University of The Bahamas Alumni Magazine Spring/Summer 2020

In

This Issue

Spring / Summer 2020

Edito1•ials

4

The '\1•ts

10

9

THE PRESIDENT'S PERSPECTIVE

GUEST ALUMNA EDITORIAL

Message from:

Balancing progress

,ational l11te1•est

15

21

FACING THE MENACE OF CLIMATE CHANGE

SHARLENE CARTWRIGHT ROBINSON

Hurricane Dorian

Premier ofTCI and UB

and its effect on

alumna, Sharlene

- Chairman 5

with principles; a

CREATIVELY ROOTED IN HERTIAGE& COMMUNITY

- VP, Institutional

charge to return to

The Historic

Advancement 6

our foundational,

Nassau Project:

our university &

Cartwright-Robinson,

- President, Alumni

mores.

Honouring

our country.

shares her journey.

Association

6

Our Heritage

UNIVERSITY OF THE BAHAMAS ALUMNI MAGAZINE

I

SPRING / SUMMER 2020

In This Issue

Spring/Summer 2020

Philanth1·0I>y

24

�niYe1·sUy 1,h1mni lh1I>penings Cil·cle

1,111mni 1;1ootp1·iids

,Yhe1·e 1,I·e They �o"·?

28

32

Round-up of the

A celebration for

Highlights of our

latest happenings,

outstanding alums

Exploring the

generous donors.

achievements and

and a profound

amazing journeys

students since

activities of our

call to action.

of 3 exceptional

graduation.

GIVING THAT MAKES A DIFFERENCE

READ ALL ABOUT IT!

faculty, staff &

ANSWERING THE CLARION CALL

33

SPECIAL ALUMNI FEATURES

36

RECONNECTING See what life events

have happened for some of our former

UB alumni.

students.

UNIVERSITY OF THE BAHAMAS ALUMNI MAGAZINE I

SPRING / SUMMER 2020

BY KANDICE ELDON

The Tapestry

OF BAHAMIAN TRADITION There is nothing quite like the tapestry of Bahamian tradition, particularly when it is interwoven with community and collaborations that span several generations. When all three were combined and showcased at one of the historic landmarks in downtown Nassau, the fusion was something worthy of celebration.

"Today the arts can no longer be confined to formal spaces like museums, theatres, and classrooms; society now demands more.

It is an exciting time in The Bahamas, a moment when artistic expression and the freedom to voice self is defiant and ambitious, reminiscent of the 1950s cultural insurgence," says Keisha Oliver �02, artist, designer and art educator.

The Historic Nassau segment of the 14th Annual Transforming Spaces tour shed the confines of that formality to present a provocative palette of visual and performing arts from fine art, woodwork, craft items and jewellery-making to literary and culinary arts.

The tour featured unique exhibitions at the four participating galleries: the D'Aguilar Art Foundation (DAF), Doongalik Studios, Hillside House and The Current Gallery and Art Centre at Baha Mar Resort.

Art remarkably came to life at Hillside House, a colonial structure on Cumberland Street built in the 1800s. The quaint enclave serves as the studio for acclaimed Bahamian artist Antonius Roberts.

Oliver curated Historic Nassau to galvanize the bonding and building of community in support of Bahamian tradition and art.

The aim was to fuel strength within the creative community which fosters sustainable partnerships and vibrancy throughout communities. And with downtown Nassau serving as the socio-economic hub for the country, Hillside House was a natural connection. It wasn't the first effort by 0 liver to cultivate collaborations and it is not envisioned as the last.

"In the past few years I've UNIVERSITY OF THE BAHAMAS ALUMNI MAGAZINE I

SPRING / SUMMER 2020

The Creative Economy worked on several projects like Historic Nassau which have proven that bridging generational gaps within the art community is guaranteed to yield a sustainable future for The Bahamas' creative economy. Historic Nassau was birthed out of a desire to use the University of The Bahamas (UB) as a catalyst to foster generational relationships and dialogue within the art community through the celebration of Bahamian traditions," she says.

