The Commonwealth of the Bahamas

Message by

Hon. Alfred M. Sears, M.P.
Attorney General and Minister of Education

on the occasion of the
World Science Day for Peace and Development
10^th November 2002

Ladies and Gentlemen:

November 10^th of each year has been proclaimed, "World Science Day for Peace and Development" by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, UNESCO. This is a special day to commemorate the role of science in the promotion of peace and the sustainability of nations.

The main goals of this day are:

• to renew national and international commitment to the cause of science for peace and development;
• to promote the responsible use of scientific knowledge in the service of society;
• to raise public awareness of the importance of science and the need for it to be given the prominence necessary to promote positive growth in societies.

Professor Kenneth Julien of the University of the West Indies, Trinidad, has estimated that 50% to 60% of the gains in productivity in the Western World for the past half century can be attributed to education and the systematic application of knowledge. The most important area of education development in the past century has been Science and Technology. Science is the study of our world and our existence. Technology is the application of scientific knowledge.

Scientific literacy underpins sustainable development, social improvement, economic growth and wealth creation. It can act as an agent of change, and has implications for health and hygiene and the appreciation and conservation of natural resources. It increases our capacity to manage our resources, to satisfy human needs and to improve the quality of life. When people’s needs are satisfied and they are content with their quality of life, they are more apt to live peaceful lives and to promote a culture of peace in their communities.

Science literacy is also essential to effective citizenship in a democratic society, as it promotes inquiry, problem-solving and the development of critical perspectives, and provides some of the information needed to evaluate options and to make wise decisions. Thus, science literacy can advance informed public involvement in the political and public life of a nation and enhance participatory democracy.

Effective science and technology education is critical to the growth of multi-skilled workers with positive work values, good communication and problem-solving abilities and the willingness to learn new skills. Scientific and technological literacy, therefore, has the potential to produce a Bahamian workforce whose quality of work and productivity contribute to the economic and social well-being of society. A well-equipped workforce would help us to enlarge our place and influence in the world of nations.

Cognizant of the important role that science plays in national development and world peace, and realizing that the lack of political commitment to science literacy could greatly hinder progress in these areas, the Government of The Bahamas is determined to promote science literacy throughout The Bahamas.

What we have in the Caribbean, and in The Bahamas in particular, is the problem of scientific ignorance, which is being fostered by the education system. We must attack scientific ignorance at the formal school level with the early introduction of scientific concepts in the schools. We must focus on literacy not only in reading and writing but in science and technology. The benefits of development and peace that The Bahamas is to derive from Science and Technology are predicated on our educational system giving students the training they need in Science as early as possible. If we lag in our efforts to establish Science literacy, we will relegate ourselves to the hardships that befall countries that are either unable or unwilling to embrace the scientific and technological advances of this modern era.

The Bahamas needs now to develop a core of research scientists to address themselves to the problem of agriculture, to the development of labour intensive technologies, to develop solar energy, windmills and to develop marine sciences and the resources of the sea. The Government of The Bahamas therefore regards it as imperative that our students, members of the science community, the media and the general public have an appreciation for the relationships between science, development, peace and society.

As we celebrate World Science Day for Peace and Development on Sunday 10^th November 2002, the Ministry of Education would like to underscore the importance of science to everyday life and its significance to the growth and sustainable development of The Bahamas.

Let us agree to use scientific knowledge to promote peace and development in The Bahamas. Let us join with UNESCO as it strives to promote science as a vehicle that powers national development and advances a culture of peace worldwide.