Bahamas News
Minister Sweeting Leads Delegation To Jamaica
Delegation to Visit Denbigh Agricultural Show and Poultry Farms
#TheBahamas, July 21, 2022 – Minister of Agriculture, Marine Resources and Family Island Affairs Hon. Clay Sweeting will lead a delegation to Jamaica to visit the 68th Denbigh Agricultural, Industrial and Food Show set for July 25 – August 1.
According to officials, the event “is the oldest, largest and most dynamic Agricultural Show in the English-Speaking Caribbean and attracts over 80,000 patrons.”
The delegation will include officials from the ministry, the Bahamas Agriculture and Marine Science Institute (BAMSI), the Bahamas Agricultural Industrial Corporation (BAIC) and the Bahamas Agricultural Health and Food Safety Authority (BAHFSA).
“This is the first time the show is being held in two years and features include youth in agriculture, agricultural displays, children’s village and a health and wellness village,” Minister Sweeting said.
“I am very excited that our team in the ministry inclusive of technical officers, BAIC, BAHFSA and BAMSI will be able to visit, experience and draw knowledge from such an event.”
Chairman of BAIC Leroy Major said that the corporation looks to engage with investors during the week.
“This mission aligns with BAIC’s mandate and as the ministry’s commercial arm, our input in high level discussions with potential investors in the agriculture sector cannot be underestimated,” he said.
“With significant interest expressed in animal feed production, poultry processing, egg production and other agro-industrial enterprises, BAIC is well poised to contribute to discussions while balancing external interests and national development.” 
Chairman of BAMSI Tyrel Young also spoke about the importance of the mission for the tertiary institution.
“BAMSI is looking to source new vendors, tissue culture and other farming inputs. Also, we are looking to partner with local Jamaican entities in the processing industry, industrial farming industry and poultry farming industry to possibly engage in Memorandum of Understandings (MOUs) for the training of BAMSI staff in these areas,” he said.
“This will widen the experience and knowledge of our extension officers, which will allow BAMSI to be the trainers – as we should be – to farmers and processors in regards to these sectors.”
During the week, the delegation is also expected to visit poultry farming facilities such as Caribbean Broilers and Jamaica Broilers.
Minister Sweeting explained that the government is looking to revitalize the country’s poultry industry.
“The poultry industry is one of the fastest-growing agricultural sub-sectors, especially in developing countries with an expected growth rate of 15 percent by 2027. There is a huge market for poultry products in The Bahamas that has been untapped for years but can be revitalized,” he said.
“Chicken is a mainstay of the national diet in this country. They are relatively easy to raise, however we only domestically produce around five per cent of our consumption. The Bahamas was once 100 percent self-sufficient in table eggs and we had a thriving broiler as well. It is important that as a government we provide policies to encourage growth in this sub-sector. However, we also need the support and want to encourage private development investment to revive the industry. It is important that we are direct with our approach to feed ourselves and to create opportunities simultaneously.”
The minister noted that Jamaica is one of the Caribbean countries that has developed a robust poultry sector with a significant investment in the industry.
“The poultry industry in Jamaica contributes between 15 and 20 percent of the Agricultural gross domestic product (GDP). It creates directly and indirectly economic activity and livelihood for over 100,000 persons and is a major alleviator of unemployment in the rural areas,” Minister Sweeting said.
“Our Caribbean counterparts such as Jamaica have done extremely well, and we hope to replicate a model similar to their poultry structure in The Bahamas.”
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This is the sixth edition of the relays and the fourth time that The Bahamas has hosted the event, which actually made its debut in The Bahamas in 2014.
President, World Athletics, Sabastian Coe said after three very successful editions from 2014 to 2017, the World Athletics Relays has quickly become one of the World Athletics vibrant competitions, developing a culture of fun and innovation that gives it a unique flavour.
