Dr. Bernadette Burrows studied Cosmetology at Nassau Technical College – now BTVI – under the tutelage of Dr. William Saunders. She then went on to graduate as Valedictorian of the Sunlight Beauty School in Miami Florida, where she also did her teacher’s training and became an instructor at the school.

Dr. Burrows eventually became licensed in her craft, having taken the board examination in Winter Haven Florida.

Additionally, Dr. Burrows has won first place in multiple hair competitions across America, Europe and Canada. Among the highlights of Dr. Burrows’ career was travelling throughout West Africa and France as a personal stylist to the wife of a former President of the Ivory Coast, in addition to coordinating the weddings of two princesses – one in the Ivory Coast and the other in Paris, France.

For over 30 years, Dr. Burrows and her husband have been the owners of Tamarind HairInternational Manufacturing Plant – providing quality human hair.

It was September 2013 when Ericka McIntosh enroled in the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute’s (BTVI) Office Assistant programme in Grand Bahama.  She completed that programme in 2015 and immediately signed up for the Office Administration Associate’s degree. She graduated in 2017, receiving the Most Outstanding Award in Mathematics and Business Administration.  

Ever seeking to stay educationally relevant, Ms. McIntosh then enroled in the Human ResourcesManagement Associate’s degree in fall 2018.

A very involved student while attending BTVI, Ms. McIntosh served as the Secretary for the BTVI Pride Committee, Student Representative for recruitment and graduation exercises, and was instrumental in the formation of the first Student Government body at BTVI Grand Bahama.

Mark Russell’s journey towards studying Industrial Engineering began in 2001 at Ceago De Avela University Cube, where he received a scholarship.

Passionate about the industrial park community, this Grand Bahama native began his 10-year employment at the Freeport Container Port in 2002 where he became a straddle carrier operator and a gantry crane driver. He later transitioned to the safety team of Buckeye Bahamas in 2012, working as a land operator and a part of the fire and safety team, specializing in fire prevention.

Mark’s tenacious desire to further his career in the industrial community led him to enrol into the Electronics Engineering programme at the Bahamas Technical & Vocational Institute (BTVI).  His ingenuity took off while working on a project at BTVI. Mark used his acquired education to help him in producing electronic games. The industrious Mark has also processed patents for his developed games.

Mr. Russell received the BTVI Electronic Trades 2019 Top Graduate Award.

Mrs. Patricia Minnis is the spouse of former Prime Minister of The Bahamas, the Most Honourable Dr. Hubert Minnis. The former BTVI plumbing student served as Patron of the 2020 RBC Race for the Kids of which BTVI was a beneficiary.

While serving in the Office of the Spouse, Mrs. Minnis – who earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Bethune Cookman University – promoted tertiary education and professional development. She further encouraged girls to complete their secondary education and delay pregnancy. Further, Mrs. Minnis promoted awareness against gender-based violence.In fact, Mrs. Minnis, opened the internationally recognized Clothesline Project held at BTVI back in March 2018. As a way to break the silence of violence against women, BTVI adopted the Clothesline Project, which was founded in Massachusetts in 1990.

Additionally, Mrs. Minnis completed training for the practice of real estate and currently manages her real estate empire locally. However, for more than 30 years, Mrs. Minnis worked at the Ministry of Agriculture and Marine Resources, where she rose to become Assistant Director of Agriculture. Meanwhile, she is a strong advocate of health, nutrition and wellness, and works out daily. She is a marathon runner, having participated in local and international races.

Ryan Bethell began his professional career at Higgs & Carroll Satellite Company and after four years moved onto the Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BaTelCo), where he spent 15 years. He started at the bottom of the ladder from a Technician 4 and rose to a senior Technician 2. It was during his tenure at BaTelCo that Mr. Bethell went to the Industrial Training Centre – now BTVI – and obtained a certificate in Electronics, graduating in 1995.

Mr. Bethell then started his company Sat Sound in 2001 – a 100% Bahamian-ownedcompany that specialized in satellite technology and the design and building of hometheaters. He has several international certifications including being the first Bahamian Certified Electronics Systems Technician II, the first Bahamian Electronic Systems Certified Technician and the first Bahamian Electronic Systems Professional Alliance certified Technician.

In 2011, Mr. Bethell changed the direction of his company and went fully into Smart Home Technologies and Home Automation. Subsequently, he renamed the company Touch Control Ltd., which is dedicated to the service, design and applications of high–end electronics.

This entrepreneur credits BTVI as the launching pad of his professional Electronics career, which has helped to bring him to his present position of Electronic Systems Contractor. He gives all praise to his Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ for guiding him safely through such a rewarding career.

