The College of the Bahamas Union of Students wants to inform the students of The College of The Bahamas that we are aware of the events that transpired today. We are truly disheartened and disgusted that the negotiations between the College’s Faculty and Administration had to resort to such drastic measures that lead to several classes being cancelled on the first day of school. We understand that the Faculty and the Administration have disagreements but we believe that no dispute should be regarded as too big that Conflict Resolution Strategies could not be utilized as not to disenfranchise the students, inhibiting them from attaining their financed and valuable education. A win-win solution for all is possible if all parties try.

COBUS understands the frustration experienced by both negotiating parties and is aware that the Faculty is petitioning for the students to join them in their efforts at this time. Regrettably, COBUS has decided to abstain from involvement in this demonstration and we advise that students follow the same measure. However, we want to thank all those lecturers that valued the education of the students enough to attend classes as scheduled. We respect persons as such and we applaud them in their efforts of maintaining professionalism.

We believe that students should be well informed and be the main concern of all parties involved during this process of negotiation. However, we have observed that today’s circumstances show that the students are not the primary concern but rather a last resort to obtaining personal vendettas. Consequently, we the students have now become the victims of this negotiation process. It is us who are being inconvenienced and deprived. This is truly absurd and unprofessional. With these factors at hand, we strongly urge that both parties even the folly ground concerning their negotiations as quickly as possible so that justice can be served for the students. We want the parties involved to always remember that “the success of students is the great reward of the College’s Faculty and Administration, not the resolution of disputes.” It is therefore imperative that you find a common ground and not allow your stance to stifle and derail the progress of the student’s educational process.

In the mean time, we want students to know that COBUS is doing everything in its power to help make this process move more quickly.  We advise that all the students continue to attend the classes until told to do otherwise. We also want to assure you that we will see to it that whatever class time you lose during these acts of demonstration be compensated. If any of you have questions or concerns please feel free to call the office at 302-4562 or email us at cobus@cobmail.edu.bs.

Yours Truly,
Signed COBUS