In a season when Barbados pauses to reflect on its journey and the mindset needed for an evolving future, the National Transformation Initiative (NTI) marked its fifth anniversary at Ilaro Court, honouring citizens whose pursuit of lifelong learning shows how individual growth becomes national strength. Launched in 2020 at a time of global uncertainty, the NTI was founded on a simple belief: Barbados’ greatest natural resource is its people and their potential. Five years later, that belief has matured into a powerful movement that continues to transform sectors, workplaces and communities.
Barbados Leading Globally
Head of Coursera Government and Campus, Chad Pasha, underscored Barbados’ global significance. “Our partnership with NTI, publicly launched on May 1st, 2021, was Coursera’s first national-scale programme in the Caribbean and one of our very first worldwide. It was visionary then, and it is indispensable now.”
He highlighted how Barbados has repeatedly set international precedents. It was the first country to create dedicated sector training hubs across tourism, the blue and green economies, construction, media, health and wellness, and the creative industries, inspiring similar programmes across the region. Barbados also became the first Coursera partner in which a Government ministry, the Ministry of Educational Transformation, embedded Artificial Intelligence into the secondary school curriculum and teacher training.
Pasha added another milestone: “Prime Minister Mottley is the first and only Prime Minister to have completed a Coursera course, our Microsoft Office 365 course,” for which she was honoured with a special recognition award, collected by Minister of Training and Tertiary Education The Hon. Sandra Husbands.
Coursera’s Global General Manager, Anthony Salcito, also praised the country’s example.“This is truly a template for what we need to do globally, and really, you are leading the way. This is a programme all of you should be incredibly proud of, and certainly it is an honour to serve you in this work.”
National Impact
The data reflects remarkable national engagement. In its 5 years, NTI has earned just under 150,000 enrolments on its NTI-Coursera online platform and has trained over 10,000 Barbadians in its customised in-person training programmes. Salcito also welcomed the inclusion of Barbados Community College, which has opened access to online electives for more than 150 students.
The country’s most popular learning areas align with modern global workforce demands identified by the World Economic Forum, including interpersonal skills, data literacy, project management, cybersecurity and technical support.
In a recorded message, Prime Minister The Hon. Mia Amor Mottley framed lifelong learningas “national security in a digital era.” “In a world shaped by artificial intelligence, cybercrime, a climate crisis and fake news, the first line of defence for a small nation is no longer a big army. It is having a learning, thinking, adaptable people. When our citizens can read data, understand technology, serve with excellence and think critically, then no one can easily exploit us, divide us or indeed leave us behind.”
For Every Barbadian
Learners at every stage of life were honoured. Young leaders who used education to inspire their peers, workers who improved performance and service, entrepreneurs who expanded their businesses with digital skills and community members who used NTI training to uplift others were recognised. Awards also acknowledged long-term learners, persons with disabilities who made significant strides in their training, and outstanding partners including the Grantley Adams International Airport, the National Assistance Board and the Barbados YouthADVANCE Corps. The evening culminated with the Director’s and Prime Minister’s Awards presented to Fabian Branch and Adrian Green, respectively, two individuals who embody the spirit and purpose of NTI.
Describing the NTI as the cornerstone of Mission Barbados, the Prime Minister reminded attendees that every Barbadian mind is a strategic asset. “Every new skill learned, every course completed, every mindset shifted, especially when it reflects courtesy and respect, are simply more bricks laid in the foundation of a stronger Barbados.”
As Barbados marks 59 years of independence and 4 years as a republic, the NTI illustrates what national growth looks like in practice. Flexible, world-class learning does not only produce skilled professionals; it equips people to adapt and participate in a changing world. From the Prime Minister to first-time learners, retirees, students, creatives and persons with disabilities, Barbadians from all walks of life are taking up the opportunity.
