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Last Updated: Feb 13, 2017 - 1:45:37 AM |
The development of a 21st century Bahamas and the empowerment of future generations of Bahamians will depend heavily on the investment that we, the leaders of today make in the education of our people. For years now, the College of the Bahamas has been the foundation upon which scores of Bahamians have propelled themselves to higher heights. Sadly, the continued expansion of the institution, its overall administration and delays in its long awaited transition to university status have become a cause for concern.
The DNA breathed a sigh of relief to finally witness the tabling of legislation to finally make this transition a reality. In his parliamentary contribution, the Minister responsible pledged improvements to the number of courses,services, infrastructure as well as the financial management at the institution, which in light of the loss of a multi-million dollar loan with the Caribbean Development, is so important to building a better College of the Bahamas.
The Democratic National Alliance is happy to see the government finally take the steps necessary to improve the quality of education our students can receive at COB. But, as COB Students and the wider public have come to expect from this PLP, the legislation still leaves much to be desired. Take for example provisions made for the appointment of the University’s Board of Trustees. In its current form, the legislation re-enforces the same type of top-down style of management which has for years now crippled progress in other areas of the public sector. By failing to include more than one faculty appointee, and even a student or alumni appointee, the Bill excludes the views and contributions of those serving on the College’s front line and further encourages a lack of accountability in the organization – an organization which already packs huge authoritative firepower: ranging from the power to amend statutes without consulting faculty, staff or management at the institution; to its absolute control over almost all academic matters.
If the University of the Bahamas is to become a beacon of tertiary education in the country, then it must be free from the culture of corruption and shady management which has overshadowed numerous other government-run entities. Instead the government must move to encourage transparency in management and governance at all levels.
Equally concerning is the seemingly intentional exclusion of various unions representing employees at the soon-to-be University of the Bahamas. In what can be described as outright union busting, the terms of Article 15 in the new University Bill don’t list unions as a protected group for admission. This discourages persons in the university from joining or participating in any of the three associated with the institution.
In Parliament, Minister Fitzgerald touted the years of consultation which led to the drafting of the Bill, however the government has seemingly ignored concerns raised by members of the faculty and union members during those consultations. Once again, this PLP administration shows almost no regard for what people at the front line of higher education in this country think is best for the students and the institution as a whole. This disregard of such key viewpoints is likely to derail even the most well laid plans and prove yet again just how out of touch this government is regarding the needs of the country and its education system.
The DNA calls on the government to review and amend these and other key elements of the new University Bill to make sure that Bahamian Students, and College Professors are able to benefit fully from the College’s transition to University.
Nevar Smith
DNA Candidate, Marco City
© Copyright 2016 by thebahamasweekly.com
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