Oliver, an Assistant Professor in Communication and Creative Arts at UB and head of the Visual Arts department pointed to the impact of "The Unapologetic Millennials".

These creatives, she suggested, have exhibited zeal and innovation in music, drama, fine art, digital media, and film

which has fueled new trends, demands, and economic value for creativity and cultural content in diverse sectors of the Bahamian economy.

The creative economy is acknowledged as a significant contributor to a nation's gross domestic product (GDP), sparking innovation and knowledge transfer and fostering inclusive development.

According to the United Nations Conference for Trade and Development, expressions like arts and crafts, books, films, paintings, festivals, songs, designs, digital animation or video games spread important social and cultural values.

Oliver agrees.

"Conceiving physical and virtual safe spaces that support artists and programming for artistic expression promotes

social inclusion and creative enterprise," she explains.

Her own art practice canvases the environment, bridging the physical and cultural landscapes of the Caribbean. It probes the issue of cultural identity and straddles themes of social heritage and fragmentation. This focus fed into the three-day cornucopia of art at Hillside House. In one aspect, UB's creative writing group The Tingum Collective launched by the late Dr. Tiffany Austin - worked with writers to produce a collection of poems that confronted social and cultural nuances. In another, Maxwell Taylor led a 'Master Print-Making' workshop which involved staff, faculty, students and other artists. The environment was infused with the perspectives of the 'creative entrepreneur' along with music panel discussions and

Bahamian poetry. The outcome was a lively expression of the human imagination.

"How do we create unique opportunities that break away from the norm of traditional academia? We can start by creating a more visible community presence, where the institution is seen and respected as a stakeholder in the arts and culture sectors. We should constantly be thinking of ways to foster meaningful and long-lasting relationships; from growing partnerships with corporate, educational, and civic organisations to dedicated relationships with professors, students and graduates, and more importantly a connection of both," she says.

Rocking Horse

By Dr.Danny Davis

UNIVERSITY OF THE BAHAMAS ALUMNI MAGAZINE

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Evacuation queues in the aftermath of Hurricane Dorian.

(Photo credit: Terran Knowles)

According to the latest Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Special Report released in September 2019-the same month Hurricane Dorian struck The Bahamas -global warming is already 1 °C above what it was in the pre-industrial age because of past and current greenhouse gas emissions and the ocean is warmer, more acidic and less productive. The report from the United Nations (UN) body confirmed that melting glaciers and ice sheets are causing sea level rise, while coastal extreme events are becoming more severe.

Adapting to the reality of global warming and mitigating its impact in The Bahamas can no longer be ignored. With thousands of people impacted by the last severe weather system that barreled through the Northern Bahamas, there is a renewed urgency to lessen the human impact. This is where University of The Bahamas is preparing to mobilize its resources and forge partnerships to conduct research and provide insights for effective public policies, education and collective action.

The University announced in November 2019 that is was establishing the Climate Change Adaptation and Resilience Research Centre (CCARR) with a presence at UB-North once it is rebuilt. However, in the meantime work is progressing on securing funding and solidifying partnerships. The centre will focus on researching the human

dimensions of climate change to prepare the people of The Bahamas for how best to respond, considering the country's vulnerabilities. Just a mention of the CCARR Centre has already sparked interest in collaborations from over 20 regional and international organizations from academia and the public and private sectors.

Director of the CARR Centre Dr. Adelle Thomas said delving into the human dimension of climate change, which includes adaptation, loss and damage and comprehensive disaster risk management, is a critical niche.

This is particularly the case because such research has long been dominated by institutions in the industrialized countries, with far less input coming from Small Island Developing States (SIDS) that are already experiencing the impacts.

"This has resulted in a research gap, with far fewer climate change studies focused on small islands as compared to other places in the world. The CARR Centre responds to this gap by creating a space for much-needed research on the challenges facing small islands as it relates to climate change," Dr. Thomas points out.

