Inside this edition Introducing the Fourth President of The College of ...... 2 Two New Industrial Agreements Signed . 5 From the School of English Studies Free Speech Project ...... 17 From the School of Social Sciences Scholars Weigh in on Censorship . . . . 20 Security Services Keeping COB Campuses Safe . . . . . 23 Jazz Under the Stars ...... 25 Staff Spotlight ...... 29 COB/Texaco Partnership: Texaco Youth Spokesperson ...... 33

President’s Scholars 2006

Delia Ferguson Neucasha Greene

Christa Lowe Amina Sarr

Introducing the Fourth President of The College of The Bahamas Photograph copyright 2006 P. Neko Meicholas Photograph copyright 2006 P. Dominic Stubbs Aqueela Thompson The College of The Bahamas ::  :: The Snapper . August 2006 Highlights Jan.-Aug. 2006 Introducing the Fourth President of The College of The Bahamas

The College of The Bahamas has the birth of the University of begun a new and exciting page in its 32- The Bahamas.” year history. After weeks of speculation The Minister thanked and rumour, the Minister of Education, Dr Rhonda Chipman-Johnson, Science and Technology, the Honourable Acting President, for her “steady Alfred Sears, on Sunday, 21st May, leadership” during the past announced the name of the institution’s academic year and Mr Wilson Neko Meicholas Photograph copyright 2006 P. fourth President to culminate what added that she had accepted Chairman of the College Council, the position of Executive Beyond the boundaries of COB she acted Franklyn Wilson, termed, “a momentous Vice-President and Chief as Reading Consultant in Workshops week for The College.” Operating Officer for the coming year. in Literacy Pedagogy and coordinated a In a packed Executive Boardroom in The new President took up her volunteer literacy programme for women the COB’s Michael H. Eldon Complex, appointment on July 1st, 2006 on a prisoners at Fox Hill. Minister Sears told the assembled three-year contract and spent her first In her native Canada she was Principal media and college personnel that he was weeks in making the acquaintance of and (President) of Bishops ‘University in pleased to announce that the Council of receiving briefs from internal and external Quebec for nine years, 1995 - 2004. At the The College had selected Janyne Hodder stakeholders. time of her appointment Bishops was a to head the institution and that the Our new president is a bilingual liberal arts undergraduate institution that Cabinet had accepted the Council’s Canadian with strong ties to The Bahamas had not experienced growth in enrollment selection. Minister Sears also spoke of and a rich background in higher education. for many years and was struggling to raise Mrs Hodder’s rich nexus to The Bahamas In the early 1970s she voyaged to funds. Mrs Hodder worked creatively with and The College, having lived here for 12 The Bahamas to teach at Queen’s College staff, union, policymakers, the private sector years in the 1970s and 80s, and lectured at and later accepted a post as a lecturer at and the local community to improve the COB for most of those years. San Salvador Teacher’s College. From organizational structure of the University Over the years Mrs Hodder has there it was a natural step to become one and to heighten its profile locally and maintained close links with The Bahamas of the original faculty at the newly formed internationally. She was so successful that and in an email sent after she heard of the College of The Bahamas when it opened enrollment blossomed and the university appointment, she thanked the Council its doors in 1975. She later became the raised $18 million in scholarship funds. and pledged her commitment to the Head of the Reading Department in the More recently she has been Vice-Principal faculty, staff and students of the institution Teacher Education Division. (Inter-Institutional Relations) and interim “which shaped my career and nurtured me She served on many committees Vice-Principal (Development and Alumni in the cause which has inspired my entire while lecturing at the College, including Relations). professional life.” Mrs Hodder ended the committee preparing the core Prior to taking up her position her email by inviting “all to curriculum for the new institution, and at Bishop’s University, she worked at be our partners as we build on what The was coordinator of COB’s Literacy Clinic Quebec’s Ministry of Education, rising College has already done to make possible for adolescents at risk of dropping out.

The College of The Bahamas ::  :: The Snapper . August 2006 to the position of Assistant Deputy She made it clear that she considered enhance the quality of their lives. My goal Minister in Services to the English necessary and was inviting partnerships is to seek support from all Bahamians in the Speaking Community. She has also in every sector and constructive criticism. service of this ideal and to make dreams come served as an educational consultant to She emphasized that The College must true. Canadian universities and to the Canadian play a role in creating national prosperity The College will need support to meet this International Development Agency on and improve the quality of life for all who goal. It will need champions and critics alike- the development of education systems call The Bahamas home. Following is an to make sure we set the right course and to help in countries such as Kosovo and South extract from Mrs Hodder’s remarks: us through any treacherous shoals we find on Africa. The College of The Bahamas is greater our journey. We will also need strong financial Mrs Hodder is ideally suited to develop than any of us. Quality education is one of the support and look forward to counting on the and strengthen the three fundamental essentials of nation building. Standing as it generosity of Bahamians and others who care pillars -Teaching, Research and Service - does at the apex of the education system of The about this country. We will need strong ideas, that underpin the future of the University Bahamas, The College is one of the bulwarks varied expertise and a good dose of creativity, of The Bahamas. She has demonstrated of the national enterprise. The institution risk-taking and innovation. Most of all, we a clear ability to work in harmony with must be respected and supported as such. will need faith, hope and charity coming to all stakeholders of an institution in We must all learn to say “Our College” and us from all quarters. I have no doubt we will creating and sustaining an environment “Our University”, and preserve, protect and find these in our work and partnership with of scholarship; she has shown a sharp promote COB as one of the nation’s dearest the Bahamian people. understanding of how to work effectively possessions. Its continuing development must Right now, the College community is with governments to promote favourable be the subject of collective focus and effort. engaged in refining the Strategic Plan for educational policy; and she has exhibited One of the first goals I have set for the University. We will be soliciting input an understanding of the important role my tenure is to demonstrate clearly that from as many sources as possible to ensure universities play in shaping the local and every single person, every family, every life that the institution, in its newest form, is national community. In addition, she has a throughout the country should feel the positive fully capable of responding fully to the needs proven track record of being able to raise impact of The College of The Bahamas. of the community. It is my intention to build money. Everything that we do, every programme strong communication within The College Let us respond positively to her we develop should reflect the fact that this community and between The College and invitation, sent in an email after she learnt is an island nation with its people residing the wider community. I will strive to keep of her appointment, to be partners as in widely scattered communities. Every the lines of communication open, so that the we build on what her predecessors and Bahamian–man, woman and child–is a exchange of ideas and information between The College at large have already done to shareholder in this enterprise and our efforts the University and the people it serves will make possible the birth of the University are on their behalf. be continuous. I hope that you will be our of The Bahamas. It is my intention to make sure that partners in this respect and assure you of my Mrs Hodder’s husband, Garfield there is not a single family across The availability to keep you well-informed about Mullins, a writer and the retired head of Bahamas whose life is not touched by the developments at The College. a large technical and vocational institution work of The College-soon to be University. The Bahamas and The College of in Canada, has accompanied his wife to Whether because someone in the family is a The Bahamas are often spoken of small, but The Bahamas. Mrs Hodder is mother to full or part-time student in a certificate or “small” is a relative term. Both country and three highly accomplished adult children, degree programme, or whether someone is college have aspired beyond the limitations two of whom were born in The Bahamas. participating in an outreach programme of their physical size and have accomplished of which we must develop more, or because great things. There are also numerous highly the research we do is improving the quality regarded universities located in relatively small President Hodder’s of life–in marine science, in the hotel and contexts-universities that have successfully tourism sector, in the financial services sector, defined their niche and their mission. Iam Key Messages in health, in public policy, in culture or any confident we will do so here-when so much is On her third day in office, Wednesday, other sector where we want to build strong at stake for the entire nation. July 5, President Hodder confidently faced research programmes or because our work is representatives of the media who had for creating national prosperity by providing so many months been speculating as to increasingly highly qualified graduates to The President Visits whether she would be chosen to lead The the human resource pool. Whatever the route, College of The Bahamas. She left no one in every family in this country should be able to doubt as to her knowledge of the challenges see that The College/University is having a The President wasted no time in and opportunities of the institution, the beneficial impact on its life. All in this country spreading the word that The College was role it must play in national life and some should, directly or indirectly, derive from not The College of but of her initial goals in this connection. The College something by which they can The College of The Bahamas with a

The College of The Bahamas ::  :: The Snapper . August 2006 mandate to serve every community in the prosperity in Grand Bahama by helpng to her that they liked what she was saying archipelago. Accompanied by then Council create a pool of skilled human resources to them and hoped she would follow Secretary Patricia Glinton-Meicholas, for their business and other endeavours. through. The group expressed the wish Mrs Hodder traveled to Freeport on her Consistent with her message of ensuring that the President would return soon to fourth day in office to share that message that The College’s touches each life in permit more extensive dialogue. with the team at COB’s Northern Bahamas The Bahamas beneficially, President Dr Kelly and Mrs Osman completed Campus (NBC) and external stakeholders Hodder particularly emphasized her the visitors’ Freeport itinerary by taking in the Grand Bahamian community. commitment to establishing more outreach them to see the new campus site off Grand President Hodder held a breakfast programmes, particularly to at-risk groups Bahama Highway. The President and meeting with Assistant VP Dr Coralee in the community. Mrs Meicholas’ return journey was Kelly, who heads NBC and Anita Osman, Following the Rotary meeting, challenged by the severe weather a retired COB vice president, who has been Mrs Hodder met, one-on-one with threatening Grand Bahama for most of representing Institutional Advancement in Academic Affairs Officer Maggie Turner the day, but thanks to Bahamasair’s plucky Freeport most recently. Later, the President and later with NBC faculty and staff in determination to get passengers safely to took advantage of other opportunities to a general meeting. The group welcomed their destination, the pair landed in Nassau be briefed by Dr Kelly. her and asked many questions. They told around midnight. At ten o’clock Mrs Hodder met with Sir Albert Miller, Chief Executive Officer of Grand Bahama Port Authority, who reaffirmed his support for COB. Sir Albert, along with Edward St George, COB’s staunch friend, lobbied GBPA for a donation of land to build a new campus on Grand Bahama. Mrs Hodder assured Sir Albert that site works would begin shortly on the site east of Freeport. At lunchtime, President Hodder addressed a meeting of Rotary, receiving a warm welcome from the Grand Bahama President. The meeting had been facilitated by attorney and Rotarian Chris Gouthro. To this group, Mrs Hodder spoke of The College’s obligation to assist in creating

The College of The Bahamas ::  :: The Snapper . August 2006 COB and BPSU Acting President of The College, COB and UTEB Dr Rhonda Chipman-Johnson, praised The signing of an industrial agreement the long, hard work of the negotiating Heralded as both an historic and a modern teams, which would impact the lives of between The College of The Bahamas and document, the industrial agreement The Bahamas Public Services Union on more than 350 non faculty workers at between The College of The Bahamas May 16 was a highly significant landmark COB. She was pleased to recognise that in the evolution of COB towards the agreement would run until the end of (COB) and the Union of Tertiary Educators becoming the University of The Bahamas, December 2009 and pointed out that some of The Bahamas (UTEB) was signed in according to Chairman of The College of the more significant clauses included a ceremony of pleasant informality and Council, Franklyn Wilson. Recognizing the implementation of flexi hours, a cordiality in the Executive Board Room of productivity review that was linked to the essential support provided by members the Michael Eldon Complex on May 18. of BPSU in underpinning the work of merit pay and the introduction of 6 weeks’

Two New Industrial Agreements Signed the faculty, Mr Wilson expressed his leave for parents who adopt a child. In the presence of the Prime Minister, the satisfaction at the successful completion of In attendance at the signing were: Mr John Right Hon. Perry Christie, MP; Minister negotiations between representatives from Pinder, President of the Bahamas Public of Education, Science and Technology, both sides that culminated in the signing Services Union; Mr Franklyn Wilson, the Hon. Alfred Sears, MP; and Minister in the President’s Boardroom. Chairman of the Council of The College Mr Wilson referred to the event as yet of The Bahamas; Dr Rhonda Chipman- of Labour, the Hon. Shane Gibson, another major achievement in the life of Johnson, Acting President of The College MP; Chairman of The College Council, The College and he encouraged members of The Bahamas; Mr S J Miller, Secretary- Mr Franklyn Wilson; Acting President of of the general public to make themselves General BPSU; Mr Eric Darville, BPSU The College of The Bahamas, Dr Rhonda aware of the outstanding things that are Industrial Consultant; Tyrone Coakley, Chipman-Johnson; President of Union happening at COB these days; things, Chief Shop Steward, BPSU, COB; he said, that are laying the foundations Mrs Gwen Charlow, Shop Steward, of Tertiary Educators of The Bahamas, of what will be the University of The BPSU, COB; Ms Ellen Kennedy, Shop Mrs Jennifer Isaacs-Dotson and the Bahamas. Beaming with pleasure, the Steward, BPSU, COB; Mr Keith Archer, Council Secretary put pen to paper, sealing Chairman warmly shook the hand of COB’s Industrial Consultant; Mrs Mavis an agreement process that has been close President of BPSU, Mr John Pinder, who Pratt, Director, Human Resources, COB; to three years in the making and one that also expressed his satisfaction at was the Ms Wendy Poitier-Albury, Director, has at times been acrimonious and difficult. outcome of the negotiations, which would Industrial & Employee Relations, COB; be beneficial to all members at COB. He and Mrs Patricia Glinton-Meicholas, But all contention was put aside, as parties was pleased that the agreement includes a College Council Secretary. enjoyed the moment that was recognized performance clause because, he said, “The as “the birth of a new era in faculty - BPSU supports good performance.”

