Chairman of the College of The Bahamas Council, Mr. Franklyn Wilson announced plans for the college's grand colloquium, slated for June 30 - July 4. Also pictured is President of the College, Dr. Leon Higgs. Photo by FARRENO FERGUSON

By TAMARA McKENZIE

Guardian Staff Reporter

The College of the Bahamas wants to stimulate and enhance the intellectual and cultural climate of the Bahamas, through the convening of its Forum 2003.

This grand colloquium, slated for June 30 - July 4, is expected to bring together Bahamian scholars, professionals from various economic sectors, international academics who study The Bahamas and other interested persons to discuss and produce documentation on a wide range of subjects that are pertinent to the life and progress of the nation.

Under the theme: "Looking Back, Looking Inward, Looking Ahead," the colloquium, which is being held in association with The Bahamas Association for Cultural Studies (BACUS) is anticipated to stimulate national reflection and discussion on such issues as the conservation of our natural resources, increasing our ability to feed ourselves through enhanced agriculture and fisheries, the preservation and promotion of Bahamian history and culture, the growth of the national economy and the fostering of civil society. The delivery of information will be through the presentation of formal and informal papers, panel discussions and audience participation.

President of the College, Dr. Leon Higgs, said on Tuesday at the first press breakfast for 2003, that the forum would comprise a number of scholarly presentations delivered to the College as well as the Bahamian community.

"What we are attempting to do is to look at some of the technical, social, cultural and scientific issues that affect us here in The Bahamas. We are inviting Bahamian scholars, as well as those abroad in institutions with whom we have relationships," he said.

Chairman of the College of The Bahamas Council, Mr. Franklyn Wilson, said that the Forum will hopefully deepen research at the College and allow the College to make its contribution to the 30th anniversary of the Bahamas' independence. He said that the Council sees the Forum as a major effort to take scholarship to a brand new level in the country.

"The event is not just about what will take place in the 3 to 4 days that speeches are being made, but the ideas that come out during the course of this event, will hopefully be the basis for many years of scientific and other thought at this institution, and by anyone who has any interest in scholarship in The Bahamas, or any matter related thereto," he said, adding that the Forum, if done properly, can set a tone for The Bahamas well into the 21st Century.

Executive Vice President of the Council, Dr. Rhonda Chipman-Johnson, who is also in charge of the political aspect of the Forum, said that Forum 2003, even though it will cover a variety of topics, will also span politics and the economy.

She noted that invitations are also being sent out for concerned citizens and scholars to give their views on Bahamian politics and economy. Some examples cited included: The development of politics, political leadership and its features, race and politics and the role of women in politics.

Dr. Pandora Johnson, another co-chair responsible for the scientific aspect of the event, said that COB has a responsibility to enhance the intellectual climate in which we exist and such enhancements should be done swiftly, as The Bahamas is approaching its 30th year of independence.

She explained that as Forum 2003 is organized, it is the hope of the council to bring forth the ideas of those persons who have used The Bahamas as a laboratory in the creation of medicine, patents and the cure of diseases.

"As we look at the area of science, technology and the environment, our expectation is that we will bring people to talk about what they have discovered about things in The Bahamas, in the field of The Bahamas culture, waste management, blue holes and archaeology," she said.

Dr Johnson, who is responsible for the Cultural strand of the Forum and whose portfolio encompasses the College's library, said the Forum will also give a much needed boost to literature in The Bahamas, in which it is hoped that a number of publications, broadcasts and follow-ups in other forms will emerge. She stated that organizers consider the convocation to be a great opportunity to demonstrate the ability of the Bahamian community to work together for the common good, during which proposals for papers are being invited for submission.

President of BACUS, Mrs. Patricia Glinton - Meicholas, said the Forum is expected to prove beneficial to the country, as it will provide much research and documentation. "This Forum is attempting to create documentation based on research, but I would like to emphasize that is inclusive. Although we are looking for the scholarly, it is something for all Bahamians and friends of The Bahamas," she said.