As a human-environment geographer, Dr. Thomas' research has centered on adaptation, loss and damage and vulnerability of SIDS to climate change, a natural alignment with the envisioned activities of the centre.

"We will conduct policy-relevant research that will result in

peer-reviewed academic publications as well as policy briefs. We will work with public and private sector agencies to support the development of effective policies and also serve as a resource for our government partners. We will also host public events in order to translate academic findings into messages that are relevant and useful to regional and international organizations, including academia and NGOs," she notes.

IF@IRl VOOIE IFlUJllUJIRllE

While research and policy formation are crucial, deepening constructive national conversations and awareness is just as important - so important that the focus for the next Sustainable Grand Bahama Conference organized by UB-North and scheduled for March 2020 is on "Hurricane Dorian: Reflecting, Reimagining, Rebuilding."

Vice President of UB-North Dr. Ian Strachan AA '88 reiterated that given what The Bahamas endured and the magnitude of Hurricane Dorian, implications for public policy are many and the University provides a neutral space to pursue the truth.

"This particular storm has been so devastating and so historically unprecedented that emotions are running extremely high and it's been polarizing.

UNIVERSITY OF THE BAHAMAS ALUMNI MAGAZINE

I SPRING / SUMMER 2020

The University provides the objectivity and neutrality that is needed in this particular moment. We want to have a national conversation and that is something in which every citizen has a stake," he says.

"This is the nature of our climate, the nature of our geography. This is what we face in a hurricane season every year and that has to be something that we think about more intelligently."

The aim is to attract the participation of stakeholders, document the conference proceedings, compile recommendations and submit them to the government -and in particular the newly appointed Ministry of Disaster Preparedness, Management and Reconstruction -and non-governmental organizations for action.

"How can we prepare our average citizen to live in a world like this? How do we help them to build homes?

How do we help plan communities with this knowledge? And how do we utilize our scarce resources in a way that is most effective to protect and to enable us to rebuild in the shortest possible time? These are the kind of questions we want to be asking and this is the urgency with which we must act."

giving!

THAT MAKES A DIFFERENCE University of The Bahamas thanks its loyal donors for their invaluable support that has helped us to continue building towards a world-class University.

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. left are VP· •of Institutionol Advancement, Mr. Dino Hernandez; from Financ,o . I Aid & Scholarsh .ips, \,1s. Cheryl Corey, Deon, Business, Hospitol,ty , Tourism Studies, Mrs. Re me/do Moxey,. University Presi.dent, Dr. Rodney D. f LENO Founder and s ident, Mr. Seon K. Lon gley, LENO Manager o' Operations, Mrs. Kenris Longley,:;:d Director of Development, UB Mr. Peter M itchell.

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UNIVERSITY

Alunts �ve to Endownten for Student Scholarships Two UB alums are making it possible for students to receive a quality education from their alma mater and increase their employ­ ment prospects by contributing $250,000 to fund full-time, undergraduate scholarships in perpetuity. Sean K. Longley and his wife, Kenris, are forging a lifelong relationship with UB that fulfils a most pressing need.

In an act of giving that signifies its belief in higher education, the LENO Group of Companies Ltd. signed an agreement on Thursday, 7th March 2019 to establish the LENO Group of Companies Ltd. Endowed

Educational Fund.

The endowed fund which supports student scholarships will provide scholars with internships at LENO and afford opportunities for participation in profes­ sional development prior to graduation.

Scholars who receive the merit award must also complete at least 16 hours of community engagement via UB's Student Leadership Emerging Leaders Programme. They will also be considered for entry-level employment at the company and receive international study abroad opportunities.

UNIVERSITY OF THE BAHAMAS ALUMNI MAGAZINE I

"The gift of a quarter million dollars over the next ten years illustrates the deepen­ ing of our commitment to the University and showcases our partnership with UB in a more sustainable way. LENO has been fortunate to be able to sponsor a number of varied initiatives in partnership with UB and other organizations focusing on youth empowerment, financial literacy and sports such as bowling, swimming and basketball," said Founder and President of LENO Group of Companies Ltd. , Mr. Sean K. Longley.

