The Garden of Resilience is more than a cultivated plot of land at the Simpson Penn Centre for Boys — it is a living symbol of second chances, discipline and growth.
On February 11, 2026, ten young men graduated from the centre’s first agricultural training programme, having successfully produced two full crops for harvest through a structured initiative designed by the Bahamas Agriculture and Marine Science Institute (BAMSI).
The programme brought together public and private partners to equip residents of the centre with practical, lifelong skills in agriculture and food security.
Simpson Penn, which operates under the Ministry of Social Services, Information and Broadcasting (MOSSIB), houses troubled and convicted underage young men who cannot be sent to the Bahamas Department of Corrections.
Addressing the graduates, Prime Minister Philip Davis said the garden stands as proof of what the young men are capable of achieving.
“You have learned how to prepare and cultivate a garden from the ground up. You have studied techniques that reduce the need for fertilizers and pesticides. You have learned when and how to harvest crops properly. These are real, practical skills that will serve you for the rest of your lives,” the Prime Minister said.
He noted that every seed planted required patience, discipline and teamwork — qualities he said would carry them far beyond the gates of Simpson Penn.
“The garden you built here at Simpson Penn is a living representation of what you are capable of,” he said. “Too many of our young men have never had someone sit with them, hand them a seed, and say, ‘Plant this. Take care of it. Watch it grow. You can do this.’ That is what this programme did for these ten young men. And you should be so proud of yourselves.”
Mr Davis, who has championed youth-focused initiatives such as the national Upskill programme with more than 11,000 registrants, committed at the ceremony that the Government will fund Phase Two of the agricultural initiative to ensure the young men can continue learning and growing food.
Minister of Social Services, Information and Broadcasting Myles LaRoda described the initiative as transformative.
“Our team welcomed the opportunity to participate in a sustainable programme that had the potential for further growth and greater impact on the lives of the residents of this facility,” Minister LaRoda said.
“This ‘Garden of Resilience’ is aptly named and will continue to stand as a thriving testament of what is possible when we truly seek to reform by fostering an environment that is disciplined, provides skills training in a critical area like food security and strengthens relationship bonds through family involvement.”
He added that based on reports from the facility, real transformation is taking place.
“To the graduates and other participants, the best chapters of your lives have yet to be written. Continue to strive for excellence.”
The graduation ceremony was moderated by Deputy Superintendent Carmetia Mackey Christie and drew proud well-wishers who gathered to celebrate the accomplishments of the young men.
Also bringing remarks were Dr Raveenia Roberts Hanna, President of BAMSI, and Dr. Shayne Williams, President of the Parenting and Crime Group, a major partner in this initiative, who announced exciting plans for Phase Two of the Garden of Resilience.
The programme represents a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Social Services, Information and Broadcasting, the Ministry of National Security, the Office of the First Spouse, the Bahamas Agricultural Industrial Corporation, BAMSI and the Gang and Justice Task Force.
As the young graduates received their certificates, the message was clear: resilience, like a garden, must be cultivated. With structure, mentorship and opportunity, even the most fragile beginnings can yield a harvest of hope.
Source: Felicity Darville
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