The Tribune

THE University of The Bahamas (UB) continues its official charter events this week with a special celebration at the Northern Bahamas Campus (NBC) in East Grand Bahama on Thursday.

UB, which transitioned from The College of The Bahamas, was chartered on November 10, 2016. Thursday’s celebration is the latest event to commemorate the historic charter outside New Providence.

“The idea is to ensure that the entire county serves as the campus for the University of The Bahamas, so rather than having all of our centres of excellence on one island we are going to create centres of excellence on several islands throughout the country,” said UB President Dr Rodney Smith.

“With Grand Bahama being the centre for industrial, shipping and manufacture enterprises, the focus for the campus should be in these respective areas. Eventually, the College of Engineering and Technology of the University System could be located on this island.

“Similarly, the College of Agriculture and Marine Sciences could be located on the island of Andros, in partnership with the Bahamas Agricultural and Marine Sciences Institute (BAMSI). Other colleges within the system will eventually develop on other islands as the university expands, stimulating economic development throughout the country.”

Residents in Grand Bahama are encouraged to wear blue today in support of UB which is also partnering with Frank’s Ice Cream to celebrate the charter.

On Thursday, the celebration at the Northern Bahamas Campus will encompass a formal charter ceremony beginning at 10am followed by the unveiling of two plaques, one recognising the charter of UB and another commemorating the Grand Bahama Port Authority’s gift of the land on which the campus is constructed. Alumni, friends and supporters of the institution as well as members of the public who support higher education are invited to attend. On Thursday evening, UB alumni are invited to attend a mix and mingle event at Monkey Joe’s to reconnect with their alma mater.