Moses Taylor does not hide the fact he never finished high school, but what he does know is the journey is as important as the destination. He is now a proud graduate of the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI) with an Associate of Applied Science degree in OfficeAdministration.

It is what Moses learned at BTVI that has been pivotal in him effectively and efficiently running his growing business enterprise. This young man is in the beverage manufacturing industry with his brand of fruit punch marketed under the name Red Sea, which he stirred up in his kitchen back in 2015. The drink gained quite a lot of attention via social media, radio talk shows and on Cable channel 12.

Additionally, Moses is a huge supporter of giving back. On several occasions, he addressed students at BTVI on entrepreneurship and its power to produce more jobs.

Mr. Taylor is the 2019 National Youth Awardee for Entrepreneurship and encourages people to put God first in everything they do.

Richine Bethell pursued an Office Assistant certificate at the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institution (BTVI).

In 2017, BTVI launched its BTVI Proud series featuring alumni and Ms. Bethel, who graduated in 2016 was then Guidance Counsellor/Coordinator at Mt. Carmel Preparatory Academy. She said in the advertisement, “BTVI has influenced me to achieve the importance of a trade career no matter the age or IQ. This institution cultivates the possibility of ownership, independence and opportunities through career trades, positioning its students for a successful future. It is that mindset that I have adopted and carried with me into my career as a Guidance Counsellor/Coordinator.”

Ms. Bethell has assumed the post of Vice Principal at Mt. Carmel Preparatory Academy, has served as an adjunct instructor at BTVI and is the founder of her own organization called, Millennial Enterprise.

Chi-Kara Armbrister has been in the natural hair business since 2000 and is presently the co-owner of The Artisans Beauty Salon.

Ms. Armbrister is very passionate about the natural hair field, so much so that following her time of studying Hair Braiding and Barbering at the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI), she became an adjunct instructor in August 2011. She has remained an integral member of the team since then.

In the journey towards perfecting her craft, Ms. Armbrister has attended international workshops with Master Locticians. As a creative, her work has been featured in The Kinky Project, which graced the National Art Gallery. It was a collaboration of natural hair models and artists.

Further, Ms. Armbrister has given back to the community as a facilitator of the Ministry of Education’s summer workshops. She also worked with Lowe’s as a platform stylist for Coconut Restore and Carol’s Daughter.

Michael Smith is currently the Career Resource Officer at the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI), advising students and helping them along career pathways which best fit them. Having worked at BTVI since 2014, he wears many hats. He coordinates thestudent work programme, in addition to student job procurement and placement. He is overall responsible for student success and retention.

Mr. Smith studied carpentry at the institution. He also has a Bachelor’s degree in Information Systems Administration with a concentration in Computer Systems from Sojourner Douglass College, has extensive computer training, including knowledge of multiple networking environments and business software packages. As a former National Insurance Board Area Manager for North and Central Andros and the Berry Islands, Mr. Smith is a founding member of NIB’s Job Evaluation Committee.

Mr. Smith continues to enjoy his role as BTVI’s Career Resource Officer, stating that it is important to help students with their career trajectory, encouraging them to do what they are passionate about. 

Shakera Forbes is an Assistant Quantity Surveyor at the Ministry of Public Works. She has an Associate degree in Construction Technology from the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI). In addition, the former Lyford Cay Scholar has earned a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Construction Management from New England Institute of Technology, Rhode Island, USA.  

As someone who is a lifelong learner and believes in remaining on the cutting edge, Ms. Forbesis an Associate Member of The Canadian Institute of Quantity Surveyors, Canada and a Member of The Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply, United Kingdom.

One of Ms. Forbes’ long term goals is to stand with other professional organizations, vocational training programmes and lawmakers who have vital roles to play in bringing more women into the construction industry which has historically been predominantly male.

Ms. Forbes has served as an adjunct instructor at BTVI.

Kevin Basden is a former Chairman of the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI) and a former student of the institution. Mr. Basden studied a few independent courses including Engineering Science, Surveying and Technical Drawing.

Mr. Basden eventually became an Electrical Engineer. He is a graduate of Oklahoma State University and Harvard Business School with more than 40 years of experience in the electrical industry. He rose from the position of Engineer in Training at the Bahamas Electricity Corporation (BEC) – now Bahamas Power and Light – to General Manager.

Additionally, Mr. Basden once served as Consultant and Advisor to the BPL Board. He also served as a member of the Association of Electric Utilities in the Caribbean Board for some 11 years and was a founding Director of the Bahamas Society of Engineers where he also served as Vice President.