As the government continues its efforts to achieve national food security, another key initiative has been launched. On Monday, October 6, the Ministry of Agriculture and Marine Resources officially introduced the Agriculture & Marine Cadets Programme in four public high schools: Government High School, R.M. Bailey Senior High School, C.I. Gibson Senior High School, and C.V. Bethel Senior High School.
The launch ceremony was held at Government High School’s Auditorium on Bahamas Games Boulevard. Among those in attendance were Minister of Agriculture and Marine Resources, the Hon. Jomo Campbell; Minister of Education and Technical & Vocational Training, the Hon. Glenys Hanna-Martin; Minister of Social Services, Information and Broadcasting the Hon. Myles LaRoda; Senator Randy Rolle, State Minister Lisa Rahming, and Senator Darren Pickstock; Chairman of BAMSI, Valentino Munroe; Permanent Secretaries Neil Campbell and Lorraine Armbrister; and Under Secretary Montez Williams.
The event, moderated by Programme Coordinator Romeo Josey, also featured greetings from Aquinas College senior student Kody Forbes, first runner-up in the 2023 Junior Farmer of the Year Agrarian Awards. Musical entertainment was provided by the Government High School Pop Band.
Delivering remarks, Minister of Education Hon. Glenys Hanna-Martin commended all stakeholders involved in the project — including students, instructors, Ministry officials, and partners — noting that the initiative represents a vital investment in the nation’s future.
“This single action should not be understated,” she said. “It ensures that human beings can sustain their ability to survive on this earth. We have access to an abundance of land and sea resources, and this goes beyond farming and fishing. The 21st-century professionals in agriculture are vastly different from those of past generations. We can now employ innovative technologies and processes to expand on what came before us.
“As an archipelagic, low-lying nation located in the hurricane belt, and with a heavy dependence on imported food, it is incumbent upon us to find ways to sustain our lives and livelihoods.”
She concluded by encouraging students to approach the programme with passion and vigour.
Permanent Secretary Neil Campbell, who introduced the Minister, gave an overview of the programme. He explained that farmland will be provided for the project, and both students and instructors will receive stipends for their participation. Participants will also benefit financially from the proceeds of crop sales, and all students will receive uniforms.
Minister of Agriculture and Marine Resources Hon. Jomo Campbell emphasized that the programme aligns with the government’s vision to achieve food security and reduce dependence on imported goods.
“Agriculture must be seen as a necessary and vibrant part of our country,” he said. “With The Bahamas importing over 90 percent of its food, we face an urgent challenge to find sustainable solutions for our survival. Agriculture is essential to life — encompassing not only farming and fishing, but also sustainability practices, crop management, aquaculture, and agri-business.”
He added that participating students will gain hands-on, real-world experience through technical, practical, and transparent training. The Department of Agriculture will provide the framework, BAMSI will deliver the education and technical training, and the Ministry of Education will ensure the programme is embedded in the curriculum and accessible in schools.
The Agriculture & Marine Cadets Programme marks a significant step toward cultivating the next generation of agricultural professionals and advancing The Bahamas’ long-term goal of food sustainability.
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