He thanked the Bahamas Government, the local World Athletics Relays Bahamas 24 committee and the Bahamian people for agreeing to host the relays. However, his main thanks were to the “world’s best sprinters” travelling from all the continents to compete in preparation for the road to Paris, France, in two months’ time.
During the opening ceremony, the athletes were given words of advice from Carl Lewis, one of only four Olympic athletes to have won nine Olympic gold medals, who is widely recognized as one of the greatest athletes of all time.
He said, “Keep it simple, do not try to do anything extra. Do what your coaches said. Leave on time, leave on time, leave on time.”
The athletes and crowds were treated to the sounds and sights of Junkanoo at the end of the opening ceremony. The Junkanoo performers stuck around for the two days of competitions, playing for the sprinters as they competed on the track.
Teams competed in the Women’s and men’s 4x100m, and the women’s men’s and mixed 4x400m. A total of 14 teams at the World Athletics Relays Bahamas 24 automatically qualified for places at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Both days of competition were important, as day two offered another chance for qualifications for those teams unsuccessful on day one.
Bahamians were made proud as the country set a new national record during the mixed 4x400m relays thanks to the efforts of 16-year-old Shania Adderley, a student of Tabernacle Baptist Academy.
The team came first in their heat on Sunday evening after not being able to gain a spot for the Paris Olympics on the first day of competition.
Other sprinters on the team included Alonzo Russell, as well as Olympic champions Steven Gardiner and Shaunae Miller-Uibo.
NASSAU, The Bahamas – During his remarks at the Opening Ceremony for the World Athletics Relays 2024, on May 4, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance the Hon. Philip Davis welcomed the special guests, athletes, officials, and “all lovers of athletics from around the world” to the Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium here in the “vibrant heart” of Nassau, Bahamas.
“This weekend, the world’s finest athletes gather on our shores to embark on a journey that is not only about speed and strength but also about dreams and determination,” Prime Minister Davis said. “From the serene beauty of our islands to the historic grandeur of Paris, this event marks a crucial path to the Olympic Games in Paris 2024.”
He added: “Here in The Bahamas, we are no strangers to world-class athletics or the warmth and exuberance that such international gatherings bring. It is a distinct honor to once again welcome the World Athletics Relays back to our islands. This event holds a special place in our hearts, symbolizing a bridge between nations brought together by the universal language of sport.”
Prime Minister Davis noted that that year’s theme, “Paradise to Paris,” captured the essence of that journey.
“It is here, amidst the splendor of our sun-kissed beaches and the rhythmic sway of our palms that the chase towards Olympic glory begins anew,” he stated. “We are thrilled to offer a backdrop of unparalleled beauty, where every sprint, every baton pass, and every victory lap is set against the picture-perfect canvas of our islands.”
He added: “To our athletes, I say this: as you stand on the precipice of your dreams, ready to catapult yourself into the annals of history, know that you are part of a legacy of excellence and determination. This weekend, you are not only competitors but also ambassadors of your countries and the spirit of sport. We are especially proud of Team Bahamas, who carry the weight of their performance and the hopes and pride of our nation. You embody the spirit of The Bahamian people, and we are behind you every step of the way.”
Prime Minister said that to the international visitors, he extended “the warmest Bahamian welcome”.
“Over the next few days, as you revel in the thrill of competition, take a moment to bask in the beauty of our island,” he stated. “Discover why we proudly say, “It’s Better in The Bahamas.” Whether it’s the hospitality of our people, the tranquility of our waters, or the rhythm of our culture, you are in for an experience that captures the heart and rejuvenates the soul.”
“Let us celebrate the unity and friendship that sports foster, cheering every athlete and savoring the spectacle of human potential at its best,” Prime Minister Davis added. “I hope the races are swift, the results are inspiring, and the memories are lasting.
“Welcome to The Bahamas, the paradise where champions chase their dreams to Paris. As your host, it is my immense pleasure to declare the World Athletics Relays Bahamas 2024 officially open. Let the games begin.”
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