Bahamas News
BAHAMAS: Government Supports Drives Growth and Development of Agriculture Sector
#Nassau, October 6, 2018 – Bahamas – The Bahamas Agriculture and Marine Science Institute (BAMSI), along with similar agencies, will 
stand as the ‘saving grace’ of an agriculture sector in desperate need of capacity building, a senior executive from BAMSI said earlier this week. A critical review and analysis of the sector’s historical position and its future growth projections clearly show that an increase in trained personnel, wider access to improved research and cutting-edge technological advancements, and improvements to extension/support services to farmers and other producers are key in transforming an industry and redirecting its path toward steady growth.
The comments came on the heels of media reports that the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) is suggesting the Government reduce its fiscal ties both to the industry and agencies designed to support it.
Alaasis Braynen, general manager and chief executive officer of BAMSI, said “The Bahamas government’s financial intervention to BAMSI and other such agencies is crucial to realizing the positive expansion of the industry as seen in a number of critical protocols; an increase in qualified technicians and industry experts, increased engagement in local research and technological advancements and greater access for farmers to the findings, and improved support to local producers through training, seminars, etc.
“Without such intervention and financial support by the government, with all things remaining status quo, there will be no stopping the ultimate and total collapse of the industry. This will increase the overall risk of the economy of the Bahamas due to the lack of diversification.”
He pointed out that BAMSI in particular has churned out qualified graduates who are now actively involved in the agriculture sector. Some are producers – farmers, extension officers etc., and others are situated within the value chain between production to sales. They are essential for the personnel growth within these
industries. The Research/Tutorial Farm at BAMSI focuses on producing fruits/vegetables throughout the year and introducing varieties best suited for this climate which in turn increases the yields, and from a financial perspective, creates a surge in net returns for Bahamian farmers. According to Mr. Braynen, the organization is now stretched throughout the archipelago, with offices in Eleuthera, South Andros, Mayaguana, Long Island and Exuma, to link the needs of the farmer and the help they need for best practice results.
In contrast to the work of BAMSI and other public agencies, the private sector is by necessity profit driven. “To suggest the private sector would willingly get involved in increasing the number of technically trained individuals without a selfish financial benefit is wishful thinking. To seriously believe it will sink money into improving technology/research which may not improve their bottom line or that they will fund an extension service organization of which they do not directly benefit, is an ‘Alice in Wonderland” theory,” Mr Braynen said.
While he acknowledged that agriculture’s contribution to the GDP is relatively small, he argued the sector was vital for economic diversification which must be bolstered to further reduce the risk of a singular economy.
Mr Braynen said because the financial support is being used to assist an industry which is conditionally critical, the percentage to gross farm receipts is noteworthy. “Pricing structures from financial giants like the United States or neighboring countries which are totally agrarian creates unrealistic market prices in the Bahamas. Once the foundational support is in place and economies of scale begin to take hold, not just more favourable pricing adjustments will be made but the benefits and access to healthier foods will broaden.
“Obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure and other non-communicable diseases are directly killing this nation because of the food we eat. We presently know not what our bodies consume and where there is an unknown there lies the risk.”
Release: BAMSI
Nassau, THE BAHAMAS — Some of the most successful and accomplished professionals and business leaders in the country
recently shared their experiences and nuggets of wisdom with students at University of The Bahamas (UB) about thriving in a wide range of careers.
The University Centre for Counselling and Career Services and the Career and Job Placement Advisory Unit collaborated to host the 2024 Career Symposium which brought students face to face with leaders in the careers to which they aspire.
Vice President of Academic Affairs, Dr. Maria Oriakhi, said the symposium was key to developing potential as university students strive to leave their mark on the world.
Ms. Rickell Curry
“In the spirit of collaboration and growth, let us engage in meaningful dialogue, cultivate relationships, and harness the power of collective wisdom to shape our futures,” said Dr. Oriakhi. “Together, let us embark on this journey of exploration and discovery, united in our commitment to realizing our fullest potential and making meaningful contributions to our communities and beyond.”
Promoting careers in psychology, Ms. Curry noted that psychologists are equipped with the ability to help others, troubleshoot areas of weakness within themselves, and become better people and professionals in the process.
“The floor is yours to be able to explore. There’s no job where you don’t have to deal with people, so learning, even if you get a bachelor’s in psychology, is a great grounding,” she said.
Dr. Darville, one of few interventional radiologists in The Bahamas, offered another nugget of advice on choosing an area of study.
Dr. Elizabeth Darville
“It is important to know enough about yourself in order to make the decisions you want to make,” said Dr. Darville. “You have to work on yourself first and know what you want to do. Radiology gives you a chance to have fun. It gives you a chance to mold your career closer to your personal life than other medical specialties might.”