UB President Dr. Rodney D. Smith was deeply appreciative of the gift from LENO and for the company's continued partner­ ship with the UB. "The LENO Group of Companies Ltd.'s generous donation demonstrates their belief that an investment in education is one of the smartest investments for the development and success of our entire country," noted President Smith.

SPRING / SUMMER 2020

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Photo shows members of the VB community accepting the $25,000 cheque. From left are VB student Kenwin Ingraham Jr.; VP of Institutional Advancement Dino Hernandez; President Dr. Rodney D. Smith; VB student Marissa Peterson; Dean of Students Joe Stubbs and VB staff Linda Johnson.

Hurricane Dorian displaced approximately 600 students, faculty and staff at the University of The Bahamas-North campus in East Grand Bahama when it pummeled the island for two days with punishing winds and devastating storm surges.

The UB-North campus - which included administrative facilities, classrooms, labs, a library and a two-story residential facility - is currently a shell of its former state. But less than one month after the hurricane struck, the University resumed classes at its facilities on West Atlantic Drive and the Bishop Michael Eldon School in Freeport.

Although the killer storm obliterated infrastructure, flattened homes and left communities in ruins, what it also left in its wake was a strong resolve by Bahamian citizens to rebound and rebuild. This is what the initial personal contribution from UB President Dr. Rodney D. Smith and his wife Dr. Christina Smith to the UB Hurricane Relief and Restoration Fund honours.

Soon after the storm, Dr. Smith pledged $25,000 to the restoration of the UB-North Campus. He also issued a challenge to other potential donors to match their gift to the UB Hurricane Relief and

President's Matching �rt

Challenge Honours Bahamian Resilience Restoration Fund as the University fully intends to restore its operations in Grand Bahama.

Dayon The Links Supports First qeneration University Students

"Raging floodwaters and winds devastated our UB-North campus. Our newest building, Hawksbill Hall residences, has been gutted. All of our computer systems and infrastructure have been compromised," said Dr. Smith in a heartfelt appeal. "Our faculty, staff and students have lost loved ones, their homes and their sense of stability."

UB has devoted a webpage on its www.ub.edu.bs website for hurricane relief contributions. Donors can also email dino.hernandez@ub.edu.bs , the address of the Vice President of Institutional Advancement Mr. Dino Hernandez, if they wish to give to the UB Hurricane Relief and Restoration Fund.

VB President Dr. Rodney D. Smith (at right) and Dr. Christina Smith pose for this photo with Baha Mar Director of Golf Sean Cracraft and golfer, Reg Smith.

The inaugural UB President's Golf Classic & SPA Day rallied supporters of higher education to support the dreams of first generation university students.

Held on 3rd November 2018 at the Royal Blue Tavern Golf Course, the golf classic raises funding for the University's Endowment. The team comprising UB faculty Dr. Glen Holden and Dr. Rory Scriven, along with Mr. Mark Carter and Mr. Ian Howel won the Scramble, with a score of 65 and a net of 46.75. Their team beat out three others.

One of the highlights was the hole in one competition for the prestigious BMW prize. Anthony Hinsey was only six inches from the hole in one on 12th, narrowly missing the mark. Leading the corporate donations and sponsorship were Higgs and Johnson and Leno Corporate Services.

The team comprising Dr. Glen Holden and Dr. Rory Scriven, along with Mr. Mark Carter and Mr. Ian Howe! won the Scramble at the inaugural UB President's Golf Classic with a score of I

65 and a net of 46.75.

UNIVERSITY OF THE BAHAMAS ALUMNI MAGAZINE I

SPRING / SUMMER 2020

Annual Fund Donors Help Fulfil University �oals I.

