The Tribune

The Ministry of Tourism has teamed with the Bahamas Agriculture & Marine Science Institute (BAMSI) to host the first annual Harvest Festival in Morgan’s Bluff, North Andros, on March 30.

The festival is designed to celebrate the abundant harvest of farm produce and marine resources produced by Andros’s rich agricultural land and marine ecosystems. It will also commemorates the area’s agricultural legacy that dates back to the early 1900s, when its industry began supplying the rest of The Bahamas and niche markets in North America.

The event will take place at Morgan’s Bluff Regatta Site next to the harbour and beach, two miles north-east of Nicholl’s Town. It will feature food and craft vendors, plus live entertainment by popular Androsian and Bahamian artists. A culinary pavilion will host live cooking demonstrations using native produce, and the final ceremony will celebrate Bahamian farmers and their contribution to agriculture and commerce.

Frequent bus tours will run from the festival site to BAMSI’s headquarters further south. As well as promoting Andros’ farm and marine produce, the event will help to establish a scholarship fund.

The Ministry of Tourism’s manager for Andros, Peter Douglas, encouraged Bahamians and the country’s hotels, restaurants and food suppliers to visit and support several vital causes at the same time.

“Our farmers, fishermen and BAMSI students would love to see you here,” he said. “The country needs to support this critical sector. Think about the vital causes Harvest Fest supports: Food security, sustainable agriculture and fisheries, fresh local produce, jobs, education and training. It goes as deep as economic diversification and cutting our balance of payments.”

Mr Douglas added: “People don’t know how much fresh produce we can farm here and we’re only 35 miles from Nassau & Paradise Island - just a quick hop. If we want a better future, this is where our hope lies.

“Andros, with its rich resources and land mass, is our biggest potential producer. Along with its importance to Andros’ local and the Bahamian economy, Harvest Fest will be inspiring and lots of fun.

“Private and visiting boaters are most welcome. They’ll experience some wonderful Bahamian hospitality, culture and music, enjoy our delicious food and drinks, and learn a lot, too.”

Morgan’s Bluff can accommodate more than 40 boats. The area is serviced by San Andros airport some 11 miles to the south, and the festival site is home to the annual Andros and Berry Islands Regatta.

“We’ve been planning Harvest Fest a long time,” said Mr Douglas. “It deserves support from businesses and the people from all over the islands. We’re hoping for a good turn out. Fly or catch the North Andros mailboat from Nassau. Make an effort to come. You’ll have a great time.”