A key part of University of The Bahamas’ (UB’s) legacy as the premier institution of higher learning in The Bahamas is its record of producing national and global leaders, as well as honouring their outstanding accomplishments.

On Saturday, 25th February, UB continued that rich tradition of publicly recognizing that excellence by inducting one of its alum into the prestigious Alumni Association Hall of Fame and awarding six others in the categories of trailblazers, outstanding alum, and emerging leaders at the Fifth Annual Hall of Fame and Outstanding Alumni Awards held at Crypto Isle.

Veteran financial services industry professional, Lisa Gibson-Woodside (Class of 1982) was welcomed into UB’s Hall of Fame. Assistant Director of UB-North’s Business Office Aurelia Pinder and Artistic Soul Productions Studio, Inc. Proprietor Aryana Joy Roberts (Class of 2012) received the Emerging Leader Award while Correctional Specialist Troy Clarke and Certified International Airport Professional Troy Strachan (Class of 2002) received the Trailblazer Award. Additionally, UB Counsellor, Dr. Camille Smith and PMR Managing Partner Philip Simon (Class of 1992) received the Outstanding Alumni Award.

On receiving the honour, Mrs. Gibson-Woodside expressed her appreciation.

“I am humbled to have been selected and now inducted in my country’s highest institution of learning, the University of The Bahamas Hall of Fame, an opportunity which I will forever hold with honour and pride,” said Mrs. Gibson-Woodside. “Education enhances the growth of not only an individual, but by extension this country that I love so dearly. I will continue to encourage the discipline of higher learning to all, young and old.”

UB President Dr. Erik Rolland commended the honourees for being excellent ambassadors and their diverse accomplishments. Each awardee has made invaluable contributions to the development of The Bahamas in their own unique way, which has consequently elevated the University’s profile nationally and internationally.

“Alumni are great role models, the best role models, perhaps,” said UB President Dr. Erik Rolland. “They have good connections in industry and in government. They willingly engage with civic agencies, non-government organizations and government organizations, and they serve as living beacons of the quality of the graduates that we are producing here at the University of The Bahamas.”

UB’s Vice President of Institutional Advancement and Alumni Affairs, Mr. Dino Hernandez, agreed. He noted that the importance of UB’s alumni extends far beyond fame, influence, and popularity; it also encompasses the tangible things they do to make the world a better place.

“Alumni of this prestigious institution were on the front lines fighting to ensure our safety and the safety of The Bahamas during COVID-19,” said VP Hernandez. “To our alumni, here and globally, we could never fully express our gratitude and appreciation to you and your families for the work and sacrifices you made for the betterment of our nation.”

Alums Ms. Sloan Smith and Mr. Ernesto Williams served as the moderators for the event. Honourees and guests enjoyed food, drinks, and live performances by Bahamian artist “Shine” and a dance team from the C.V. Bethel High School—whose dance instructor, Ms. Theresa McPhee, is also a proud UB alumna.

“Here at UB, it has become a rich tradition for us to honor the achievements of all of our alumni who have made significant contributions to their community or professions, and who have also distinguished themselves while at the University,” said Director of Alumni Affairs, Mr. Elvardo Thompson. “Their achievements are a testament to this great institution and the high quality and the number of alumni leaders we have produced over the past few decades.”

For President of UB’s Alumni Association, Mrs. Jazmine Romer-Rolle, Saturday’s event was especially rewarding.

“As 2022 marked my 10-year graduation anniversary, I am ecstatic to celebrate in this special way, by honouring some of my own classmates,” said Mrs. Romer-Rolle.

The evening was a celebration of the greatness that distinguishes graduates of the institution.