Every year, alumni, faculty, staff, students and friends of the University give to the Annual Fund to help the institution meet its highest goals and objectives. Each gift to the Annual Fund makes a difference in the lives of members of the University community, supporting the vital operations, programmes and initiatives of the institution. Recently the Office of Alumni Affairs hosted a reception at the Harry C. Moore Library and Information Centre to thank 2017-2018 donors to the Annual Fund which totaled $105,589.48.

From left are Cheyenne Bullard and Ryan Rolle, VB students and scholarship recipients; Dr. Linda Davis, VB Provost; Dr. Rodney D. Smith, VB President; Mr. Rusty Scates, husband of Gillian Scates and Ms. Anne Lever.friend of Gillian Scates.

The �rt That Makes Dreants CoDle True When Ryan Rolle spoke of the impact of giving to University of The Bahamas that makes it possible for students to pursue their univer­ sity goals, his words struck a chord that day.

"Opportunities like this are only seen in the dreams of young people in Bannerman Town," he said as one of the first scholars to receive the Gillian Scates Memorial Award, named after a beloved educator and mentor.

An aspiring educator, Ryan is one of many students at UB whose dreams came true as a result of the giving that happens from

scholarships. This is exemplified in the philanthropy of the family and friends of the late Gillian Scates.

Cheyenne Bullard is also a Gillian Scates scholar. "I did not expect to get the memorial scholarship and because I got it, it has taken a load off of me. I had to call my grandmother because I was so excited."

The merit-based award is for full-time Education majors at UB and also provides opportunities for internships.

"We are very proud to be able to have done this, to take the load off you and to allow you to focus on your studies and to go on and become educators like Gill was. Her students were an extension of our family, and she got results," said Rusty Scates as he presented an initial cheque for $30,800.

UB invites others who are looking to memorialize the life and legacy of a loved one to partner with the institution in order to make the dream of a university education come true.

UNIVERSITY OF THE BAHAMAS ALUMNI MAGAZINE I

SPRING / SUMMER 2020

Legends qarden Honours Bahantian Musical Icons.

Bahamian legend John Berkeley 'Peanuts' Taylor recalls the heyday of his entertainment career, working with energetic entertainers like Eloise Lewis the distinctive voice on the now famous Chi Chi Merengue song - which thrills national and international audiences alike.

Taylor beamed with pride as he chatted with Sir Charles Carter before another adorning audience assembled to pay homage to him and two other

deceased Bahamian icons, Sir Ronnie Butler and Eric 'King Eric' Gibson at the unveiling of a Legends Garden at the University of The Bahamas Oakes Field Campus.

"I liked working with people like Eloise of Chi Chi Merengue. That was the first hit song that came out of The Bahamas and we were able to travel the world," Taylor said.

The Legends Garden features three bronze statues of the renowned entertainers and is dedicated to

Join the movement to make a lasting impact on the lives of our future nation-builders. To give, contact: (242) 302-4388/4594/40!3 in New Providence, (242) 688-5903 in Grand Bahama, or email: peter.mitchell@ub.edu.bs .

UNIVERSITY OF THE BAHAMAS ALUMNI MAGAZINE

entertainers and is dedicated to celebrating Bahamian musicians who have achieved local and international acclaim.

While living in Martinique, entrepreneur Craig Flowers commissioned Nigerian sculptor Michael Maghiro to create the statues. Following discussions with the administration and the families of the entertainers, Mr. Flowers donated the statues to UB. At the unveiling ceremony, a fantastic musical tribute included classic Bahamian songs, dance and Junkanoo.

I SPRING / SUMMER 2020

UNIVERSITY

The Fall 2019 semester started in August with renewed vigor and a commitment to meeting the mission of University of The Bahamas. Extending access to education is one of the pillars of that mission. With the launch of the Government Tertiary Grant Programme, UB was able to support the higher education pursuits of many more students who ordinarily would not have been able to afford it. Funded by the Government of The Bahamas, the grant covers tuition, certain mandatory course fees and housing grants for students having to relocate from another island to attend UB for those who qualify. There was an increase in enrolment as students took full advantage of the opportunity. At the start of the semester, Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Dr. Hubert A. Minnis also visited the Oakes Field Campus to spend time with students. He also chatted with them about their educational aspirations. Approximately 1,300 new students completed their enrolment for Fall 2019.

