The Tribune

JONES Communications Network announced yesterday that it will honour Minister of Education, Science and Technology Jerome Fitzgerald and University of The Bahamas President Dr Rodney Smith as its persons of the year for 2016.

In a press release, officials from JCN said: “The establishment of the University of The Bahamas on November 10, 2016 was the most significant achievement for the year and a milestone in national development.

“Minister Fitzgerald and Dr Smith drove the vision of the government for the establishment of the university, thus advancing modern education for The Bahamas.

“It is a major paradigm shift in the culture and fabric of our country as it relates to tertiary education and national development as a whole.”

JCN CEO Wendall Jones said while the road to university status was “mapped out” by Prime Minister Perry Christie 14 years ago, it was Mr Fitzgerald who was “responsible for the execution and for the vision to be realised,” by getting the necessary legislation through Parliament.

“And it was the competence and professionalism of a team headed by Dr Smith that created a modern space at the Oakes Field campus for learning and a commitment to service and excellence. In addition, Dr Smith has established a high quality of programmes for the university,” Mr Jones said.

The JCN Person of the Year Award will be presented to both men at a gala ceremony in January 2017.

Prime Minister Perry Christie and then Financial Secretary John Rolle received JCN’s Person of the Year Award in 2015.