The College of The Bahamas ::  :: The Snapper . August 2006 administration relations at COB.” grants, adoption leave and an increase Minister Sears saw the signing as Acknowledging that faculty members in pay for sabbatical leave. She said that part of the fulfillment of his mandate to are key players in the academy’s team in the The College is aware of the vital role move COB towards university status and pursuit of excellence, Mr Wilson referred the faculty must play in the building of to becoming a centre for excellence in the to the improved terms and conditions of the University of The Bahamas and she region. He also applauded the stakeholders service faculty will enjoy under this new trusted that this agreement would be the who, mindful of the national interest, had agreement. He continued, “There are birth of improved relations and greater moved in the spirit of compromise to three pillars of activity for faculty in a productivity. achieve agreement. He was confident of a university: teaching, service and research. Mrs Isaacs-Dotson, President, positive future for the institution. This agreement will allow our lecturers to UTEB congratulated the teams, which Prime Minister Christie was moved meaningfully do all three.” had contributed to the agreement and, to comment: “The Bahamas is at a Acting President, Dr Rhonda somewhat tongue in cheek, reminded the challenging stage in its development. We Chipman-Johnson, heaved a noticeable assembly that it would soon be time to are ushering in a new level of examination sigh of relief when she commented that start the process again as the new accord of the nation and I expect direct input from this day had been a long time coming was valid only until 2008. She called it The University of The Bahamas, input that and she went on to recognise a number an agreement the Union could live with, will inform public policy for the future.” of the people who had played significant even if it was not one she felt the faculty Clearly Mr Christie expects members of roles in the negotiation process. She then deserved. She recognised the essential UTEB, the faculty of the institution, to be outlined the major changes that the new input from Mr Pat Bain and Mr Robert the sources of that information. agreement would usher in including, new Farquharson of The National Congress Before the assembled persons nomenclature for faculty, non-teaching of Trade Unions, who were called to the dispersed, chefs and students from the summers, salary increases of an average negotiating table at the eleventh hour to Culinary and Hospitality Management of 17.5%, a lump sum payment, increased reopen communication lines when the Institute served a fine lunch. overload pay, improved professional leave parties appeared to be deadlocked.

The College of The Bahamas ::  :: The Snapper . August 2006 Libraries and Instructional Media LIMS Week: Guest speaker Anne Lawlor, Senior between research and writing is difficult. Lecturer in the School of English Studies, The archival work was completed in a year Opening Ceremony and one of the first recipients of the and most of the research in the first two Stanley Wilson Award for Excellence years but the major task of writing took Director of Libraries, Ms. Willamae in Research, discussed the “odyssey” she the rest of the time. The challenge was Johnson, gave the opening remarks for had recently completed in writing, jointly condensing masses of information into a the 6th annual Libraries and Instructional with her husband Jim, “Harbour Island book-length story Media (LIMS) Week held at the Main Story” which is now with its publishers. Three visiting librarians from Canada Campus Library on January 23. She The project was started in 1997 and took were in attendance from the National indicated that the aims of the five campus 7 years to complete. Mrs Lawlor discussed Library of Canada as were primary school libraries (four in New Providence and highlights of the project, from the year students from a local school. one in Grand Bahama) are threefold: to she spent working with professionals in Dr Rhonda Chipman-Johnson, Acting showcase the resources of these libraries the Research Unit, to her contacts with President, also addressed the gathering, and how to access these resources; to historians and archivists in London and referring to the central role of a library sensitise users to the value of libraries Massachusetts, and some serendipitous in the life of a university and its role in and librarians; and to showcase persons moments as she uncovered new and preserving cultural identity. Miss Andrea who have contributed to the Library exciting information about the history of Miller, Coordinator, Library Donor Fund, Endowment Fund. Harbour Island. The University of Miami made presentations to library donors, Among the achievements the LIMS Week and the University of at Gainesville who included Dr Leon Higgs, past celebrated was the fact that, in Fall 2005, the were also helpful sources of information. President of The College. Dr Pandora first cohort of students began the Master’s Mrs Lawlor noted that, although Harbour Johnson, VP Research, Planning and programme in Library and Information Island is often referred to as a former Development, gave the vote of thanks. Science produced jointly by The College of capital of the Bahamas, she found no Glenelle Scantlebury was the Mistress of The Bahamas and the University of South documentation to support this. However, Ceremonies. Tanya Northeast gave the Florida. Also touted was the ongoing it can be considered the oldest sustained Invocation and Catherine Archer sang the engagement in professional development, Puritan settlement in the Bahamas, having National Anthem. achieving degrees and certification at all been settled in 1660. As such, it was settled levels, from doctoral to master, bachelor before New Providence. and associate levels. Mrs Lawlor noted that the transition

The College of The Bahamas ::  :: The Snapper . August 2006 Association of Tertiary Institutions of The Bahamas (ATIB) Conference

The third biennial Association of and ensuring environmental sustainability. Mrs Meicholas concluded her Tertiary Institutions in The Bahamas Nettleford’s address was fluent and provocative presentation by recommending (ATIB) was held from February 1-3 at at times humorous, leaving the audience that the academic community produce Breezes Super Clubs under the theme in no doubt of the important role tertiary “learned and balanced pronouncements “Academic Research and the College level institutions play in the development on national development” and that it Community - Informing National and intellectual liberation of a nation. demystify research and make its findings Development, Shaping National Identity”. Presenters at the conference included more readily available to the general The highlight of the official opening two of COB’s administrators, Mrs Patricia public. ceremony was a public lecture given by the Glinton-Meicholas, Council Secretary Dr Carey-Baines spoke on the need Hon. Rex Nettleford, Vice-Chancellor and Acting Vice-President of Institutional for academic honesty and the vexing and Emeritus of the University of the West Advancement, and Dr Earla Carey-Baines, growing issue of plagiarism. In defining Indies, who addressed the Conference’s Dean of the Faculty of Liberal and Fine academic integrity, she noted, “it involves theme. Arts. Mrs Meicholas’ topic was “Informing adherence to ethical codes and principles He began by giving an overview of National Development, Shaping National of right and wrong.” It is a “system of the development of a unified approach Identity: What Remains to Be Done, values, rules and standards governing to tertiary education in the region and What You Can Do”, while Dr Carey- behaviour”. Academic integrity has to be described the support of The College’s Baines spoke on “Monitoring Academic monitored because students are unfamiliar first President, Dr Keva Bethel, for the Integrity.” with “protocols, practices and processes of formation of ATIB. He also mentioned Mrs Meicholas began by characterizing the academy’ and, in addition, Bahamian the important role played by Sir Lynden The Bahamas as “a nation under active society needs not only excellent institutions Pindling in the founding of COB and the construction” in terms of it national and but also moral ones. former prime minister’s belief that tertiary cultural identity and she urged conference Dr Carey-Baines stated that tertiary level education had to be established and participants to tell a truer Bahamian story institutions must show they value strengthened if decolonization of the through “an unswerving dedication to the academic honesty through “clearly crafted region were to be achieved. pursuit of knowledge and truth.” and defined policies and procedures that Professor Nettleford dwelt on the She warned of the negative impact govern allegations of misconduct” and importance of the mind and using it of certain national institutions on the faculty and students must understand to develop critical thinking. The mind way of life here in The Bahamas. Among their responsibilities and the institution’s is an “impregnable bastion against all these institutions are religion with its expectations. In turn, the institution must oppressors,” he said and exercising the oversimplification of what is needed to publicize its policies on academic integrity mind is the “surest guarantee for securing improve the country, politics with its in its mission and goal statements and on one’s humanity, one’s dignity, one’s uninformed strategies that so often ignore course syllabi and exam papers. individuality.” the realities of Bahamian geography, Finally, Dr Carey-Baines asserted He also spoke of the conflict between history and culture, the “hegemony of that success could be measured by the ignorance - “the most dangerous weapon United States’ culture and geopolitics” “implementation of consistent, fair, of mass destruction” - and education - “the and the tourism industry that has “created transparent standards and procedures critical means for change.” By exercising a perpetual vacation mindset” and has for handling academic misconduct our minds, institutes of further education “excised from its historical and by faculty and students accepting provide the means of achieving the goals boundaries.” She expressed the need for a responsibility for creating and maintaining of eradicating poverty, ensuring security, more reasonable approach to assessing the an institution that values academic improving health, enhancing economic claims of junkanoo especially regarding its honesty.” prosperity, promoting justice and peace, place in our schools.

The College of The Bahamas ::  :: The Snapper . August 2006 second the challenges to middle class respectability and sexual rigidity through variety concerts in Edelweiss Park. Sexuality was a major theme of the lecture and she was at pains to elaborate on the homophobia of Jamaican society. She also wanted to examine through a sexual theory lens the way the ‘discovery’ of the region has been depicted in European art and literature. Dr Ford-Smith’s third presentation was an evening of her poetry mainly taken from her book, My Mother’s Last Dance. Set in and Canada the poems

Visit of Honor Ford-Smith

The College of The Bahamas and introduced Honor Ford-Smith as the examine the bonds and stresses in the lives the Bahamas Association for Cultural founder of “Sistren”, a women’s theatre of a great-grandmother, a grandmother, a Studies (BACUS) combined in February group that has performed in the Caribbean mother and a daughter over the span of to sponsor the visit by Dr Honor Ford- and internationally. Her first lecture used 100 years. To hear Ford-Smith read was Smith, Jamaican scholar, poet, women’s material from her book Lionheart Gal: to have been taken on a journey through rights activist and university lecturer, to Life Stories of Jamaican Women, which the history and social conventions of our present two lectures and an evening of she “collaboratively authored” with the island neighbour to the south and her easy her poetry. Dr Ford-Smith was a pioneer women of Sistren. Written in Jamaican switching from standard pronunciation to of the women’s movement in Jamaica in dialect, the stories deal with working-class broad Jamaican were a source of delight the 1970s during the Manley era. The women’s encounters and life experiences and humor. organizer of the event was Mrs Patricia with men at a time when equal rights and The book is dedicated to Ford- Glinton-Meicholas, President of BACUS opportunities were a hypothetical dream. Smith’s mother, Dr Joyce Kathleen Tate, and Acting VP Institutional Advancement The book, a raucous, racy, a pioneering Jamaican doctor who worked (IA), who commented that the event rambunctious ride through the bumpy in prisons and with the poor and who was was a part of IA’s community outreach terrain of relationships and class, calls on a fundamental influence on her daughter. programme. the legacy of tale-telling that preserves the There is a beautiful sense of appreciation for It was an opportune time for Dr Ford- history of Caribbean women and makes a her mother yet the poems also reflect times Smith’s visit, coming as it did in the week strong case for prose writing in patois as a of frustration, anger and disappointment. that The Tribune published an Amnesty sign of refusing to imitate the language of While they are intensely personal and the Bahamas article that opened by asking the colonizer. writer was visibly moved as she read of her the question, “Do women in The Bahamas Her second lecture, “unwritten: mother’s passing, they also reach us in an experience equal rights and opportunities?” race, violence, sexuality and Jamaican objective way, bringing to mind our own The article went on to stress the urgency performance” focused on the importance of experiences of and thoughts on family, for legislation to protect women in areas performance in resistance to colonization. gender, race, place, and culture, making the of health, employment and social justice. Ford-Smith used two striking images: book a tangible experience for people of Mrs Audrey Ingram-Roberts, the first was the performances of gender various backgrounds. member of the College of The Bahamas in Marcus Garvey’s Universal Negro Council and friend of the visiting lecturer, Improvement Association and the

The College of The Bahamas ::  :: The Snapper . August 2006 identified for The College, particularly as it transitions to university status. COB delegates noted that The College’s commitment to producing citizens with a deep-rooted belief in their civic and social responsibility and to providing educational opportunities to all no matter their age, status or geographic location were clearly articulated components of the universalisation of the education process. The delegation also noted that many of the challenges confronting The College bedevil other academic institutions represented at the congress. Delegates from a variety of institutions owned to Universidad 2006 such challenges as providing access, better equity, increased efficiency and increased Havana. quality, discussed possibilities, exchanged experiences and shared ideas and practical solutions. Dr Linda Davis, Vice-President were able to select from a large number After sessions at the congress, the Academic Affairs; Dr Earla Carey-Baines, of presentations from nine in the morning Bahamian delegation was given numerous Dean of Faculty of Liberal and Fine Arts; until five in the afternoon. Presenters opportunities to visit institutions in and Dr Thaddeus McDonald, Dean of Faculty from around the world focused on a around Havana. One of the places visited of Social and Educational Studies and variety of topics that sought to analyse was the International School for Physical Dr Pandora Johnson, Vice-President and synthesise experiences regarding the Education and Sports that offers places to Research, Planning and Development, universalisation of education; that is, the students from around the world, including formed a delegation of administrators ability of academic institutions to create The Bahamas. The school aims to educate from The College of The Bahamas who environments in which all citizens can young people in a variety of disciplines attended Universidad 2006, the Fifth receive a university education at any stage connected to sports and physical health. International Congress on Higher in their lives. Upon completion of their studies, students Education in Havana, Cuba in February. Among the many topics discussed were are expected to act as the driving force of Also in attendance were Minister of the relevance and impact of post graduate sports development in their countries Education, Science and Technology, education on the development of society, through either teaching or coaching. Hon. Alfred Sears, MP; Director of quality evaluation in higher education, Another fascinating visit was to the Higher Education and Lifelong Learning information and communication Polytechnic Clinic in an economically at the Ministry, Dr Leon Higgs, and technologies in the transformation of challenged community. This clinic is Mrs Paula Sweeting-Davis, Assistant university processes and the role of student equipped to deal with any medical Director, Tertiary and Quality and trade union organisations in building emergency and, like hospitals and clinics Assurance Division. Under the theme, a better world. throughout Cuba, provides health care “Universalisation of the University for a Presenters also sought to identify free of charge to all. In such clinics Better World”, Universidad 2006 aimed trends and perspectives of higher the professional and the educational at exploring solutions to the challenges of education and to exchange experiences merge. Doctors and nurses pass on their lifelong education for all. linked to the improved training of knowledge and expertise to students as The first congress held in 1998 hosted university professionals. They explored part of the students’ medical training. just 15 countries; this year’s congress avenues for international cooperation in With this visit, delegates were able to see welcomed over 3,000 delegates from over the quest for sustainable development and first hand how one of the objectives of 70 countries, some from as far away as acknowledged the use of information and the universalization of education could New Zealand. communication technologies in different be realized. Instead of being restricted to The official opening of Universidad university processes. the halls of the academy, teaching and 2006 was held on Monday, 13th February The delegation from The College of learning were taking place in situ resulting at which delegates were honoured with The Bahamas was particularly pleased that in students having a real presence in the the presence of Fidel Castro. On the four many of the ideas discussed at the congress community and schools and universities days following the opening, delegates resonated with the goals and objectives developing people who are committed citizens.

