The Tribune

A Cabinet minister says the  Bahamas Agriculture and Marine Science Institute (BAMSI) has opened its 2026-2027 academic year with “renewed energy” as he pointed to new student residences, expanded classroom and laboratory facilities and continued investment in the North Andros campus.

“We have worked diligently to strengthen the Institute, improve our facilities and student accommodations, and create greater opportunities for hands-on training in agriculture and marine sciences,” said Leonardo Lightbourne, minister of state for agriculture and marine resources

He said BAMSI’s continued development also has implications beyond the classroom, particularly for North Andros and The Bahamas’ efforts to strengthen food security and build national capacity.

“I am especially proud of the progress BAMSI continues to make, not only as an educational institution but as an important economic and developmental pillar for North Andros,” Mr Lightbourne added.

“Every student we train, every programme we strengthen and every investment we make here contributes to building our national capacity, strengthening food security and creating new opportunities for our people.”

Dr Raveenia Roberts-Hanna, BAMSI’s president, said building that capacity is becoming increasingly important as the Institute prepares Bahamians to take a more active role in shaping the country’s food systems, natural resources and economic resilience.

“The Bahamas cannot afford to rely on external expertise or imported food supplies for matters tied directly to our national survival and economic resilience,” she added. “BAMSI is vital to the development of this country because we are actively building local capacity - training young Bahamians to innovate, cultivate and protect our food systems from land to sea.”

That preparation, Dr Hanna said, is not limited to producing graduates who can fill existing jobs. BAMSI is also focused on developing agri-preneurs - persons equipped to build enterprises, introduce new ideas, create opportunities for others and help set the direction of agriculture and related industries.

She added that the goal is to produce not only skilled professionals, but owners, innovators and industry leaders capable of turning knowledge into viable businesses and expanding what is possible within the Bahamian economy.

Dr. Hanna said the expanded infrastructure at BAMSI’s North Andros campus is intended to enhance both the residential and academic experience.

“The opening of our new residence hall and classroom complex in North Andros directly elevates the student experience. It provides our scholars with the space, dignity and cutting-edge facilities required to train the next generation of Bahamian scientists, agri-preneurs and industry leaders,” she added.

Cerone Dean, BAMSI chairman, said: “We have worked diligently to prepare our facilities and strengthen the learning environment. Students can look forward to new developments, expanded opportunities and continued investment in agriculture and marine science.”

The new academic year has also brought new faculty members to North Andros, adding expertise across a range of disciplines. Programmes including art and environment, agribusiness, agronomy, animal science, environmental science and aquaculture give students opportunities to pursue studies that connect science, business, food systems, environmental stewardship, the sustainable use of natural resources and creative expression.

“We are immensely proud to welcome our incoming faculty members alongside a vibrant new cohort of students representing islands across our archipelago. The Family Islands are the heartbeat of our nation's natural resources, and having students bring their local knowledge, passion and perspectives from every corner of The Bahamas enriches our entire campus community,” Dr Hanna said.

“We want to see our graduates take what they learn here and continue moving industries forward. Over the years, BAMSI graduates have gone on to work as scientists, researchers and professionals, while others have established farms, developed businesses, introduced new technologies and created opportunities of their own.

“BAMSI has been producing people who are helping to shape agriculture, marine science and the wider natural resource sectors in The Bahamas, and we intend to continue building on that impact in the years ahead.”

CAPTION

Seated from L to R: Cerone Dean, BAMSI chairman; Leonardo Lightbourne, minister of state for agriculture and marine resources with responsibility for BAMSI and Dr Raveenia Roberts-Hanna, BAMSI president