Nassau, THE BAHAMAS — Faculty, staff and students of the University of The Bahamas North (UB North) now have a new home in downtown Freeport, courtesy of a collaboration between UB and a private donor, marking a pivotal milestone towards the creation of a vibrant college town in the nation’s second city.
UB North’s new location at the former Kipling Complex symbolizes resilience and hope. Five years ago, Hurricane Dorian severely damaged the former campus in East Grand Bahama. UB acquired the Kipling property two years ago to rebuild and spark a transformation. The university community celebrated the completion of phase one of the new facility with a soft opening ceremony on Friday 13th December.
“The unprecedented time in which phase 1 was completed is a testament to the unyielding determination of our UB North family. At long last, students and all team members have a place to call home again—a place that rekindles a sense of belonging and purpose,” UB Board of Trustees Chair Allyson Maynard-Gibson, KC said.
UB North’s relocation to downtown Freeport reflects a larger vision for economic, social, and cultural revival on the island.
Mrs. Maynard-Gibson said the completion of the first phase would not have been possible without the vision, commitment, and generosity of His Excellency Sebastian Bastian and his Brickell Management Group, led by Kyle van Jaarsveldt. Mr. Bastian’s private donation, she said, amounted to in excess of $4 million and is the single largest gift to UB from an individual donor. His donation will also support the development of phase two of the five-phase renovation project.
“Students now have this as a springboard to catapult themselves into a brighter future and a successful future,” said Mr. Bastian. “I’m very passionate about education. I believe it’s the cornerstone for everything somebody wants to be, could be, and will be. Today, students now can rest assured that this is just only the beginning; there’s so many more to come.”
Phase 1 features two new buildings, including three science labs, three technology labs, a recreation hall, 10 classrooms, a café, and a campus clinic. The second phase, set to begin in early 2025, will add a library, lecture theatres, an entrepreneurship centre, business incubator and other facilities. Future phases will include student housing and the transformation of the former East Grand Bahama campus into a Marine Environmental Science Field Research Station.
UB Executive Vice President and Vice President of UB North Dr. Ian Strachan said by next spring, UB officials are working to attract over $1 million in grant funding for environmental projects.
“Grand Bahama needs us to deliver on UB-North’s potential, and we absolutely can. This is rightly a day of thanksgiving, but it’s just the first step. The good news is that the first step was the hardest step,” Dr. Strachan said.
Minister for Grand Bahama the Hon. Ginger Moxey, highlighted the significance of UB North’s resurgence.
“I cannot overstate the vital role of UB North to the economic growth and development of Grand Bahama island and the entire northern Bahamas,” said Minister Moxey. “The campus relocation to the heart of our community represents more than the renovation and construction of buildings; it means more accessible opportunities for residents in pursuit of higher learning to improve their quality of life. And, it represents a boost of activity and an injection of revenue into our commercial centre.”
UB’s President (Acting) Janyne Hodder asserted that there is no better way to show the world that UB is up to the task, than by increasing its capacity to provide quality tertiary education to Bahamians. UB North is not only intended to increase the capacity for academic development, entrepreneurship and innovation in Grand Bahama, but the northern Bahamas as well. The milestone was achieved during a celebratory year; UB has spent this year heralding its 50th anniversary and entering a new era of growth with the submission of applications for national and international accreditation.
“I cannot think of a more fitting way to end our year of jubilation than with the tangible expansion of quality facilities for a university education beyond the base of the Oakes Field campus in New Providence,” noted President Hodder. “To our students, this day is for you. You’re getting a beautiful new home for learning, recreation, student life, and building your community. This new campus is where you will forge bonds with your classmates, be mentored by your professors, achieve milestones and create memories for a lifetime.”
As UB concludes its golden jubilee celebrations, this moment marks a new chapter in its history—one filled with promise, perseverance, and purpose.
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