The College of The Bahamas :: 10 :: The Snapper . August 2006 Centre for Continuing Education & Extension Services

Student Spotlight According to Deal, many disabled community to train residents in computer Drexel Deal - persons have low expectations before they skills. A Man of Special Vision become aware of the power of positive How does he spend his spare time? thinking and appropriate training. The He reads. His audiotapes fill many hours. females believe they are limited to jobs as His other love is speaking. D. Paul Reilly, Ten years ago, Drexel Deal was shot in the receptionists and the males as workers at whom he describes as “a father figure,” eye in a foiled robbery attempt. Today he the mop factory. He helps them see that encouraged him to join Toastmaster’s is a reformed member of society working with the proper training, they can gain International because he had a speech with at-risk young men. He teaches them employment based on their competencies impediment. That experience made him about the dangers of crime and the options rather than having to depend on favors or a fluent and confident speaker whose they can use to turn their lives into positive handouts. “passion” is to become a motivational channels. Deal’s philosophy is that he would speaker working with young students. He Deal has done four courses with rather attempt a task and fail than not try plans to set up his own business to train the Continuing Education Department at all. He avoids negative people and works young people. Plans are well advanced; he of The College of The Bahamas. These with those who are willing. Describing has located a sponsor and is looking for included courses in Public Speaking, himself as “up front” and “persistent” more funding for the project. Effective Writing, and Human Resource Deal does not take “No” for an answer. He Disabled persons in the Bahamas Management. A former President of the characterizes himself as “a student in the still face many challenges, says Deal. They Disabled Persons Organisation, Deal says journey called life,” who has accomplished need more access and opportunity-access training in Human Resource Management more as a blind person than as a sighted to training and jobs; opportunities to has assisted him in organizing his one. He works with a youth programme obtain work in their chosen careers. Most workshops and fundraising initiatives. called “Brothers against Crime and importantly, they need acceptance and Using the expertise gained in these courses, Killing.” The aim is to train youngsters respect from the community. Deal spearheaded a project that provided who will then go into the Grants Town computer training for 21 persons.

The College of The Bahamas :: 11 :: The Snapper . August 2006 From the School of himself his fundraising efforts with Artists Guild and Marion International. Communication & St George. She said Among the highlights of Colour of Mr Adderley, who was writing Harmony were performances by COB Creative Arts while still in the Sixth Form at Music majors. The audience seemed The Government High School, became particularly to enjoy a solo, “The Sound a “musical lawyer.” He studied for his of Music,” by Mericha Walker and “More law degree at the University of the West than Words,” a rendition by Voice major, Indies where he was President of the Lazano Rolle and Jackson Jeffer on bass Colour of Harmony Bahamian Student Association and an guitar. organist at the UWI Chapel. He wrote Following the music segment of the the first Bahamian classical opera, “Our programme, audience members were The Governor General of the invited to view the Art Exhibition by Commonwealth of The Bahamas, His Boys.” He also wrote the first Caribbean mass, “Missa Caribe” using folk material. COB Art students set up in the foyer of Excellency Hon. Arthur D. Hanna; the Portia Smith Building. As has been Minister Allyson Maynard-Gibson, Mr Adderley is the founder and Director of the internationally known National the case through the years of Colour of Attorney General and Minister of Harmony, guests expressed delight at the Financial Services, Canon Kirkley Sands, Youth Choir, a former President of the Nassau Music Society, and has published level of attainment reflected in the work of Council member Mrs Audrey Ingram- the student artists. Roberts and honoree Cleophas Adderley hundreds of . were among the luminaries at the official During his remarks, Mr Hanna opening of the 17th annual Colour of expressed his pride in the achievements of Festival Harmony held Wednesday, April 5, 2006 at The College over the years. He reflected on the institution’s beginnings, noting that the Portia Smith Student Services Centre. As a contribution to community The celebration is among the highlights of the idea of a post “O” level college was a brainchild of Rodney Bain. development, The College launched its the year for the School of Communication Band Festival in February under the & Creative Arts, under the auspices of the Mr Cleophas Adderley expressed his thanks for the award, signaling his auspices of the Faculty of Liberal and Fine Faculty of Liberal & Fine Arts, headed by Arts, led by Dr Earla Carey-Baines, Dean, Dr Earla Carey-Baines. gratitude for those who helped him achieve his goals, including his mother, and organized by three faculty members Acting President Dr Rhonda of the Music Department of the School Chipman-Johnson said the event showed Helen Bailey Adderley, who gave him a “desire to give back” to his community and of Communication and Creative Arts: The College’s “commitment to driving HOD Pauline Glasby and music lecturers cultural growth.” She asserted that Mr his aunt, Rosalie Bailey, who was his first piano teacher. He referred to E. Clement Kathleen Bondurant and Chris Justilien. Adderley, the latest recipient of the Colour Facilitators included were three visiting of Harmony’s E. Clement Bethel Award, Bethel, his piano teacher and mentor, as the person who instilled in him a love of clinicians from Texas: Keith Fiala, Andre had made a “sterling contribution to the Peschka and Adam Cartwright. development of the arts” particularly in the arts. Dr Linda Davis, VP Academic Affairs, Guest Keith Fiala, a trumpet the field of music. player, has performed with the famous Mrs Pauline Glasby, Head of the presented a certificate of appreciation to Mr Kendrick Coleby who, according to Dr Maynard-Ferguson band worldwide. Music Department, spoke of Mr Adderley’s Adam Cartwright, a brass specialist, has teachers, who included E. Clement Bethel Carey-Baines, had been instrumental in assisting the Music Department through performed in Oklahoma symphonies and in the Busch Gardens Theme Park Band. Andrew Peschka, who plays woodwind instruments, is a performer and studio musician. Resident clinician and COB Music lecturer, Kathleen Bondurant, has a PhD in Flute Performance and has been a university professor for 10 years. Chris Justilien, well-known COB music lecturer and Junkanoo enthusiast, is also the leader of the local band, Ambassah. The Festival offered master classes for at beginning, intermediate and advanced levels of performance skills and created opportunities for young musicians from several school bands, including that of The College. The initiative culminated

The College of The Bahamas :: 12 :: The Snapper . August 2006 in a Grand Performance of students and Acting President, presented certificates of clinicians, which took place at the recently appreciation to all five clinicians and Dean erected Band Shell on Saturday, March 18. Carey-Baines gave the vote of thanks. Although this diverse group of musicians had never played in concert together

attired dancers, and an innovative Haitian Creole performed by students from the Creole for Beginners 103, Sections 1 and 2. Traditional Hispanic, French and Haitian foods were also in evidence for the audience to sample free of charge and previously, the quality of music thrilled an there was a skit and a fashion show of audience of College personnel, relatives Foreign Languages Day Hispanic and French dress. of local performers and members of the Head of the Foreign Languages general public. The Department of Foreign Languages Department, Ms Pamela Collins was The festival band, directed by Peschka, in the School of Communication and enthusiastic about the day’s events: “This Cartwright and Bondurant, performed a Creative Arts, chaired by Christine was much bigger than last year’s Foreign selection of music with an international Diment, put on a very successful foreign Languages Day and we believe we have theme-from the German “Guten Morgen” Languages Day on March 9, 2006. succeeded in giving foreign languages a to the English “A Holiday in London” in Designed to promote the work of the higher profile here at The College.” three movements. Foreign Languages Department and the After the enthusiastically received benefits of learning foreign languages, Festival Band performance, the clinicians the day showcased the talents and gave individual performances. Peschka achievements of students of foreign played a piece from “48 Famous Studies” languages. Independence Park became followed by Cartwright on bass trombone an international mecca as faculty and playing “Sonata for Trombone.” Chris students combined to present songs Justilien then played “Carnival of Venice” and dances from the Hispanic and on the euphonium, followed by Fiala who French speaking worlds. played a piece on the horn. All received Two of the most memorable among appreciative applause. The COB Band, the seventeen presentations were a conducted by Justilien, performed three choral presentation in Spanish of the final pieces. Dr Rhonda Chipman-Johnson, song, “La Mulatta”, with traditionally

The College of The Bahamas :: 13 :: The Snapper . August 2006 Island Spotlight house, miles of slave-built freestone walls, in education. In the mid-1950s Rodney outlining sheep pens. The planters grew Bain and his English-born wife Gillian Cat Island cotton, pineapples among a variety of founded a high school where young Cat Over the course of the more than five crops and raised livestock. Later, hopeful Islanders were taught Latin, French, centuries since Christopher Columbus set governors, seeking to find a stable and English Literature, Mathematics and foot on a Bahamian island on October profitable agricultural product, would urge many of the other subjects found in an 12, 1492, the land mass we know as “Cat the planting of mulberry trees, sisal and English grammar school. They submitted Island” has been called by at least four coconut palms. On Cat Island, one can still their students to the rigour of the external different names: the Lucayan “Guanima”, see the remains of the railway tracks that certificate examinations and their faith in “San Salvador” from the Spanish era accommodated cars that carried produce their students proved well founded. “Columba”, as referred to by Woodes to waiting ships. Although they have become familiar Rogers, the first Royal Governor of Famed is Hunter’s Golden Grove with the small resorts that dot their The Bahamas; and now “Cat Island”, Plantation where a slave known as “Black home island, attracting visitors from believed to be so called after a pirate of the Dick” was hanged for leading a small revolt faraway lands, many Cat Islanders are same name. against his master. Even better known is still rural people, faithfully planting the There are many Bahamians and the property of Andrew Deveaux, Sr, from fields husbanded by generations of their historians who believe that San Salvador whom several Bahamian families can families. They are a clever people, adept in is the name by which the Genoese trace their lineage. Deveaux is best known music, storytelling and dance. Traditional explorer called the island. Among the through the fame of his adventurous rake and scrape music produced by many compelling arguments for this claim namesake son, Andrew Deveaux, Jr, who homemade instruments and concertinas is is the fact the island bore that title until captured Nassau from occupying Spanish being restored to prominence by growing 1926, until Rev. Chrysostom Schreiner troops by means of an ingenious ruse. interest in things cultural. the first Catholic missioner to this country, He may have saved himself the trouble: Visitors are drawn by the annual Rake lobbied influential Bahamians of his unknown to him, the British and the and Scrape Festival and the Cat Island acquaintance to have the name changed Spanish had just signed the Treaty of Regatta. Many local writers also travel by Act of Parliament. Cat Island was thus Versailles, which would have compelled there annually for a conclave sponsored dethroned from its status as landfall island the occupiers to depart. Nevertheless, the by Bahamas Writers Society, founded and and the title passed to what was hitherto daring exploit brought Deveaux and his still directed by Cat Island native Sylvia “Watlings Island”. family thousands of acres of land on Cat Larrimore Crawford. Cat Island boasts a fascinating and other islands, the gift of a grateful Cat Island is the birthplace or archeology. As were all of the major islands administration. ancestral home of a host of Bahamian in the Central and southern Bahamas, Cat Island is also famed as the place notables and native sons and daughters it was targeted for major plantation where the Catholic priest Monsignor John have for decades swelled the ranks of the development by Loyalist settlers who were C Hawes, noted architect and hermit lived public service. Cat Island has produced forced to leave the new United States in for almost fifteen years and built some of mathematician and amateur historian Eris the late 1700s following that country’s his most renowned works, including the Moncur, His Excellency Basil O’Brien, the War of Independence. They bore such churches of St Francis of Assisi and Holy scholarly Turner and Campbell families names as “Doud”, “McQueen”, “Gaitor”, Redeemer and his much visited hermitage, and the enterprising Thurston clan. COB “Hunter”, “Deveaux” and “Eve”, many Mount Alvernia, which sits atop the employees born on the island include who left an enduring mark by giving highest peak in The Bahamas-Comer Janice Campbell Munnings, Sheila their names to settlements. The remains Hill-at 206 feet above sea level. Seymour (both lecturers in the School of their failed plantations are flagged by Arthur’s Town, once the seat of the of Education) and Patricia Glinton- ruined great houses, ornate chimneys Commissioner of North Cat Island, was Meicholas, among others. that are no longer connected to hearth or home to an extraordinary experiment

