BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – THE Board of Governors of the Clarence Fitzroy Bryant College (CFBC) was officially installed yesterday (Aug. 19) at an on-campus ceremony.
The board will now serve as the school’s highest authority and will outline policy mandates, ensure fiscal health and address issues of concern by staff and students. Its 11 members are representative of a wide range of stakeholders from civil society and the public and private sectors.
They are Chairman Frank Mills (UVI Professor), his Deputy Dr. Hermia Morton-Anthony (Agriculture Ministry), Dr. Robertine Chaderton (Accreditation Board), Olivia Edgecombe-Howell (UWI Open Campus), Dr. Bronte Gonsalves (NIA), Tapley Seaton QC (Chamber of Industry and Commerce), Rev. Isaiah Phillip (Christian Council), Sonya Parry (Bar Association), Patricia Martin (CFBC staff) and Calvin Duggins (CFBC student representative).
Osmond Petty of the Ministry of Education and Acting CFBC Principal Sonia McPhail will be ex-officio members, while a representative from the Ministry of Finance is still to be designated.
During the ceremony, Education Minister Hon. Sam Condor expressed confidence that the “eminently qualified” members would deliver “beyond the high expectations” given to them. He gave insight into the board’s origin, noting it was the result of his ministry’s decision to transform CFBC into a full-fledged university.
“Six years ago, the ministry decided that in order for the college to attain its highest educational standards, it should be made autonomous. A steering committee was established to consult with staff, students and other stakeholders as to the best way forward. That led to the drafting of the CFBC Bill in 2007 and its implementation in 2008,” he revealed.
“Under the Act, the college is expected to shift from community college status to university status within the next seven to 10 years. It provides for the school’s eventual transition from a government institution to an autonomous tertiary institution. Every such institution must have a Board of Governors and so today’s installation has taken us a step closer to our goal,” Condor added.
Chairman Mills addressed the crowd after Condor’s presentation and pledged that he and his board members would execute the highest level of professionalism, organisational and managerial skills. He also assured they would work diligently to meet legislative and policy deadlines.
