BAMSI SET TO BEGIN HEAVY PLANTING SEASON
BAMSI’S NEW LEADERSHIP TEAM EXPECTED TO TRANSFORM FARMING DIVISION
Nassau, Bahamas, September 9, 2022: EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN OF BAMSI Senator, the Hon Tyrel Young said yesterday BAMSI is readying itself for “a heavy planting season” which will include the reintroduction of the famous BAMSI banana. He also announced that the Ministry of Works has mobilized a number of the contractors to begin the long-awaited completion work on the campus. The hope, he said, is to have students back face-to-face no later than Fall of 2023.
Executive team flew to BAMSI North Andros to introduce new Farm Manager and Livestock Consultant to staff. Pictured from left are Livestock Consultant Justin Taylor, Irrigation Manager Lenny McDonald, Farm Manager Ayrett Lightbourne and Executive Chairman of BAMSI Senator, the Hon. Tyrel Young.
The drive to increase production comes on the heels of two new hires at BAMSI. Mr Young announced recently that veteran agriculturalist Ayrett Lightbourne and livestock specialist Justin Taylor have been brought on as Farm Manager and Livestock Consultant respectively. They are expected to reinvigorate the farm following a tough summer season, increase the training of staff and spearhead a number of important projects including the launch of a piggery and the expansion of the poultry division. The men were introduced to staff earlier this week.
“We’re getting ready for a heaving planting season. We’ll be reintroducing the BAMSI banana, and we’re growing watermelons and pineapples. BAMSI is also gearing up to do a 360-coconut programme at the farm in North Andros. It’s called 360 because every part of the coconut will be used. The coconuts will be processed for human consumption, mulch and general landscaping, jewelry making, and it will also be used to make compost,” he said.
Leading the charge on these new initiatives, Mr Lightbourne brings a wealth of knowledge in farming and livestock management to the role. A long-time resident of Andros, Mr. Lightbourne was formerly employed by the Institute, both factors serving as motivation to develop and grow the farm by increasing training for the staff and getting them where they need to be in the industry.
Mr Taylor will be instrumental in transforming and growing BAMSI’s livestock holdings. One of the top agricultural specialists in the nation, he is also expected to serve as a lecturer for students in the associate degree programme. Mr Taylor currently serves as a lecturer at the University of the Bahamas. He is seen as an expert in livestock management and has headed a number of national agricultural projects. He has also worked with Big Bird Farms in Abaco. Mr Young said he will also be responsible for putting together new programmes for the BAMSI school and will teach courses in livestock and poultry.
Mr Young also announced that the North Andros team was also bolstered by Aquaponics specialist Dr Cameron Lightbourne. “He has already gotten a few raceways back up and running and has built out the circulation system. We expect to have hundreds of leafy greens produced on a weekly basis, which will be another source of revenue for the Institute.”
Beyond the new projects at the farm, the Chairman also pointed out that the BAMSI school, which recently started its Fall semester and will soon celebrate a decade of existence, is pushing to bring on stream new online course. “We’re working to get NAECOB approval for these online courses and we’re also working to expand our Marine Science division. We have been working to repair a number of our boats, ensuring that all the engines are sea-worthy. We’re put them back into operation so our students and lecturers will be able to use it as they are working on various projects.”
“With these new projects and initiatives coming on stream,” Mr Young said, “staff, students and the North Andros community are very excited to see BAMSI is once again moving in a forward direction.”
