NASSAU, The Bahamas – The Ministry of Agriculture and Marine Resources signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Ministry of Education and Technical & Vocational Training and the Bahamas Agriculture and Marine Science Institute (BAMSI) that is aimed at engaging senior high school students in agriculture and marine sciences while preparing them for careers in those industries.

The partnership, known as the Agriculture and Marine Cadet Program, has the potential to transform the country by nurturing the next generation of leaders in agriculture and marine sciences, the Minister of Agriculture the Hon. Jomo Campbell said during the press conference to announce the partnership at the Agriculture Ministry on Monday, January 20, 2025.

“Climate change, unscrupulous and unsustainable practices pose significant challenges to our environment and future food security.

“Therefore, it is imperative that we equip our youth with the knowledge, skills and passion needed to address these pressing issues.”

The Minister added, “The Agriculture and Marine Cadet Program aims to provide our senior high school students with hands-on experiences and educational opportunities that highlight the importance of sustainable practices in these sectors.”

He noted that students will be able to engage in practical training, learning about innovative agricultural techniques, explore marine conservation efforts and understand the economic significance of the nation’s natural resources.

Minister Campbell said the cadet program will be based on the Career and Technical Education (CTE) model that exposes students to a wide range of activities intended to develop practical skills and provide the knowledge and training needed to advance in agricultural and marine post-secondary degree programs and field-based careers.

He explained that the training, instruction and certification is to be facilitated by the Bahamas Agriculture and Marine Science Institute (BAMSI).

It is to be rolled out in several islands throughout the Bahamas such as Cat Island, Long Island, Exuma, Eleuthera, Andros, New Providence, Grand Bahama and Abaco.

He said the partnership is looking to achieve several key objectives:

• Educational enrichment: By Integrating agriculture and marine science into the school curriculum, the program will offer students comprehensive courses that encompass both theoretical knowledge and practical application.
• Provide hands training, which includes students having the opportunity to participate in workshops, field trips and internships.
• Conservation Organizations.  These experiences will bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world applications.
• Leadership Development: through various leadership initiatives and community projects, students will develop essential skills such as teamwork, problem solving and critical thinking while addressing local agricultural and marine challenges.
• Community engagement: Encouraging students to participate in community service, fostering a spirit of giving back and working collaboratively to enhance local environments; and
• Career pathways: By introducing students to diverse career opportunities available in agriculture and marine sciences to inspire them to pursue further education through BAMSI and ultimately contribute to the sustainability and prosperity of the nation.

Also attending the press conference was the Minister of Education the Hon. Glenys Hanna-Martin; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Neil Campbell; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Lorraine Armbrister; Incoming Chairman, BAMSI, Tyrone Fowler; President, BAMSI, Dr. Raveenia Roberts-Hanna; Undersecretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Montez Williams; Director, Ministry of Education, Dominique McCartney-Russell; Senior Education Officer, Career and Technical Education with Responsibility for Agricultural Science, Patrice Green. 
 

-30- 
PHOTO CAPTION

The Ministry of Agriculture and Marine Resources signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Ministry of Education and Technical & Vocational Training and the Bahamas Agriculture and Marine Science Institute (BAMSI) at the Agriculture Ministry on Monday, January 20, 2025, that is aimed at engaging senior high school students in agriculture and marine sciences while preparing them for careers in those industries.  Minister of Agriculture  and Marine Resources the Hon. Jomo Campbell and Minister of Education and Technical & Vocational Training the Hon. Glenys Hanna-Martin attended the signing.  Also in attendance were: Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Neil Campbell; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Lorraine Armbrister; Incoming Chairman, BAMSI, Tyrone Fowler; President, BAMSI, Dr. Raveenia Roberts-Hanna; Undersecretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Montez Williams; Director, Ministry of Education, Dominique McCartney-Russell; Senior Education Officer, Career and Technical Education with Responsibility for Agricultural Science, Patrice Green. 

(BIS Photos/Anthon Thompson)