Staff, students, assets or property not threatened or affected
NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Despite social media reports that The Bahamas Agriculture and Marine Science Institute (BAMSI) in North Andros was destroyed once again by fire, a statement released from BAMSI on Thursday assured the public that a recent brush fire in Andros on Tuesday night, which spread along Queen’s Highway to the north of BAMSI’s nursery and shade house facility was quickly brought under control.
BAMSI said the fire was controlled through a concerted effort by members of the North Andros community and BAMSI staff with help from the Mennonite Community.
“The collaborative effort, which came together quickly as part of a longstanding contingency plan, meant that at no time were BAMSI’s staff, students, assets or property threatened or affected by the fire.
“The Institute’s academic arm and farm operations continue as normal and classes are ongoing for students and staff. The acres of produce remain untouched, healthy and robust and are presently being prepared for harvesting.”
The statement said despite claims made on social media, the fire was not at any point within the boundaries of BAMSI.
“We wish to thank the North Andros community, BAMSI staff, and the Mennonite Community for their work in bringing the fire to a halt,” BAMSI said.
According to BAMSI, the Institute’s academic arm and farm operations continue as normal and classes are ongoing for students and staff.
BAMSI said the acres of produce remain untouched, healthy and robust and are presently being prepared for harvesting.
The male dormitory at BAMSI was destroyed by fire in 2015. It was later revealed that there was no insurance for the facility that was still under construction.
Meanwhile, some four years later, the compound is expected to get new dormitories in Fall 2019, Dr. Rovenia Hanna, Executive Director of BAMSI, told Eyewitness News back in February, 2019.
Dr. Hanna said the new dorms and administrative complex will position the institute to adequately serve the expected growth in BAMSI’s student population.
There are currently 60 students enrolled at BAMSI and that number is expected to double by the Fall semester, Dr. Hanna confirmed.
