The Tribune

By LEANDRA ROLLE

Tribune Chief Reporter

lrolle@tribunemedia.net

DAYS after the University of The Bahamas (UB) announced American academic Dr Robert Blaine III as its new president, Education Minister Glenys Hanna-Martin said she still hopes to see a Bahamian lead the institution one day.

Dr Blaine, described by UB officials as a seasoned academic, was named the university’s fourth president and 13th overall leader  following an extensive search.

His appointment has drawn criticism from the Union of Tertiary Educators of The Bahamas (UTEB), which voiced disappointment that Bahamian finalist Dr Maria Woodside-Oriakhi was passed over for the top post. The union has long criticised the selection of non-Bahamians for the presidency, expressing frustration with what it views as a pattern of sidelining local candidates.

Speaking to reporters last week, Mrs Hanna-Martin acknowledged the university’s autonomy, but said her desire remains for Bahamians to eventually occupy such high-level roles.

“The University of The Bahamas is an autonomous body, and they have a board of trustees which involves everybody - students, technical, staff, faculty. It’s a broad-based collection of representatives, and this is their recommendation. I think their concern is accreditation and they want to ensure that that happens.

“Personally, I would love to see that we are able to say that we have capacity in this nation, that Bahamians are able to fill all positions of importance, including in the education sector.”

Mrs Hanna-Martin had previously expressed a similar position in 2022 when UB appointed Dr Erik Rolland as president. At the time, she said she supported the board’s decision, but expected a Bahamian to take on the role “in short order”. Dr Rolland was selected over Bahamian academic Dr Ian Strachan, who had been backed by UTEB. His tenure ended after one year, with the university citing “personal reasons” for his resignation.

Dr Blaine’s appointment marks the second consecutive time a foreign national has been selected for the role. His contract is for three years.

Former Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham had previously pushed back against the idea that the presidency should go to a Bahamian by default, saying the position should go to the most qualified candidate, regardless of nationality.