Mr. Kevin Cartwright Principal of the Erin H. Gilmour School for the Blind and Visually Impaired is justifiably proud of his students and their teachers as he announces the results of the 2026 Junior Bahamas Junior Certificate exams (BJC’s): Quintino Barr and Kamall Forbes both achieved an A and Macken Louis a B in Mathematics; In Health Science Kamall Forbes achieved a B; Macken Louis and Quintino Bar both attained a C. Excellent result for these students worthy of our congratulations.
The grades on a certificate, while important, represent far more than just succeeding in a particular subject. They are indicative of character and attitude: a fierce determination to succeed, hard work, perseverance, and more importantly, courage to take on the challenge of not being solely defined by a disability instead fostering the ability to overcome a disability. The results are also a validation of the combined efforts of teachers: Mr. Byron Jones, Science Teacher and Mrs, Claudia Bain, Mathematics. Principal Cartwright is proud of their dedication, commitment and investment in the students and said “Thank you for believing in them, challenging them and helping them reach for excellence.” He is also quick to thank the parents, guardians, teachers and staff for their continuing support. The Erin H. Gilmour school family is indebted to everyone who gives their time and nurturing to help these young people rise.
This year, 2026, the progress and continuing growth of The Erin Gilmour School is apparent under the guidance of Principal Cartwright. His attitude and focus are infectious and transformational. He believes strongly in excellence, the unlimited potential of his students and the hard work it takes for these achievements. His awareness of what is needed to succeed in a sighted world is based on his own journey; for those of you who don’t know, Principal Kevin Cartwright is blind but has a B.A. in English Education from the West Virginia State University and and M..Ed. in Teaching & Learning from the University of Ottawa. He is the first blind Principal of any school in the Bahamas. The challenges he faced have inspired rather than deterred him from his goals enabling him to share his journey with his students and he states unreservedly that he is deeply humbled and grateful, giving glory to God, for all of his achievements; and that his faith has been a source of strength and guidance in his endeavours.
Under his visionary leadership, the school is moving forward into the future with purpose, focus, high expectations and in building a culture in which students who are blind or visually impaired are empowered to believe, to lead, to excel and to reach their highest potential. The Erin H. Gilmour School of today has evolved from its simpler beginnings into a forward thinking, fully accountable school producing verifiable results. The enthusiasm and dedication of the students is praiseworthy, as is the dedication of all those who helped them achieve their goals – and it is clear, the momentum will continue and the best is yet to come.