A key part of University of The Bahamas’ (UB’s) legacy as the premier institution of higher learning in The Bahamas is its record of producing national and global leaders, as well as honouring their outstanding accomplishments. On Saturday, 25th February, UB continued that rich tradition of publicly recognizing that excellence by inducting one of its alum into the prestigious Alumni Association Hall of Fame and awarding six others in the categories of trailblazers, outstanding alum, and emerging leaders at the Fifth Annual Hall of Fame and Outstanding Alumni Awards held at Crypto Isle. Veteran financial services industry professional, Lisa Gibson-Woodside (Class of 1982) was welcomed into UB’s Hall of Fame. Assistant Director of UB-North’s Business Office Aurelia Pinder and Artistic Soul Productions Studio, Inc. Proprietor Aryana Joy Roberts (Class of 2012) received the Emerging Leader Award while Correctional Specialist Troy Clarke and Certified International Airport Professional Troy Strachan (Class of 2002) received the Trailblazer Award. Additionally, UB Counsellor, Dr. Camille Smith and PMR Managing Partner Philip Simon (Class of 1992) received the Outstanding Alumni Award. On receiving the honour, Mrs. Gibson-Woodside expressed her appreciation. “I am humbled to have been selected and now inducted in my country’s highest institution of learning, the University of The Bahamas Hall of Fame, an opportunity which I will forever hold with honour and pride,” said Mrs. Gibson-Woodside. “Education enhances the growth of not only an individual, but by extension this country that I love so dearly. I will continue to encourage the discipline of higher learning to all, young and old.” UB President Dr. Erik Rolland commended the honourees for being excellent ambassadors and their diverse accomplishments. Each awardee has made invaluable contributions to the development of The Bahamas in their own unique way, which has consequently elevated the University’s profile nationally and internationally. “Alumni are great role models, the best role models, perhaps,” said UB President Dr. Erik Rolland. “They have good connections in industry and in government. They willingly engage with civic agencies, non-government organizations and government organizations, and they serve as living beacons of the quality of the graduates that we are producing here at the University of The Bahamas.” UB’s Vice President of Institutional Advancement and Alumni Affairs, Mr. Dino Hernandez, agreed. He noted that the importance of UB’s alumni extends far beyond fame, influence, and popularity; it also encompasses the tangible things they do to make the world a better place. “Alumni of this prestigious institution were on the front lines fighting to ensure our safety and the safety of The Bahamas during COVID-19,” said VP Hernandez. “To our alumni, here and globally, we could never fully express our gratitude and appreciation to you and your families for the work and sacrifices you made for the betterment of our nation.” Alums Ms. Sloan Smith and Mr. Ernesto Williams served as the moderators for the event. Honourees and guests enjoyed food, drinks, and live performances by Bahamian artist “Shine” and a dance team from the C.V. Bethel High School—whose dance instructor, Ms. Theresa McPhee, is also a proud UB alumna. “Here at UB, it has become a rich tradition for us to honor the achievements of all of our alumni who have made significant contributions to their community or professions, and who have also distinguished themselves while at the University,” said Director of Alumni Affairs, Mr. Elvardo Thompson. “Their achievements are a testament to this great institution and the high quality and the number of alumni leaders we have produced over the past few decades.” For President of UB’s Alumni Association, Mrs. Jazmine Romer-Rolle, Saturday’s event was especially rewarding. “As 2022 marked my 10-year graduation anniversary, I am ecstatic to celebrate in this special way, by honouring some of my own classmates,” said Mrs. Romer-Rolle. The evening was a celebration of the greatness that distinguishes graduates of the institution.

 

The Naval Innovation Center at Monterey, California is building a partnership with the University of The Bahamas, as the entities work to solve issues related to climate change, the US Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro said yesterday while addressing an audience at the University of The Bahamas.

Del Toro said the relationship between The Bahamas and the US is central to building resilience against climate change and in ensuring the economic strength and safety of both countries.

"The resilience of our friends and neighbors in this region is of critical importance to our own security," said Del Toro.

"And like I had said, and like I will continue to say, we want to help. That's why key elements of our involvement in the Caribbean are training exercises as well as medical and engineering expert exchanges, to empower strong and collaborative regional responses to emergencies."

He added that the US Navy has commissioned ships to carry out humanitarian assistance workshops across the Caribbean and have responded to climate-related disasters in the past.