Another growing field is project management which Mr. Hepburn called a life skill. He also urged a commitment to lifelong learning.
“Individuals that continue to learn become unstoppable, period,” said Mr. Hepburn. “It is so true. When you learn, you become unstoppable because nothing can stop you in your process of development.
Mr. Wellington Hepburn
“The more you know, the more valuable you are. We need individuals who are cross functional—that can operate in different capacities. So please understand that your learning should never stop.”
With small and medium-sized businesses helping to drive the economy at an incredible rate, Ms. Rolle affirmed the importance of entrepreneurship in any economy.
“When we talk about entrepreneurship, we usually look at it from a myopic standpoint,” she said. Ms. Rolle. “What do I mean by that? Small, but usually about self: ‘how do I make more money?’ And in some cases, some look at entrepreneurship as a way of survival. ‘I need to make a couple extra dollars, I have this bill to pay’. Those types of things.
Ms. Samantha Rolle
“But entrepreneurship really, in its truest form, is about innovation, whether it’s a new concept or any existing concept that you innovate new ways, or help expand the economy.”
The career symposium was held at the Harry C. Moore Library and Information Centre and is held every academic year.
PHOTO CAPTIONS
- Career Symposium 1: UB Vice President of Academic Affairs, Dr. Maria Oriakhi, delivers the opening address at the 2024 Career Symposium.
- Career Symposium 2: Students and guest speakers enjoy a lighthearted moment during the 2024 Career Symposium.
- Career Symposium 3: Ms. Rickell Curry speaks to students during the 2024 Career Symposium.
- Career Symposium 4: Dr. Elizabeth Darville delivers remarks during the 2024 Career Symposium.
- Career Symposium 5: Mr. Wellington Hepburn educates students on the importance of project management during the 2024 Career Symposium.
- Career Symposium 6: Ms. Samantha Rolle talks about the role and importance of entrepreneurs and entrepreneurship in any economy.
Office of University Relations
University of The Bahamas
2nd Floor, Michael H. Eldon Complex
Oakes Field Campus
P.O. Box N-4912
Nassau, The Bahamas
Tel: (242) 302-4355/4354/4365
Rashaed Esson
Staff Writer
#TheBahamas, April 15, 2024 – After years of thorough maintenance, The Thomas A Robinson National Stadium in The Bahamas is finally getting a multi-million dollar makeover, readying the 10-year old facility ahead of the World Athletics Relays on May 5, 2024; it is being staged in Nassau for the fourth time.
This $36 million refurbishment is being funded by the Chinese Government, as part of a vision to enhance the country’s sport infrastructure to benefit youths in athletics. The stadium was gifted to The Bahamas in 2012 by the Chinese.
The relay is the qualifying event for the 2024 Summer Olympic Games and there will be 32 national teams, in each relay event, and 20 races on both days of competition, according to World Athletics.
Day 1, will have 20 heats across the five Olympic-calibre events (4 heats each for 4×100, 4×400, men, women and mixed) and will qualify 40 teams for the Summer Olympics.
Distinctly, the top two teams from each heat will directly qualify for the 2024 Games.
On day 2, 30 more national teams will be qualified through 15 heats and five finals, across those five events.
The upgrades which include new trusses, rooftops, seats, the lawn, score boards, LED displays and more, are expected to be complete at least two weeks before the relays, being held under the theme: ‘Chase the Sun’.
In a special ceremony on Monday April 8, The Bahamas Prime Minister, Philip Davis said:
In December 2023, our shared vision took shape, as the government of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas, and the government of the People’s Republic of China, inked an implementation agreement for the renovation of the stadium. This gesture of goodwill and friendship, from the Chinese government to undertake the China Aid Maintenance and Renovation project of our national stadium, stands as a testament to the strong bonds that unite our countries. This project, executed by China Urban Construction Research Institute Company Limited, and the China Machinery Industry Construction Group Company Limited, reflects our shared commitment to excellence, innovation and mutual development.”
Additionally, H.E Dai Qingli, outgoing Chinese Ambassador to The Bahamas who also attended that ceremony, spoke.
“At the end of the project, the Bahamian people will get a fully renewed and modern world class stadium because everything is going to be either renewed or repaired,” she said.
Some 1,600 athletes will be in The Bahamas for the World Athletics relays, with five events. The Bahamas won the bid over Lausanne, Rome in 2022.
Mario Bowleg, Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture in reports, thanked China for their contribution to the redevelopment of the stadium.
“We thank them for their commitment to ensuring that they bring this facility back up to A1 standard so that we can continue holding international events and using these facilities as a development of our young people.”
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