The College of The Bahamas :: 14 :: The Snapper . August 2006 International Initiatives/Conferences

the first time. From this topic the groups leadership positions. I think more faculty moved on to the way groups or teams would have benefited from it, especially Office of make decisions and the maxim, “It’s not those who aspire to being coordinators or the leader’s plan it’s our plan” became an heads of department. It provided materials Academic Affairs important working principle. to help persons make adjustments to Day Two of the Conference began their leadership style in order to improve ACE with Dr Hecht presenting “Working relations with their departments.” with Systems” which focused on how Basics of Leadership to forge a shared vision through proper communication, looking at long-term Leaders in Action goals and setting precedents for the future, 25Th Conference on rather than just dealing with the immediate On March 2, 2006 the American problem. The final session focused on the Caribbean Literature Council on Education held its first always topical subject of conflict resolution Department Leadership Conference within departments. Dr Gmelch led the University of outside of the continental USA here session in a dynamic and lively manner the West Indies, in The Bahamas, drawing department that created keen interest and participation St Augustine Campus, chairs, deans, directors and heads from from the assembly. He insisted that the The College and branches of the public best way to deal with conflicts was to keep service. The theme of the conference was focused on the principles involved rather “The Challenge of Leadership”, a subject than the specific details of a particular Three members of the faculty of the highly relevant given this moment in the claim. Collaboration, he asserted, is School of English Studies, the Chair, Dr College’s history. As The College of The probably the most productive method Ian Strachan, and lecturers, Dr Marjorie Bahamas evolves into the University of of conflict resolution because it gains Brooks-Jones and Dr Michelene Adams, The Bahamas, there will be new leaders commitment from all parties, it provides a presented papers at the 25th Conference in new positions; establishing the best permanent solution and all sides feel they on Caribbean Literature at the University working relationships with their teams have won. of the West Indies, St Augustine Campus, and departments will be of the utmost Trinidad from March 2-4 this year. Under importance. Dr Linda Davis, VP Academic Reactions from the theme of “Where is Here: Remapping Affairs initiated and led the negotiation to participants: the Caribbean”, the conference attracted secure this premier development initiative over eighty presenters whose attendance for The College of The Bahamas. Dr Thaddeus McDonald, was swelled by a number of prominent Dean of West Indian writers and scholars including Dr Irene Hecht, the Director of the Faculty of Social and Educational Studies Department of Leadership Programmes Erna Brodber, Mervyn Morris, Lorna said, “This conference exceeded all my Goodison, Earl Lovelace and Merle at ACE and Dr Walter Gmelch, Dean of expectations. It was so practical and it the School of Education at University of Hodge. addressed many issues relevant to COB In her presentation Dr Adams focused San Francisco provided expert facilitation. today.” Dr Hecht kicked off the two-day event on Erna Brodber’s book Myal. Myalism by asking participants not to think of it Pauline Glasby has been portrayed in history as devilry , Head of Visual but Brodber’s depiction of it shows it to as a conference but as a workshop. The and Performing Arts Department, School activities offered were consistent with her be a healing and uniting force. Dr Brooks- of Communication & Creative Arts said, Jones presented on Bahamian women request. “It was extremely well organised and I Dr Hecht said that we had a ‘nice writers, Patricia Glinton-Meicholas particularly liked the mixture of methods and Marion Bethel, and their impact on sense of community’ at The College and - lectures, workshops, conversations and this, she claimed, would help the COB the cultural shaping of nationalism and role play. The leaders skillfully brought out identity while Dr Strachan’s presentation participants, who numbered 45, to interact ideas that we had at the back of our minds with each other on a higher level. The was the history of his Track Road Theatre but may not have thought about for a long Company, a non-profit company with an workshop was managed seamlessly and time.” was well organised by the facilitators. One Lionel Johnson anti-establishment bent. He told of the , Head of trials and tribulations of taking avant activity had delegates examine exactly Department, School of Sciences & why they felt a certain way about their garde art to the community under the Technology, found it “very timely and it company’s theme of “Building a People”. leadership roles. Following lunch they gave plenty of insights into the running worked in groups exploring the keys to In addition to these three presenters, of a large organisation. It also pointed out there were also contributions from Dr leading a productive department and how many of the pitfalls that await those in a new leader should approach his team for Tony Bethell-Bennett and Christian

The College of The Bahamas :: 15 :: The Snapper . August 2006 Campbell, two other Bahamian scholars Dr Coakley, a former police officer in The Bahamas. Four other members of with strong connections to The College of and one time Director of Immigration in The College community, William Fielding, The Bahamas. Grand Bahama, spoke on a very topical Virginia Ballance, Carol Scriven and Presenters addressed such aspects of subject: “Illegal Immigration to The Dr Pandora Johnson, were also involved the theme as Caribbean gateways to future Bahamas”. While painstakingly outlining in the research that was funded by the worlds; diasporan escapes; the visual and and describing the history, the reasons for International Organization for Migration. virtual Caribbean; spirit journeys and and the extent of the problem, which he As it was a statistical survey, the social psychic territories; translating the “Folk”; described as an epidemic, Dr Coakley gave implications and the methods of dealing and sexual citizenship. Within these topics no possible solutions, preferring to remain with the problem were not raised. the marginal literatures of the region and within the parameters of what needs to be One time COB lecturer, Gina Morley, the idea that the Caribbean is a place that done without explaining how it could be now an attorney at law, presented on “The exists beyond geography were considered. achieved. Legal Disabilities of Bahamian Women Further explorations concerned what Former president of The College of and the Concomitant Effect on Illegitimate defines a Caribbean or national text and The Bahamas, Dr Leon Higgs, bringing Children”. She described the unwillingness who is a Caribbean writer, what constitutes welcome from the Minister of Education, of many women to go through the court the canon or marks the parameters of Science and Technology, Hon. Alfred system to involve the fathers of their literary criticism and theory, who is the Sears, spoke about the part played by children in supporting those offspring and Caribbean subject and indeed, where is the University in the development of The made some recommendations for legally the Caribbean? Bahamas. He reminded all delegates that, imposing responsibility on the fathers of Dr Strachan reported one very as The Bahamas supports UWI financially, children born out of wedlock. exciting piece of news for The College we should all regard the institution as our The final session of the conference of The Bahamas and that is the distinct university. began with a presentation from School of possibility of the conference coming to A number of COB personnel or English Studies lecturer, Dr Helean Rolle, The Bahamas next year. Its 2007 theme is people with strong COB connections which asked the question, Is Bahamian to be Horizons and Dr Strachan sees it as made presentations at the conference, Dialect a Creole? After explaining that a a wonderful opportunity for The Bahamas once again emphasizing the accomplished Creole is a language learnt by a transplanted to reestablish itself within the Caribbean levels of research and scholarship to be population, Dr Rolle showed evidence of literary community and to showcase our found among COB faculty and associated syntactical constructions to support the poets especially, who he sees as producing members of the community. Among them assertion that Bahamian dialect is indeed works that match anything by other writers were Neil Sealey, ex-lecturer in Geography, a Creole. She believes that this should of poetry within the region. who spoke on Coastal Erosion and Sea impact the way we introduce children to Wall Construction in The Bahamas and Standard English. UWI Dr Thaddeus McDonald, Dean of Faculty The final presentation was given by Country Conference of Educational and Social Sciences, whose Dr Ian Strachan, Chair of the School of Series presentation was on the results of a study English Studies, who diverted from his he co-conducted on The Movement of announced thesis and spoke on the role of The University of the West Indies Haitian Nationals Between Haiti and The The College of The Bahamas in national (UWI) Country Conference Series that Bahamas. cultural development. Dr Strachan has visited ten Caribbean islands in the Mr Sealey impressed upon his audience believes that COB has a pivotal role to last six years, finally touched down in The the shortcomings of hard structure coastal play beyond the classroom in correcting Bahamas for its penultimate conference defences - concrete sea walls - compared to the under examination of Bahamian life in June this year. Professor Lawrence the soft approach - dune restoration. With and he sees the library and research centre, Carrington, Pro Vice Chancellor, the inestimable assistance of a number of auditorium, COB radio and tv channels Non-Campus Countries and Distance slides, he showed a broad range of sea and a publishing division as vital in this Education Director in the School of wall damage and clearly described the area. Continuing Studies, UWI, explained that deficiencies of this type of coastal defence. Professor Carrington brought the the Country Conference Series was part Coastlines will repair themselves from conference to a close with an erudite of the general outreach programme of the extreme damage caused by hurricanes and and highly informed summary of each School of Continuing Studies and that excessively rough tides if there is enough presentation, pointing out their merits it was started as a means of creating a room between the dunes and the roads and commenting on the interest they had research environment in the non-campus behind them. Unfortunately, there is no generated. He thanked all for the smooth countries affiliated to the University of the such luxury in so many islands of The organisation of the two days and looked West Indies. In his introduction of keynote Bahamas; hence the apparent need for sea forward to the concluding conference in speaker, Dr Doswell Coakley, he expressed walls. the not too distant future. how pleased he was that the conference Dr McDonald’s presentation was was going to receive a real “take-off boost” exclusively statistical and was based on from a figure with such public stature. interviews with over 500 Haitians living

The College of The Bahamas :: 16 :: The Snapper . August 2006 From the School of English Studies

Free Speech Project: presentations gave a wealth of insights national issues but this time I wanted to Majority Rule and into the development of The Bahamas broaden horizons and raise awareness to Race Relations in The Bahamas politically and socially. One thing they all a world beyond Nassau and Miami. It The Free Speech Project of the School shared was the assertion that there is far was my intention to expose the students of English Studies in February involved more racism in The Bahamas than most to issues that they would not otherwise eight speakers on the theme of Majority people either acknowledge or are aware of. have had access to. These films also have Rule and Race Relations in The Bahamas. Some of it is overt but much more is covert thematic connections to issues in The The speakers, poet and journalist, Christian and insidious, involving the hegemony of Bahamas.” Campbell; COB history lecturer, Chris European culture, the subliminal power The films included Women With Curry; journalist and veteran politician, Sir of the media and the inability of people Open Eyes, a documentary from Togo, Arthur Foulkes; ex-union representative, who desire change to replace what is which shows how African women are Godfrey Kelly; actor and self-proclaimed already there with something better. All beginning to open their eyes, to speak out Conchy Joe, Matthew Kelly; lawyer, four sessions were very well attended and and to organize themselves around five Alex Morley; writer and historian, Gail each was followed by a lively and informed key issues: marital rights, reproductive Saunders and Chair of the School of discussion period. health, female genital mutilation, women’s English Studies, Ian Strachan, presented role in the economy and political rights Free Speech Project: in pairs and all held their audiences rapt that have always kept them classified as African Film Series with their reminiscences of and insights minors in the hierarchy of African social By way of a departure from its normal into the history of race relations and The life; and Fathers, a collection of three films presentations in its Free Speech Project Bahamas at the time of and after majority from Ethiopia, Zanzibar and Nigeria that Series, The School of English Studies rule. offer a critical look at the role of the father presented a series of African films in an Their focuses ranged from union in contemporary African family life. Very attempt to expose COB students to films activity in the lead up to majority rule to different in style - one a comedy, one an that serve functions different from those bleaching creams, from lost and rootless intense psychological drama and the third presented at the commercial cinemas. white Bahamians to brainwashed blacks a detached expose of Muslim patriarchy The films, a mixture of documentaries believing in their own inferiority, from - they nevertheless brought sharply into and narrative dramas, allowed viewers to segregated graveyards in Harbour Island focus a harsh world of major decisions for understand a little about the rich tradition to the way the church and the government these African fathers. of filmmaking in different countries on have kept black Bahamians ignorant and Innovative and unusual, this Free the great continent. from speech as a racial determinant to Speech Project showed once again that Dr Ian Strachan, Chairperson of the the significant increase in mixed race COB has the drive and the creative sources School of English Studies, states, “Our marriages in The Bahamas of the twenty- to move fluently to university status. Free Speech Projects have all tried to first century. raise the students’ consciousness regarding Engaging and informative, the

