By RICARDO WELLS
Tribune Staff Reporter
rwells@tribunemedia.net
FORMER Attorney General Alfred Sears has tendered his resignation as Chairman of the Council of the College of the Bahamas as he makes the transition back to frontline politics as a candidate for the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) in the 2017 general election.
A statement released on Friday by the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology confirmed that Mr Sears’ resignation is to take effect from May 31.
“Mr Sears, in his letter addressed to the Minister of Education, Science and Technology, the Hon Jerome Fitzgerald, indicated that his decision is the result of him having been ratified as a candidate of the Progressive Liberal Party for the Fort Charlotte constituency and his desire to remove (himself) from our premiere public tertiary institution any perception of partisan political consideration,” the statement read.
Mr Sears is quoted as saying: “I thank you for having afforded me the singular privilege of serving as Chairman of the College of the Bahamas during this period of historic transition to the University of The Bahamas.”
Mr Fitzgerald thanked Mr Sears and commended him for his work with the College Council. “I wish Mr Sears well in his future endeavours and I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Mr Sears for his exemplary service as Chairman of the Council of The College of the Bahamas. He and his colleagues are to be commended for their stellar performance and commitment to ensure the transition of COB to university status,” he said.
Mr Sears was ratified earlierthis month as the PLP candidate in the Fort Charlotte constituency, which he represented from 2002 to 2012. He did not offer himself for re-election in 2012, but was appointed to serve as chairman of the Council of The College of The Bahamas after the PLP won that election.
Since his ratification Mr Sears has released a series of policy proposals that he intends to champion if he becomes a member of the government. He has stated that his return to frontline politics is not just to to simply join the party’s ranks but to “sharpen the party’s vision”.
Mr Sears has called for the establishment of an “Integrity Commission to investigate the conduct of members of Parliament, senators, and senior public officials” and for term limits for prime ministers. The Fort Charlotte hopeful has also criticised both parties for not doing enough to empower local governments on the Family Islands or to decentralise power in New Providence.
His recent actions have led political pundits to speculate that he is positioning himself for a leadership post within the PLP.
Comments
sheeprunner12 8 years, 6 months ago
What can crooked Sears brag that he has accomplished at COB????? ........ bring back a hapless old Rodney Smith aka Professor Plagie ......... redirect dirty numbers and Snake money to pet projects .......... Build big entrance while the other buildings deteriorate ........ talk about building dorms while Out Island children risk life and limb to survive in Nassau ......... Put VAT on fees ............. Build Freeport campus in da bush and take on BAMSI as a step-child???? ........ cut STEM and cultural programmes and hire foreigners,friends, family and lovers (some with questionable resumes) ............... Create a University with a failing secondary school system to support it ??? ........... BTW: the politicians and social elite do not send their children to COB now, what makes you think that the 'best and brightest' will attend UOB?????
EasternGate 8 years, 6 months ago
The PLP has always had low self esteem. This is why they like grandiose projects!
Well_mudda_take_sic 8 years, 6 months ago
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TheMadHatter 8 years, 6 months ago
If I were you two guys, I would tone down my words against the next Prime Minister of the Bahamas. The two persons who run that party (and I won't mention their names because I don't have proof) - have already made the decision.
They are supported in that decision by the deputy leader of the FNM and the deputy leader of the DNA (along with the people's choice for PM, Loretta Butler) - all three have stated they do not wish for the FNM and DNA to combine forces - so - in other words - the PLP will win election with only 40% of the vote, FNM 35%, DNA 25%.
No point in having an election. The result has been pre-ordained (or perhaps some other unmentionable method?)
Just predictable Bahamian politics. Any and all other options are on the table and likely - except for everyone putting forth and supporting the best person for the job of PM - Obie Wilchcombe - a man who actually cares about people, and has the connections (knows everyone) to get the job done. Of course, in our country, the right answer is simply not allowed.
realfreethinker 8 years, 6 months ago
You can't be serious about Obie the "bag" man
sheeprunner12 8 years, 6 months ago
BTW: Who sits on this Council????? Do they really have a vested interest in the ordinary lives of the average Bahamian whose children attend this place and who will contribute to this country ........... or are they of the group who went to private school, overseas school and did the same for their children etc??????? .............. he who knows it, feels it ...... they who eats cake does not know how a hungry man feels
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