Prime Minister and Minister of Finance the Rt. Hon. Perry G. Christie addresses the University of The Bahamas Charter Day Ceremonies at the Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium, November 10, 2016. (BIS Photo/Letisha Henderson)
Prime Minister and Minister of Finance the Rt. Hon Perry Christie said that the University of The Bahamas must be a place of relevance within both the national and global contexts.
"It is, therefore, critical that a University not only 'Respond to national needs', but also 'Engage the country' in meaningful discussions, Prime Minister Christie said, during the Charter Ceremony for the University of The Bahamas and the Inauguration of Dr. Rodney D. Smith as President, held at the Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium, Thursday, November 10, 2016. "The University must continue to have a voice in matters of national and global importance."
For this reason, he said, the right of academic freedom must always be jealously protected, and solid research, through well-resourced centres, must be encouraged and supported as well.
"We must encourage the students and faculty of the University of The Bahamas to be at the forefront of the national discussion, and to expand the horizons of our knowledge in all disciplines of study, he noted.
Prime Minister Christie was speaking on the topic “From the Road to Transition to the Road of Possibilities: The Role of the University of The Bahamas in National Development”.
Prime Minister Christie continued and said, "Of particular importance to our country is the need for research in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Through the STEM subjects we venture into so many disciplines that are critical to long-term planning for the future well being of our country."
The recent hurricanes Joaquin and Matthew, PM Christie said, have also rudely reminded us that the University must continue its scholarly research and studies into climate change, especially in relation to the menacing prospect of sea level rise and its implications for the low-lying areas of our archipelago.
Courses on Disaster Management with particular reference to pre-hurricane evacuations and post-hurricane recovery and restoration, must also receive special attention, he stated.
"Similarly, issues of urban planning, land use, and non-fossil fuel-based energy diversification must also figure highly in the University’s research agenda.
He added that while on the subject of energy, he hoped that the University would soon have a definitive plan to have its entire campus moving forward towards the use of solar energy.
"Relevance also means that the University must be cognizant of the needs of the entire country from Inagua in the south to Abaco in the north. We should therefore be able to look forward to an expansion of the system of mini-campuses, research centres and institutes across the country."
He added that as the University looks for new opportunities to do good work and to expand its horizons, he implored all involved to remain focused on achieving strong results and operating accordingly to the principles and best practices of accountability.
Prime Minister Christie said that he knows that the University of The Bahamas is not a finished canvas and there is still much work to be done.
"More partnerships remain to be made; new programmes remain to be dreamt of and brought to life; and greater expansion across our country and into the region will continue to challenge us," he said. "But, today, more than any other time before, I am supremely confident that all our dreams and aspirations for the University of The Bahamas will in the fullness of time be realized."
To the nation’s youth, Prime Minister Christie said that through the work we have undertaken on the National Development Plan, we in the political leadership of our nation remain resolute in our commitment to the progressive, orderly and rational development of our nation and its resources.
"We invite you, therefore, to partner with us as we collectively work towards the building of a better, more modern, more relevant, more upwardly striving and sustainable Bahamas, he said. "This is the promise of the people of my generation to yours."
"We ask you to seize this opportunity to be a transformational participant in the history of The Bahamas that is in the making."
Prime Minister Christie quoted a section of the country's national anthem then said: "May the Lord our God, who covers The Bahamas from shoal to shoal, guide and protect the University of The Bahamas and her stewards and students; and may Almighty God continue to bless the Commonwealth of The Bahamas."
By Eric Rose
Bahamas Information Services