The College of The Bahamas :: 17 :: The Snapper . August 2006 BA in English SES Launches From the The School of English Studies (SES) recently hosted its English majors Culinary and Hospitality and prospective majors to a social at which they had the opportunity to meet Management Institute members of the Department of English faculty in an informal setting. The School Students and chef instructors of the approximately three days per week - over a was celebrating the coming to fruition of Culinary & Hospitality Management three-year period. a goal long cherished-the establishment Institute have a history of outstanding This semester the students in the of its Bachelor of Arts degree in English performance in annual international Classical Cuisine classes have been which began in Fall 2005. competition. Academic year 2005/6 has producing delicious meals for the Friday been no different. Three chef lecturers, evening fare at Choices Restaurant as part The creation of the BA in English Mario Adderley, Addiemae Farrington of their training in hospitality and cooking. began under the careful stewardship of and Eldred Saunders, were invited to The general public has been able to enjoy the former SES Chair and present Dean compete in Ft. Lauderdale at a convention five-course meals served with impeccable and trade show that featured teams from attention to detail by the students. This of Liberal and Fine Arts, Dr Earla Carey- the United States and Canada and focused is a not-for-profit enterprise that gives Baines, who, along with the SES BA on products from South America. The the students in the classes exposure to Committee, worked diligently to ensure COB team gained a silver medal, narrowly producing high-level meals in a fairly that the BA in English satisfies COB’s missing out on the gold won by a team realistic setting. from Canada. The chefs plan the menus and order mission for undergraduate education as Chef Adderley said that he found the food but the students prepare and identified in the Strategic Plan 2002-2007. the experience valuable for a number of cook the food and create the ambiance in Dr Ian Strachan, School Chair, proudly reasons: one, the products from South the restaurant space. Some of the students America, such as dried fruits and ready may be apprenticed to the hotels and all states that the BA in English degree prepared sauces were unusual and different; are in their second or third years of study. programme will in fact be “instrumental” two, he was surprised by the variety and COB’s move towards university status in fulfilling that mission, offering courses high quality of equipment that is produced has already influenced the change of name that require students to demonstrate in South America; and three, the awards from “School of Hospitality & Tourism gained at these competitions have a point Studies” to “Culinary and Hospitality critical, reflective and creative thought. value that can be put towards increased Management Institute”. In further He observes further that such courses will certification and personal upgrading. preparation for that move, the Institute is expose students “to the diverse cultural Five students from the Apprentice revising its culinary programme with the and intellectual traditions of the peoples Programme went to Savannah, Georgia, partnership of Bahamas Hotel Association to compete in the American Culinary which has had close ties with the Institute of the world, thus broadening students’ Federation South-East Regional for a number of years, since the time it was exposure to ‘diverse populations’”. Conference. They were selected as a result administered by Bahamas Hotel Training He goes on to say, “The wide range of their performances in local competitions College. BHTC amalgamated with COB and competed against affiliated colleges in 2000. of courses the School of English Studies from the United States. The students, The Institute itself is still in the has created has a value even beyond the who were assisted in their expenses by conceptual stage but it is envisaged that awarding of Bachelor degrees; they have the hotels to which they are apprenticed, its conversion to an institute will allow the potential to attract a wide range of won a bronze medal in the competition. greater flexibility of course offerings Two lecturers, Chefs Mario Adderley and a types of awards. It is hoped that a Bahamians who are seeking intellectual and Addiemae Farrington, trained and number of short, less academic, non-credit stimulation, new learning experiences, accompanied the students on this venture. course offerings geared towards hotel and cultural enrichment and the type of The Apprentice Programme is an restaurant employees will come on stream. between the Institute and A consultant has been hired to study the attention to the whole person that is the local hotels by which students are programme in the light of current trends expected of a liberal arts education”. apprenticed to the hotels, which sponsor and developments in the industry and the them through COB. In return the students needs therein. must work 6,000 hours in the hotels -

The College of The Bahamas :: 18 :: The Snapper . August 2006 COB Caters Eugene served was the handwork of a culinary team Student chef, Sonia Carey said that of The College’s Culinary & Hospitality it was a joy to be involved with such an Dupuch Law School Management Institute (CHMI) with important event as the law dinner and she Chef Mario Adderley, as kitchen and hoped that the guests enjoyed the food as Students Dinner restaurant manager for the evening. much as the kitchen staff enjoyed making It is now widely accepted that The The students from the CHMI were it. Judging by the very satisfied expressions College’s Culinary Programme unites responsible for cooking the food and on the guests’ faces the complimentary talented young culinary students under also acted as wait and bar staff, helping comments that accompanied them, there the guidance of award-winning chef to make the evening run smoothly and could be little doubt, that the meal was instructors. On Friday 24th February displaying their highly developed talents eaten with great enjoyment. students of the Eugene Dupuch Law in the hospitality field. Prior to the dinner, Legal Education School and their guests discovered the To Chef Adderley is owed the credit Week had featured a fun walk and run, delights such a team can produce. COB’s of organizing the students well and a visit to Freeport, a symposium on Choices Training Restaurant was the making sure that everything was in good ‘The Future of Legal Education in The venue for a magnificent black-tie dinner order for the night ahead. Choosing the Bahamas’, a legal fair featuring three top sponsored by the Eugene Dupuch menu proved simple, as the student chefs law firms and two academic institutions Law School Student’s Association, as cooked international cuisine from the and a panel discussion featuring Dr Dexter the culmination of the School’s Legal programme they are currently studying. Johnson of COB’s Law Department, Education Week. Many members of The fare ranged from classic devilled College Council member Dr Earl Cash The Bahamas’ legal confraternity were in eggs to stuffed mushrooms and pan-fried Sr. and Mrs Rhionda Godet. attendance, as well as lecturers and students salmon, all obviously to the delight of from the law school. The sumptuous meal diners.

The College of The Bahamas :: 19 :: The Snapper . August 2006 Council Secretary and Acting VP Institutional Advancement expounded on forms of censorship, typical motives behind restriction of access and salient From the School of Bahamian examples of the foregoing, touching on the overweening effects of the Social Sciences confluence of homophobia and religious fundamentalism. Weighing in from the perspective of Senior Lecturer, Mike Stevenson, is are released; educational courses targeting the Church was Canon Dr Kirkley Sands, heading a Task Force on Human Rights BJC, BGCSE and anger management; who, like Stevenson, lectures in the School with the mission to determine i) what role and vocational courses such as plumbing, of Social Sciences. Dr Nicolette Bethel, The College of The Bahamas can play in carpentry, auto mechanics and computer Director of Culture in the Ministry of the protection of Human Rights in The literacy. Culture, spoke extensively of the obstacles Bahamas and ii) if a centre for Human The class of very attentive and randomly imposed censorship puts on Rights can be created here at The College. fascinated students also learnt of the theatrical production and its power to Mr Stevenson reports that the specific challenges faced by the staff at the prison retard the development of theatre in the focuses of the group at the moment are working in a facility originally built country generally. threefold: the rights of women, the rights for 200 that now houses 1450 and the Last up to the podium was Dr Ian of persons held at the detention centre employment opportunities for qualified Strachan, Chair of the School of English and the rights of both legal and illegal graduates because the prison is now Studies, who reprised and extended the immigrants. looking for brain rather than brawn in its discussion on the relationship between From the meetings held so far, a recruitment drives. rampant homophobia and religion in committee has been formed, comprising, The Bahamas. He showed a remarkable among others, Marion Bethel, Patricia knowledge of biblical texts and the harm Glinton-Meicholas, Audrey Ingram- that results when such writings are taken Roberts and Calvin Eversley. out of context. In broad terms, Mr Stevenson expects Scholars Weigh in on A lively discussion between audience the group to investigate social and cultural and presenters ensued during the question rights and the need to protect the rights Censorship and answer period, with members of the of certain social groups from being eroded. audience decrying the brevity of the evening In this way, he feels, social conflicts can Known for its willingness to meet and calling for a repeat engagement on the be diffused. “We would like The College the social issues of Bahamian society head subject. In attendance was Erin Greene, to become a permanent venue for the on, the School of Social Sciences held a President of the Rainbow Alliance of The protection of Human Rights which will special study session on censorship in The Bahamas. host regular forums on related issues,” he Bahamas in the month of June. Organised adds. by Senior Lecturer Michael Stevenson E’Thegra Symonette, lecturer on Law in conjunction with School Chair Jessica and Criminology, invited a prison officer Minnis, the session was one of COB Psyc 230 Students of 25 years standing, Mr Charles Murphy, scholars’ responses recent inexplicable to address her Criminal Justice Class on episodes of restriction of public access to Confront the World of the topic of Correction. Mr Murphy gave a materials in the public domain elsewhere, brief history of correction in The Bahamas most notably the banning of the U.S. film Tutankhamun from 1650, when the first correctional Brokeback Mountain. There has been a revolution in the facility or prison was commissioned, to Each reflecting upon a different teaching of psychology over the last few the present day. He spoke of the projected aspect of censorship, participants included years. Slowly, a move away from the name change from Her Majesty’s Prison Mr Stevenson, who examined the scientific approach of the behaviourists to Department of Correction and of the constitutional implications of censorship. has taken place and now much greater objective of a prison, which is the safe He explained to a sizeable audience that emphasis is placed upon the ethnographic custody of those remanded to prison by plans for the session had included the and qualitative in research and description. the courts. showing of excerpts from the film, to be Spirituality, although not measurable Mr Murphy described the various followed the next day by a full showing. in purely scientific terms, is very much programmes in operation at the prison for Committee members had applied to a part of this revolution and man’s the correction of inmates. These include a the Film and Plays Control Board for beliefs and relationship to his gods are pre-release programme designed to assist permission to do so, but had been refused. important indicators of his motivations prisoners to find suitable employment Setting the stage for the evening’s and emotions. Diversity is at the core of and reintegration into society when they discussion, Patricia Glinton-Meicholas, modern methodology and at the centre of

The College of The Bahamas :: 20 :: The Snapper . August 2006 COB’s Psychology Programme. people believed back then and how our system during the months of November From March 31 to April 2 psychology beliefs determine the way we live now 2005 and March 2006. A number of faculty lecturer in the School of Social Studies, Dr are fascinating and informative for our members also committed to participating Ava Thompson, took eight students from students.” in Blackboard training exercises later this her Psyc 230 - Motivation and Emotion The students were asked to compare year. class to see the Tutankhamun and the the motivations of the people in the world Golden Age of the Pharaohs exhibition of Tutankhamun to the motivations of at the Museum of Art Fort Lauderdale. people in their world today. They were Dr Thompson wanted the students to thrilled and overwhelmed by many of consider the life of an ancient civilization the exhibits and couldn’t believe the Research Projects as manifested in the exhibition in the light similarities between what motivated the of current theories of psychology. ancient people and what motivates 21st and Presentations/ “The study of psychology in the century Bahamians. They were particular United States is a very narrow exercise aware of similar attitudes towards power Conferences which doesn’t even take into consideration and the quest for it and death and how to much of European thought,” says Dr prepare for it. Sci-Tech Lecturers Thompson, “but we want our students to Giovanna Bain, a psychologist in the gain insights into motivation and emotion Ministry of Education’s Special Services, Present Internationally by not only going back beyond even the accompanied the COB group and acted as Dr Janet Patterson and Mrs ancient Greeks but also investigating the second driver in transporting the students Greta Kemp jointly presented a paper less developed world of modern times. from place to place. entitled “Common Errors in Basic We feel that the parallels between what College Mathematics “ at the Eleventh Consultation of The International Consortium for Research In Science And Mathematics Education” ICRSME XI March 9-11, 2006 at the British Colonial delivery and providing additional resources From the School Hilton, Nassau. to students. To date, geography, chemistry Dr Llewelyn Curling also presented a and mathematics courses at various of Sciences and paper entitled “A System of Education in levels have had Blackboard support. It Science and Technology” at the event. is anticipated that all departments will Technology Mrs Bridget Hogg presented at the eventually offer assistance via Blackboard. Mrs Bridget S. Hogg, Chairperson of Research Edge Forum on April 7th. Her the School of Sciences and Technology, presentation was entitled “Seed-testing reports that the School of Sciences and Genetically Modified Organisms in and Technology had a busy and The Bahamas...The Way Forward”. productive spring semester. Activities Dr Kenneth Cartwright, in and achievements since our last update Faculty and Staff collaboration with Dr Edit Kaminsky, include: submitted three peer-reviewed papers - “ An Optimum Hardware Detector Course Development and Development : for Constant Envelope Quadrature- Review: In March, Ms. Theorelle Nottage, Clerk, Quadrature Phase-Shift Keying and Ms Garno Thurston, Secretary, (CEQ2PSK), “Asymptotic Performance All departments have been involved in the participated in a professional upgrading of the Pth Power-Law Phase Estimator” review and writing of courses. New courses workshop, “ Customer Service”. and “Blind Phase Recovery in Cross in Physics, Technology and Chemistry Five heads of department, Dr Danny QAM Communication Systems with the have been drafted and approved by the Davis, Chemistry; Dr Janet Patterson, Reduced-Constellation Eighth-Order Academic Board. Mrs Hogg noted, “We Mathematics; Alec Farley, Physics; Lionel Estimator (RCEOE)”. These have been also have Biology and Mathematics Johnson, Biology; Mr Freeman Kelly, accepted for publication in the IEEE course proposals that have been reviewed Technology and Mrs Bridget Hogg, GLOBECOM 2005 Proceedings. by the Faculty Board, but are awaiting Chairperson, participated in the American Dr Marlene Jackson attended The presentation at the Academic Board.” Council on Education / College of The Annual Meeting of The Association of Course Delivery Bahamas Workshop from March 2nd American Geographers in North America. to 3rd at the British Colonial Hilton, Discussions included “Indigenous During the past two semesters, faculty Nassau. Geographic Information Science and ventured into use of Blackboard technology Several faculty members participated in Systems” and “Alternative Caribbean as a means of supporting traditional course training for the new registration process Tourism “. using the Power Campus management

