FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 16, 2026

New Providence, Bahamas— Bahamas Power and Light Company Ltd. (BPL) continues to power the nation’s youth as the title sponsor of the 29th National Spelling Bee, reaffirming its longstanding commitment to investing in education and supporting the next generation of Bahamian scholars.

The 24 contestants, their coaches, and supporting members, paid a courtesy call to BPL headquarters today, following meetings with Prime Minister Hon. Philip Davis and Minister of Education, Technical and Vocational Training Hon. Glenys Hanna-Martin, as part of a series of engagements ahead of the national competition, which was held Sunday, March 15, 2026.
BPL CEO Toni Pratt said the company remains proud to continue its longstanding partnership with the programme, which has become a cornerstone initiative supporting youth development and academic excellence.

“BPL has been the title sponsor of the National Spelling Bee for many years, and it is something we are very proud of because it represents our continued investment in the youth of this nation,” Pratt said. “The competition is always exciting, and we especially enjoy the opportunity to meet the students beforehand and learn about their stories and where they’re from.”

BPL Director of Communications Theodore Sealy said the National Spelling Bee reflects the company’s broader commitment to empowering young Bahamians across the entire archipelago.“Beyond powering the nation’s grid, BPL is also committed to empowering Bahamians,” Sealy said. “There is no better place to start than by investing in young, bright minds, not only in New Providence but across the Family Islands as well. With 17 power stations across 29 islands, our reach extends throughout the country, and initiatives like the National Spelling Bee allow us to support and celebrate talented students from communities across The Bahamas.”

This year, ten islands from across the archipelago will be represented including Abaco, Acklins, Andros, Cat Island, Eleuthera, Exuma, Grand Bahama, Inagua, Long Island and New Providence.

National Spelling Bee Coordinator for the Ministry of Education, Technical and Vocational Training, Demetria Smith, expressed appreciation for BPL’s continued support of the national competition.

“Corporate partners like BPL make initiatives like the National Spelling Bee possible,” Smith said. “This year, we have 24 talented students from across the Commonwealth of The Bahamas preparing to compete, and we are excited to see them showcase their knowledge and dedication.”

Among the contestants is Felix Wells of NGM Major High School in Long Island, who shared his excitement ahead of the competition. “It’s a little nerve-wracking, but it’s also exciting,” Wells said. “You just have to practice a lot, and I’m looking forward to competing.”

As the nation’s power provider, BPL says it remains equally committed to powering the future of The Bahamas by investing in the bright minds who will shape it.