The Education System of The Bahamas

Abstract

This chapter illustrates that in the period from the second half of the twentieth century to the first quarter of the twenty-first century The Bahamas has seen changes in the educational landscape with its attendant impact on the social and economic landscapes that surpass by far those of the period from the 1730s when formal education started to take place to the period of the second World War. More precisely, since 1973, when the Archipelago became an independent Commonwealth till today, arguably, this bare half a century has brought changes to the life conditions of Bahamians that are in no way comparable to the nearly 250 years when Britain took over The Bahamas in 1717 to when the country became free to develop with the mind power of its citizens. This chapter outlines the general background of The Commonwealth of The Bahamas focusing on its historical, geographical, social, economic, and political foundations; and assesses the development of the education sector along with its strength, challenges, and perspectives. This chapter maintains that while the education system is facing its own challenges, progress in this sector is commendable given a country that emerged from colonization only recently and where access to education was contingent upon belonging to a particular social class.