The College of The Bahamas :: 21 :: The Snapper . August 2006 Awards and writings each summer at the Chautauqua was noted that COB had faith in Sbarro’s Institution in New York. ability to provide a quality food product She says, “When I was invited to speak at Recognition and service and Sbarro had faith that its this colloquium, I jumped at the chance. Dr Janet Patterson has been Not only was it an honour to be asked to investment in renovating the old cafeteria recognized for service in education by be a plenary speaker for this gathering of would pay off in profits for its company. The Primary Principals’ Association. She scholars with similar interests, but it was Charlton Knowles, Managing was honored at the annual banquet on an opportunity to share my research in Director Tin Plate Ltd, called the May 27, 2006. Buechner, whose writings many of those As you can see, SST faculty and staff have attending will have read.” partnership a landmark in the histories been busy. . Dr Allen received a Master’s degree in of both The College and Sbarro, which English from Georgetown University and first opened its doors in Nassau ten years a Ph.D. from the Catholic University of ago. He opined that the collaboration America in Washington, D.C. where she focused on Religion and Literature. symbolized COB’s move towards the Dr Allen is one of a growing number of twenty-second century and was happy COB lecturers who have presented papers that COB recognized Sbarro as viable at conferences in the Caribbean region and food source. He continued by expressing in the United States during this academic COB Lecturer Addresses year, demonstrating clearly that the area his belief that a Sbarro restaurant at COB Taylor University of research, one of the three fundamental would be successful for The College and Colloquium pillars of importance to the establishment for the Oakes Field community. It would of the University of The Bahamas, is Dr Victoria Allen, Writing be open Monday to Saturday from 7 a.m. developing and growing at The College. Coordinator and lecturer in the School to 10 p.m. and serving a similar menu to of English Studies at the College of the other Sbarro restaurants in Nassau. The Bahamas, was invited to present a plenary paper at Taylor University Richard Rydin, Director of Operations in Indiana. Dr Allen spoke on “C.S. Revenue Enhancement for Sbarro here in Nassau, added that the Lewis and Frederick Buechner: Literary COB outlet would expand its range of Expressions of Faith” on Friday, 2nd June, Initiatives: COB and salad dishes to cater to what he expects the first full day of the Taylor colloquium, “C.S. Lewis and Friends.” Sbarro Sign Historic to be a more health-conscious clientele, The Disney movie version of The Lion, especially among the students. There will, the Witch and the Wardrobe generated Agreement of course, be the usual selection of Sbarro unprecedented interest in the writings of On Monday, 1st May The College pizza and pasta combos. C.S. Lewis, now recognized as one of the foremost literary Christian figures of the of The Bahamas and Tin Plate Ltd, the Sbarro will be open for business from twentieth century. Taylor University in company that operates the local Sbarro the beginning of the fall semester 2006 Indiana, where over forty-five Bahamians restaurants, signed a historic agreement in what Mr Knowles called a “showcase have attained their undergraduate giving Tin Plate Ltd the rights to operate operation” in the renovated college education, holds a number of first editions of Lewis’ books such as Surprised by Joy, a Sbarro outlet on The College campus cafeteria. Mere Christianity and The Screwtape on the site of the canteen in the SUB, the Signing for The College were Rhonda Letters. Every two years scholars gather Student Union Building. The agreement Chipman-Johnson, Acting President at Taylor from around the world for the is for the next five years with the option of The College;and Patricia Glinton- Frances White Ewbank Colloquium on C.S. Lewis and Friends. of renewing for five more. It was Janice Meicholas, Secretary to the Council. Also Though not as well known as C.S. Lewis, Cartwright, Special Assistant to the in attendance: Janice Cartwright, Special Frederick Buechner has published over President for revenue growth, who was Assistant to the President; Rubie Nottage, 30 books and is very well respected as a the principal representative of COB in VP & General Counsel, who prepared the writer and a man of faith. Dr Allen, who became interested in Buechner’s work in brokering the deal. legal documents; Denton Brown, Vice- the early 1980s, has written a book of her Acting President, Dr Rhonda President Financial Affairs; Charlton own entitled Listening to Life: Psychology Chipman-Johnson, spoke of this Knowles, Managing Director Tin Plate and Spirituality in the Writings of Frederick agreement being a partnership of equals Ltd; and Richard Rydin, Director of Buechner and gives seminars on his representing good faith on both sides. It Operations, Tin Plate Ltd (Sbarro).

The College of The Bahamas :: 22 :: The Snapper . August 2006 Security Services: Keeping COB Campuses Safe

Keeping COB’s campuses safe is the Boulevard or those coming from Wendy’s What does Mr Francis envisage responsibility of Mr Wellington Francis, a and the other fast food places. They seem happening to improve security in the former CID officer of 25 years standing to regard using our driveway as their God next few years? He sees the imminent and a man who has a clear vision of the given right and it’s very difficult to prevent installation of security cameras at gates to way to ensure that College property and them.’ the various buildings as a very positive step. those who use it--administration, faculty, Another challenge he and his staff face “I will be able to sit in the surveillance room staff and students-- feel secure on a day- is conflict resolution among students. This and have a video image from all the sites to-day basis. Mr Francis heads the squad is not a regular occurrence but Mr Francis on display so any suspicious or unwanted of 49 security officers who patrol the is determined that his officers will be ready visitor can be immediately challenged and different campuses and facilities in their to intervene in violent conflicts if and problems defused.” familiar light and dark brown uniforms. In when they occur. “We do not suffer from Another implementation could be the addition to the 49 officers in Nassau, there break ins and thefts,” adds Mr Francis, introduction of electronic cards for access are 2 who work at the Northern Campus “and I think this is largely due to the very to buildings and offices, rather like those in Grand Bahama. visible patrolling the officers engage in at used for hotel rooms now. While he would Mr Francis is quick to point out that all times of the day and night. The locks like to see them come in, especially those the main campus is a quiet place where on the doors are all high security also, so with a fingerprint ID feature, he knows problems rarely occur but there is the not mercifully college property remains on that the expense may be prohibitive. inconsiderable challenge of members of college premises.” “That’s the way the world is going,” he the general public using the grounds as “We also have a very productive predicts, “but in the meantime we’ll just a short cut to the supermarket or the fast partnership with the police,” states Mr make sure that the old metal keys don’t get food restaurants near COB on Thompson Francis, “and this is particularly profitable into the wrong hands.” Boulevard. “It was much worse,” he adds, in the patrolling of the area surrounding One thing is sure; the Security “until they erected the wall at the Eastern the dormitories. We are aware of the Department is very aware of the end of the campus. Before that persons increased vulnerability of dorm users responsibility it carries and its officers are would wander across the field at any time and we are pleased that the police, both determined to keep COB a safe and secure of the day. Now, we just have to contend uniformed and CID, patrol the area every place to study and to work for as long as with those who come off Poinciana Drive night.” they can. in front of A block and exit onto Thompson

The College of The Bahamas :: 23 :: The Snapper . August 2006 COB and Families “Of course, working full-time and cannot think of anywhere else she would taking so many courses at COB is quite rather be. Preparing students for the CPA The College of The Bahamas plays stressful and it’s a bit of a juggling act exams keeps her very busy as there are now many roles in the life of this country and trying to fit it all in sometimes,” says Diane, fifteen accounting courses, ten more than of many Bahamian families. The Lockhart “but it was always my plan to continue my when she started her career here, and the sisters present a unique illustration--two education once my children were grown great majority of them are required for the sisters, one a lecturer, the other a student, and that’s what I’m doing. My aim is to CPA programme. both forging ahead and both taking eventually use the degree to further my During her twenty-six years at British advantage of all that is offered at The work at British American.” American, Diane has achieved the status College of The Bahamas. Karen would have been a part of the of Fellow of Life Management Institute Enjoying her second stint as Head School of Business programme teams that (FLMI), having studied the rigorous, of Accounting in the School of Business would have developed the degree that ten-course, professional development at COB, Karen Lockhart has been a Diane is pursuing to assist her career. “The programme that provides a comprehensive full-time lecturer at The College of The School of Business was the first to have business education in the context of the Bahamas since 1984. Her sister, Diane, has Bachelor’s programmes,” Karen reminds insurance and financial services industry. worked as Administrator for the Ordinary us proudly. “We started back in 1991 when “Those courses were great preparation for Division and handled Public Relations we developed the Bachelor’s in Banking what I’m doing at COB now,” she says, “as and Advertising at British American and then by 1995 we had upgraded all our they kept me in a studying frame of mind Insurance Company for even longer. These programmes to that level.” for about eight years. I am now preparing days, however, their paths cross regularly Karen began her association with to start the first of my three required on the Oakes Field Campus because Diane The College as a part-time lecturer in accounting courses. I put them off for as is in the second year of a BA in Marketing accounting in 1982 and, although she long as I could but now I have no choice. and is taking four courses towards that has occasionally thought she would like a My sister will not teach me, though, nor qualification. change of scenery, for the most part, she will I be tempted to ask her help”.

From the Research Unit

Research Edge Forum- Justilien explained that there are many Bahamian music. Chris Justilien unanswered questions about the musical Chris played a portion of a recording of Junkanoo music produced by him and Introduced by Monique Toppin, heritage of the country and the musician’s his colleagues in the1990’s. He described lecturer in the School of Communication story is “rarely told.” He hopes the website the process they used to create an authentic and Creative Arts, as one who has been will add to the limited resources currently “feel” to it, central to which is the fact involved in music since childhood, lecturer, available in this field. that it was recorded in the bush. He said musician and entertainer, Chris Justilien The website, www. , and not Junkanoo, should be presented the results of his research at the bahamasentertainers.com is still a work in the music of the Bahamas as Junkanoo is monthly Research Edge Forum held in progress and Justilien hopes that members too limiting. One can’t write a love song the Lecture Theatre of the Culinary and of the public who have additional using Junkanoo music, for example. Hospitality Management Institute on information about Bahamian entertainers According to Mr Justilien, hotels Friday, March 17, 2006. will send this information to him so it should be encouraged to support local As part of the requirements for his can be added to the site. Justilien is aware entertainers because live entertainment M.Ed degree from VanderCook College that much more work needs to be done, options are limited due to lack of support of Music in Chicago, Illinois, Justilien including interviewing more musicians for local musicians. There is a need to created a website on Bahamian musicians. Justilien did a live demonstration expose all aspects of Bahamian culture: His aims were to do research that was of the website that features 25 artistes cooking, sewing, drawing, writing and so “useful” and to provide an “educational including Blind Blake, George Symonette, on should get equal time with Junkanoo. tool” for Bahamian high school students. Dry Bread, Maureen Duvalier, Ronnie Cleophas Adderley, Director of the He decided to tap into young people’s love Butler, Frank Penn and Peanuts Taylor. National Youth Choir, was one of many of the online environment by putting the There are also photographs, biographies, enthralled members of the audience. information on the web. samples of their music and live interviews along with sound clips of various types of

The College of The Bahamas :: 24 :: The Snapper . August 2006 Institutional Advancement

Jazz Under The Stars concert was headlined by the Henry Moss achieved among the various sections of the Organised by its Office of Institutional Orchestra which featured some of Nassau’s orchestra. Leader, Henry Moss, deserves Advancement, The College of The finest musicians, including pianist Paul accolades for putting together two varied Bahamas sponsored jazz concert, Jazz Hanna, saxophonist, Deno Turnquest, Lou and integrated sets that highlighted the Under The Stars, transported the audience Adams Jr. and his son, Jawara, and COB’s strengths of the musicians and allowed back to the days when clubs such as the own music lecturer, Chris Justilien. Two the audience to reminisce on the days Cat and Fiddle, the Zanzibar and the Bahamian vocalists, Anastasia Charlow when jazz and swing music elegantly and Banana Boat regularly pulsated to the cool and Duke Smith sang soulfully with the stylishly led the way and caused their sounds of classy jazz music. The show was orchestra on selected numbers. listeners’ hearts to race and feet to tap. co-produced by Acting VP Institutional The show that also included a guest Patrons could sample gourmet hors Advancement Patricia Glinton-Meicholas appearance from American entertainer, d’oeuvres prepared by the chefs from the and consultant Roscoe Dames, a radio Marcus Johnson, tap dancing of the Culinary and Hospitality Management personality popularly known as “Mr Jazz”, highest caliber from Feet of Flame and Institute and fine wines courtesy of who also acted as host. It was promised other members of The Bahamas Dance Premium Discount Liquors. Professional that Jazz under the Stars would be the Theatre and spoken word entertainment sound and lighting were supplied by Frank first of many cultural evenings sponsored from Bodine Johnson. A Cuban group, Burrows and his crew from Soundco by COB, as it moves towards not only Sol Caribe, made a surprise appearance and the décor was created and designed university status but also towards being a during the intermission. by Michael and Christine Elliott of centre for the arts in the country. The orchestra filled the night air Enchanted Designs. The COB Band Shell, transformed by with their smooth, rich sound on jazz The producers of Jazz under the lighting and the addition of a huge marquee, classics such as Mack the Knife, A Taste Stars have committed to building the proved an ideal location to highlight some of Honey, All of Me and On A Clear Day. programme into a highly sought after and of the very best of Nassau’s musicians. The Particularly impressive was the balance profitable annual event.

The College of The Bahamas :: 25 :: The Snapper . August 2006 COB in SPORTS Head Coach - Dr Linda Davis Earlier this year Vice President of Academic COB Affairs, Dr Linda Davis, was appointed head coach of the national women’s basketball team by The Bahamas Basketball Federation - the first woman PIRATES to hold the head coach post. She immediately immersed herself and the team in preparing the After five years of unsuccessfully senior women’s squad for the Caribbean Basketball attempting to start a ladies soccer team Tournament, which took place in Kingston, Jamaica here at The College, Paul McCann from 12th - 18th June. finally got his wish this season with the An outstanding basketball, volleyball and formation of the COB Pirates and their netball player in her own right, Dr Davis withdrew entry into the New Providence Women’s from the Bahamian sporting scene when she began Football League. “Entry into the league climbing the ladder of administration and began and a regular schedule of fixtures against studying for her Ph.D. These studies consumed more and more of her time and, as a result, the other three teams have definitely there began her long, self-imposed exile from the sporting world of The Bahamas, an exile stimulated interest” says McCann who that did not end until 2004 when Kimberly Rolle asked her to come out of retirement and has been impressed with the level of coach The College of The Bahamas Lady Caribs Basketball Team. commitment shown by the ladies. Dr Davis reports that she has been reenergized by the experience of coaching the “We train twice a week on COB Lady Caribs and, after attending some refresher clinics to refamiliarise herself The College field and have built up a with current trends in basketball coaching, she is enjoying the experience immensely. squad of seventeen players and the really “I find the coaching experience a great stress reliever,” she says. “I have always believed good thing is that they are all either that athletics gives people the opportunity to develop other aspects of their personalities present students or alumnae of COB,” that may never be discovered without sports. Participating in sports provides you with he continues. “We have shown a steady life lessons; lessons that you take with you throughout your journey in this world, both improvement as the season has gone on in the personal and professional realms. These are the lessons that helped me through and our last few games have been close my academic preparation and professional challenges; and these are lessons that I want and competitive. Although we have only to pass on to student-athletes and professional women alike-the lessons of discipline, won one game, we have competed well teamwork, commitment, physical, spiritual and mental wellness.” and always tried to play football.” In addition to the Head Coach appointment, the Bahamas Basketball Federation Top goal scorer for the Pirates is Shagera Edgecombe who scored all three has identified Dr Davis to head a developmental programme which they hope will assist goals in the Pirates’ one win of the season. in identifying young girls with potential from as early as primary school. Through these She is also a member of The Bahamas and the more recent efforts mounted by the New Providence Women’s Basketball League national women’s squad. in particular, Dr Davis believes that opportunities in the sport of basketball for girls and McCann is grateful to The College for women have never been as positive as they are now. paying the registration fee to the league “The creation of a separate association for women has had a truly beneficial effect on and for purchasing the team’s kit in the women’s basketball in the country and tremendous strides have been made in the three new college colours of blue and maroon. years that the association has been in existence,” she says. “The league is very competitive and there are now 6 teams which means the women play more competitive games more often and this improves their skills and their development as players. I am happy to be a part of a programme that is having such a positive impact on the lives of girls and women.”

