Mrs. Elma Garraway
Permanent Secretary for Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports & Culture

Elma I. Garraway nee Knowles is the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports & Culture.

She was first appointed as a Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health in February 2000, following her appointment as Under Secretary in the Ministry of Education in May 1997. Mrs. Garraway also served as the Deputy Director of Education from January 1993 to May 1999.

A veteran teacher and educator, she brings 38 years of experience in the field of education to her present position; having served as chairperson, assistant chairperson and lecturer in the Teacher Education Division of The College of The Bahamas and as senior mistress, team leader and teacher at the primary school level.

Born in Deadman’s Cay, Long Island to the late Charles R. Knowles and Ellen R. Knowles on 4th December 1946, she received her secondary education at The Buckley’s All Age School now N. G. M. Major High School. Between 1961 – 1967 she attended The Bahamas Teachers College where she obtained a teacher’s certificate endorsed by the University of The West Indies with a Distinction in History and Geography, and Through The Bahamas Programme of the University of Miami, Mrs. Garraway obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education in 1978 and a Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction in 1982 with Honours.

In 1985 Mrs. Garraway received A World Bank Fellowship to pursue a course in the Development of Audio-visual material at State Fair Community College, Sedalia, Missouri.

In 1995 Mrs. Garraway obtained the Senior Managers Certificate in Public Administration and Management.

Her extensive knowledge and vast experience in the field of education have been utilized to the benefit of a number of national and civic groups and organizations. In recognition of her outstanding contribution to national development in the field of education, she was given the Commonwealth of The Bahamas Silver Jubilee Award in 1998.

A former Chief Commissioner of The Bahamas Girl Guides Association, Mrs. Garraway now serves as the Chief Trainer.

A Roman Catholic, Mrs. Garraway is married to Robert Anthony Garraway I and they have one son and two daughters.

Mrs. Garraway enjoys writing, public speaking, reading, sewing, cooking, gardening and camping.