The Tribune

By RASHAD ROLLE

Tribune Staff Reporter

rrolle@tribunemedia.net

ALTHOUGH classes are set to resume for the first time next week, the College of the Bahamas opened its doors this week to students, employees and their immediate family who wanted to “use computer equipment, wireless internet, electricity, shower facilities and cafeterias” in the wake of Hurricane Matthew, the institution’s President Dr Rodney Smith said yesterday.

“Compassion compelled us to act quickly in extending a level of comfort and relief to our faculty, staff and students who were impacted by the hurricane,” he added.

That gesture was well received by staff and students of the college.

Meanwhile, classes at the Oakes Field, Grosvenor Close and Northern Bahamas campuses will resume on Monday.

Because of the devastation the storm wrought in Grand Bahama, the college is still “assessing the needs of students and employees in order to provide relief” to them, Dr Smith said.

“In short order, we will announce exactly how we will mobilise much-needed relief for our college family and on a national level,” he added. “We invite you to join us in these efforts as we seek to restore and rebuild.”

COB is in the midst of one of its most important activities, transitioning to a university, and a number of projects have been underway to prepare the college for this.

Hurricane Matthew, an official said yesterday, has not impacted this process.

November 10 is the official date for the transition and it will bring an end to a process that began well over a decade ago and has long been envisioned.

On Matthew’s impact on the college, Dr Smith said: “At our various campuses in New Providence, Grand Bahama and San Salvador the damage caused by Hurricane Matthew ranged from minimal to moderate. Our Oakes Field campus sustained the most damage including uprooted vegetation, damage to roofs, windows and perimeter fencing and water intrusion. Our student residential facility on Gregory Street also has roof damage. These all are being repaired and restored.”