The College of The Bahamas :: 26 :: The Snapper . August 2006 John Morley, as a friend of The College Faculty Spotlight of The Bahamas. He said that The College had enjoyed the interest and generosity Krista Walkes of John, before he died. John Morley was passions. She writes poetry and dramatic a personal and much admired friend of Joining the School of English Studies monologues and has had her poems, “The Chairman Wilson, who spoke in glowing in Fall 2005 was Ms. Krista Walkes, a Red Death” and “Looking at the Moon” terms of the man’s lifelong philanthropy published in Womanspeak: a Journal of young woman well known for her part and his knowledge of the social history of in co-authoring and performing the Caribbean Women Writers. Nassau in particular and The Bahamas in acclaimed Bahamian play, “Women Talk” A COB alumna, Ms. Walkes general. in association with Michael Pintard. This completed her Associate degree in English While John Morley was a business play was extremely well received by the at The College of The Bahamas prior to man and realtor, his father, George, was Bahamian audience at its debut in the attending Taylor University in Indiana to National Centre for the Performing Arts study for a Bachelor’s degree in English. an educator who spent his life teaching in in June 2004. Thereafter she completed her Master’s the Family Islands. He established himself Ms Walkes’ interest in art, literature degree at Rutgers University in New as an exceptional teacher and a man who and culture has led her to collect African- Jersey and is currently completing her touched the lives of countless young people American Blaxploitation films of the PhD dissertation on the topic, “Adoption in what were called the Out-Islands in the 1960s and 1970s. She also has an interest in the Anglophone Caribbean Novel.” first half of the twentieth century. in collecting and analyzing Bahamian Ms Walkes also holds a Teacher’s The Minister of Education, Science music from the 1930s to 1970s and has a Certificate from the University of the and Technology, The Hon. Alfred Sears, significant archive of authentic Bahamian West Indies and has taught courses in also attended and spoke of his friendship records. Ms Walkes finds the life-stories Expository Writing, Literary Criticism with George Morley’s grandson, David, of the musicians fascinating and believes and Black Women Writers at Rutgers who was present to represent his family. these stories need to be compiled and University. Although he never knew his preserved for future generations. Her expertise makes Ms Walkes a grandfather personally, David was well Poetry is another of Ms Walkes’ valuable addition to the COB community. aware of the man’s legacy in the annals

At a small, informal ceremony in of Family Island education because his its Executive Board Room on Thursday, father, John, told stories about F. George 18th May, the third floor of the Micheael constantly. David spoke of the fact that his H Eldon Complex was named the F Friends father inherited George Morley’s belief George Morley Suite after the late F that education was the key to the future George Morley. It was another step in The for the people of The Bahamas and that he College’s drive to record for posterity the has been a benefactor to many educational of names of Bahamians who have helped to institutions in the country. shape not only The College but also the The ceremony culminated in a very entire country in terms of its development proud David Morley unveiling the plaque The educationally. on the wall outside the Executive Board During the naming ceremony, Room commemorating the event. Council Chairman, Franklyn Wilson College spoke of F. George Morley’s son, the late

The College of The Bahamas :: 27 :: The Snapper . August 2006 Research, Planning & Development

CONSTRUCTION SEMINAR GROUP about the importance of both working towards minimizing the effects of severe storms and to upgrading the already very SEMINAR 2006 stringent building code that operates here With hurricane activity in our in the Bahamas. BASIL JOHNSON region continuing to rise and the 2006 Melanie Roach, Director of Works at season already upon us, the Construction the Ministry of Works and Utilities, then Seminar Group (CSG), in conjunction took the podium to speak on behalf of the SCHOLARSHIP with the Office of Research, Planning Hon. Bradley Roberts, Minister of Works The family of the late Basil L I Johnson & Development, launched its Seminar and Utilities, who was unable to attend. became friends of The College of The 2006, Lessons Learnt from the Disastrous She confessed to being astounded by the Bahamas earlier this year, establishing a Hurricane Season: 2004 - 2005 at a array of speakers lined up to present, an four-year scholarship to be awarded to very opportune time. It was particularly array that she said, “Read like a who’s who of hurricane assessment and preparedness.” a student who is studying for the new noteworthy that the organizers had She also commended the group for Bachelor of Arts degree in the School of attracted no less a person than Herbert the way it integrated architecture and English Studies. Saffir, the man who developed the Saffir Scale for measuring hurricane strength, as structural engineering and applauded Mr Basil Johnson’s daughter, Felicity, their keynote speaker. Saffir for his work in developing his scale. formerly a lecturer in English at the The opening ceremony was coordinated In conclusion, she declared the seminar College and Assistant Chairperson by COB lecturer, Henry Hepburn, who officially open. of Humanities when she left in 1984, noted that many government ministries Delegates were then introduced to explained that the Johnson family wanted and departments were represented at the the Keynote Speaker by Mrs Lelawattee to do something positive to preserve the opening. Rahming who had personally invited name and memory of their father. When In her welcome, Dr Rhonda Chipman- Mr Saffir to speak at the seminar. She he was just a teenager and working as an Johnson, Acting President, commended emphasized the importance of his scale, apprentice to The Bahamas Government the CSG for bringing a man of Herbert his collaboration with Simpson, which had Electrical Industry, he was deeply disturbed Saffir’s caliber and stature to The Bahamas extended it to include surge power and the by the number of employees who could and remarked that she felt sure the immeasurable assistance it gave to nations in preparing building codes in advance of not write their names when signing for seminar would be of great value toThe future hurricanes. their pay cheques and he vowed to bring Bahamas. She extolled the partnership A surprisingly sprightly and chipper about improvements when he was in a between COB and CSG, stating that it was essential for COB now, and even 89 year old, Herbert Saffir gave a brief position to do so. He became President more important for the future University history of serious hurricanes in the Florida of the Employees Association, the first of The Bahamas to engage in dialogue on area and spoke of factors apart from the union in BEC, and was instrumental in issues critical to the development of the storms themselves, such as complacency introducing training courses for the staff. country. She concluded by saying that on the part of builders and homeowners His belief in the ability of education to she hoped the sessions would lead not and inadequate building codes, that have empower people never wavered. only to a national approach for dealing contributed to the devastating effects Basil Johnson will be remembered with hurricanes but also stimulate other of the hurricanes. He showed a number in another capacity. He was a hero of the CARICOM countries to work together of slides that illustrated graphically just Second World War, serving as an airman. and produce a regional strategy. how destructive category 5 hurricanes The Johnson family expressed Michael Diggiss, a member of the can be and he was emphatic when he said pleasure in knowing that a young student organizing committee and an architect engineers must take the final responsibility for a completed building. “Too often,” of literature at COB will benefit from with Jackson Burnside Ltd, then spoke he said, “buildings are handed over as their father’s belief in education and the briefly about the need for engineers and finished but no one has conducted a final English language in particular. architects to share knowledge about the built environment and expressed his inspection to satisfy themselves that it has Pictured are Dr Marjorie Brooks- appreciation of the work done by Vice been built to the state codes. An engineer Jones, Coordinator for the Bachelor’s President of Research and Planning, must do this.” Programme in English at The College of Dr Pandora Johnson, in organising the The assembly gave Mr Saffin a warm The Bahamas; Basil Johnson’s daughters, event. reception, no doubt feeling honoured Jill Johnson-Albury, Janet Johnson, Felicity Following Mr Diggiss, Cyprian simply to be in the great man’s presence Johnson; and Dr Ian Strachan, Chair of Gibson, a member of the engineering and left to prepare for the next day’s School of English Studies. (Not pictured body of CSG and President of The presentations... and the 2006 hurricane Ivan Johnson, son of Basil Johnson.) Bahamas Society of Engineers, spoke season.

The College of The Bahamas :: 28 :: The Snapper . August 2006 Mr Hepburn delivers packages STAFF Spotlight both on and off campus and enjoys the independence his messenger’s role affords Three Long-Serving him. He believes that a messenger needs Messengers to have a positive attitude and work ethic. “We must be organized and punctual and The College of The Bahamas is rightly offer good customer service,” he adds. proud of the way it manages to inspire Ernestine Douglas at the Grosvenor loyalty among the people who work Close Campus calls Mr Hepburn “a here. A glance down the list of faculty very reliable worker who possesses good interpersonal skills.” She goes on to say, members will reveal a large number who “He is adaptable and hard working in are longstanding employees at COB and every way.” no less can be said about a list of the staff. All three have witnessed the steady Three very familiar College personnel, Michael Hepburn arrived at COB growth of The College over the years and are positive about the direction in which Albert Bootle, Audley Armstrong and in 1984 and was also a security officer. the institution is going at present. They Michael Hepburn, all work as messengers, However, in 1999 he became a messenger for the Grosvenor Close Campus and, have witnessed the construction of G, S, carrying important communications both although he reports for work every day F, C, D and T blocks and the Portia M internally and externally, keeping offices at Human Resources at Oakes Field, Smith Building; the transformation of a and departments in touch with each other Grosvenor Close is his home base. pond into the Tourism Training Centre; and countless changes of location for and The College in touch with wider Although it is hard to believe now, so avuncular and outgoing is he, Mr Bootle various departments. They have also seen community. All three have been at COB admits to having been shy when he first the increase in student enrolment from a for over twenty years: Bootle 28 years, started as a messenger. He says that his mere two hundred to over four thousand. Armstrong 26 years and Hepburn 22 confidence grew as a result of the constant Given their love of their jobs and their positive approaches to their work, The years, and all relish coming to work, loving meetings with people all over the College College of The Bahamas can rest assured the jobs they do. and in banks and offices in town. Mrs Julie Harts in Human Resources that these three will continue to serve it says of Albert Bootle, “He is punctual and honourably and proudly into the future, serious about his job which he always does no matter the changes. to the best of his ability. He will always go the extra mile and provide feedback, so we know if we need to implement additional Student Services services. He is friendly with a good word for everyone. At the end of the day he will Colleges and universities are often always come looking for me to wish me perceived as places of learning where well. He is an excellent worker.” students are left to their own devices to sink or swim depending on their self- motivation and ability to focus. Many Albert Bootle, incredibly, has not people have the idea that students can miss had one sick day in almost three decades. lectures and professors will not follow up He began as a general handyman in the or do anything about it. The stereotypical Physical Plant Department painting perception of a college student’s life does and doing carpentry jobs. Part of his not normally include people on the faculty responsibilities was to double as a security Mr Armstrong and staff who systematically and regularly spends most of his take an interest in the student’s well-being guard at the Soldier Road Campus but, time off campus collecting and delivering and who are concerned enough to monitor after about 3 years, he switched to the goods that have been requisitioned. One the student’s progress or ask why he or she Human Resources Department where he part of the work that he enjoys particularly missed a class. is assisting with customs clearance at the has remained as messenger ever since. However, the Office of Student Affairs docks where he works closely with the has for some years now been trying to Audley Armstrong came to The receiving officers. alter that perception. This division, headed College in 1978 as a messenger but left Leola Butler in the Business Office is by vice president, Colyn Major, aims to after 2 years only to return in 1982 as full of praise for Mr Armstrong’s approach project a more coordinated, supportive and a security officer. Four years later he to his job. “He is very quiet but extremely dependable. He will do anything we ask of cohesive programme designed to assist the transferred to the Purchasing Department him, even after hours or at the weekends. students by addressing the needs of the of the Business Office and he is still there. Nothing is too much trouble for him.” whole person. Its mission places students

