Sunday morning was spent at St. Margaret’s Anglican Church where the Rt. Reverend Laish Boyd, Bishop of The Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands, encouraged the first class of agriculture and marine science students of the Bahamas Agriculture and Marine Science Institute (BAMSI) in North Andros to take full advantage of their opportunity to learn, and he encouraged the community to be supportive.
September 29 — Day 1 – Opening Day finally arrived for the historic class — the first students of the Bahamas Agriculture and Marine Science Institute, who were welcomed by Minister of Agriculture, Marine Resources and Local Government the Hon. V. Alfred Gray, and also by President of the Institute, Godfrey Eneas, and Executive Director, Dr. Raveenia Roberts-Hanna. They were introduced to their lecturers and given their course outlines.
Minister Gray told the students it was a red-letter day, they were a part of history, and that they should make the very best of their opportunity. He looked forward to seeing them graduate, and succeed.
On Day 2: The students, ranging in age from late teens to mid-forties, from nine Family Islands, toured the institute’s facilities and the greenhouse.
On Day 3: Instruction began — Lecturer Mike Wallace took students to the pine forest to collect soil samples, so they could begin to learn about soil and its importance in decision-making when growing crops.
The students reported that they had a keen interest in their chosen areas, and were happy for the opportunity to pursue agriculture or marine science in a very hands-on, real-world way, heavily weighted on the practical side. They aimed to farm, themselves, and teach. And they wished to be part of the important effort to drive the nation in the direction to be able to feed itself.
While construction is nearing completion, the students are in temporary accommodation, and are pleased and comfortable. The community has rallied to work with the institute to provide what is needed at workable cost.
The institute will award Associate of Science degrees, diplomas and skills certificates in agriculture and marine science. As a tutorial farm, its offerings are mandated to include agricultural fruit and vegetables, livestock, and fish for the domestic market. (BIS Photos/Ulric Woodside)
