The family of Rhonda Chipman-Johnson say officials at The College of the Bahamas (COB) are “humiliating” them and say they will hold a demonstration today, to protest the embarrassing situation.
The presidential candidate has been tangled in the controversial race since former President Dr Rodney Smith, resigned last year over a plagiarism scandal. Now the acting president’s family says they are not happy about the way COB handled the situation and is lashing out at officials there. Dr Chipman-Johnson’s cousin, Reese Chipman, told The Guardian that it is time for COB to make a decision as to who will become the next president.
“If she is going to get the position, then they should give it to her,” Mr Chipman said. “If she’s not, then let her know, so that she can move on and do what she needs to do, in terms of developing her career, that’s her career.”
Mr Chipman also said his cousin has been waiting too long to learn her presidential fate, while the College Council weaves around her looking for other candidates. He sent a reminder to the college community, telling them of her commitment and sacrifice to the institution over the years, and urged them to quickly make up their minds.
Dr Chipman’s supportive cousin said his family is not happy about the way the matter unfolded and believes that important information is being withheld from the family. “There’s no direct communication as to what is going on down at the college,” he said. “This is from the family’s perspective, it’s not from her perspective. We want to let all parties know that she has worked very hard and she has sacrificed a lot for The College of The Bahamas.”
The Chipman family will hold a massive demonstration this morning, at the corner of Chippingham and West Bay Street from 8:00 to 10:00.
The Chipmans’ protest will be two-fold, as they will take the opportunity to demonstrate against alleged promises of the government to return land.
By IANTHIA SMITH, Guardian Staff Reporter