The College of The Bahamas :: 29 :: The Snapper . August 2006 first and its aim is to provide quality improving communication by using the to contact students more regularly in its services to facilitate student learning. COB website to publicise and advertise efforts to retain them. To fulfill this mission Major has pledged and we should be more inclined to use One of the thrusts of the conference to encourage and facilitate directors and email and text messages to students to Colyn Major attended was to impress staff members within his area to attend keep them informed of the status of on delegates the need to use all resources workshops and conferences designed to their applications. Using these methods available to inform decisions. Since going expose them to the very best practices will also appeal to young students more to Washington he has realized that data in their particular fields. “I believe as texting is such a common means of and research are essential components conferences are extremely beneficial,” communication among students. We need in informing what he plans to do in the he says. “This year I have seen people to be more active in our Family Island departments he oversees and he is keen to return from conferences and workshops recruitment too. At the moment, it largely step up his access to these resources. energized and more aware of what they depends on the energy and efficiency of One encouraging aspect that all found can do to upgrade student services. That the Guidance Counsellors at the island at the various conferences was the has to be a good thing.’ secondary schools but we shouldn’t be reinforcement that COB is actually doing Bradley Cooper from the Student satisfied with this.” a lot right in its dealings with its students. Activities department attended a 3- Ms Carey feels equipped with plenty of Our practices are in line with the best of day student leadership conference in resources now as she looks to increase the US colleges and universities and, as Nashville, Tennessee; Claire Charlow- her database of donors and she has been more systems are implemented and more Patton, Director of Records, Cheryl compiling data of statistics to support her of the ideas above are practiced, student Carey, Director of Financial Aid and in her quest. She also now recognizes the services here at The College can only Housing, and Veronica Collie, Director need for COB to be more proactive and improve. of Admissions, attended two days of Noel Levitz workshops on the theme of New Essentials of Student Recruitment and Retention in Tampa; and Major himself, School of Nursing and ever mindful of the need to also keep abreast of the latest developments, went Allied Health Professions to Washington DC in March to attend DOREEN BUTLER, NURSE OF THE YEAR 2006 the annual conference of the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators. Cooper’s day-to-day work has been affected by the conference in Tennessee in a number of ways. He says, “The greatest impact was made by one presentation that convinced me we could all be creative in our work. It proved to me that there are many ways to approach a situation and we can all bring new ideas and creativity to supplement existing and traditional methods.” All three directors who went to Tampa found the workshops instructive and useful and all found the strongest message to be the need to focus on good, clear communication, not only during the recruitment process but all through a student’s career at college. Ms Charlow-Patton realizes that good communication is essential and wants to publicize essential information for students earlier, more regularly and in more locations. She also wants to have all Records information available more quickly and is looking for ways to streamline the processes. Veronica Collie says, “We should be

The College of The Bahamas :: 30 :: The Snapper . August 2006 room at the back of the auditorium will Cartwright, the architect, explained the Developing give a panoramic view of the performing challenge of designing the conversion area and will house a computer controlled and, because of the historical nature of lighting system. Flanked by two galleries the building itself, his desire to retain the Infrastructure for paintings and other works of art, the exterior look of the existing structure so Contract Signing for new auditorium will be fully air-conditioned that it would continue to blend in with and handicap accessible. It is projected The College buildings that surround it. Performing Arts Centre that the facility will be used for lectures, On Monday 29th May contracts were seminars, concerts, film shows and signed for the conversion of The College dramatic productions and it will be very of The Bahamas’ auditorium into the comfortable.” state of the art Performing Arts Centre Thomas Lewis of Top Heights of the University of The Bahamas. Those Construction expressed his determination participating in the signing were Chairman to do a professional job and Victor of The College Council, Mr Franklyn Wilson; Acting President of COB, Dr Rhonda Chipman-Johnson; Special Assistant to the President for revenue Physical Plant Growth Projects and Project Coordinator, Departure of Janice Cartwright; Principal of Architects Estates Administrator Associates, Mr Victor Cartwright; and principal of Top Heights Construction, Mr Anthony Burrows, Estates Mr Thomas Lewis. Administrator, left The College to pursue Mr Wilson called the venture “an a wonderful new opportunity. On his last important building block in the move to day with COB, July 14, colleagues gave university status” and one that is “critical him a send off party to wish him well to the idea of providing students with For the past two years Anthony what they require to becoming all they can Burrows has overseen the large Physical be.” Plant and Security Services Departments. Adding that the centre will provide It is clear that he brought to the job a a resource for the entire community, Mr Wilson also stated that he believed it great deal of intelligence and knowledge second Quarterly Awards. The awards aim would build on the rich tradition that of his area of responsibility that covers two to motivate, encourage and inspire the staff lived in the old Government High School New Providence campuses, the Northern of Physical Plant and, more importantly, auditorium and take the performing arts Campus and centres on Abaco, Andros, they show the staff members that they are to new heights in The Bahamas. and San Salvador. truly appreciated here at The College. Dr Rhonda Chipman-Johnson called VP Brown speaks highly of Mr The awards ceremony was the idea it a “signature part” of the development of Burrows signalling his willingness to be of Debra Thomas, the Administrative the institution, creating a facility that will be of service, his collegiality and general Assistant at Physical Plant, who felt that like no other in The Bahamas. An alumna responsiveness. He openly admits that he her staff needed to be recognized for what of the old Government High School, she believes that he will find it difficult to find reminisced about some of the productions they do at The College. Mrs Thomas feels Mr Burrows’ equal. Mr Burrows is leaving mounted in the old auditorium and some that ‘they are the heart of The College. They in response to an excellent job offer in the of the prominent people who performed are the ones who help to keep everything there. Dr Chipman-Johnson also spoke Turks & Caicos Islands that he feels will running smoothly.’ She is also happy that of the excellent acoustics in the existing assist him in advancing his professional the awards have served as encouragement auditorium and her hope that those would development. for the staff. ‘There were quite a few people be enhanced by the conversion. We wish Mr Burrows and his family who did not win awards during the first Apart from reassuring the acting the very best in the new post. quarter and they put a lot more effort in president about the acoustics that will be Quarterly and are now be rewarded.’ excellent, Ms Janice Cartwright explained, The staff is awarded in several areas “It will be a multi-purpose, state of the Quality Service Awards relating to their jobs. These include team art theatre. It will have approximately 400 For the second time this academic leadership, superior performance and tiered seats giving unobstructed views of the year, the staff of The College of The stage, spacious dressing rooms behind the being a team player. Awards are also stage area and a well appointed concession Bahamas’ Physical Plant has something to awarded for perfect attendance, something stand. A technologically enhanced control be excited about; they are celebrating their Mrs Thomas feels should be awarded, as it

The College of The Bahamas :: 31 :: The Snapper . August 2006 shows staff members just how important it is to have them here and that dedication Enhancing deserves recognition too. They also used this awards ceremony to pay a special farewell to Mr Anthony Burrows the the Student Experience Estates Manager at COB, as he will be President’s Scholars leaving The College this year. to Franklyn Wilson, the Chairman of the College Council, who was immediately The awards ceremony is something Programme taken with it. that Mrs Thomas feels every department “In fact, the acting president, Dr in The College should have, so that all staff Highflying high school students who have gained a GPA of 3.50 and have also Rhonda Chipman-Johnson, and the members can have a concrete and public Director of Financial Aid and Housing, way of being appreciated for all that they exhibited outstanding leadership qualities now have the opportunity to attend Cheryl Carey, were thinking of a similar do. The College of The Bahamas, enjoying the scheme but one that focused only on benefits of the new President’s Scholars the academics. This programme, while Physical Plant demanding high academic standards, Renovates Office Space Programme, one of the institution’s newest initiatives designed to enhance also requires that the students receive When Debra Thomas arrived at the student experience. Launched in May leadership training and demonstrate their The College of The Bahamas in August this year after exhaustive preparation, qualities of leadership to the tune of 50 hours per semester.” 2005 to be Administrative Assistant in the programme will invite the country’s Membership in the PSP allows the Physical Plant Department, she was top students to compete for scholarship assistance of $6000.00 per academic year students to develop close associations not very impressed with the office she with university administrators and meet was expected to work in. It was dingy, for study at COB. News of the programme has excited high scholars and dignitaries who frequently lacked a unifying decorative theme school guidance counselors in Nassau visit the campus. Students chosen for the and was uncomfortable. Added to the and Freeport and they have reported PSP also have the opportunity to take unattractiveness of the office was the poor considerable interest among their advantage of some of the most talented state of repair of the bathroom, which students. faculty members at The College of The further contributed to the unprepossessing Director of the President’s Scholars Bahamas who teach special sections of appearance of her workspace. Programme, Lottis Shearer, is particularly selected required courses. Ms Thomas decided that she wanted pleased to see her brainchild coming The College/University awaits its to cheer the office up by renovating it and to fruition. “This is not a new idea,” she first intake of President’s Scholars who will be interviewed during the first weeks giving it a more professional appearance. explains, “and I was first made aware of August. The College expects these She met with the painters and carpenters of a similar programme some years ago when I was away in Oklahoma studying President’s Scholars to raise both the and they spent time looking at the academic standards and COB’s profile out unattractive area and envisioning what for my master’s. I was very impressed by the caliber of persons who had gone in the community and in the nation as a it could look like. “It was a collaborative through the programme there - pillars of whole. effort,” she says. “Mr Anton Archer, Contact: Lottis Shearer the community, doctors, senators, church Director of Presidents Scholars Programme Mr Philiip Gibson and Mr Ricardo leaders - and one day I outlined my idea Lightbourn who are all carpenters, Mr Peter Knowles, Samantha Morley and Tyrone Coakley who are painters and Mr Vincent Curry, the Assistant Director of Physical Plant, all contributed ideas and work began in November.” “There are some excellent tradesmen working in Physical Plant here at COB,” Delia Ferguson Neucasha Greene Christa Lowe adds Ms Thomas, “and it is very gratifying to see how they have worked to bring this project to fruition. They have added some attractive touches like the aquarium which they built themselves, and everything has been done with complete professionalism.”

Amina Sarr Dominic Stubbs Aqueela Thompson

The College of The Bahamas :: 32 :: The Snapper . August 2006 TEXACO/COB Partnership: Texaco Youth Spokesperson For the fifth consecutive year The College of The Bahamas has partnered with Texaco to sponsor the Texaco National Road Safety Campaign. Finalists from the Junior Achievement, Gentlemen’s Club, Rotary Club of Abaco speech competitions, as well as the top debaters from around the archipelago were invited to participate and this year, twenty-three young people took up the challenge. Nine finalists emerged from the first round and, after a keenly competitive final, Shireen Hanna from Doris Johnson Senior High School emerged as the winner. A regular member of the Doris Johnson debating team and a lover of drama, Shireen, plans to attend COB in the fall. She won a laptop computer, the Sharon Wilson Award and, as a result of the partnership between Texaco and COB, a total of $10,000 in scholarships. She will now become the Texaco National Road Safety Spokesperson 2006-2007 and play a key role in the National Road Safety Campaign One thing she definitely wants to do when she comes to The College in August is to take part in more plays but her primary focus will be on her studies: she plans to major in French and Spanish and is looking forward to extending her knowledge of those languages. The first Texaco Youth Spokesperson, Shantarra Davis, also studied at The College of The Bahamas and both she and Shireen are grateful recipients of the collaboration between COB and Texaco that continues to support this worthy youth initiative.

The College of The Bahamas :: 33 :: The Snapper . August 2006 art, religion and recreation. The BERC is an ideal facilitator for research initiatives, outreach programmes Do You and community based projects that lead to sustainable development that can impact the lives of native Androsians. BERC personnel hope that the results of Know? these initiatives will provide data that will eventually influence decision making at a The College of The Bahamas operates facilities on several islands of The Bahamas: local and national level. New Providence BERC director, Ms Margo Oakes Field Campus (Main) Blackwell, reports, “There are so many Grosvenor Close Campus . . . . Contact Campus Administrator Ernestine opportunities of all sorts here in Andros. Douglas In the past we have worked on coastal Grand Bahama Northern Bahamas Campus and creek restoration at Man-O-War . Contact Asst. Vice President Dr Coralee Sound and Conch Sound and hope to Kelly Andros continue this summer at Davis Creek, but there are five parks here in Andros and Bahamas Environmental Research Centre ...... Contact Director Margo Blackwell. it would be appropriate if COB could Exuma get involved with mapping, monitoring Exuma Centre ...... Contact Coordinator Jennifer Kettel. and documenting inventory of all five of them.” Ms Blackwell sees these parks as Bahamas Environmental Research of the Centre, which exists, to promote an Centre providing the basis for designing courses Staniard Creek, Andros understanding of current ecological issues, and implementing programmes that especially those that impact small island address Environmental Management Among some of the less recognised states such as The Bahamas. Its location on Systems, Park Management Systems gems in the COB crown shines the the island of Andros gives it an unqualified and Eco Tourism, as well as their being Bahamas Environmental Research Centre advantage in fulfilling its mission. the sites for research into crabs, crawfish, in Andros. Located under soaring palms Andros is an island of extensive orchids and bonefish. on the banks of Staniard Creek in the natural wonders that include some features The BERC also hosts some academic heart of that settlement, the “BERC”, found nowhere else in the world and courses through CEES and Ms Blackwell as it is popularly known, began life in its people enjoy a rich cultural heritage. states, “This year we ran the first college- 1995 as a collaborative venture among This combination provides an ideal level courses and in fall 2006 we expect to The College of The Bahamas, George setting for discovering interrelationships have a Bachelor’s in Primary Education Mason University of Virginia, USA and between and among fields as disparate and the foundations of a Bachelor’s in the people of Andros. In 2003 COB and as integrated as the sciences, women’s Business Administration on stream. assumed full responsibility and ownership studies, community libraries, education, Our library is ready to open and we have computers online and technology supports ready to allow for interactive classrooms for course delivery. We also hope to offer a Bachelor’s in Environmental Studies in 2007 when, according to the Strategic Plan, we will have a residential campus here.” With long-term partnerships still running with YEAST and ANCAT, it is clear that these are exciting times for the Research Centre in Andros.

The College of The Bahamas :: 34 :: The Snapper . August 2006 BERC Bahamas Environmental Research Centre

The College of The Bahamas :: 35 :: The Snapper . August 2006 The Snapper is a production of the Office of Communication (Formerly Institutional Advancement) The College of The Bahamas Production Team

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The College of The Bahamas :: 36 :: The Snapper . August 2006