The Tribune

The Bahamas Agriculture and Marine Science Institute (BAMSI) has donated fresh produce to healthcare workers and law enforcement in North Andros to show appreciation for their COVID-19 efforts.

The gift, which included romaine lettuce, beets and onions, came from BAMSI students who grew these and other produce on the student farm plot as part of their Farm Skills course.

This is designed to give students hands-on experience in the areas of farming, aquaponics and marine science. The theory is covered in a traditional classroom, while students rotate on to the farm, the marine environment and the aquaponics facility to practice what they have learnt.

“It is BAMSI’s hope that the donation will encourage and support the nutritional intake of those who remain on the front line during these challenging times”, Deandra Deveaux, a lecturer in plant and soil sciences, explained. She and fellow farm skills team member, lecturer Said Ponda, have continued with the upkeep of the student plot since the college implemented remote classes due to COVID-19.

The student farm plot not only provides produce for the college cafeteria but it is also the site for hands-on learning and training, including seed bed and land preparation; crop science and production; plant pathology; farm machinery; and even post-harvest practices.

“This donation not only speaks to the Institute’s commitment to cultivating the next generation of farmers, fishers, agriprenuers and scientists, but also to cultivating a spirit of giving in our students and staff,” said Dr Raveenia Roberts-Hanna, BAMSI’s executive director.