The Tribune

By RASHAD ROLLE

Tribune Senior Reporter

rrolle@tribunemedia.net

ALLYSON Maynard Gibson, chairwoman of the University of The Bahamas’ board of trustees, said an announcement of the new university president will be made “in short order”.

Meanwhile, the university’s board has rescinded a policy requiring proof of COVID-19 vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test result to enter UB campuses and facilities.

The choice for UB president has been closely watched because of debate over whether the person should be a Bahamian or a foreigner.

UB assistant professor Dr Nicolette Bethel wrote to UB’s former board of trustees last year, saying appointing a foreigner as president would be a “grave insult”.

UB announced three finalists for president of the institution last year: Dr Erik Rolland, Sir Anthony Seldon and Dr Ian Strachan. Dr Strachan is the only Bahamian.

Although the “overwhelming majority” of UB’s former board of trustees agreed on who should be the next president, the announcement was delayed because of the 2021 general election.

Asked about the matter yesterday, the former attorney general said: “The University of The Bahamas reflects a community of stakeholders who deserve visionary and exceptional leadership, particularly in the role of president. To this end, members of the newly elected board recently met with previously identified top finalists for the president position. We collectively found our conversations to be extraordinarily helpful and remain motivated to announce a new university president in short order. We will deliver the best candidate to our community and this requires our due diligence. Our investment of time to make an informed and educated decision remains paramount in our national interest.”

UB’s policy requiring vaccination or proof of a negative test took effect on September 2, 2021.

It is not clear why the vaccination policy, which has been implemented by hundreds of colleges around the world, was rescinded. However, some universities outside The Bahamas have begun to drop the vaccine mandate as well. Last week, UB announced that it will resume face-to-face learning in May.