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Bahamas gets Update on the Emergency Food Plan

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Statement by Michael Pintard, Bahamas Minister of Agriculture & Marine Resources

#Nassau, The Bahamas – From April 27, 2020 — Mr. Speaker, I rise on behalf of the great Constituency of Marco City to which I have the honour to represent.

Mr. Speaker, The Cabinet of The Bahamas has determined that food production is especially crucial in these times. And that whatever measures we put in place must be sustained beyond Covid-19.  We take seriously the mandate that has been given by the Prime Minister to fix outstanding issues that may exist along the entire value chain and supply chain to ensure that The Bahamas has adequate food resources and the right food resources for the health and wealth of our people.

Strengthening existing partners and working with stakeholders to reach common objectives will be critically important to weather this crisis. My Ministry continue to make ourselves available to hear the concerns of farmers and fishers and will be making deliberate efforts to use the available technology to reach out to farmers and fishers throughout the country.

Mister Speaker, the COVID-19 crisis is an important opportunity for Bahamians to make healthier food choices by increasing their consumption of fruit and vegetables. There has been unprecedented interest expressed in farming over the last few months. We are responding quickly and carefully. We are making every effort to make local products accessible and affordable.

  1. The Packing Houses remain operational in all our Family Island locations (Andros, Cat Island, Eleuthera, and Long Island). The Bahamas Agricultural and Industrial Corporation continues to operate the Produce Exchange and The Bahamas Agricultural and Marine Science Institute has continued local produce purchases. Both agencies have reoriented their marketing to make ‘value boxes’ available to persons on New Providence who may be facing financial challenges and have instituted the social distancing protocols to protect employees and customers. Extended hours have been added on Saturday to facilitate essential workers.

Additionally, ‘The Market’ at Gladstone Road has also been opened to allow purchase of domestic agricultural products.

  • Mr. Speaker, the long overdue renovations to packing houses in San Andros, North Andros, Clarence Town, Long Island, and Lower Bogue, Eleuthera will commence 1st May, 2020. Contracts have already been signed in the amount of four hundred fifty four thousand eight hundred and forty dollars ($454,840.00) to renovate the packing houses in the aforementioned islands.
  • Mr. Speaker, the slaughter house in New Providence has been closed from the initial COVID-19 Emergency Order on March 23rd, 2020. The Government, in consultation with the relevant authorities is seeking a gradual opening of the abattoir to allow for the slaughter of animals.  We anticipate that the abattoir will reopen on Tuesday 28th April, 2020. We will upgrade this facility as a matter of urgency. The growth of the livestock sector depends on a national slaughterhouse system throughout the relevant islands engaged in animal husbandry.
  • The Department of Agriculture and the Department of Marine Resources have maintained essential services to farmers and fishers during the period by providing reduced hours to facilitate urgent matters including facilitating import and export permits. The Veterinary Services will be implementing telemedicine for livestock farmers on New Providence and the Family Islands. The information on the times and link for services will be posted on the website of the Ministry of Agriculture and Marine Resources.
  • Mr. Speaker, the Ministry of Agriculture and Marine Resources (MAMR) has also produced an Emergency Food Production Plan to strengthen food and nutrition security in this time of crisis. It includes the assistance to farmers in the clearing of Agricultural Land of which one million eighteen thousand six hundred dollars ($1,018,600.00) has been allocated to farmers throughout The Bahamas with four hundred seventy-nine thousand six hundred dollars ($479,600.00) out of the said figure being allocated to Grand Bahama and Abaco (those islands devastated by Hurricane Dorian). These funds have already been sent to the affected islands.
  • Mr. Speaker, my Ministry is in the process of purchasing and distributing some ten thousand (10,000) backyard gardening kits throughout The Bahamas. The kits will include seeds, seedling, fertilizer, drip line, and pro-mix along with guidelines of how to arrange a proper backyard gardening system. The distribution of these kits should begin in two weeks.
  • Mr. Speaker, our Ministry is sourcing more than one thousand (1000) hydroponic systems which will be strategically placed throughout The Bahamas to assist with producing adequate supplies of vegetables especially leafy greens. The MAMR in collaboration with the Ministry of Education is adding an additional 22 hydroponics systems to the previously agreed upon number of hydroponics and aquaponics systems which will be placed in schools throughout The Bahamas.  
  • Mr. Speaker, two thousand layer chicks have been purchased from a local vendor and will be distributed to the Family Islands as soon as this week. This will provide additional protein and encourage farmers in the various communities to produce eggs for their local economy. Additionally, some five thousand (5000) layers are on order from a company in the United Stated and would be available within the next three weeks for distribution to New Providence farmers. On receipt of these birds/layers, it is intended to purchase an additional 5000 to 7000 layers to assist farmers further. The MAMR has begun planning to work with the sector about urgently upgrading the available hatcheries so that we can in the short to medium term dramatically increase egg production throughout the Bahamas especially on New Providence, Eleuthera, Abaco and Grand Bahama in phase one.
  • The Ministry’s Food processing and Cooperative leadership in conjunction with BAIC and BAMSI and later with Home Economic Teachers and private enterprises will shortly lay out our plan to accelerate and scale up food processing and light manufacturing.
  1. Mr. Speaker, the Department of Marine Resources plays a pivotal role in the dietary consumption of seafood and the protection of our Marine Resources. During Hurricane Dorian, Marine Resources vessels were damaged/destroyed and we have already paid a 50% deposit of two hundred fifty-four thousand five hundred and twenty dollars ($254,520.00) for three vessels allocated for Bimini, Grand Bahama, and Abaco with which we expect to replace those vessels lost.
  1. Furthermore, we continue to discuss a plan of action to keep both subsistence and commercial fishers fully engaged in order to feed our nation and earn foreign currency. Discussions are underway to ensure the reopening of fish markets in a safe manner and the safe delivery of marine products to stores and customers.
  1. In addition, my Ministry is also in the process of partnering with the Ministry of Social Services, the Ministry of Health, The Ministry of National Security (Royal Bahamas Police Force), the Ministry of Transport and Local Government, the Ministry of Education and also food suppliers and wholesalers, and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) to launch the National Food Distribution Program to ensure, as the Prime Minister stated, that no vulnerable person is left behind.

