Higher education and lifelong learning both have broad ramifications for community development and national progress. This is particularly true for Exuma, where The College of The Bahamas operates a Centre for Continuing Education and Extension Services (CEES) in Hooper's Bay. Exuma has a growing economy that is primarily bolstered by hospitality and tourism. But evolution is apparent in other sectors and soon there will be a need for highly-skilled workers in the healthcare and allied services sectors, now that a community healthcare facility is under construction in George Town.
These are the kinds of national needs that the college has a demonstrated record in meeting, but nonetheless, there is still room for growth. "We have to direct the energies of The College of The Bahamas to fill the indigenous needs of each island, otherwise it would just be an institution that is out of place. In the case of Exuma there has already been dialogue with the members and leaders of the community to see how we can best serve the community," said Dr. Earle Cash, deputy chair of the College Council, following a recent Council meeting in Exuma. "With the transition to university status we are trying to do our best to improve the quality and extent of the service that the college provides to these communities," he added.
President of the Exuma Chamber of Commerce Pedro Rolle envisions a robust collaborative relationship between the college and the island's business community; one that would benefit Exuma and its cays. "One of the things we had in mind was how can the business community partner with The College of The Bahamas to ensure that COB's presence grows and is more impactful," he explained to members of the College Council during a discussion at the Exuma Foundation Resource Centre in Hooper's Bay. "We want to ensure that this is a college town and students need to know that if they are unwilling or unable to go to Nassau, they can go here.
We need to know what projects are coming on stream and what professionals are needed and hopefully we can have meaningful dialogue," Rolle added. The CEES operation at the Exuma Foundation Resource Centre offers academic upgrading; professional development and personal development courses and programs. Residents can also do college prep courses online, as the college uses various modalities to extend access to higher education throughout the Family Islands. According to Part-time Coordinator for CEES in Exuma Nevillene Rolle, there is a growing need for higher education in Exuma because of the businesses and industries that are emerging.
"We have persons who are entrepreneurs who would need business management skills; there is a new healthcare facility being constructed; education is a field that continues to grow and there is a need for upgrading. We also have teachers who have completed their first degrees and want to do their master's degrees, and the hotel industry is being revitalized," she said. Approximately 30 persons are enrolled in the CEES program in Exuma, but with increasing momentum about the impact of higher education; its role in national development and the need to increase the capacity of The College of The Bahamas, this number is expected to significantly increase. The discussions with community leaders and residents in Exuma are important, as leaders and administrators canvass persons throughout The Bahamas on the roadmap to creating the University of The Bahamas.
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