COB delegation forges ties with Cuban universities
From Bahama Islands Info
While in Cuba attending the 9th International Congress of Higher Education, College Council and COB leaders signed an MOU with the University of Havana. From left are: Council Secretary Mr. Michael Stevenson; The Bahamas Ambassador to Cuba Her Excellency Alma Adams; Deputy Council Chairman Dr. Earl Cash; Acting College President Dr. Earla Carey-Baines; College Council Chairman Mr. Alfred Sears; President of The University of Havana, Dr. Gustavo Cobreiro; Dean of Liberal and Fine Arts Dr. Marjorie Brooks-Jones and Acting Executive Director of CHMI Dr. Sophia Rolle. In the back row are: Associate Professor, School of English, Dr. Ian Bethel Bennett and Union of Tertiary Educators of The Bahamas (UTEB) President Mr. Mark Humes.NASSAU, Bahamas — A higher education delegation representing The College of The Bahamas has solidified relationships with two universities in Cuba to facilitate institutional strengthening; further academic development and research opportunities; and increase faculty, staff and student exchanges.
While attending the 9th International Congress of Higher Education called “Universidad 2014”, held under the theme For a Socially Responsible University, College Council Chairman Mr. Alfred Sears; Deputy Chairman Dr. Earl Cash and Acting College President Dr. Earla Carey-Baines, along with senior COB administrators and faculty, also met with leaders in Cuba’s higher education system and government.
College officials signed two memoranda of understanding: one with the University of Havana (Universidad de La Habana; UH) and another with the University of Information Science (Universidad de las Ciencias Informáticas; UCI). The agreement with the University of Havana establishes a formal mechanism for the exchange of information and materials as well as staff, faculty and students. It also facilitates research and visiting scholars between the two institutions. Specific academic areas in which the two institutions are aligned include: maritime studies, marine science and small island sustainability. The University of Havana has experienced some degree of success in these programmes, which are anticipated to thrive under the impending University of The Bahamas.
Under the MOU with the University of Information Sciences, the two institutions will build a mutually beneficial relationship based on UCI’s expertise and experience in academic programmes for informatics; computer software applications, website development and e-learning platforms. The agreement also facilitates faculty and student exchange opportunities.
While in Cuba, the delegation also held meetings with representatives of The National Department of Tourism Training, The Commodore Hotel Training Centre, and the Academy of Plastic Arts aimed at forging partnership arrangements and collaborative projects. Additionally, Cuban officials in The Ministry of Culture and The Ministry of Higher Education shared their best practices in cultural promotion and preservation.
By attending University 2014, the delegation was able to participate in active debates about the social responsibility of the university, an ongoing dialogue that is taking place at higher education institutions across the Caribbean and Latin American region. The international gathering followed the recent meeting in Havana of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC).
The College’s participation in Universidad 2014 and additional meetings with Cuban governmental representatives resulted from the efforts of Cuban Ambassador to The Bahamas, His Excellency Ernesto Soberón Guzman; Third Secretary at the Cuban Embassy, Ms. Yoslaidy Clemente López; and The Bahamas Ambassador to Cuba Her Excellency Alma Adams.
Other members of the COB delegation to Cuba included: Council Secretary Mr. Michael Stevenson; Union of Tertiary Educators of The Bahamas (UTEB) President Mr. Mark Humes; Associate Professor, School of English, Dr. Ian Bethel Bennett; Acting Executive Director of CHMI Dr. Sophia Rolle and Dean of Liberal and Fine Arts Dr. Marjorie Brooks-Jones.
Photo: While in Cuba attending the 9th International Congress of Higher Education, College Council and COB leaders signed an MOU with the University of Havana. From left are: Council Secretary Mr. Michael Stevenson; The Bahamas Ambassador to Cuba Her Excellency Alma Adams; Deputy Council Chairman Dr. Earl Cash; Acting College President Dr. Earla Carey-Baines; College Council Chairman Mr. Alfred Sears; President of The University of Havana, Dr. Gustavo Cobreiro; Dean of Liberal and Fine Arts Dr. Marjorie Brooks-Jones and Acting Executive Director of CHMI Dr. Sophia Rolle. In the back row are: Associate Professor, School of English, Dr. Ian Bethel Bennett and Union of Tertiary Educators of The Bahamas (UTEB) President Mr. Mark Humes.
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