“Pursue Your Purpose. Fulfill Your Passion.”
NORTH ANDROS, The Bahamas — The Bahamas Agriculture and Marine Science Institute (BAMSI) marked a major milestone in its mission to build national capacity and transform key industries with its 2025 Graduation Ceremony held earlier this May under the theme “Pursue Your Purpose. Fulfill Your Passion.”
With more than 290 graduates recognized, including 14 associate degree recipients, 30 certified flats fishing and nature tour guides, and over 250 participants in a national plant propagation training initiative, the ceremony reflected BAMSI’s growing reach and relevance. Graduates represented islands across the archipelago, including New Providence, Andros, Abaco, Eleuthera, Exuma, San Salvador, Crooked Island, Bimini, Grand Bahama, Long Island and Cat Island.
Calling them “national victories,” Dr. Raveenia Roberts-Hanna, President of BAMSI, highlighted key institutional milestones from the past academic year. Chief among them were dynamic partnerships—one with Stanford University, which saw the successful pilot of a solar-powered irrigation system, and another with Athens State University, which funded mental health first aid certification for 30 faculty and staff members. She also underscored the launch of the Agriculture and Marine Cadet Programme, developed in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Marine Resources and the Ministry of Education & Technical & Vocational Training.
She further emphasized the Institute’s academic evolution, spotlighting the introduction of the Dual Enrollment Programme, which gives high school students a head-start with college credits and industry-recognized certifications. And celebrated the continued expansion of BAMSI’s nationally certified programmes in Flats Fishing, Veteran Guide, and Nature Tour Guiding—driven by a deepening partnership with the Ministry of Tourism, Investments and Aviation.
Expanding the Institute’s capacity for real-time environmental monitoring, Dr. Hanna also shared that with the support of the Department of Meteorology, a weather station has been installed on BAMSI’s North Andros campus allowing students to track live weather forecasts, monitor air quality and receive early warnings tied to environmental conditions.
Echoing the theme of milestones and national victories, Executive Chairman Tyrone Fowler emphasized that BAMSI’s mission extends far beyond academics. The Institute, he said, is in the business of training nation-builders. From seedling distribution and aquaponics to coconut cultivation and extension outreach, students are not only gaining knowledge but acquiring the vision and tools needed for real-world impact. “These initiatives are not just institutional achievements; they are platforms for you, our graduates, to apply your knowledge, drive innovation, and lead transformative change,” he said.
Chairman Fowler further noted that BAMSI’s efforts in climate-smart agriculture, national extension outreach and sustainable innovation are preparing graduates to take on complex challenges in food security, environmental protection and economic resilience.
Keynote speaker Dr. Alyson Gill, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs and Student Services at Athens State University, Alabama, delivered an uplifting and thought-provoking address, urging graduates to shift their mindset from obligation to opportunity.
“Instead of saying ‘I have to,’ say ‘I get to,’” she encouraged. “This small change reframes obligation as opportunity. It turns the routine into a gift. You get to work the land, nurture life and serve your country.” Dr. Gill, a global leader in higher education and transformational leadership, brought both warmth and wisdom to the ceremony. Her presence also underscored the strong and growing academic ties between BAMSI and international institutions.
The BAMSI Class of 2025 valedictorian, Andricka Saimphilus, who earned an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Animal Science, shared an emotional tribute to her classmates, lecturers and family. “We didn’t just study agriculture or marine science—we lived them.” Reflecting on her transformative BAMSI experience, from starting virtually in August 2023 to stepping onto campus and completing the journey in May 2025, “We discovered that agriculture, marine science, animal science, environmental science and even business management aren’t just subjects, they are lifelines,” she said. “They are how we feed our people, how we strengthen our economy and how we protect our natural resources.”
The ceremony concluded with a charge from Ms. Saimphilus, capturing the heart of the moment and the spirit of the graduating class, “So now, as we close this chapter and step into the world, let us remember to pursue our passion and fulfill our purpose. Let’s carry the lessons, the memories, and the BAMSI spirit with pride. Let’s be the leaders our country needs, the thinkers, the doers, the innovators, the caretakers of our land and sea, and the voices of change.”