Mr. Speaker, the program will target Senior Citizens and Disabled, Persons receiving Social Services Assistance, Students on the School Lunch Program and Furloughed Workers. Mr. Speaker, the distribution will include a number of dried goods but even more importantly Bahamian grown fruits and vegetables, Bahamian marine products, Bahamian jams, jellies, honey, Bahamian meats, Bahamian soaps, etc.

  1. Mr. Speaker in order to ensure that adequate animal feed and agriculture inputs are available to farmers in the various islands and that we reduce wastage in the movement of agriculture and marine products our Ministry is documenting available dry, cool and cold storage space.
  2. Since we last met we have begun to forge important partnerships upon which we will build. We are excited about the meetings held with church leaders about national and local agriculture projects we will work on together. We are encouraged by the initial meeting with the new generation of agro-youth professionals who are committed to the full incorporation of new technologies in all aspects of agriculture and marine resources. We intend to assist them in several key areas as they assist the sector. Our discussions with approximately 16 Agriculture educators resulted in several key commitments on both sides. I and the Ministry team have participated in more than two Ministerial meeting with Ministers throughout the region sharing best practices and plugging the data gap. We are in ongoing discussions with the leaders in the fishing and farming sector.

Mister Speaker,

These are challenging times at a national and personal level for our entire nation. Constituents and staff members have lost loved ones and other staff, in every section of the ministry, (Department of Agriculture, Department of Marine Resources, Cooperatives, Regatta, BAIC, BAMSI, and BAHFSA), and despite these difficult circumstances show up to work daily and on weekends. I am indeed grateful to them and to the farmers and fishers throughout the archipelago for their dedication and support.

Thank you, Mister Speaker, for this opportunity to update the Honourable House.

