Contract signed for construction of Franklyn R. Wilson Graduate Centre

The Nassau Guardian

“If you love The Bahamas, support The University of The Bahamas,” said businessman Franklyn R. Wilson at a pivotal gathering to undergird university learning in The Bahamas.

It was a profound statement indicative of the public-private sector collaboration at the nucleus of a construction project which once completed will stand as a landmark for higher education in the country.

On Friday, December 20th, Wilson, chairman of Sunshine Holdings Ltd.; executives of RBC Royal Bank of Canada; Minister of Education, Science and Technology Jerome Fitzgerald; College Council Chairman Alfred Sears and College of The Bahamas senior administrators participated in the contract signing for the Franklyn R. Wilson Graduate Centre.

The center will be one of the key developments of the impending University of The Bahamas. Dwight Tinker Construction Ltd. was awarded the contract for the construction of the multimillion dollar facility, which is anticipated to be completed by December 2014 and will be adjacent to the Harry C. Moore Library and Information Centre at the college’s Oakes Field campus.

Wilson and his wife, Senate President Sharon Wilson – legacy donors to the college – have donated $1 million towards its construction and Arawak Homes is also gifting architectural services. RBC Royal Bank, a longstanding supporter of the college and a celebrated proponent of education, has also donated $1 million toward the project. The Government of The Bahamas is a primary donor as well and has contributed $1 million.

“We are humbled and honored to be a part of this. We want to encourage all Bahamians, all persons who love The Bahamas – I don’t care where you are from – if you love The Bahamas believe in the University of The Bahamas and show that belief by more than talk. I don’t care which part of this country you are from, I don’t care what wealth you have, there is something you can do to help this university,” said Wilson.

President of Caribbean Banking, RBC Royal Bank Kirk Dudtschak acknowledged that the project, within the framework of the impending university, is fundamental to the economy and the future of The Bahamas.

“When I was reflecting on my visit here so far and the economic realities of the world today, at the core of it is that education is probably the most important ingredient and solution to where we are and where we need to go. At the most basic level education it is about creating a sense of pride, a sense of confidence and allowing individuals to participate in the economy and in society,” he said.

“At its most advanced level, education is about creating capacity and competence. It is about creating the ability to take ideas and turn them into action and that is not only good for individuals and their ability to contribute to society, but it is also good for the economy and that is good for The Bahamas. In my view it is critical for the future of The Bahamas,” Dudtschak added, flanked by Nathaniel Beneby, president of RBC Royal Bank (Bahamas) Ltd.

One of the tangible characteristics of a university is graduate programs. The Franklyn R. Wilson Graduate Centre will provide the critical resources and space that will be necessary for persons pursuing masters degree programs designed to give The Bahamas a competitive edge in the global marketplace – programs like the MBA which has concentrations in areas that address specific national needs. RBC FINCO Managing Director Tanya McCartney was among the first cohort of MBA graduates from the college last December.

Minister of Education, Science and Technology Jerome Fitzgerald was pleased to see the progress being made, particularly since he is a former deputy chairman of the College Council. He served along with Franklyn Wilson, then Council chairman. Both men were appointed by then Minister of Education Alfred Sears. Fitzgerald saluted Wilson for his unwavering commitment to education and the development of The Bahamas.

“Mr. and Mrs. Wilson have become known as philanthropists throughout this country. I encourage more persons to get involved with the development of our country. The Government of The Bahamas is doing its part but we continue to encourage private sector involvement and partnership in order to develop our country further,” he said.

“…One of the things that all three of us had committed to, based on the level of time and commitment and hours upon hours we spent, was preparing the college for university status, against some of those who did not think we needed it or did not think it was possible. I can say we are well on the way and before this term is over – 2015 is the projected date – we will have The University of The Bahamas.”

According to College Council Chairman Alfred Sears the graduate center will serve as a catalyst for innovative graduate programs aimed at meeting national development imperatives.

“These programs will complement the post graduate degrees presently being offered by The College of The Bahamas. It is envisioned that the transition to university status, and over the next ten years, beyond the transition itself, will involve the ongoing implementation of a master plan which has taken into consideration a capital development campaign encompassing the construction of an arts complex, a new science center, a student union building, residence halls and other needed facilities,” he said.

“This new exciting master plan will be rolled out in the next three weeks. The plan anticipates the construction of the Franklyn R. Wilson Graduate Centre as part of the first stage of capital development projects to be implemented in keeping with the master plan,” Sears added.

Once completed, the more than 14,000-square-foot facility will comprise classroom spaces, a student lounge, faculty lounge, computer lab, conference room, administrative spaces and a lecture theater.

The building was designed by Arawak Homes Limited (AHL) and the construction will be jointly managed and administrated by the College of The Bahamas and Arawak Homes Limited.

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