According to Del Toro, the Navy is building medical ships with low drafts that can navigate the shallow waters of The Bahamas.

"Our public health professionals are working with nations such as Haiti, the Dominican Republic and Jamaica to build greater resilience and local capabilities to prevent, identify and safely respond to vector borne diseases which are becoming less predictable and more prevalent as the climate continues to change," he said.

He added that the Navy is considering future projects with the Royal Bahamas Defence Force and has already invested in other projects across The Bahamas.

Del Toro lauded a memorandum of understanding signed last July between the University of The Bahamas and the University of Hawaii for cooperation and exchange that will pave the way for the training of people skilled in disaster risk reduction.

He said there is a need for countries like the US to listen to Caribbean scholars on the issue of climate change.

"I want you to know that we stand with you in working tirelessly towards making that world a reality," said Del Toro.

"We fight alongside you to protect your people, your land, and your way of life. We understand that you are fighting for your very existence, as the minister said earlier.

"I hope that you understand that you have a partner in us, the United States."

The 50th CARIFTA Games are just six weeks away and anticipation for the event continues to grow.

Last Thursday, Pauline Davis, dubbed the Dame of the 50th CARIFTA Games, commenced her roadshow, visiting as many of the schools within New Providence as possible, and stirring up support for the young athletes as they prepare for the upcoming event, scheduled for April 8-10, at the Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium. Davis encouraged the students to pursue a career in athletics, which had opened many doors for her and gave her something positive to focus her gifts and life on.

In preparation of the upcoming 50th CARIFTA Games, the CARIFTA Trials is set for March 25-27, at the Thomas A. Robinson stadium.

Davis began her school visits with her alma mater, Government High School (GHS). At GHS, she inspired the young students and athletes to remember their pride and legacy as a school and as Bahamians.

Davis shared her story about the triumphant race that propelled her to recognition. In 1984, she won the Austin Sealy Award for most outstanding athlete, and helped The Bahamas to win CARIFTA that year with her final leg of the under-20 girls 4×400 meters (m) relay.

Davis encouraged the students to remember that this year, they are chasing "gold" at the 50th CARIFTA Games.

"Remember that our 242 pride runs deep," she said.

According to Davis, the 50th CARIFTA Games Local Organizing Committee (LOC) looks forward to each school participating in the cheer competition, in which the details will be released shortly, and is headed by event partner DasQuay of DasQuay Entertainment. It will be an opportunity for each school to show their support for their fellow athletes and Bahamians as they carry the pride of a nation on their backs on the track.

Davis' most recent school visit was to C.I. Gibson Senior High School where she continued to encourage the students to remember to support their fellow students and athletes. One athlete she highlighted and thanked for his dedication as a young man was Johnathon Rodgers – bronze medalist for The Bahamas for 2022 CARIFTA Games.

"I am happy and grateful that you decided to pick up a pair of cleats instead of a knife or gun and do something positive," she said.

Davis' school visits, on the 'Road to CARIFTA', will continue with her stopping at several schools on New Providence, encouraging athletes and young persons to do their best.

"Whether you are on the track or in the stands cheering your fellow Bahamians this CARIFTA, come gold with us," she said.

Tickets for CARIFTA are now available for purchase online at www.carifta50.com or at the box office for CARIFTA at the Western Grandstand entrance of the Thomas. A. Robinson National Stadium.

For more information, interested persons can visit www.carifta50.com or follow CARIFTA on its social media pages – @carifta2023 or on Facebook.

The Ministry of Education and Technical & Vocational Training’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) section held an opening ceremony for its two-day CTE Month symposium and exhibition at Holy Trinity Activity Centre, February 16, 2023.  Held under the theme, “sustainable development through trades” the symposium highlighted the talent of school-aged children participating in business studies, family and consumer science education and technical studies.  Officially opened by Minister of State in the Ministry of Education and Technical & Vocational training the Hon. Zane Lightborne, the symposium and exhibition is one of several activities marking the CTE Month of February.