The Tribune

Barbara Cooper’s journey with the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI) began in 2018 while on the government’s 52-week skills empowerment programme. By 2019 she was an employee and since then, she has earned the title of Staff Member of the Year twice.

“I honestly did not expect it, but I am grateful and humbled,” said Barbara, who learned of her second win at BTVI’s 2025 New Providence Commencement exercise in July. It was a familiar scene as she won in 2022 as well.

As Executive Assistant to the Dean of Business, Information Technology, Electronics and Media Technology, Barbara plays a vital role at BTVI, but the most rewarding aspect of her job is simple: helping others. 

“I get to help people. Our customers are both internal and external. I want them to have the best that I can give, even if that means staying behind and giving extra time. Someone may come into the office after a long day and they just need someone to help or listen,” she stated. 

“Also, I know what it is to need help and receive it, to have someone go that extra mile for me and make my day. I’m just happy to pay it forward,” she added.

Meantime, Barbara continues to play an integral role in her department, working with the team on various projects and programmes, while assisting with the administration of BTVI’s virtual learning environment (VLE), NetAcad and the TestOut instructional platforms.

Barbara’s commitment extends beyond her administrative duties. Recently, she earned her certification as a Testing Centre Administrator, enabling her to facilitate exams at both the New Providence and Grand Bahama campuses. 

She credits much of her growth to the learning culture at BTVI and to the students themselves.

“My fellow proctors have really been integral in my training and I cannot thank them enough. With changes on the VLE, NetAcad and TestOut platforms, it’s necessary for me be able to manoeuvre and assist with information dissemination and training,” said Barbara.

“I have learned to never stop learning and improving. You’re never too mature, too skilled or too accomplished to learn something new, even if it takes a while and a few tries. That is something a lot of the students have taught me from my interactions with them and I admire them for that,” stated Barbara.

Additionally, at Barbara’s core is her understanding of kindness and respect being key to how people should be treated. This is integrated with her warm, inviting personality that is often topped with her trademark smile. 

“I’m a people’s person. My parents have taught me that all the accolades in the world can’t compare to a good attitude. Sometimes, just a simple ‘Hello. How are you?’ can brighten someone’s day and their whole countenance changes. If I’ve done that, it’s been a good day,” she said.

•“The BTVI Story” is a monthly column which highlights how the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI) is ‘Charting the Course for Success’ for learners in a multiplicity of trades. The column is produced by BTVI’s Office of Public Relations.