$40K donation for equipment and training for North Andros farmers

The donation was formally presented by Her Excellency Yan Jiarong, Ambassador of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China Nassau, during a ceremony in North Andros. The event was attended by government officials, community leaders, and stakeholders in the agricultural sector. The contribution is part of an ongoing partnership between the Chinese Embassy and BAIC to support sustainable agricultural initiatives in The Bahamas.

This generous donation will provide 20 farmers in North Andros with a wide range of agricultural tools and equipment, including wheelbarrows, rakes, machetes, shovels, hedge clippers, weed whackers, and pesticide sprayers.

Ambassador Yan Jiarong expressed her country’s commitment to supporting the agricultural sector in The Bahamas.

“On behalf of the Chinese embassy, I’m happy to donate a batch of agriculture equipment to the farming communities here in North Andros. It includes lawnmowers, trimmers, backpack blowers, chainsaws, etc. which I believe will be of some help to the farming community in your daily agriculture production.”

She added: “We are committed and dedicated to enhancing cooperation and friendship with The Bahamas. We take you as a very important friend of China in the Caribbean region and we want to enhance cooperation in every field, including agriculture.”

BAIC Chairman Darron Pickstock expressed his gratitude for the partnership and highlighted the broader effort to strengthen agricultural practices across the country. He underscored how the tools and equipment will have a direct impact on the North Andros Farmers Commercialization Program – an initiative that is already showing great promise.

“The initial injection of some $40,000 from the Chinese Embassy to this partnership is about more than just equipment and training,” he said. “It’s about unlocking new possibilities, growing interest and opening new doors for the Bahamian agricultural industry.”

Pickstock added: “This is a clear signal that we are not alone in our quest to secure the future of our food supply, and that the world is ready to support us in this vital mission. This donation is just the beginning. It is part of a larger vision to elevate agriculture in North Andros and, eventually, to extend the benefits to farmers across our beautiful archipelago.”

In addition to the donation, the Chinese Embassy has also supported capacity-building initiatives for BAIC staff. Two BAIC staff members, Mr. Theophanis Cunningham (Feed Mill Plant Superintendent) and Mr. Edward Wallace (Produce Exchange Warehouse Attendant), recently completed a three-week training program in China on Feed Mill Processing Technology and Quality Control for Transportation, further strengthening BAIC’s internal capabilities.

This strategic partnership between BAIC and the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China Nassau is a kickstart of what is expected to be a significant push toward agricultural sustainability, food production and economic growth across The Bahamas.

The North Andros Farmers’ Commercialization Program has already begun connecting major wholesale buyers in Nassau with local farmers in Andros to supply high-quality crops at fair prices. This program will also expand to other islands in the coming months.

Among the distinguished guests present at the event were Hon. Leonardo Lightbourne, M.P. for North Andros; Mr. Tyrone Fowler, Chairman of BAMSI; Dr. Raveenia Roberts-Hanna, President of BAMSI; Ms. Beverley Larrimore, North Andros Island Administrator; Ms. Donnamae Pickstock, Chief Councilor of North Andros; Dr. Raymond R. Neely, President of the North Andros Christian Council; and Mr. Floyd Newton, President of the North Andros Farmers’ Cooperative, along with other local leaders, farmers and residents.