Press Release

Leading telecommunications provider, BTC is doubling down on its commitment to youth development, with an additional $120,000 in scholarships awarded to six outstanding Bahamian students, bringing its total scholarship investment to more than $360,000 since 2023.

The awards were presented on April 24th at the company’s Perpall Tract Corporate Office where senior executives, government officials, parents, and students gathered to celebrate excellence and ambition.

Each student will receive $5,000 annually for four years, supporting undergraduate studies across a range of disciplines.

The 2026 scholarship recipients are:

• Clarence Dumene – Computer Science, Benedict College
• Dominique Newbold – Music, University of The Bahamas
• Destiny Moss – Accounting, University of The Bahamas
• Nyasha Jones – Biology with Chemistry, University of The Bahamas
• Shekinah Rolle – Accounting, Howard University
• Brittanaya Smith – Medicine and Surgery, University of the West Indies, St. Augustine Campus

The recipients were selected through a rigorous process led by BTC’s Board of Directors in collaboration with the Ministry of Education. Students were evaluated based on academic performance, leadership qualities, and overall potential.

BTC’s Director of People, Patrice Thompson, underscored the company’s commitment to investing in the next generation, stating that “Education is a powerful force for transformation. These scholarships go beyond financial support, they remove barriers, create access, and empower young Bahamians to lead. When we invest in education, we invest in the future strength of our nation.”

Deputy Chairman Valentine Grimes added, “Building a stronger Bahamas requires intentional investment in people. These scholarships ensure our brightest minds are equipped to compete and succeed globally.”

Minister of Education, the Honourable Glenys Hanna-Martin, praised the initiative. “Education remains one of the most critical drivers of national development, and partnerships like these play an essential role in ensuring that our young people have access to the resources they need to succeed,” Hanna-Martin said. “These scholarships represent opportunity, but also responsibility. The students we recognize today are not only pursuing personal advancement but are being prepared to contribute meaningfully to the continued growth and development of The Bahamas. I commend BTC for its leadership and its continued commitment to supporting our nation’s youth.”

For the first time since its inception, a child of a BTC employee was the recipient of a scholarship. Gregory Rolle from the company’s Property, Facilities & Fleet team’s daughter Shekinah Rolle, was awarded a scholarship. An excited Rolle thanked BTC. He said, “I am so proud of Shekinah. This scholarship has indeed opened a door for her and will have a significant impact on her future.”

Scholarship recipients expressed gratitude for the life changing support. Nyesha Jones called it, “a motivation to keep striving for excellence, while Shekinah Rolle said it, “reinforces that hard work pays off.” Dominique Newbold noted the scholarship allows her to fully pursue her passion for music while continuing her studies.

Students must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 throughout the program.

Since relaunching its scholarship initiative, BTC has expanded its investment in education as a core pillar of its corporate social responsibility strategy. Its broader efforts include decades of support for Junior Achievement Bahamas and its continued support of the Technical Cadets Program, along with its annual support of numerous education and technical training initiatives.

BTC also continues to invest in its Graduate Program, a two year cross organizational training program for recent college graduates. Last year, two graduates of the program successfully transitioned into supervisory roles following the completion of the program last year. In addition, employees benefit from ongoing professional development through thousands of LinkedIn Learning courses and certifications offered on demand, at no cost.

Through these initiatives, BTC continues to invest in human capital, drive innovation, and create opportunities for the next generation.

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