The College To Host the National Development Plan Secretariat’s Launch of The State of The Nation Report

NASSAU, Bahamas – The Bahamas has embraced the development of a national plan, and as the nation’s top tertiary institution, The College of The Bahamas (COB) has assumed a critical role in the development of the plan. Now, as the National Development Plan Steering Committee (NDPSC) prepares to launch the State of the Nation Report (SNR), that partnership is about to move to the next phase.

As the Vice Chair of the Steering Committee, the College has provided leadership and support to the NDPSC with pursuing its objectives. For instance, COB drafted 10 primers for the State of the Nation Report covering the four main pillars of focus: the Economy, Governance, Social Policy and the Environment.

College President Dr. Rodney D. Smith believes The College’s partnership on this vital initiative will help to further drive and support national development and so aligns itself with the Strategic Plan of the College.

“An important part of being the premier national tertiary institution, is hosting and playing a significant role in historic events of national importance. We at the College are proud to be intimately involved with the National Development Plan, its Secretariat and all of the events and meetings that are a part of it. Our faculty and students have contributed significantly to the beginnings of the plan and will be instrumental as the plan is created and then implemented,” expressed Smith.

Other highlights of COB’s direct participation have included the organisation and facilitation of vision meetings with the Free National Movement and the Democratic National Alliance; hosting town hall visioning meetings in New Providence, Grand Bahama, Inagua, Cat Island, Andros, Long Island, Eleuthera, Abaco, Bimini, and Exuma; participation in visioning meetings with stakeholders including unions, various associations and special interest groups; hosting the Transforming Governance workshop designed to begin the national development transformation with senior members of the public service; national engagement in the planning process through radio and television appearances, and launching of a national online survey for all residents to participate in the visioning exercise. COB architecture faculty and students participated in an Office of the Prime Minister-Inter-American Development Bank Urban Design lab with the University of Vienna and additional projects focused on the Sustainable Nassau Programme.  Additionally, the College Bahamas Union of Students participated in the Vision2040 Youth Conclave, a platform for young adults to express national needs and priorities and their vision for the future of The Bahamas.

Prime Minister Perry Christie will officially launch the SNR on Monday, 11^th April 2016 at 6:30pm at The College’s Harry C. Moore Library and Information Centre. The NDPSC seeks to ensure that both the report and the launch continue to reflect the widest possible participation.

The National Development Plan: Vision 2040, will provide a roadmap for the future development of The Bahamas. The Plan will include a comprehensive policy framework that will guide Government decision-making and private sector investment over the next 25 years to ensure growth and prosperity. Vision2040 is an initiative developed in partnership with the Inter-American Development Bank and in close cooperation with the College of The Bahamas, The Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers’ Confederation, Civil Society and other political stakeholders. The Plan is guided by extensive research, analysis and widespread public consultation aimed at addressing four main policy pillars: The Economy, Governance, Social Policy and Environment (Natural and Built).