme (YEP) Day celebrations in Cat Island, while Minister of Labour and Public Service Pia Glover-Rolle, addressed some 500 young people in New Providence, on Saturday, February 7, 2026. They encouraged YEP participants to take advantage of the Creative and Performing Arts School (CAPAS), DigiLearn, UpSkill Bahamas, Bahamas Agriculture and Marine Science Institute (BAMSI), Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI), the National Apprenticeship Programme and other institutions, which provide pathways beyond traditional tertiary education for young people with diverse talents and interests.
“Leadership is not about titles, it’s actually about service… To every young person in the room, your success is the country’s success and that’s why it’s important that we’re providing opportunities for you to succeed,” said PM Davis speaking at the GAV Community Center in New Bight during the YEP Cat Island District Seminar.
“Every generation carries responsibility, your generation carries a responsibility to shape a Bahamas that keeps its soul while preparing for a changing world. That effort starts with belief. Belief in yourself, belief in your communities, and belief in possibilities”.
Minister Glover-Rolle challenged YEP Youth: “I want you to understand how important it is for you to embrace every opportunity you can every day, in every environment and make the most of every moment.” While the door is open for young people to succeed beyond traditional forms of tertiary education, she also reminded students to be civic minded and conscientious of their role in building the nation.
CEO and Founder of YEP, Delano Munroe, shared that during the 2025–2026 programme year, YEP has enrolled approximately 1,200 students nationwide. Their work is supported by a network of approximately 120 trained and vetted adult volunteers who serve as mentors and role models to participating students.
The parallel observances not only marked fourteen years of continuous operation by the Youth Empowerment Program they represent a continued national effort in the area of youth development. A registered non-profit operating active centres in North and Central Abaco, Bimini, Cat Island, Grand Cay, Inagua, Long Island, and New Providence, YEP utilizes a comprehensive curriculum designed to engage and empower students in grades 9–12 from both public and private schools. With dynamic activities, and non-discriminatory enrollment requirements, YEP attracts students from all walks of life with many of the programme’s participants coming from marginalized and at-risk communities. High-performing students of YEP continue to excel both academically and within the programme.
New Providence’s YEP Day celebrations included the installation of the newly elected YEP Student Association Executive Board, as well as competitive district activities recognizing student engagement and teamwork. Districts that came out ahead in the awards included South 2 who won first place for best entrance, and most enthusiastic district, and placed third for best song. North district who placed first for best banner and second for best shirt design and best entrance. South Central placed first with best shirt design, second for best banner, most enthusiastic district, and best song, and third for best entrance. East District also got on the board winning first place for best song.
During the event, YEP also recognized Consolidated Water (Bahamas) Ltd; CIBC Bank; Sun Oil Limited; JS Johnson Insurance Company; and the Hon Pia Glover-Rolle, MP with their annual Partnership of Excellence Award – a token of gratitude given to long-standing supporters of youth development.