Hubert A. Minnis (centre) visits the UB Oakes Field Campus at the start of the Fall 2019 semester.

Photos of the tenth anniversary ceremony.

Press conference held to announce the RAIS.

University of The Bahamas is playing a major role in defining protocols to ensure the proper management of radiation sources in the country, like those which emanate from x-ray devices, airport screening equipment and cancer treatment centres. New Regulatory Authority Information System (RAIS) software has been installed at UB's Oakes Field Campus and local professionals have been trained in its usage. The University is partnering in this national initiative with the Bahamas Department of Environmental Health Services (DEHS), the Bahamas Customs Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MO FA) and the Ministry of Health (MOH). The aim is to support the safe and regulated management of radiation sources; from proper documentation of imported devices to their safe disposal at the end of the life cycle.

Initiated as a Confucius Classroom ten years ago, the Confucius Institute at University of The Bahamas marked its tenth anniver­ sary in September with a special ceremony and the participation of both current and past students of the institute. The anniversary celebrations coincided with the 70th anniversary commemorations of the People's Republic of China. Bringing remarks on behalf of UB President Dr. Rodney D. Smith, AVP of Academic Affairs Dr. Maria Oriakhi acknowledged the excellent tradition of bridging Chinese and Bahamian cultures which, the institute has kept alive.

His Excellency Dr. Huang Qinguo, China's Ambassador to The Bahamas, and Professor Ma Tinghaui, Dean of the College of International Students at the Nanjing University oflnformation Science and Technology (NUIST hailed Sino-Bahamas relations and highlighted the strong ties between NUIST and UB.

UNIVERSITY OF THE BAHAMAS ALUMNI MAGAZINE I

SPRING / SUMMER 2020

UNIVERSITY

W.ice Cliancellor. of �niversi!Ya ol Bucl<ingliam W.isits Oal<es F.ielcl CamP-US Vice Chancellor ofTheUniversity of Buckingham, Sir Anthony Seldon- a well-known biographer of British prime ministers- paid a courtesy call toUB President Dr. Rodney D. Smith in September 2019. President Smith took Sir Anthony on a tour ofUB's Oakes Field Campus and they discussed issues related to global economies, climate change and tertiary education policies. Deputy Chair of theUB Board ofTrustees Mrs. Alessandra Holowesko also joined them. Sir Anthony has authored political biographies of Margaret Thatcher, John Major,Tony Blair, Gordon Brown and David Cameron.

UNIVERSITY OF THE BAHAMAS ALUMNI MAGAZINE I

Ever since Hurricane Dorian left a trail of destruction and devastation in its wake, UB faculty, staff and students have been assisting with relief efforts at various hurricane donation centres and shelters on New Providence. The killer storm displaced thousands of persons, and left communities and infrastructure in Grand Bahama and Abaco in ruins. While UB Mingoes student athletes have been assisting with the sorting and packaging of relief donations, others have helped with food preparation and distribution.

At the Oakes Field and Grosvenor Close campuses, collection bins have been used for much-needed relief supplies and the Student Government Association has held regular fundraisers for donations in support of storm survivors.

SPRING / SUMMER 2020

Alumn; Foolprh1f-s

SEEKING TRUTH& STANDING TAIL

By Tameka Lundy, 94

DeandI•a Hamilton� AA •93 At four feet eleven and a half inches tall, Deandrea Hamilton AA '93 commands people's attention. She has spent years asking the tough questions, and laying bare the facts as a member of the fourth estate.

Today, the media entrepreneur - born in New Providence, a Grand Bahama transplant and now a Turks and Caicos Island (TCI) resident - runs Magnetic Media, a multi-media news service that covers TCI, The Bahamas, the wider Caribbean region and parts of the United States.

