The Bahamas Agriculture and Marine Science Institute (BAMSI) experienced record enrollment — up 15 percent over last year — with the start of the Fall 2025 semester. Alongside an expanding online platform, the growing student body is helping to reshape life in North Andros. This influx of students is fueling economic activity on the island while strengthening BAMSI’s role as a hub of national development.

“BAMSI continues to grow as a pillar of national development, with recruitment for 2025, for both on campus and online students, reflecting strong interest from Bahamians,” said Valentino Munroe, chairman of BAMSI. “The Institute’s steady increase in enrollment speaks to the confidence families are placing in BAMSI to prepare the next generation of agricultural and marine science professionals.”
Dr. Raveenia Roberts-Hanna, BAMSI president, said the momentum is also evidence of the Institute’s growing reputation.

“This new academic year marks not only a significant increase in student enrollment, but also a growing confidence in BAMSI’s mission and achievements,” she said.

“More Bahamians are recognizing the strength of our academic offerings and the value of hands-on, practical training that connects directly to national development and capacity building.”

Dr. Roberts-Hanna also highlighted that BAMSI’s network of international partners is creating new opportunities for students, with pathways for credit transfers that allow graduates to seamlessly continue their studies abroad while maintaining strong ties to The Bahamas. She noted that even as BAMSI builds global linkages, its presence in North Andros continues to deliver tangible benefits at home.
For the surrounding community, the impact can be seen in the jobs generated through campus operations and the increased spending power brought by students relocating from the Family Islands. The growing residential campus is helping to foster a vibrant academic community while providing steady economic gains to local businesses.

Munroe added that the Board is preparing to launch “major fundraising initiatives, new partnerships to conduct research in agricultural production and new programs that provide training to farmers and opportunities for our students. These initiatives will ensure that BAMSI remains aligned with national goals for food security and sustainability. In today’s economic climate, the Institute’s work is more relevant than ever to the future of our country.” He also noted, “With ongoing campus development, BAMSI is steadily building toward an even stronger future.”

Enrollment growth has been particularly strong in agriculture, marine science, and environmental science, according to Dr. Amanda Bethell, director of admissions and recruitment. She noted that targeted outreach from January to May emphasized these areas, which are “critically important to the nation’s sustainable future.”

Other programs, including aquaculture, agronomy, animal science and business management, are also attracting new interest as students explore career paths that combine science with entrepreneurship. Creative fields such as art and environment are expanding BAMSI’s reach even further, giving students options that reflect both national needs and personal passions.

BAMSI’s outreach to future scholars is also bearing fruit through its expanding Dual Enrollment and College Prep programs. The Dual Enrollment Program allows high school students in grades 10–12 to earn college credits before graduation, while the College Prep Program helps students build the academic foundation, study skills, and confidence needed to succeed in tertiary-level courses. Together, these
initiatives are widening access to higher education and preparing a new generation to excel in fields critical to national development.

BAMSI is also blazing a trail in global education opportunities, offering National Certifications that connect local expertise to international standards. The 2025 cohort in Flats Fishing enrolled 28 students, underscoring the Institute’s leadership in one of The Bahamas’ signature industries, while the Nature Tour Guide programme, with a new class beginning in mid-October, opens new pathways for learners in the growing eco-tourism sector.

The Institute continues to record a high rate of student completion, ensuring graduates are well-prepared to step into careers across agriculture, science, business and the creative industries. By blending rigorous classroom instruction with hands-on field and lab work, BAMSI is producing graduates ready to meet the needs of an economy and society increasingly shaped by food security and sustainability.

Munroe added that the Board is preparing to launch “major fundraising initiatives, new partnerships to conduct research in agricultural production and new programs that provide training to farmers and opportunities for our students. These initiatives will ensure that BAMSI remains aligned with national goals for food security and sustainability. In today’s economic climate, the Institute’s work is more relevant than ever to the future of our country.” He also noted, “With ongoing campus development, BAMSI is steadily building toward an even stronger future.”

Enrollment growth has been particularly strong in agriculture, marine science, and environmental science, according to Dr. Amanda Bethell, director of admissions and recruitment. She noted that targeted outreach from January to May emphasized these areas, which are “critically important to the nation’s sustainable future.”

Other programs, including aquaculture, agronomy, animal science and business management, are also attracting new interest as students explore career paths that combine science with entrepreneurship. Creative fields such as art and environment are expanding BAMSI’s reach even further, giving students options that reflect both national needs and personal passions.

BAMSI’s outreach to future scholars is also bearing fruit through its expanding Dual Enrollment and College Prep programs. The Dual Enrollment Program allows high school students in grades 10–12 to earn college credits before graduation, while the College Prep Program helps students build the academic foundation, study skills, and confidence needed to succeed in tertiary-level courses. Together, these
initiatives are widening access to higher education and preparing a new generation to excel in fields critical to national development.

BAMSI is also blazing a trail in global education opportunities, offering National Certifications that connect local expertise to international standards. The 2025 cohort in Flats Fishing enrolled 28 students, underscoring the Institute’s leadership in one of The Bahamas’ signature industries, while the Nature Tour Guide programme, with a new class beginning in mid-October, opens new pathways for learners in the growing eco-tourism sector.

The Institute continues to record a high rate of student completion, ensuring graduates are well-prepared to step into careers across agriculture, science, business and the creative industries. By blending rigorous classroom instruction with hands-on field and lab work, BAMSI is producing graduates ready to meet the needs of an economy and society increasingly shaped by food security and sustainability.

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