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
RBC Royal Bank (Bahamas) Limited (“RBC”) is pleased to announce the recent appointment of Kerryl-Lyn King-Henry as Country Manager and Area Vice President (“AVP”), Personal and Commercial Banking, Turks & Caicos Islands (TCI).
In her new role as Country Manager and AVP, King-Henry will take on full responsibility for the bank’s operations, strategy, and development in the TCI market, with a strong focus on solidifying partnerships with the Government, regulatory bodies, and the local community.
King-Henry brings to the role a dynamism influenced by nearly 25 years of industry experience. Prior to her new appointment, she served as AVP of Business Banking in Trinidad and Tobago. She has held progressively senior roles within both personal and commercial banking, as well as various functional units.
King-Henry holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree, with a specialization in Leadership, FinTech and Big Data Analysis, in addition to a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration. Further enriching her professional profile, Kerryl-Lyn is a certified John C. Maxwell Coach, Trainer, Teacher, and Speaker. Her passion for leadership and development is matched by her commitment to community service, as she actively volunteers her time and leverages her professional expertise to mentor and support others. “
Kerryl-Lyn’s extensive experience and proven leadership capabilities make her the perfect choice to lead our operations in the Turks & Caicos Islands,” said Ericka Rolle, RBC’s Managing Director and Vice President, Personal Banking, The Bahamas and TCI.
“Her commitment to excellence, combined with a genuine passion for community engagement, aligns perfectly with our Bank’s purpose of helping clients thrive and communities prosper. We are excited to see the positive impact she will undoubtedly bring to her new role,” she added.
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