"My former boss used to call me 'Iii pit bull,"' she shared with a hearty laugh. "I'm just going to tell it like it is because in my mind the public deserves to know. Media has the role of feeding the public quality, objective information so that they can make the decision to add to their lives, to protect the I ivel ihoods that they have."

Deandrea has interviewed a number of newsmakers, from heads of state and politicians to social activists, movie stars and international trendsetters, but she values the authentic stories of the average citizen that deserves to be heard.

"Magnetic Media was formed out of the need to showcase everyday people who may not be making political headlines but are important contributors to the development of a country anyway. Also, because I believe you should just tell it like it is and be more con­ cerned about the fact that truth needs to be shared," she told UB Alumni Magazine during a long talk on Grace Bay in Providenciales.

Magnetic Media has won three Telly Awards - which honours excellence in video and televi­ sion - for its coverage of inter­ national affairs, including the devastating earthquake in Haiti, the OECD conference held in Bermuda and a rebuild forum for Haiti held in Florida.

"I would move heaven and earth for him to have the best exposure so that he could have the best possible life; to see things, know things, do things, a good foundation, respect for people, respect for self, respect for God, and love for people," she noted.

Deandrea values the role of higher education in develop­ ing citizens who are able to help make a nation thrive.

"You've got to get that higher education because it inspires you to become a student of life as some people describe it and always want to learn because as you learn, as you grow, you can build."

The former Journalism and Mass Communications major spoke just as excitedly about her young son, David, as she did about her media exploits and love for The Bahamas and TCI.

UNIVERSITY OF THE BAHAMAS ALUMNI MAGAZINE I SPRING / SUMMER 2020

Alumni Foolprinls

W. Francis, MO, FACS, � Surgical Oncologist

HONORING THE S.JlCRIFICE

By Jazmine Romer-Rolle, BBA '12

1)1•. \\Tesle)r Fl·ancis� Wesley Francis learnt a huge, life-changing lesson when he failed. A young, intelligent though cocky Wesley thought that keeping his track record of stellar grades and maintaining his scholarship in his first semester in college would be a breeze.

BSc '97

"That first semester at COB really taught me a lesson in failure. I was poor. I couldn't even afford to go to COB; I had a scholarship. So, I had to maintain a certain grade point average, I didn't get it," he recalled.

"I think I took for granted that success would always be there.

You are just talented so it would come. I thought that it just was going to happen. Nobody was behind me, pushing me saying 'do this.' That initial experience in COB taught me that nothing comes without work. No matter how smart you think you are, you have to work," he noted.

Intelligence was not a key to an easy life for Wesley, who admits that he grew up poor in the 1980s. But he refused to allow his socio-economic status to limit his dreams.

The next semester he rebounded, increasing his GPA from a 2.35 to a 3.7. The experience taught him how to be laser focused for the rest of his life.

"I grew-up in the Grove, poor.... My father and mom always impressed upon me that it was important that you worked hard to do better and not to just accept where you

are, but to always try to improve on yourself.That shaped me because my father didn't make a lot of money," he said.

Today, Dr. Wesley Francis is a Consultant General Surgeon at the state-owned Princess Margaret Hospital, the only surgical oncologist in The Bahamas and the first in the region. A graduate of The University of the West Indies, Mona Campus, Wesley completed his General Surgery Residency at Detroit Medical Center and also completed a fellowship in Surgical Oncology and Hepatopancreatobi liary Surgery at the Tom Baker Cancer Centre in Calgary, in the western Canadian

UNIVERSITY OF THE BAHAMAS ALUMNI MAGAZINE I SPRING / SUMMER 2020

province of Alberta.

In addition to surgical oncology, Wesley is working on the establishment of the first national cancer registry for The Bahamas, whose incidence of breast cancer has raised an international alarm.

"I just want to be remembered as that young boy from the Grove, who helped a lot of people. For me I could go home at night and sleep just knowing that I helped someone."