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Coca-Cola Celebrates International Coastal Cleanup Day with Blue Lagoon Island  

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Coca-Cola's volunteers and helpers adorn a bright at the International Coastal Cleanup Day

The Bahamas, October 26, 2024 – For nearly 20 years Coca-Cola has been a proud partner of the Ocean Conservancy’s International Costal Cleanup, sponsored by Blue Lagoon Island Bahamas, which aligns perfectly with the company’s environmental mission and goals.

Caribbean Bottling Company’s (CBC), local producers of Coca-Cola and Dasani products, volunteers watched the sunrise at South Beach Poolside as they began setting up for the event’s 8:30 a.m. start on Saturday, September 21.

In addition to providing volunteers, CBC also supplied exciting promotional items, and refreshing beverages for volunteers and organizers.

Coca-Cola’s volunteers wrapping up the transformation of South Beach (Canal) during Coastal Cleanup Day.

As volunteers flooded the beach to participate in Coastal Cleanup Day, they were kept hydrated by Coca-Cola’s donation of Coca-Cola Oreo No Sugar, Sprite No Sugar, Minute Maid, Dasani Flavored Water and Dasani Water.

Teshalla Clarke, Education & Sustainability Supervisor at Blue Lagoon Island shared what Coca-Cola’s support meant to the overall success of the day.

“Words cannot begin to express how grateful Blue Lagoon Island is towards Caribbean Bottling Company/ Coca-Cola. Your corporate sponsorship allows us to engage our local communities through volunteer-ship.” Clarke expressed.

“Coca-Cola’s support has always been a force. Whether its beverages donated or volunteers that show out, your assistance is undeniable. We have developed a beautiful relation with the company, one we hope to continue for future Coastal Cleanups.” Clarke concluded.

Paulette Dormeus, Brand Manager Associate at CBC spoke about her experience at the Coastal Cleanup.

“This is my second-year volunteering at Coastal Cleanup Day, and I’m super proud that Coca-Cola can support this super important initiative.” she shared.

After transforming South Beach volunteers swarmed Coca-Cola’s trailer where they were greeted with smiles, refreshing drinks and promotional items applauding their hard work.

“It always amazes me at all the organizations that come out to clean the beach. Waking up this early on a Saturday morning is not the easiest thing to do but that’s why we’ve provided a variety of beverages to keep everyone hydrated.” Dormeus said.

To stay up to date with Caribbean Bottling Company and Coca-Cola’s community initiatives visit the website at www.cbcbahamas.com today.

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RBDF wins GOLD at 3rd Annual Dragon Boat Festival

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The Bahamas, October 25, 2024 – The Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF) demonstrated their exceptional spirit and teamwork at the 3rd Annual Dragon Boat Festival held at Goodman’s Bay Park in Nassau on October 13, 2024.

This exciting event drew teams from various organizations and celebrated the values of competition, group effort, and cultural pride. It also offered an exhilarating day on the water for both participants and spectators.

Dragon boat racing, a thrilling water sport with origins in ancient China, has grown to become one of the fastest-growing activities worldwide. Known for its colorful and richly decorated boats, the festival not only promotes fitness and excitement but also serves as a platform for team-building and fundraising among charities and corporations.

Throughout the day, teams representing different sectors of society competed in the races, including groups from the United States Embassy, Doctors Hospital, Royal Bahamas Police Force, Cable Bahamas, J.S. Johnson, Urban Renewal, Breezes, Baha Mar, and the Royal Bahamas Defence Force. The event featured dynamic musical performances by multiple artists, concluding with an energetic Junkanoo Rush that celebrated Bahamian culture.

Having two teams participate, the Royal Bahamas Defence Force stood out during the event, with the Water Defenders and the Naval Destroyers who were able to secure gold medals for their 500m category. This victory not only highlights their athletic skills, but also their dedication to community involvement and promoting unity through sports.

Through these efforts, we strengthen community relations, positively impact lives, and contribute to the growth of thriving communities. Remaining dedicated to excellence, the RBDF upholds the highest standards in protecting and preserving the rich legacy that defines our nation.

