After a complete year of tension and controversy surrounding the presidential office at The College of The Bahamas, the institution’s chief is saying that truth and integrity will be the foundation of the future university’s presence.
Janyne Hodder, newly appointed COB president said that she is not on a crusade to win the hearts of the public through the media but rather she wishes to display the honest truth of what is being done at COB.
“I’m actually not terribly fond of talking about image, I like to talk about truth and I think the way you will do that is by doing good work. Its not about spin, it’s about work,” Ms. Hodder said.
“There are people here who come everyday in service to the nation, that’s the story we need to tell,” she added.
Her words came in her first official address to the nation as the president of COB and she said that she is pleased for her return, which she termed as a homecoming.
Since March 21st when she was first introduced as a candidate for the presidential race at the college, Ms. Hodder’s name, face and profile has been circulated around the nation being seen on the front pages of most major newspapers and in articles on the Internet.
However she said that she believes in the freedom of the media and encouraged negative and positive criticisms on COB as she feels they are both beneficial.
She also said that she desires for every Bahamian to be touched by the institution in some way.
“One of the first goals that I have set for my tenure is to demonstrate clearly that every single person, every family, every life throughout the country should feel the positive impact of The College of The Bahamas.”
“The college will need support to meet this goal. It will need champions and critics alike- to make sure we set the right course and to help us through any treacherous shoals we find on our journey.”
“Most of all we will need faith, hope and charity coming to us from all quarters.”
In reference to the heated controversy and contention that preceded her arrival, Ms. Hodder responded by saying, “Here as in all universities, there is always important and critical debate but one of the most extraordinary things about universities is generally when the decision is made, the decision is made, and people move on. I have sensed no difference here.
She added, “Universities and colleges are meant to be places of debate and then people rally around and behind decisions and I believe that is what is happening here.”
Ms. Hodder said that her decision to accept the position came from a “desire to give back to a place, people and country that changed her life.”
By: VIRAJ PERPALL, The Nassau Guardian
