That understanding deepened in The Bahamas this week as the first cohort of graduates completed the Autism Certificate Programme at UWI Global Campus Bahamas — the first programme of its kind in the country and across the wider Caribbean region.

The pioneering certificate provides practical, hands-on training for teachers, administrators, trainers, paraprofessionals and parents who work daily with individuals on the spectrum. Its mission is clear: to replace uncertainty with knowledge, hesitation with skill, and misunderstanding with compassion.

Led by Country Head Bridgette Cooper, a trained special education teacher, the programme features a carefully structured curriculum designed to equip participants with real-world strategies. Modules included Introduction to Autism, Behaviour Management, Instructional Strategies, Social and Communication Skills, Collaborating with Families, Recreational Management and Home Care.

Cooper expressed pride that the inaugural cohort included participants not only from New Providence, but also from Abaco; Freeport, Grand Bahama; and Jamaica — reflecting the programme’s wider regional vision.

“Our goal was to create a programme with far-reaching impact,” she said, noting that empowering educators and caregivers ultimately transforms the lives of those with autism by fostering knowledge, practical competence and empathy.

Acting Director of UWI Global Campus Nicole Phillip described the initiative as a milestone for the region.

“The Bahamas has taken the lead,” Phillip said, adding that UWI is planning to expand the programme to UWI campuses across the Caribbean. She called it a “golden opportunity” to advance inclusivity and dismantle outdated stereotypes surrounding autism.

Deputy Director of Education Terrice Carey Curry of the Ministry of Education, Technical and Vocational Training said the programme aligns with the nation’s push toward inclusive education.

“Autism is not a disability,” she said. “It is a different way of interacting with the world.” She noted that initiatives such as this help systems evolve to embrace difference rather than resist it.

Delivering a deeply moving keynote address was Carlton Pinder, a professional who is himself on the autism spectrum and whose work has impacted thousands. Pinder, CEO of Pure Life International, previously served as Family Life Administrator at Bahamas Harvest Church, where he led curriculum-based Sunday School programmes and strengthened family development initiatives. He now serves as Chief Operating Officer of Faith Connect, a digital platform reaching young people with faith-based content in nearly 200 countries.

He reminded graduates to look beyond behaviour.

“Remember the child behind the behaviour,” Pinder urged. “When a child feels understood, they learn to find the language for what they feel — and they blossom.”

Agatha Archer, President of the Council for Preschool Teachers, emphasized that paraprofessionals play a critical role in bridging industry gaps and supporting children with diverse learning needs.

Dwayne Gibson, Chairman of REACH Bahamas, a nonprofit organization focused on raising awareness and providing resources for individuals with autism and related challenges, commended UWI for strengthening community capacity.

Speaking on behalf of the graduates, veteran educator and administrator Nevillene Evans, who has served in education for five decades, said the programme empowers participants to move beyond instruction into advocacy.

“We must adapt systems to include different types of people,” Evans said, “instead of trying to force people to adapt to rigid systems.”

The graduation service was held Friday, February 13, 2026 at the Learning Resources Section of the Ministry of Education, Technical and Vocational Training, located on the same compound as UWI Global Campus Bahamas. The second cohort of this pioneering educational programme is already underway. 

As certificates were presented, the moment signaled more than academic achievement. It marked a national step toward a future where understanding autism is not optional — it is foundational.

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