The Tribune

By KYLE WALKINE

Tribune Staff Reporter

kwalkine@tribunemedia.net

THE head of the committee charged with finding the new president of the College of the Bahamas yesterday hit back at Franklyn Wilson, the college’s former Council Chairman and a major benefactor, over his comments as to who should be appointed.

Retired Justice Ruby Nottage said it appears that Mr Wilson, who last month announced that it would be a “significant error for the country” if Dr Rodney Smith were reappointed, is “impugning” the character, intentions and deliberative abilities of all involved in the selection process. 

Mrs Nottage, head of the Advisory Search Committee, said the process was “open, fair and transparent”, not a “significant error” as described by Mr Wilson and should not be a cause for explanation. 

“This is the first time that such an open and participating process has been engaged in the search for a president of the college,” Mrs Nottage said.

“Neither of the two presidents appointed under Mr Wilson’s chairmanship were subjected to such a process.”

“This was a process in which Mr Wilson had the opportunity to publicly express his opinions during the public forum and to make clear his observations and recommendations like every Bahamian who participated. Persons from all sectors were invited to participate and to contribute to the process.”

Five candidates have been shortlisted for consideration: Gregory Carey, PhD; Philip Carey, PhD; Olivia Saunders, DBA; an internally selected candidate and Dr Smith, the former COB president who was forced to resign. 

Mr Wilson has for years been a major financial contributor to the college. His company recently donated $1 million to the building of COB’s new school of business, which also will be named after him.  

Mrs Nottage said while she respects Mr Wilson and sees him as an honourable man, she must defend the eleven people appointed by COB’s council to serve on a search committee for the next president. 

Regarding Mr Wilson’s contribution to the college, Mrs Nottage said: “It is in the heart of man to decide whether he will give or not give. Where the heart is focused it doesn’t matter whether one is criticised or not. It’s in the best interest of the college. Mr Wilson’s heart is good. He means to do this college well. I have no doubt that he will continue to be a major contributor. In fact, I think that he will be proud that we made the stand quite clearly as to the process that was followed.”

According to Mrs Nottage, the advisory committee makes “findings” and sends it to the college’s council, which then makes “recommendations” to the Minister of Education and he makes the announcement. 

“So you don’t throw everybody in a basket and start to make comments about something that has been a process,” she said.  “Each of those levels made a contribution and the comments made, I believe, attempt or seek to speak about the decision making ability of these individuals. I’ve worked with them all. I stand very strongly to defend any Bahamian who gives his time and effort in such a matter as this. “

The 11 people appointed to the search committee prior to the former president demitting office were: Dr Robin Roberts, Justice Cheryl Albury, Mark Humes, Anthony Hamilton, Marcus Laing, William Fielding, Tamischa Richardson, Rodman Forbes, Anastasia Brown, Delreco Bonaby and Mrs Nottage. 

According to Mrs Nottage, the council is currently making its recommendation to the minister and she anticipates an announcement hopefully before the start of the Fall semester.