New Minister of Agriculture and Marine Resources Michael Pintard is planning a trip to North Andros today to visit the Bahamas Agriculture and Marine Science Institute (BAMSI) to asses its operations, according to a statement released by the ministry yesterday.
Marking his first visit to BAMSI as its minister, Pintard will be accompanied by senior ministry officials and BAMSI’s executive management team and Board of Directors, where he will address 140 staff members.
“Over the next four years our ministry, in conjunction with our stakeholders in Agriculture and Marine Resources, will increase our level of production and reduce our food and non-food import bill,” the release read.
“This administration is determined to complete a strategic plan for BAMSI, complete the construction of the facilities and fully integrate it into the ministry’s plan of action in order to achieve food security and import substitution on a range of items.
“This trip is another step in that direction.”
Pintard plans to tour the BAMSI’s school campus inclusive of the demonstration farm and various structures that make up the campus.
The campus visit will also give Pintard the opportunity to meet the faculty ahead of the 2018/2019 school year.
He will also meet with BAMSI’s farmers in the Associated Farmer’s Programme during his stint in Andros as well as, tour several private farms in the North Andros area.
This visit is an ongoing part of Pintard’s familiarization with all of the entities that all under his portfolio.
Visits to other Family Islands will be announced soon, according to the ministry.