(RBDF Photos by: Marine Seamen Rickey Sealey & Edwin Basden)

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Bahamas Goombay Punch Launches Exclusive Limited-Edition Congratulatory Cans for Winning Team Susan Chase

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NASSAU, Bahamas — Caribbean Bottling Company (CBC), local producers of Coca-Cola and Dasani products, hosted a celebratory affair to launch the limited-edition Bahamas Goombay Punch Susan Chase packaging. This special edition Susan Chase design is in honor of the sloop winning the 2023/2024 Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup.

The event, attended by The Hon. Clay Sweeting Minister of Works and Family Island Affairs, captain Stefan Knowles and the skippers of the Susan Chase at the Nassau Yacht Club, was a celebration of all things sailing and Bahamas Goombay Punch.

In 2022 CBC linked the beloved national beverage, Bahamas Goombay Punch, to sailing with the creation of the Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup competition.

Minister Sweeting shared his astounding approval of CBC’s incorporation of culture and business.

“Programs like the Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup are crucial to preserving and advancing our rich cultural tradition of sailing. Since 2022 this collaboration between the private sector and the sailing community has not only celebrated the heritage of Regattas but also provides the necessary resources to sustain the sport.” Minister Sweeting said.

Stefan Knowles, captain of Susan Chase shared what it means to have his sloop exclusively featured on the Bahamas Goombay Punch cans.

“It is a privilege to be on the Bahamas Goombay Punch can for sailing. This just goes to show how Caribbean Bottling Company is actively pouring into our communities, making them a great corporate citizen.” said Knowles.

Since the competition’s inception, sailors across The Bahamas were judged throughout three Regattas: The Best of The Best, The National Family Island and The Long Island Regatta.

Each sailing season the Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup rotates between different classes; the 2023-2024 winners took the crown in the B-Class.

In addition to earning bragging rights, the Susan Chase of Long Island also won five-thousand dollars, and an eight-thousand-dollar stipend was awarded to Long Island’s Junior Sailing Club.

“The Goombay Punch Cup has the potential to leave a legacy for Bahamians sailing. By offering financial incentives and national recognition, it encourages more sailors to participate, enhancing competition and skill development. Add to that, featuring different classes each year will create a wider platform for sailors of all levels to showcase their abilities, ensuring that the sport continues to thrive.” Minister Sweeting shared.

Knowles knows all too well about legacies. He revealed how exciting this win was for him and his family.

“Winning is truly an honor, especially because the boat is named after my mother. Susan Chase has been in my family for 61 years so my parents were very happy we won the championship and that our sloop will be on the Bahamas Goombay Punch cans.” Knowles revealed.

Both CBC and Minister Sweeting recognize that the future of sailing is in the youth. This is why CBC ensures that junior sailors are also impacted through the Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup. Minister Sweeting expressed hopes that the E-Class sloops would be next to be featured on the Bahamas Goombay Punch cans, providing a major boost to young skippers.

“Highlighting sloops like the Sugar Loaf will not only encourage our young sailors who are already involved, but may also inspire future sailors to join and participate in our national sport.” declared Minster Sweeting.

The sailors of Sugar Loaf are members of the Eleuthera Sailing Academy (ESA), demonstrating how junior sailing organizations actively aid in the preservation of Bahamian culture.

As the beginning of the 2024/2025 sailing season kicks off in a few weeks, Minister Sweeting encourages all the participating sailors to lead with heart.

“I encourage you to embrace this opportunity with determination and pride. Sailing is deeply rooted in our Bahamian heritage, and each of you represents the strength and resilience of our people. As you prepare for the first leg at the Best of the Best, know that your hard work and dedication are already a testament to your passion for the sport.” he expressed.

 

Photo Captions:

Header: Members of the winning Susan Chase, along with Minister Clay Sweeting (center-left) and captain Stefan Knowles (center-right). Photo credit: Racardo Thomas; Ministry of Works and Family Island Affairs

1st insert: An in-depth look at the limited-edition Susan Chase Bahamas Goombay Punch designs. Photo credit: Racardo Thomas; Ministry of Works and Family Island Affairs

2nd insert:  The Nassau Yacht Club decked out in Bahamas Goombay Punch decor at the limited-edition can launch celebration. Photo credit: Racardo Thomas; Ministry of Works and Family Island Affairs

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